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New Data Reveals 12 Cities Growing the Most (9 Are in a Popular Retirement State)

Several retirement hot spots experienced major growth in 2025.

By Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Jan. 30, 2026

Each year, U-Haul releases data highlighting which cities and states are attracting the most one-way movers. The data is collected by looking at customers who rented a truck or moving trailer in one city or state and dropped it off in another. Data from 2025 shows that many Americans are moving south, and of the top 12 fastest-growing cities, a whopping nine are in the popular retirement state of Florida.

Many Americans consider relocating while planning for retirement. This could be to downsize, save money, or simply enjoy better weather, which could explain the rapid growth of these 12 cities that topped the list.

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Ocala, Florida

Ocala, located in central Florida, between Gainesville and Orlando, kept the top spot on U-Haul's 2025 list. The city offers pleasant weather, natural beauty, and affordability.

It has become a particular draw for retirees, with nearly 20% of the population aged 65 or older.

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North Port, Florida

North Port, part of Sarasota County, moved into the second spot in Florida for growth overall.

Like many growing areas in the Sunshine State, affordability is a big draw. But North Port's spike in popularity could also be due to several other factors. It is home to miles of freshwater canals, Florida's only warm spring, and, for baseball fans, Atlanta Braves Spring Training.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach was the only non-Florida city to make it into the top five last year. The warm, Southern city sits along South Carolina's Atlantic coast and offers beachside living at an affordable price. The average home price in the area is just over $313,000, well below the national average, according to Zillow data.

Kissimmee, Florida

Kissimmee remained in the top five U.S. cities for growth, experiencing a significant influx of movers over the course of 2025.

In addition to warm weather year-round, the city is located just south of Orlando and its many theme parks, so there's plenty to do for fun and work, if you have experience in industries like hospitality.

Clermont, Florida

Clermont moved up on U-Haul's list considerably in 2025, hopping from the 15th spot to the top five.

The area is packed with natural beauty and is known as the Choice of Champions, as athletes from around the world come to Clermont to train and take advantage of the prime terrain and warm weather.

McKinney, Texas

McKinney was the Texas city that experienced the most one-way moves in 2025, and the only one in the state to land in the top 10 on U-Haul's list. The city is located just 30 miles north of Dallas, giving residents easy city access while maintaining its own charm with distinct neighborhoods and a lively historic downtown.

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, located in South Florida, was one of the pricier cities popular with one-way movers in 2025.

Average home prices in the area have dropped over the past year, but the average is still just under $500,000, according to Zillow. Warm weather and community are likely bigger draws for new residents than the cost of living.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine made it onto U-Haul's growing cities list for the first time in 2025.

Average home prices in the area have dropped a bit over the past year, currently sitting at about $426,000. But it's likely that St. Augustine's unique charm, with its centuries-old buildings and quaint town, played a large role in drawing new residents to the area, too.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach, located along Florida's Atlantic coast, experienced significant growth in 2025 while maintaining financial draws, like below-average housing costs.

The beachside town is particularly popular with retirees, with about 20% of the population over the age of 65.

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Panama City, Florida

Rounding out the top 10 is the charming Gulf Coast beach town of Panama City. Beachside living for cheap and warm temperatures year-round both likely played roles in drawing new residents.

The city jumped from No. 21 on U-Haul's 2024 list of fastest-growing cities to No. 10 in 2025.

Meridian, Idaho

Making the list for the first time, Meridian, Idaho, experienced significant growth in 2025.

The town is located just west of Boise, Idaho's capital, and has become a major draw for new residents thanks to a thriving downtown business district, affordable living, and a growing reputation as a top place to raise a family.

North Fort Myers, Florida

Another Florida city took the number 12 spot on U-Haul's annual list. North Fort Myers is part of the Cape-Coral-Fort Myers metro area in western Florida and is located on the shores of the Caloosahatchee River.

Affordability is likely a draw, as are the trails, hikes, and natural beauty for outdoorsy types.

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Bottom line

Affordability certainly played a role in many of these cities making U-Haul's 2025 growth list, but warm weather, work opportunities, and growing retirement communities may have as well. Unfortunately, those are all factors that can lead to spikes in the overall cost of living, so if you're considering relocating, keep your eye on housing prices and be sure to assess your financial fitness before making a commitment.

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