Additional Coverage:
- U-Haul report reveals 5 states that attracted the most movers in 2025 — and it’s not surprising (marketrealist.com)
Southern Charm: U-Haul Report Highlights Sun Belt as Top Moving Destination
The latest U-Haul “Growth Index” for 2025 reveals a continued trend of Americans flocking to the Southern states, driven largely by the pursuit of more affordable housing and a warmer climate.
As the real estate market continues to challenge aspiring homeowners and renters across the nation, many Americans are finding themselves with little choice but to seek out more economical living situations. While highly sought-after cities in the Midwest and Northeast grapple with skyrocketing housing costs, the South is emerging as a beacon of affordability.
Moving giant U-Haul’s annual report, which tracks the movement of its one-way rental equipment, offers a unique insight into these internal migration patterns. While U-Haul is quick to clarify that their “Growth Index” isn’t a direct measure of economic growth, it does effectively illustrate where Americans are choosing to relocate. The report focuses on the net gain of one-way trucks, trailers, and moving containers returned in a state different from their origin.
For 2025, the top five states attracting the most U-Haul customers are Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. This list underscores a clear preference for the Sun Belt region.
Interestingly, South Carolina, which held the top spot in the previous year’s report, has seen a slight dip in 2025. However, the overall trend points to the enduring appeal of the Southern states.
The primary driver behind this migration is widely believed to be the comparatively lower cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. These Southern states continue to offer more accessible homeownership and rental opportunities compared to their Northern counterparts.
Beyond affordability, the allure of more pleasant weather plays a significant role. Northern parts of the country often contend with harsh winters, a stark contrast to the generally milder and more agreeable temperatures found in the South.
The report also touches on a potential political correlation, noting that seven of the top ten states for U-Haul influx have Republican governors, and nine of them voted for President Donald Trump in the last election. Conversely, many of the bottom-ranked states have Democratic governors and voted for Kamala Harris. While the report doesn’t draw a definitive conclusion, it speculates on the possibility of political alignment influencing development and job opportunities.
John “J.T.” Taylor, U-Haul International president, emphasizes the fundamental human elements behind moving decisions.
“We continue to find that life circumstances – marriage, children, a death in the family, college, jobs, and other events – dictate the need for most moves,” Taylor stated. However, he acknowledged, “But other factors can be important to people who are looking to change their surroundings.
In-migration states are often appealing to those customers.”
As the cost of living continues to be a major concern for many Americans, it appears the Southern states will remain a popular destination for those seeking a fresh start and a more affordable lifestyle.