Why Move Now? Understanding Today’s Relocation Trends

The best places to pack up and move in 2025 are:

1. New Hampshire – Lowest violent crime, no income tax
2. Wyoming – Highest quality schools, low population density
3. Virginia – Strong tech industry, excellent healthcare
4. Rhode Island – Top healthcare quality, low crime
5. Wisconsin – Most affordable housing ($290,926 average)
6. Connecticut – Highest average salary ($84,972)
7. North Dakota – High job openings, low cost of living
8. Utah – Most job openings, strong GDP growth
9. Minnesota – Excellent healthcare, strong education
10. Pennsylvania – Most affordable median home price ($203,800)

Despite high mortgage rates, Americans are on the move, with 40.5% of homebuyers searching out-of-state. The key drivers are clear: remote work offers lifestyle flexibility, the search for affordability is paramount, and proximity to family is a growing priority. This has fueled a migration trend toward the South and West, with states like Texas and Florida gaining residents while high-cost states like California, New Jersey, and Illinois see more people leave.

For Chicago residents, this trend is a local reality. Illinois consistently ranks among the top states people are exiting as they seek better affordability and opportunities. The rise of remote work has empowered many to keep their Chicago-area jobs while relocating to states with lower taxes, more affordable housing, and a higher quality of life.

I’m Mina Georgalas, owner of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years of experience helping families move from Chicago to 45 states, I’ve seen what makes a destination truly great. This guide breaks down the top states based on what matters most: job opportunities, housing costs, safety, and healthcare.

The Top Reasons People Are Relocating from Illinois

For our clients in Chicago, Melrose Park, and Des Plaines, the decision to move is often a mix of national trends and local pressures. Here’s a summary of why many are leaving Illinois:

• Search for Affordability: The cost of living in the greater Chicago area, especially housing and property taxes, pushes residents to seek more affordable states.
• Remote Work Flexibility: The ability to work from anywhere allows people to keep their job but move to a location with a lower cost of living or a more desirable lifestyle.
• Desire for a New Lifestyle: Many are drawn to the Sun Belt for better weather, more space, or a change of pace.
• Moving from Chicago: Residents of the metro area often look for quieter environments or more space as their needs change.

If you’re considering a move from Illinois, we understand the motivations. Find more resources on our page about moving from Illinois.

Finding the Best Places to Pack Up and Move: Our Criteria

To determine the best places to pack up and move, we use a data-driven approach, similar to analysis by experts like Shoreline Immigration. We evaluate states on factors critical to economic stability and quality of life:

• Job Market: Job openings per capita and overall market strength.
• Healthcare & School Quality: Access to and quality of medical and educational institutions.
• Housing Costs: Median home prices and overall affordability.
• Safety: Low violent crime rates for peace of mind.
• Salaries & Taxes: Average income potential balanced against tax burdens.

By weighing these indicators, we identify states offering the best combination of opportunity and quality of life. For more on this analytical framework, you can refer to Shoreline Immigration.

The Best Places to Pack Up and Move: A Data-Driven Ranking

So what are the best places to pack up and move in 2025? We’ve analyzed the data to bring you our top ten states. These destinations offer the strongest combinations of economic opportunity, affordability, and quality of life. Think of this ranking as your starting point, as your perfect match depends on what matters most to you.

Here’s how our top ten states stack up across the key metrics:

(Note: “N/A” indicates data was not explicitly provided in the research for that specific metric for that state, but the state still ranked highly overall due to other strong factors.)

For Safety and Tax Benefits: New Hampshire & Wyoming

For those prioritizing safety and financial freedom, New Hampshire and Wyoming stand out as top-tier destinations. New Hampshire boasts the nation’s lowest violent crime rate and a powerful financial incentive: no personal income or general sales tax. With an average salary of $74,663, residents keep more of what they earn, making it easier to enjoy the state’s picturesque towns and abundant outdoor activities, from the White Mountains to the Seacoast. Meanwhile, Wyoming offers the highest quality of schools and the lowest population density in the U.S., providing unparalleled space to live and grow. Its rugged, independent spirit is matched by a strong economy, with an average salary of $71,342—about 14% above the national average. It’s an ideal choice for families seeking a quieter life without sacrificing educational excellence.

Both states prove you don’t have to choose between safety and prosperity. To understand what a move might cost, see our breakdown of the cost to relocate to another state.

