REPORT: Alabama ranks in top 10 states with most inbound moves in 2023

Of course, Alabama always has our attention, but it’s also catching the nation’s eye as one of the best places to live. A new study from United Van Lines shows that Alabama was one of the most popular states to relocate to in 2023. Keep reading for all the details.

Alabama #8 in inbound moves

Each year, United Van Lines conducts the Annual National Movers Study, which shows state-to-state migration patterns across the nation.

Broken down into inbound moves (moving into the state) and outbound moves (moving out of the state), this study reveals where people are relocating to. Subtitled, “Western States Top the High Outbound List as Americans Flock to the Southeast and Less Expensive Metros,” the study showed these 10 states as the top picks for inbound moves:

1. Vermont
2. Washington, D.C.
3. South Carolina
4. Arkansas
5. Rhode Island
6. North Carolina
7. South Dakota
8. Alabama
9. New Mexico
10. West Virginia

With 60% of moves being inbound, Alabama continued to grow and grow in 2023.

Overall, the study concluded that “Americans are moving eastbound and southbound” for several reasons:

“We are continuing to see the trend that Americans are moving to more affordable, lower-density areas across the country, with many heading to Southern states.

Movers are also becoming more strategic with their planning, as relocation continues to be driven by factors such as the price of housing, regional climates, urban planning and job growth.” 

Eily Cummings, Vice President of Corporate Communications, United Van Lines

Alabama’s primary reasons for moving

The Annual National Movers Study did an even deeper dive, identifying why exactly people move in and out of each state. In Alabama, here are the top reasons people are moving to the state (inbound):

• Job (30.4%)
• Family (25.6%)
• Retirement (12.8%)
• Cost (7.2%)
• Lifestyle (5.6%)
• Health (3.2%)

If you’re curious, here’s what the age demographics look like for inbound moves to Alabama:

• <18-34: 6.8%
• 35-44: 17.5%
• 45-54: 17.5%
• 55-64: 28.2%
• 65+: 30.1%

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