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Movers Flocked to Oregon and These 14 Other States in 2025 (Is Yours on the List?)

These states saw major growth in 2025 in new residents seeking job opportunities.

By Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Feb. 3, 2026

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People move across state lines for a number of reasons, for jobs, to get closer to family, and to eliminate some money stress by lowering their cost-of-living. U-Haul keeps track of these state-to-state migrations each year with its Growth Index rankings. The company tracks customers who rent a one-way truck or trailer in one state and drop it off in another to get the data.

Oregon had the most significant jump in rankings between 2024 and 2025, landing among the 15 states listed below that attracted the most new residents for the year.

Editor's note: All rental and mortgage data is pulled from Zillow unless otherwise noted.

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Texas

Average rent: $1,860

Average home price: $294,444

Texas returned to the top spot in U-Haul's annual report for the seventh time in 10 years, with affordable living no doubt drawing many of those new arrivals.

The average rent price statewide dropped $27 in the past year, while the median home price dropped nearly 2.5%.

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Florida

Average rent: $2,300

Average home price: $369,996

Florida also offers warm weather year-round and many affordable areas; both likely played roles in it landing the number two spot. Florida was in the top five on U-Haul's 2024 list as well, and with average rent prices and home prices down in 2025, the state easily maintained that growth.

North Carolina

Average rent: $1,795

Average home price: $327,663

In the number three spot, North Carolina offers a healthy mix of natural beauty, lively cities, and affordability. From the beauty of the Outer Banks and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the opportunities in Raleigh, the state checks many boxes for movers looking for a better life.

Tennessee

Average rent: $1,675

Average home price: $323,808

Like the other states in the top five, Tennessee offers many affordable areas, and average rent prices have dropped in the past year by an average of $75.

Big cities like Nashville and Memphis are packed with plenty to do, outdoor enthusiasts have the Smoky Mountains, and the state has a low cost of living and no personal income tax.

South Carolina

Average rent: $1,800

Average home price: $296,981

South Carolina took the number one spot on U-Haul's top growth list in 2024. While it lost a bit of standing in 2025, a low cost of living and slight drops in both average rent and home prices likely helped keep it in the top five. Beautiful beaches and lively southern cities don't hurt either.

Washington

Average rent: $2,066

Average home price: $585,576

Washington isn't exactly known as an affordable state. In fact, housing prices have skyrocketed over the past five years, according to Zillow. However, they slightly softened from last year by 0.5%. But there are plenty of other draws that bring people to the Pacific Northwest, from the sights, sounds, and opportunities in Seattle to the stunning shorelines.

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Arizona

Average rent: $1,965

Average home price: $417,121

Many Americans dream of moving out west to enjoy the warmth, and Arizona has plenty of that. Because of the state's desert climate, natural beauty, and bustling cities, many new residents have moved in recent years, landing it at spot number seven for 2025.

Idaho

Average rent: $1,795

Average home price: $463,123

Idaho hopped two spots on U-Haul's annual growth list in 2025, moving up to the number eight spot. Home prices may be going up in the Gem State, but those who choose Idaho as their new home could expect to pay less for food, health care, and utilities, according to Consumer Affairs.

Alabama

Average rent: $1,400

Average home price: $229,368

Alabama climbed several spots on U-Haul's annual list, from number 16 in 2024 to number nine.

While housing prices have gone up in the state, the average home price remains well below the national average of $357,275, and it's regularly ranked one of the more affordable states in the U.S.

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Georgia

Average rent: $1,900

Average home price: $325,887

Georgia moved up several spots on U-Haul's list as well, jumping from 15 in 2024 to rounding out the top 10 in 2025. Weather and affordability are certainly big draws, as is opportunity. Georgia is home to the headquarters for major companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines.

Oregon

Average rent: $1,800

Average home price: $487,843

Oregon had the biggest climb on U-Haul's list, jumping 23 spots from 34 (and a net loss) in 2024 to 11 in 2025.

The major influx of new Oregonians was reportedly due to migrating job seekers moving for opportunities in the state's growing health and tech industries.

Montana

Average rent: $1,795

Average home price: $451,657

Montana also had a major jump between 2024 and 2025, going from the 24th spot on the list to the 12th, even as the state remains one of the least populated in the entire U.S.

Natural beauty, affordability, and the lack of sales tax are no doubt big draws.

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Arkansas

Average rent: $1,390

Average home price: $216,491

Arkansas has maintained a top spot on U-Haul's relocation list over the past year, likely due to its extremely low housing costs and other financial perks. While it's not a densely populated state, it offers both city life (Little Rock) and vast swaths of natural beauty.

Oklahoma

Average rent: $1,425

Average home price: $214,507

Though Oklahoma remains affordable, there was a slight drop in newcomers to the Sooner State in 2025. It fell from the number 11 spot on U-Haul's list to number 14.

Still, the cost of living remains low, and residents generally pay less for housing and utilities.

Maine

Average rent: $1,900

Average home price: $395,931

Though it is packed with natural beauty and world-famous seafood, Maine has seen a slight dip in newcomers to the state.

It lost a bit of standing on U-Haul's list, falling from number 13 in 2024 to 15 in 2025.

Bottom line

If you're considering relocating to a new state, whether it's for work opportunities, a better cost of living, or retirement perks, a visit to see if the lifestyle fits your needs would be wise first.

Make sure you book with one of the best travel credit cards to bank rewards you may be able to use for moving expenses.

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