Saving & Spending Home & Auto

Top 11 Reasons Americans Relocate (#8 Surprised Us)

Moving isn't easy, so there's usually a good reason to hit the road.

By Heather Bien , Edited by Ellen Cannon

Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Add Us On Google

According to the U.S. Census, in 2023, 25.6 million Americans packed up their belongings and moved.

Some may have left in pursuit of new employment, others wanted more space or better schools for their children, and the luckiest ones were able to retire early to a bucket list location.

The reasons that people choose to uproot their lives vary widely, but according to a recent survey, these are the most popular reasons that Americans decide it's time to make a change.

Set up direct deposit - pocket $400

Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.

Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY¹ Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. on savings for up to six months (3.10% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.² New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)³ Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26. national average savings accounts offer.

No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus

Lower cost of living

When everything seems to be getting more expensive, seeking a place with a lower cost of living is a good reason to make a change. In 2023, 20% of Americans reported moving to try to find a new home with a lower cost of living.

They may find lower rent, lower home prices, lower groceries, and even lower utilities in their new lower-cost-of-living locations.

Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.

Improved quality of life

What actually motivates people to pick up and move? For 31% of Americans, it's improving their quality of life, according to a survey by Home Bay and Allied Van Lines.

They believe that leaving their old home behind will allow them to discover a place where they're happier and more content. This may mean access to more parks, cultural institutions, or an active community.

More space

It's no surprise that following the pandemic, people are still searching for more space — or at least a home office to accommodate working from home.

Of those who moved in 2023, 21% said they did so to find a larger home with more square footage or bigger outdoor space.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.⁴ Please note that all calls with the company may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating. "Debt-Free" applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Results vary.

More bedrooms

Not only are people generally looking for more space, but many are specifically looking for more bedrooms. Of the movers in 2023, 47% bought or rented a new place with more bedrooms than their previous home.

Downsizing

Not everyone moves for more space. Of the millions of Americans who moved in 2023, 12% actually moved to find a space with less square footage.

Moving to a place that may require less maintenance may also mean lower utilities, less furniture, and less yardwork.

Major life changes

It's often a major life change that encourages someone to move, and the reason could be on opposite ends of the life spectrum.

Some people move away for college, while others finallyreacho their dream retirement destination. For 21% of Americans, this was the reason behind their moves.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Work flexibility

Being able to work anywhere has its advantages, and one of those is the ability to live wherever you want. For 20% of people who moved in 2023, that greater work flexibility and the option to work remotely is what inspired their move.

Political reasons

As the divide between red and blue states continues to grow, 10% of Americans who moved in 2023 cited political reasons as a motivating factor for their change.

There are even moving companies cropping up that work specifically with those looking to make a move based on the political climate in their state.

Job relocation

A new career is an exciting prospect. In addition to those who moved because they could work from anywhere, 18% moved due to a job relocation that took them to another city or state for a new opportunity.

Earn $100 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card (Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn a $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Cardholders can also earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Proximity to family and friends

Living closer to family and friends is always a plus, and many people prioritize it when considering where to live. In 2023, 20% of Americans who moved did so specifically to be closer to family and friends.

Better schools

Good schools may be at the top of your list if you have children when considering where to live. Of those who moved in 2023, 16% made the change in pursuit of better educational opportunities.

Bottom line

Moving is a stressful experience, and 46% of Americans who moved in 2023 said that the experience of packing up their life for a new home actually reduced them to tears.

Another 45% said that the moving experience was not affordable. Many people may have to find ways to make extra money to pay for the move.

Thankfully, 75% said that after the tears had dried and all was said and done, they were happy with their decision to move.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0 annual fee
Apply Now

Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; balance transfer fee applies. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee
Terms and conditions apply

4.7

Apply Now

on Issuer's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300

Annual Fee

Why we like it