Since the COVID-19 pandemic began back in early 2020, a lot has changed not only in people’s everyday lives but in their moving trends as well. The pandemic changed a lot about how I live and work, and these trends have continued throughout 2021 – with no sign of stopping.
More and more people are taking the opportunity to move to their desired cities or towns due to the opportunities presented to them through remote work, and have taken that chance.
Since so many people have seen their offices go permanently remote (or a hybrid system, where it may be optional to go into the office), people no longer found themselves committed to a workplace in one central location.
As we begin to close out 2021, let’s examine this year’s moving trends and look at which states saw the most growth, and which saw the most people leave.
Why are People Moving So Much?
It’s a phenomenon really – an unprecedented effect of the pandemic was a huge migration of people from cities to either the suburbs or more remote or roomy areas. More than ever, people were looking for areas with lower living costs, more space, and lower housing costs. This can be attributed to the freedom of working remotely.
Additionally, on a more somber note, this can also be attributed to the number of people who either lost their existing jobs or changed careers (whether voluntarily or forcibly) over the course of 2020.
No matter why people were heading out of cities and into the country in 2020 and 2021 alike, there is one thing for sure: many left densely populated cities and states and sought out more space and fresh air over the past year and a half.
More Space, for Less Money
Another perk that came to many when introduced to a remote workplace is the lack of need for living in a packed-in city that most likely features very high housing costs, with a lack of value for their money. Without the need to go into the office, many took the opportunity to move many hours away, and get larger houses or apartments, for less money.
People did this both because they no longer had to commute, but also to escape the worry and risk that came with continuing to live in densely populated areas. In 2021, this trend only continued, as people moved more and more as offices made the increasingly popular decision to go remote permanently.
Most Moved To States 2021
So where are people headed?
In 2021, the following states saw the most growth due to the influx of new residents and considered as most moved to states in 2021:
- New Mexico
- Idaho
- Maine
These states, which are some of the least densely populated in the country, experienced significant growth due to the influx of new residents throughout 2021.
On the other hand, the following states saw the most residents leave them in 2021:
- New York
- California
- Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
These states are some of the most densely populated in the country and saw many people leaving these areas once their jobs did not require them to be there.
Will these trends continue? It’s hard to say for sure, but we say yes. As more and more offices permanently go remote, there’s less and less of a reason for residents to stay in areas they’re unhappy in. Looking for a reputable mover to take on your 2021 move? Look no further than Reebie Storage & Moving Co.