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.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
Lower cost of living
/images/2024/03/11/van-full-of-moving-boxes.jpg)
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.
Improved quality of life
/images/2022/12/09/family_moving_in_new_house.jpg)
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
/images/2023/08/10/young-couple-moving-in-new-house.jpeg)
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
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
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.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 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.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
More bedrooms
/images/2024/03/11/couple-carrying-big-cardboard-box.jpg)
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
/images/2024/03/11/sealing-cardboard-box.jpg)
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.
Trending Stories
Major life changes
/images/2022/10/10/moving-boxes-in-a-room.jpeg)
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.
Work flexibility
/images/2024/03/11/labeled-boxes.jpg)
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
/images/2024/03/11/carrying-box-for-property-rent.jpg)
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
/images/2024/03/11/truck-carrying-goods.jpg)
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 cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p>
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Learn more about the Discover Cashback Checking account
Proximity to family and friends
/images/2023/08/11/couple-packing-cardboard-boxes.jpeg)
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
/images/2024/03/11/family-moving-home.jpg)
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
/images/2024/03/11/workers-unloading-the-van.jpg)
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.
Up To 5% Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
Current Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
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.
Benefits
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Drawbacks
- Requires you to activate the highest-earning category each quarter
- Not accepted as widely overseas as Visa or Mastercard
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. 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 your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe Today
Unlock the Best Banking Deals and Bonuses
From high-yield savings accounts to cashback checking and sign-up bonuses, we bring you the best banking offers to grow your money smarter.