The familiar sight of moving trucks rumbling through neighbourhoods has become significantly less common across the United States over the past five years. According to a comprehensive new migration study from Bank of America, the number of Americans choosing to relocate has plummeted by more than half since 2021, marking a profound shift in domestic movement patterns.
A Nation Choosing to Stay Put
While overall relocation numbers have dramatically decreased, the study reveals an equally significant trend: when Americans do decide to move, they are overwhelmingly choosing to remain within their home regions. Long-distance, state-to-state moves are being replaced by city-to-city transitions that keep people closer to their original communities.
"Fewer Americans are packing up each year, yet when they do move, they overwhelmingly stay in their home region," the Bank of America study noted. "The big story isn't a national reshuffle - it's people trading one nearby city for another that fits their budget and lifestyle a little better."
Understanding the Mobility Decline
The study did not specifically address the reasons behind the dramatic 50% decline in relocation rates. However, insights from a previous Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond report suggest multiple contributing factors. These include an aging US population and changing earnings patterns for women, both of which increase the perceived costs of moving.
"Some of the explanations for the decline in mobility involve long-term trends - such as population aging or increased earnings opportunities for women - that make moving costlier," the earlier study explained. "Others appeal to changes in the geographic distribution of earnings, urban amenities and housing prices, all of which make moving less rewarding."
Regional Hotspots and Population Shifts
For those Americans who do choose to relocate, certain regions have emerged as clear winners. The Midwest has become a particular hotspot for incoming residents, with several cities experiencing significant population growth during the final quarter of 2025.
Growth Leaders and Declining Metropolises
The cities recording the most substantial population increases between October and December 2025 were:
- Indianapolis
- Columbus, Ohio
- Denver
- Austin
- Cleveland
Conversely, several major metropolitan areas experienced notable population declines during the same period:
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- Washington D.C.
- San Jose
- Boston
Austin: The Lone Star Success Story
Austin, Texas perfectly exemplifies the national trend toward regional rather than cross-country moves. Remarkably, a quarter of Austin's new residents arrived from other major Texas cities - primarily Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
"In our view, Austin is likely a target locale for people looking for a growing city that retains a small town feel with comparatively less expensive housing," the Bank of America study observed.
Coastal Cities Facing Population Outflows
Los Angeles Loses Its Shine
Further west, the study found that even Los Angeles' considerable cultural appeal and glamorous reputation couldn't prevent population decline. The West Coast cultural hub experienced a 0.8% year-on-year decrease in net population (calculated as arrivals minus departures).
Most departing Angelenos didn't venture far, with the majority relocating to other California metropolitan areas. San Francisco and San Jose together attracted 6% of LA's outbound migrants, while San Diego welcomed 5% of those leaving the city.
New York's Changing Demographics
New York City similarly faced population challenges, with a 0.5% year-on-year decline in residents. Interestingly, rather than moving to other parts of New York State, former Big Apple residents predominantly chose Philadelphia and southern destinations.
The migration patterns showed 7% of departing New Yorkers moving to nearby Philadelphia, while another 7% headed to Miami. Washington D.C. and Atlanta each attracted 3% of New York's outgoing population, indicating a clear southern drift for many former residents.
This comprehensive analysis reveals a fundamental transformation in American mobility patterns, with profound implications for urban planning, economic development, and community dynamics across the nation.
