Top states people move to often include Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, and Tennessee for factors like lower taxes, warm weather, and job growth, while others like Massachusetts and Idaho rank highly for overall quality of life, strong economies, and education, depending on the study's focus (e.g., family, business, retirement). Your ideal state depends on priorities like cost of living, job market, climate, and lifestyle.
According to the findings, New York, California, and Texas are the best states to move to for a fresh start. Although New York's cost of living is on the higher end, other factors, like job opportunities and quality of life, boost its appeal.
South Carolina is the most popular state to move to for the sixth year in a row. Movers have shown more than double the interest in moves in than out. According to the report, one big reason for that trend is that the state still offers affordability and access to nature, which boosts job growth.
The city of Cumberland, Maryland, offers a relocation package of up to $20,000 (cash plus renovation/down payment match) to attract new residents, especially remote workers, to revitalize the area. While not a state, this specific city program within Maryland provides significant incentives, matching $10,000 cash with up to $10,000 for home improvements or new construction for those moving from outside Allegany County and committing to residency.
According to recent 2025 reports, Hawaii is consistently ranked as the #1 happiest state in the U.S., praised for high life satisfaction, good health, low depression, and strong economic factors like low unemployment, while Maryland and Nebraska often follow closely behind in top happiness rankings. These rankings, particularly from WalletHub, consider emotional well-being, work-life balance, and community environments.
10 most beautiful states in US 1. California 2. Montana 3. Alaska 4. Utah 5.
Carlsbad, California
If you're looking for a West Coast fresh start, Carlsbad may be a good place to move to start over because: The weather is beautiful. The sun shines in Carlsbad nearly 270 days out of the year, and you can be confident that it never snows and rarely rains.
Where Americans Moved in 2025. In 2025, the data revealed inbound migration patterns to states across Southern regions, with a few exceptions. Inbound moves were led by Oregon (65%), West Virgina (62%) and South Carolina (61%).
WCCO CBS reported, "The study found that Minnesota is the friendliest state." This edged out Texas and other notoriously friendly-seeming states in that region (depending on who you ask).
How to Choose the Right State for Your Next Move
10 Best US States to Live In, According to a New Study
Hawaii is the happiest state in America for the second year in a row. Hawaii landed the top spot on WalletHub's list with an overall score of 65.50. It ranked third for emotional and physical well-being, 16th for work environment and 13th for community and environment.
Nine U.S. states currently have no state income tax on earned income: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, though some nuances exist, like Washington's new capital gains tax and New Hampshire's phase-out of its interest/dividend tax. These states often balance their budgets with higher sales, property, or excise taxes.
California was crowned as the most fun state in America, according to WalletHub's 2025 ranking. The Golden State outpaced all others in a nationwide comparison of entertainment, recreation, and nightlife.