Launch States, Midlife Moves and Second Acts

When you look closely at migration data, one thing becomes clear: Americans don’t move the same way at every stage of life. Age alone doesn’t determine who moves where, but it does change why. Early adulthood is about momentum and access. Midlife is about balance and support. Later life is increasingly about reinvention, connection and well-being. Taken together, these age-based patterns reveal a simple truth: Americans aren’t just moving to different states — they’re moving into different stages of life.

For nearly 50 years, United Van Lines has tracked state-by-state migration patterns to better understand how — and why — Americans move. The United Van Lines 49th Annual National Movers Study is based on household moves within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. States are ranked by comparing inbound and outbound moves as a percentage of total moves in each state. 

Here are the top ten most moved-to states for movers across all age groups.

Top States* People Moved to in 2025 

1. Oregon — inbound 64.5%  
2. West Virginia — inbound 62.1%  
3. South Carolina — inbound 60.8%  
4. Delaware — inbound 59.7%  
5. Minnesota — inbound 58.2%  
6. Idaho — inbound 57.8%  
7. North Carolina — inbound 57.8%  
8. Arkansas — inbound 57.3%  
9. Alabama — inbound 57.1%  
10. Nevada — inbound 57%  

*We classify states as “high inbound” when 55 percent or more of moves are into the state, “high outbound” when 55 percent or more of moves are out of the state and “balanced” when inbound and outbound move percentages are relatively even.  

Under 35: Launching Lives in Opportunity-Rich States

Top inbound states for movers under 35:

1. Washington, DC — 46.7% 
2. North Dakota — 33.3% 
3. Massachusetts — 24.8% 
4. Rhode Island — 23%
5. Louisiana — 21.5% 
6. Oregon — 21.3%  
7. New Jersey — 20.9% 
8. Pennsylvania — 19.3% 
9. Kentucky — 18.3% 
10. California — 17.5% 

Migration patterns shift dramatically for younger movers toward the so-called “launch states” where career access, cultural energy and personal possibility feel strongest. Viewed through this lens, Washington, DC, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Louisiana rose to the top, followed closely by Oregon (21.3%) and New Jersey (20.9%). These moves are less about permanence and more about positioning. The common threads: access to higher education and professional training, industries with high growth potential, cultural and recreational benefits, and a chance to build a solid foundation for their future.

For example, Washington, DC is a hotbed of mission-driven talent drawn to government agencies, nonprofits, research and higher education opportunities. Even more notable is New Jersey, one of the top outbound states for all movers. It jumps way up into the top 10 inbound for this group since it is close to global job markets like New York and Philadelphia, has a wealth of livable “bedroom communities,” and, for those with small children, a top-notch school system.

And while cost still matters, under-35 movers are often willing to trade higher expenses for better access if the ROI includes career growth, lifestyle value and the potential to make their mark early and definitively.

Midlife Movers (45–54): Trading Complexity for Balance

Top inbound states for movers 45-54:

1. West Virginia 23.1 
2. Utah — 22.4% 
3. New Mexico — 21.1% 
4. Alabama— 19.4% 
5. Oklahoma — 19% 
6. Mississippi — 17.9% 
7. South Dakota — 17.6% 
8. Indiana/Arkansas (tie) — 16.4 %
9. Colorado — 16.2% 

Midlife movers represent the lion’s share of United’s interstate relocations, and their decisions reveal a lot about how everyday American life is being reshaped. This stage of life carries a litany of competing demands: children entering new school phases, aging parents who need support, mid-career trajectories, dealing with rising costs and long-term planning. Their moves are based on practical, multilayered factors with clear goals in mind.

Outbound moving patterns reveal part of the story. States like Iowa (17.3%), Maryland (17.1%) and Missouri (18.7%) see higher outbound shares as midlife movers reassess their living expenses, the cost of retiring there and the size of their homes. Inbound momentum shows up in states such as West Virgina, Utah and New Mexico, destinations where daily life aligns more closely with midlife priorities, including proximity to family and loved ones.

In short, the midlife mover isn’t driven by trends. They’re driven by timing — and that’s why their choices anchor this year’s migration story.

65 and Over: Designing Their Second Act

Top inbound states for movers 65+:

1. Delaware — 62.1% 
2. Wyoming — 58.9% 
3. Montana — 50% 
4. Oklahoma — 48.3% 
5. Maine — 48.2% 
6. New Mexico — 47.3% 
7. Connecticut — 43.1% 
8. Florida — 41.8% 
9. Minnesota — 41.5% 
10. Florida — 41.3% 

Older Americans’ move journey tells a different story than in years past. Relocating after retirement has become a common rite of passage; however, for adults 65 and older, it is increasingly about reinvention rather than retreat. Their moves are less about slowing down and more about redesigning where and how life will be lived next. For many, it’s a true second act, a chance to pursue interests deferred during working years, reconnect with community and shape daily life around purpose

States with the highest shares of older movers include Delaware (62.1%), Wyoming (58.9%), Montana (50%), Oklahoma (48.3%), and Maine (48.2%). Florida still is a popular destination — accounting for 30.2% of retirement-motivated moves — but it is no longer the automatic default. Older adults are spreading out, choosing places that support active, connected aging.

States attracting 65+ movers tend to share three defining traits: 1) Access to parks, trails, cultural institutions, and outdoor recreation; 2) opportunities for volunteering, learning and socializing; and 3) a cost of living that allows them to put resources toward experiences, travel and personal fulfillment. The takeaway? Older movers are no longer just stepping away; they are stepping into lives designed with intention.

Ready to Make a Move?  

United’s here to help — and it all starts with a moving quote. Our full-service moving packages provide flexibility to mix and match the services you want and need, from packing and unpacking to standard furniture placement.   

Still searching for your next destination? Our state and city guides help give you a sense of space and place.   

Get a head start on planning your move with our week-by-week moving checklist. If you prefer access to these pro tips on the go, our free, digital House Key magazine is a great read.