For Job Opportunities and Healthcare: Virginia, Utah & North Dakota

If career growth and good health are your top concerns, these states are economic engines. Virginia masterfully combines a rich history with a forward-looking economy. Its booming tech sector, particularly in the Northern Virginia corridor near Washington, D.C., provides high-paying jobs, while the state also ranks for the fourth-highest quality of healthcare and schools. Utah has earned its nickname ‘Silicon Slopes’ by leading the nation in GDP growth and having the highest level of job openings per capita. Supported by a healthy median household income of $79,133, it’s a magnet for tech talent and entrepreneurs drawn to its dynamic business environment and world-class outdoor recreation. The hidden gem, North Dakota, offers the third-highest level of job openings, largely driven by its energy and agriculture sectors. It pairs these opportunities with exceptional affordability, with necessities costing 11.4% lower than the U.S. average and an average house price of $254,258.

Ready to explore your options? Our essential guide to out of state moving options walks you through everything you need to know.

The Best Places to Pack Up and Move for Affordability: Wisconsin & Pennsylvania

For many Chicago families, affordable homeownership is the primary goal, and these two states deliver. Wisconsin shines with an average home price of just $290,926, 18% below the national average. This makes owning a home a realistic goal without sacrificing quality of life, whether you’re drawn to the vibrant culture of Madison or the lakeside charm of Milwaukee. Pennsylvania offers even more dramatic savings, with a median home price of just $203,800—an impressive 38% less than the national average. From the bustling job markets of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to its quaint small towns, the Keystone State provides a clear path to financial stability through remarkably affordable housing.

Learn how to make your move budget-friendly with our tips for cheap interstate moving options.

For High Salaries and Quality Services: Connecticut, Rhode Island & Minnesota

These states prove you can have strong earning potential and an exceptional quality of life. Connecticut leads our list with the highest average salary at $84,972 and boasts the second-lowest violent crime rate, offering a safe, affluent environment with strategic proximity to both New York City and Boston. Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it delivers big on essentials, providing the highest quality of healthcare in the nation and the third-lowest violent crime rate. Its charming coastal towns and renowned culinary scene in Providence offer a high quality of life. Minnesota rounds out this group, ranking with the third-highest quality of healthcare and a robust, diverse economy anchored by the Twin Cities. With an average salary of $68,010, it blends urban sophistication with access to pristine natural landscapes.

When moving to a high-quality-of-life destination, you need movers you can trust. Learn more about reliable long distance movers who can ensure a smooth transition.

Your Next Chapter: Planning a Seamless Move from Chicago

Once you’ve identified which of the best places to pack up and move is right for you, the next phase is planning the logistics. A long-distance move from Chicago or its suburbs like Evanston, Melrose Park, or Des Plaines requires careful preparation and reliable partners.

At Bernard Movers, we’ve spent decades helping families make the leap from Illinois to 45 different states. We handle every detail with professionalism, from packing the first box to unloading the last piece of furniture. Our goal is to give you peace of mind so you can focus on settling into your new life.

If you’re planning a move from the Chicago area, learn more about our comprehensive services on our page for Chicago long distance movers.

Your Essential Out-of-State Relocation Checklist

A successful long-distance move is the result of careful planning. Here’s a roadmap to make your relocation as smooth as possible:

• Start with decluttering. Before packing, sort through your home. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need to save time, effort, and money on your move.

• Create a detailed inventory. Make a list of everything you’re keeping, number your boxes, and photograph valuable items. This helps with organization and serves as a record for insurance purposes.

• Book your movers as early as possible. The best moving companies fill their calendars quickly. As soon as you have a firm move date, reach out to secure your spot. We’re currently offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.

• Develop a strategic packing plan. Start with rooms and items you use least. Use proper materials, and don’t make boxes too heavy. Pack an essentials bag with everything you’ll need immediately upon arrival: toiletries, medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and important documents.

• Label everything clearly. Write the contents and destination room on every box to make unpacking easier.

• Handle the administrative details. Notify your landlord, transfer or cancel utilities, file a change of address with the post office, update your driver’s license, and enroll children in their new schools.

Whether you’re heading to a top-ranked state like Florida or Georgia, or anywhere else, having experienced professionals by your side makes all the difference. Our team of professional packers and movers ensures your belongings are handled with care, giving you the freedom to focus on the excitement of your new beginning.

Your next chapter is waiting. Let’s make getting there the easy part.