The Two States Most Americans Are Moving To Have Just Been Revealed

Just like the birds, it looks like Americans are migrating south, and not just for the winter.

With warm weather nearly all year and a more leisurely pace of life, it’s no wonder that U-Haul’s annual study revealed that more folks are making their way south of the Mason–Dixon Line, specifically to Texas and Florida, though three other Southern states – Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee – rounded out the top five places where people were putting down roots in 2017.

Texas Star Ferris Wheel in Dallas, Texas

U-Haul calculates these rankings by measuring the number of one-way arrivals its trucks make against one-way departures, meaning people are in those states to stay. For 2017, the numbers showed Texas coming out on top for the second year in a row, a dramatic rise from 2015 when the state was ranked 39th.

Although U-Haul says that “migration trends do not correlate directly to population or economic growth,” it’s hard to imagine that there isn’t an overarching reason for people migrating to the Lone Star State. Who wouldn’t want to live in state full of beautiful flowers, theme parks and, obviously, life-changing barbecue?

In any case, those who aren’t moving under the expansive Texas skies are finding themselves drawn to the glittering coastal waters of Florida. With its balmy weather and colorful seaside lifestyle, this state has been in the top five for years. In 2015, it ranked 4th place, and for the past two years, the Sunshine State has comfortably sat in second.

Either way you look at it, it appears that Americans are looking for a warm, leisurely pace of life.

It is worth noting that both of these states experienced major devastation and exodus as a result of hurricanes in 2017. Nevertheless, emigrants were still outpaced by immigrants to give both these states the top two spots.

If we’re being honest, none of this comes as any surprise, because everything is bigger in Texas. Whether that means margaritas, dance halls or the number of people moving into the state, a Texan knows that bigger is truly better. And so we welcome all those newcomers with a smile and a “How y’all doin’?”

It’s a Lone Star state of mind.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.