In 2024, the economy saw a relatively strong job market tempered by inflation, high mortgage rates and general feelings of social and economic uncertainty. With economic and financial issues becoming more important — and hybrid or remote work becoming more normalized — many people decided to stay put, preferring not to assume higher mortgage rates, rental prices or cost-of-living expenses.
More and more, affordable housing and day-to-day living expenses became key factors in people’s move decisions, with migration away from expensive major metro areas proving to be an emerging pattern. It seems people want to be close to natural beauty and recreational amenities without sacrificing too much in terms of variety and culture.
This is why, for many movers in 2024, smaller cities fit the bill perfectly.
The United Van Lines Annual 2024 National Movers Study, the 48th of its kind, reveals a decided shift away from the cities and suburbs of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and similar metro regions toward more “livable” places away from crowds, congestion, long commutes and soaring prices.
A look at the top 10 cities people moved to in 2024 bears this out:
- Wilmington, NC (82.59%)
- Springfield, MO (80.71%)
- Myrtle Beach, SC (80.46%)
- Flagstaff, AZ (79.31%)
- Brownsville-Harlingen, TX (78.69%)
- Bellingham, WA (78.26%)
- Dover, DE (76.83%)
- Yuma, AZ (76.4%
- Hickory, NC (74.74%)
- Sioux Falls, SD (73.96%)
[The 2024 study is based on household moves handled by the UniGroup network (the parent company of United Van Lines) within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. United classifies cities as “high inbound” if 55 percent or more of the moves are inbound.]
Considering a move in 2025? One of these “Top 5” cities may be calling your name.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Nearest Major City: Charlotte, North Carolina (204 Miles)
Cost of Living: 4% below the U.S. average
With genteel mansions and cobblestoned streets, Wilmington, a port city situated along the Cape Fear coast in southeastern North Carolina, exudes Southern charm. Boasting a vibrant riverfront, and picturesque walks along the renowned Cape Fear River, the city’s downtown historic district preserves many buildings, including the Bellamy Mansion (1859), the Burgwin-Wright House (1770), Zebulon Latimer House (1852).
Shipping, tourism and manufacturing are the major industries here — and there are a growing number of movies and TV programs availing themselves of Wilmington’s special charm. In addition to the historic district with its galleries and shops, the Cape Fear River hosts the moored WWII Battleship North Carolina, where you can climb inside gun turrets, check out some of the very first computers and see the crew’s quarters and workstations. Wilmington’s subtropical climate means the summers are hot and humid, winters are short and comparatively mild, and it is at least partly cloudy most of the time. Temperatures range from 37 F to 89 F and rarely fall below 24 F or go above 94 F.
The Perks
Feel like getting some sand between your toes? Wilmington offers over 20 miles of beaches within a 30-minute drive from downtown. Wrightsville Beach is perfect for surfers and sunbathers, while a visit to Masonboro Island (accessible only by boat or kayak) is a mini-adventure in itself. Is fishing your forte? Try your hand at reeling in red drum from the piers at Kure Beach or Carolina Beach. If hiking’s more your style, Airlie Gardens and the Brunswick Nature Park offer trails winding through pine forests and cypress swamps.
As far as cost of living goes, Wilmington’s homes are 23% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are approximately 4% more expensive. Also, necessities such as food and clothing are priced about 3% higher than the rest of the country.
Springfield, Missouri
Nearest Major City: Kansas City, Missouri (166 miles)
Cost of Living: 16.1% below the U.S. average
In the last 10 years Springfield has added more than 10,000 new residents. It’s easy to see why: In addition to a cost of living well below the national average, Springfield’s rich history, cultural offerings, and stunning outdoor settings offer limitless opportunities for exploration and adventure. From world-class museums to picturesque parks and scenic drives, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Located in the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield combines many big-city advantages with a small-town feel. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and midwestern hospitality, along with an array of activities for all ages, from exciting attractions to a thriving culinary scene.
Springfield has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 65 F to 89 F. Winters are generally cold, with temperatures ranging from 22 F to 43 F.
The Perks
Springfield boasts a diverse range of museums, catering to various interests and age groups. One of the top attractions is the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, where you can enjoy picnics, leisurely strolls, and an abundance of botanical splendor. Other popular parks include Phelps Grove Park, Sequiota Park, and the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.
Springfield’s Americana events focus on celebrating the city’s heritage and traditions. For instance, the Ozark Empire Fair is a classic carnival experience that combines family fun and agricultural experiences. One of the more unusual attractions in Springfield is Fantastic Caverns — the only “ride-through” cave in the U.S., and one of over 7,000 caves in the state of Missouri.
Housing costs in Springfield are well below the state and national averages. The median home value is $127,800 and rent averages an affordable $799 a month. That said, the average household income in Springfield is also low: $39,991.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Nearest Major City: Charleston, South Carolina (95 miles)
Cost of Living: 9.6% below the U.S. average
A mix of fun and sun, Myrtle Beach moves at a leisurely pace. However, this coastal South Carolina town offers residents much more than sand, shellfish and surf. Among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., Myrtle Beach is also known for its well-performing public and private schools, miles of carefully tended walking paths, great shopping malls and abundant fresh seafood.
