Finding the right place to live and work is an essential desire for most people. Every year, millions of Americans move from one state to another, driven by a higher quality of life, better job opportunities, or just a lower cost of living. Internal migration patterns show clear trends about where people are moving, and studying these trends can be useful for understanding which states are the best to live and work in.

The United States Census Bureau estimates that over 27 million Americans moved in 2022, most to new states. Reasons vary, but common factors are affordability, job prospects, lifestyle preferences, and climate. From here, we look at some of the best states for work and residence, based on current trends and statistics.

1. Texas: The Lone Star State’s Economic Powerhouse

For a very long time, Texas has remained one of the most moving-into states in the country. A United Van Lines 2022 Movers Study shows Texas was among the top states for inbound moves, with about 60% of people moving in versus out.

Why Texas?

• Booming Job Market: Major industries within the state, including technology, energy, health, and finance, contribute to the region’s prosperity. From Austin to Dallas to Houston, the cities of Texas are transforming into tech and corporate hubs that are drawing in young professionals and entrepreneurs alike.
• No State Income Tax: Texas is among the few states in the United States that don’t have a state income tax, which is a major attraction for any employee, meaning a higher salary compared to states where there is the above tax.
• Affordable Housing: Even though cities like Austin are experiencing an increase in their populations, Texas is generally affordable regarding housing compared to the coastal states. This has made Texas appealing to both families and individuals.

2. Florida: The Sunshine State’s Lifestyle Appeal

Whereas Florida has traditionally been a state of retirees, in the last couple of decades, it has gained the attention of working-age individuals and families as well. The Census Bureau listed Florida as one of the states with the highest inbound migration. It consistently ranks among the top five states for population growth.

Why Florida?

• Tax Benefits: Florida, like Texas, offers no state income tax, a very lucrative option for workers looking to stretch their dollars further.
• Job Market Boom: Florida has a diversified economy, with growth in tourism, healthcare, and technology. That means its cities, including Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, are enjoying high demand for skilled workers.
• Warm Climate: Florida is a haven for many people looking to escape the harsh winter. Everything here—beaches, parks, and numerous recreational opportunities—encourages an active lifestyle in the open air.

3. North Carolina: A Hub for Growth in the Southeast

North Carolina is distinguished for its rapidly growing economy and high quality of life. It has steadily welcomed new residents over recent years, with a particularly strong migration trend in the Raleigh-Durham area, known as the Research Triangle.

Why North Carolina?

• Economic Opportunities: North Carolina is home to major companies within the banking, technology, and health sectors. The Research Triangle connects the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, forming an important location where a large number of job opportunities in technology and life sciences are found.
• Lower Cost of Living: Housing and living costs in North Carolina are considerably less than in most states, especially as compared to the popular Northeast and West Coasts.
• Access to Nature: Bordered to the west by the Appalachian Mountains and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina provides a wide range of recreational opportunities as well as a high quality of life.

4. Arizona: The Grand Canyon State’s Rising Star

Arizona is the favorite destination for people leaving more expensive states, such as California. Given the high inbound move rate, the U-Haul Growth Index listed Arizona as the second fastest-growing state in 2022.

Why Arizona?

• Affordable Cost of Living: Arizona ranks below most Western states in cost of living, making it pretty attractive and a good choice for people looking for affordability. Phoenix, for instance, has a high standard of living that is more affordable than in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• Growing Job Market: The economy of Arizona, led by technology, manufacturing, and healthcare, among other growing industries, is on the rise. It has also made Phoenix a hotbed for innovation and startups in technology.
• Mild Winters: Arizona’s warm and sunny climate is another appealing factor, especially for those who don’t like the

5. Tennessee: Music City and Beyond

More and more people are relocating to Tennessee because, in comparison with other states, it’s very affordable, offers many job opportunities, and culturally appeals to movers. Nashville and Chattanooga have seen the largest urban population growth due to movement from states with higher costs of living.

Why Tennessee?

• No State Income Tax: Similar to Florida and Texas, Tennessee doesn’t charge any state income tax, which again is a financial benefit for workers.
• Booming Economy: The state has diversified healthcare and education sectors. Thus, Nashville, where behemoths like Amazon and Oracle have set up major offices, is experiencing a tech boom.
• Affordable Housing: Housing in Tennessee is relatively inexpensive compared to most other states. Therefore, more individuals and families are considering buying homes in this region.

6. Colorado: A Tech Hub with Natural Beauty

Colorado is a state long famous for its scenic beauty, but in recent years, it’s also become a top destination for young professionals, particularly in Denver and Boulder.

Why Colorado?

• Strong Job Market: Major driving industries in the economy of Colorado include technology, aerospace, health, and renewable energy. Denver has attracted big tech companies, making it a very innovative town.
• Outdoor Activities: Colorado offers world-class skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities that are ideal for people seeking work-life balance.
• High Quality of Life: Although housing costs have risen in some areas, Colorado’s overall quality of life and good economy keep luring new residents.

7. Georgia: Southern Charm and Economic Growth

Georgia has seen a major influx of residents over the past couple of decades, especially in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The population of the state has grown steadily due to job opportunities and a relatively low cost of living.

Why Georgia?

• Atlanta’s Booming Economy: With over 5.7 million residents, Atlanta is one of the largest metro areas in the Southeast. It’s a hub for various industries, such as logistics, technology, media, and healthcare. The job market within the city is vibrant; key corporations headquartered in Atlanta include Coca-Cola, Delta, and Home Depot.
• Affordable Living: Despite being a major city, Atlanta remains more affordable than many other large metro areas and is therefore a primary destination for many young professionals and families.

To Sum Up

The choice of a state to live and work in is a personal decision that depends on many factors. Today, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina are the top incoming states because their economy is strong, the living is affordable, and the quality of life is great. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities, a lower cost of living, or a better lifestyle, these states offer a promising future.