There are a plethora of reasons that people are on the move in ever rising numbers. From a skyrocketing cost of living to seeking out an improved quality of life, families and individuals alike are packing up and leaving home for pastures new. The USA is no exception to this trend, with a shifting population changing the landscapes of some of the country's most historically popular places to live. In this article, we shed light on 18 states Americans seem typically keen to move away from.
California
Even the glamour and sunshine of California can't keep everyone within it's borders. With a very high cost of living, residents often find themselves priced out of the community, or tempted away by more affordable areas. Housing costs are particularly high, so many seek a new place to call home when they are ready to buy a property, getting more bang for their buck elsewhere. Another significant consideration for Americans leaving California are the devastating fires and droughts that regularly plague the area, as well as pollution caused by extreme traffic congestion.
New York
One of the world's most iconic destinations, New York certainly has a lot to draw you in. Despite this, Americans are leaving in droves, for reasons that include a demoralising housing market, high cost of living and overcrowded cities. With an increase in flexible and remote working opportunities, incentives to stay in pricey New York have reduced, while many can keep their jobs and move somewhere much more pocket-friendly.
Illinois
Illinois has recently gone through a population drain, with very high numbers relocating at an alarming rate. A culmination of circumstances lead many to come to this conclusion, from particularly high taxation, to harsh winter conditions. The state has also suffered some of the highest crime rates in the country, which alongside a slowing job market and growing housing issues, is enough to turn some people away from the Land of Lincoln.
New Jersey
New Jersey suffers many of the same issues as New York, including a growing cost of living, problems with traffic and congestion, and very high property taxes leading to residents falling out of love with the state. Soaring inflation inflames many of these issues, and a historic trend of leaving the Garden State after retirement remains a popular option to this day.
Florida
Many are drawn to Florida for its climate. Hot summers and mild winters are a huge selling point for retirees in particular, enjoying their well-deserved rest in balmy conditions. Ironically though, climate change induced dramatic weather is leading to changes in the environment that cause many people to reconsider Florida as their home, with the threat of hurricanes and rising sea levels taking the shine off the promised temperate climate.
Texas
Texas typically does offer a good amount of job opportunities, and can enjoy a lower cost of living in comparison to other states. Despite this however, a trend is emerging of Americans choosing to live elsewhere, for familiar but compelling reasons such as increasingly extreme weather conditions, and clogged traffic congestion in big cities.
Michigan
In Michigan, we see a particular trend of young people spreading their wings and leaving the state. Many point to an over-abundance of low-paid jobs in the area, which for ambitious youth looking to kickstart their careers, are not an attractive enough prospect to keep them in the area. In addition, people of all ages leave the sometimes extreme snowy conditions in favour of more sunny and warm regions of the USA.
Louisiana
Yet again, extreme weather conditions come into play when people consider leaving this state. Louisiana is vulnerable to hurricanes, which in a world with increasingly extreme weather conditions, is hardly a reassuring thought. Equally, many families are concerned by the perceived low-quality education system that risks holding their children back from reaching their full potential, as well as problematic crime rates leading to worries over safety. All-in-all, it's easy to see why families look elsewhere to continue raising their kids.
Ohio
In recent years, Ohio has been plagued by a lack of job opportunities that ultimately leads many to look elsewhere. In fact, studies have shown that this is the number one reason Ohio residents have chosen to leave of late, simply not finding the work they need to sustain their lifestyle. Job losses in the previously successful manufacturing industry have exacerbated issues, particularly coupled with high property taxes.
Pennsylvania
Many ex-Pennsylvania residents have cited their reasons for leaving as seeking a lower cost of living, a lower tax burden and better work opportunities. This comes as no surprise at a time where the economy and it's challenges are at the top of many people's minds. For the environmentally minded, the environmental damage caused by fracking in the region is also a point of contention.
Connecticut
Just like other states in the list, the people of Connecticut struggle when faced with the high cost of living in the area, which coupled with a high rate of tax and scepticism about the financial health of the region, leads them to decide to move away. Another large proportion of people leaving Connecticut are retirees, who typically choose to take their next step in life outside of the state they worked in.
Maryland
The difficult housing market, large traffic congestion issues and the rising cost of living are all familiar factors that are making Maryland less attractive as a home. Equally, despite having some very highly regarded educational institutions within its borders, many Maryland residents choose to undertake their higher education in other regions, where the cost is not so great or the specialisms on offer are more to their skillset and interests.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts features amongst the top states Americans have left or want to leave, often because of family reasons taking them elsewhere. Like other places, many are also compelled to retire to more attractive areas, while others cite lifestyle changes as the reason for their departure. Chief among many people's rationale for making the move, are more attractive job opportunities to be found elsewhere, creating more career satisfaction and allowing ambition to thrive.
Georgia
Many are attracted to Georgia for its good job opportunities and reasonable cost of living, but there are a few downsides that are causing residents to seek greener pastures. For some, the increasing humidity of the summers is enough to put them off, seeking more comfortable climates. Meanwhile, others grow tired of the incessant traffic in big cities like Atlanta, opting for a more rural way of life elsewhere.
North Carolina
North Carolina is, in fact, growing in popularity within some demographics. Nevertheless, there is a large contingent who are in a hurry to leave due to concerns around environmental impacts to certain regions, increasing congestion and and a rising cost of living in some of the more popular areas. There are also areas with concerning crime rates, leading families in particular to reconsider their choice of home state.
Virginia
Echoing the downsides of some of the other states on this list, many people are turned off by the excess traffic in parts of Virginia, as well as a high cost of living. Residents are deciding to move somewhere their dollar goes further, and where the air is less polluted with toxic traffic fumes and they can travel without being stuck in a gridlock.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin's long winters are characterised by harsh winds, heavy and debilitating snowfall, and extremely cold temperatures. Many of its residents wind up leaving the state in search of a more welcoming climate, with a longer summer and sunny days to look forward to. Despite some of the natural beauty to be found in the state, many of the lakes are badly polluted and come with a huge population of unfriendly mosquitos. Nature-lovers sometimes begin to look elsewhere for cleaner wild swimming spots with less of a bite risk.
Indiana
Indiana is another state wherein the comparatively low cost of living is an attractive feature for some. However, it also faces very tough winters, as well as particularly significant air pollution problems compared to its counterparts. This, alongside a shaky job market and a subpar health system, creates conditions that lead locals to consider new dwellings.
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