Located in the northeastern part of South Carolina on “The Grand Strand,” the state’s longest continuous beach, Myrtle Beach has beautiful views, beautiful weather and plenty of ways to experience the Great Outdoors. Residents enjoy short, mostly mild winters with average daytime highs ranging from 57 F to 61 F. In summer it gets a bit warmer, with temperatures between 83 F and 91 F. Even better, the skies are clear and bright most of the time: On average, Myrtle Beach boasts 215 days of sunshine.
The Perks
Myrtle Beach has plenty of state parks, nature reserves and wildlife refuges close to home. The Grand Strand’s flashy amusement parks, mini golf courses and boardwalks can be a delightful change of pace. If you crave something a bit more upscale, take in a show at the Alabama Theatre or stroll through Spanish moss-draped Brookgreen Gardens. And of course, there’s the golf. With more than 100 greens in the Myrtle Beach area, you could say it’s the city’s unofficial pastime.
The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is considerably below that of a large city and housing even more of a bargain at 32% below the U.S average. You’ll find that utilities are fairly pricey at 17% above the U.S. average, but groceries and clothing cost about 2% less than in the rest of the country.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Nearest Major City: Phoenix, Arizona (130 miles)
Cost of Living: 16.2% above the U.S. average
The exception that proves the rule, Flagstaff is the only city in our top five with an above average cost of living. That said, it’s still 9.2% lower than the average for Arizona as a whole.
Nestled amid mountains, desert and fragrant ponderosa pine forests, relaxed, pedestrian-friendly Flagstaff attracts an outdoorsy, athletic crowd. Northern Arizona University (NAU) infuses a dose of college-town flair. On campus, you’ll find gardens, observatories and the highly rated Museum Club bar. Off-campus, students flock to downtown’s cafes, bookstores and live music venues.
Flagstaff’s fascinating “connection” with railway history is everywhere to be seen. The reason? In the 1880s, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad laid tracks through Flagstaff and the rest of northern Arizona and New Mexico. Upon purchasing the line in 1885, the Santa Fe Railroad established Flagstaff as a continuous rail connection between St. Louis and the Pacific.
Perched at the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, Flagstaff’s climate is considered semi-arid. The summers are warm and winters are very cold, snowy and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 19 F to 81 F and is rarely below 4 F or above 88 F.
The Perks
A gateway to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is designated an International Dark Sky City. As such, stargazing is topnotch. In fact, budding astronomers can drive up to Lowell Observatory on Mars Hill, just west of downtown, to capitalize on the view. Friendly to cyclists, Flagstaff also sports more than 50 miles of peddle-ready trails. When winter arrives, locals zip down the slopes of Agassiz and Humphreys peaks on 40 runs from 9,200- to-11,500 feet.
There are three national monuments within 40 miles of the city, including the lava field at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the 800-year-old pueblo at Wupatki National Monument. Of course, you can also explore indoors at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Want to venture further afield? Check out our National Parks of the Southwest guide.
In Flagstaff, you’ll have a wide diversity of housing options from which to choose: Everything from studio condos to beautiful estates in gated golf communities. That said, the cost of living in Flagstaff is well above the national average, no doubt because of its desirable location and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Brownsville-Harlingen, Texas
Nearest Major City: Corpus Christi, Texas (131 miles)
Cost of Living: 25.1% below the U.S. average
Located in the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville-Harlingen offers plenty for you to enjoy and explore. From historical sites and monuments to exciting outdoor adventures such as the historic Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge or Harlingen Arroyo Colorado, a World Birding Center. With thriving businesses and numerous recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder why so many call Brownsville-Harlingen their home.
Residents here can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities available at Lago Vista Golf Course, Town Park and Recreation Center, and Resaca de la Palma State Park. In Brownsville, you can visit the Gladys Porter Zoo or explore the nearby beaches and parks. Cultural attractions such as the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art and Historic Battlefield Trail are also popular.
Brownsville-Harlingen’s summers are long and hot, winters are short, cool, dry, and windy, and it tends to be at least partly cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary between 52 F to 94 F and rarely below 39 F or above 98 F. That said, a steady Gulf breeze tends to make the heat easier to deal with.
The Perks
From fine restaurants to a wide variety of shopping centers and a lively nightlife scene, Brownsville-Harlingen has something for just about everyone. This area was once home to Native American tribes and Brownsville was part of Mexico before joining the United States in 1848. This creates a fascinating mix of Mexican and American culture that influences everything from food to festivals. Speaking of Mexico, you can easily get there and back in a day and you’re also less than an hour from South Padre Island, a resort town famous for its beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe.
A surprisingly low cost of living makes the area ideal for both retirees and first-time homeowners. In fact, the median house value in this area stands at $164,500, far below the U.S. average. Utilities, groceries and other necessities are also very affordable.
Ready to Make a Move?
United’s here to help — and it all starts with a moving quote. Want to explore your options more? Our state and city guides help give you a sense of space and place.
Get a head start on planning your move with our week-by-week moving checklist. If you prefer access to these pro tips on the go, our exclusive House Key magazine is a great read.
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