Fewer People Are Moving to Florida in 2024 — Except to This One City

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Florida’s long-held reputation as a top destination for Americans on the move seems to be cooling off in 2024. According to a new report from moving and storage company PODS, only three Florida cities cracked the top 20 most moved-to areas in the country—a big drop from last year when six Florida cities made the list.

Ocala Takes the Spotlight

One standout in the Sunshine State, however, is Ocala, which has surged in popularity. In 2024, Ocala ranks as the second most popular city for move-ins, up from fourth place last year. The city’s affordability, laid-back lifestyle, and proximity to both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts seem to be drawing new residents.

Joining Ocala in the top 20 are Jacksonville, coming in at ninth, and Orlando, ranking 18th. Cities like Tampa, Sarasota, and Melbourne—which were on last year’s list—did not make the cut this time around.

Changing Trends in Moving Patterns

While Florida’s popularity seems to be cooling down, other states are gaining momentum. According to PODS, movers are increasingly turning to cities in Tennessee, Georgia, and especially the Carolinas. In fact, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina now hold the top spot for the most moved-to areas in 2024.

Here’s a look at some of the other cities with the highest levels of move-ins:

• Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC (No. 1)
• Houston, TX (No. 5)
• Greenville-Spartanburg, SC (No. 10)
• Charlotte, NC (No. 16)
• Knoxville, TN (No. 7)
• Nashville, TN (No. 11)
• Atlanta, GA (new to the list in 2024)

Why Fewer People Are Moving to Florida

The decline in people moving to Florida has some clear causes, with the state’s severe weather and rising insurance costs being major factors. In 2023, the average homeowner’s insurance premium in Florida was nearly $11,000—a staggering $8,500 higher than the national average. Additionally, while Florida’s home values spiked by more than 40% between 2021 and 2023, they’ve only increased by 3.3% in the last year, making it a less attractive option for newcomers.

Miami Among Top Cities for Move-Outs

On the flip side, Miami isn’t seeing the same influx of residents as it once did. In fact, Miami ranks third on the list of cities with the highest move-out numbers, trailing only Los Angeles and San Francisco. Rising costs and challenging weather seem to be driving people away from South Florida. Other cities like Austin, TX, and parts of New Jersey are also seeing a surge in residents leaving.

Cities with the Highest Move-Out Numbers:

• Los Angeles, CA (No. 1)
• San Francisco, CA (No. 2)
• Miami, FL (No. 3)
• Austin, TX (new to the list in 2024)
• Chicago, IL (No. 3 in 2023)

While fewer people may be heading to Florida in 2024, cities like Ocala, Jacksonville, and Orlando are still holding strong as popular destinations. However, with rising insurance premiums and housing costs, the Sunshine State may be losing some of its shine for movers who are instead heading to the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia.

What do you think? Will Florida continue to be a top destination, or are other states becoming more attractive for new residents? Let’s keep the conversation going!