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A new list of top cities people are moving to this year includes two Tampa Bay cities. PODS Moving & Storage’s customer moving data shows that Florida still holds the No. 1 spot of any state for relocation.
Top Tampa Bay Area Spots
Sarasota ranked No. 2, down from the top spot last year, while Tampa dropped five places to ninth. Orlando, Ocala, and Jacksonville are the other Florida destinations on the list at Nos. 3, 4, and 8, respectively. Florida saw the most significant increase in new residents, with six Florida regions earning a spot on the top 20 list.
City |
Rank |
| 1. | Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC (6th in 2022) |
| 2. | Sarasota, FL (1st in 2022) |
| 3. | Orlando, FL (9th in 2022) |
| 4. | Ocala, FL (5th in 2022) |
| 5. | Houston, TX (12th in 2022) |
| 6. | Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (2nd in 2022) |
| 7. | Knoxville, TN (7th in 2022) |
| 8. | Jacksonville, FL (11th in 2022) |
| 9. | Tampa Bay, FL (4th in 2022) |
| 10. | Greenville – Spartanburg, SC (14th in 2022) |
| 11. | Nashville, TN (3rd in 2022) |
| 12. | Melbourne, FL (15th in 2022) |
| 13. | Portland, ME (20th in 2022) |
| 14. | San Antonio, TX (13th in 2022) |
| 15. | Boise, ID (19th in 2022) |
| 16. | Charlotte, NC (18th in 2022) |
| 17. | Asheville, NC (17th in 2022) |
| 18. | Phoenix, AZ (10th in 2022) |
| 19. | Savannah, GA |
| 20. | Raleigh, NC |
What the Report Measures
The data analyzes the movement of consumers over the past 15 months, identifying environmental factors behind these trends. Southern states had the most significant influx of people for the second year, with more than 80% of the relocations.
Economics was a significant factor in where people decided to move. Lower tax rates, warmer weather, and more affordable housing are also key. Last year, the biggest factor influencing people to move was working remotely and moving to be closer to family and friends. Cities with higher living costs, turbulent weather, and higher crime rates saw the greatest loss in residents.
Most Wanted Move-to-Metros
More than 25% of Americans want to relocate to a different metro area, mainly to escape high home prices where they currently live. Last year, it was 23%, and before the pandemic, it was less than 20%. Overall, five Florida metro areas rank in the top 10 go-to cities in the U.S.
Top 10 Move-to-Metros in May 2023
1. Phoenix: Net inflow at 8,100. The top move-from destination is Seattle
2. Las Vegas: Net inflow at 6,900. The top move-from destination is Los Angeles
3. Miami: Net inflow at 6,900. The top move-from destination is New York City
4. Tampa: Net inflow at 9,000. The top move-from destination is New York City
5. Orlando: Net inflow at 1,400. The top move-from destination is New York City
6. North Port-Sarasota: Net inflow at 4,900. The top move-from destination is Chicago
7. Cape Coral: Net inflow at 4,600. The top move-from destination is Chicago
8. Dallas: Net inflow at 4.500. The top move-from destination is Los Angeles
9. Sacramento, Calif.: Net inflow at 4,300. The top move-from destination is Chicago
10. Houston: Net inflow at 63,700. The top move-from destination is New York City
