Overview
A recent survey identified the top 30 U.S. cities Americans want to move to in 2025 and 2026, based on desirability, affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Results reflect diverse geographic regions and prioritize practical considerations for potential movers.
Survey Method and General Trends
- Survey asked respondents to pick preferred relocation cities among the 120 largest U.S. cities.
- Results highlight affordable housing, job growth, good schools, safety, and community atmosphere as key factors.
- Several cities received no votes, while the top 30 span from smaller metros to major suburbs.
Key Cities Ranked #30–21
- Huntsville, AL: Affordable, job opportunities, science/tech industry, 26 votes.
- Sioux Falls, SD: Job growth, safe community, low traffic, 28 votes.
- Knoxville, TN: College town, outdoor activities, affordable real estate, 28 votes.
- Bellevue, WA: Strong tech economy, good schools, expensive but high-quality living, 30 votes.
- Virginia Beach, VA: Coastal, balanced economy, good schools, stable crime rates, 31 votes.
- Santa Clarita, CA: Suburban, family-friendly, good schools, 33 votes.
- Fort Collins, CO: Outdoor amenities, craft beer, less pretentious, 33 votes.
- Des Moines, IA: Affordable, stable job market, growing food scene, 35 votes.
- Greenville, SC: Walkable, clean, increasingly popular, 36 votes.
- Reno, NV: Tech growth, improving safety, near Lake Tahoe, 37 votes.
Key Cities Ranked #20–11
- Chattanooga, TN: Affordable, fast internet, scenic, emerging popularity, 39 votes.
- Cedar Park, TX: Austin suburb, growing, accessible housing, 39 votes.
- Lincoln, NE: Calm, practical, healthcare hub, 42 votes.
- Asheville, NC: Artsy, mountains/breweries, recovering from hurricane, 45 votes.
- Lexington, KY: Affordable, kind community, growing tech/healthcare, 46 votes.
- Madison, WI: Lakeside college town, high livability, strong retention, 49 votes.
- St. George, UT: Retiree haven, affordable, scenic, 49 votes.
- Carlsbad, CA: Coastal, good schools, safe, expensive, 51 votes.
- Grand Rapids, MI: Affordable, breweries, art, 52 votes.
- Bentonville, AR: Tech jobs, Walmart HQ, outdoor trails, 54 votes.
Top 10 Cities Americans Want to Move to
- Round Rock, TX: Austin suburb, good schools/jobs, 54 votes.
- Franklin, TN: Historic, walkable, safe, close to Nashville, 55 votes.
- Cary, NC: Suburban, top schools, tech jobs, safe, 57 votes.
- Colorado Springs, CO: Affordable, mountain access, military jobs, 59 votes.
- Georgetown, TX: Austin suburb, classic feel, 61 votes.
- Raleigh, NC: Jobs, healthcare, education, livable, 67 votes.
- Tampa, FL: Affordable for Florida, waterfront, lively, 69 votes.
- Gilbert, AZ: Clean, family-oriented, solid housing, 73 votes.
- Boise, ID: Outdoor lifestyle, tech jobs, affordable for region, 82 votes.
- Fort Wayne, IN: Affordable homes, stable jobs, strong schools, 87 votes.
Main Reasons for City Popularity
- Affordability of housing and living costs.
- Job availability—especially in tech, healthcare, and education.
- Good public schools and overall safety.
- Community feel and quality of life amenities (parks, arts, nature).
- Proximity to major cities without urban drawbacks.
Closing Notes
- The full survey reflects shifting preferences toward practical, stable, and family-friendly cities over big coastal metros.
- Fort Wayne, IN, tops the list for its affordability, stability, and strong amenities.