Girl holding a map of her long-distance move overlay
Posted in Moving Essentials, Moving Tips&Tricks on November 28, 2022
Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

Why Do People Move Across the Country

People that move across the country haven’t made that decision overnight. But why do people move and make this big change in their life? There are many factors that go into their decision-making process.

People often move across the country for a number of reasons – they are without a job and they want to find work, to be closer to family, or to escape from a bad situation. Some may look for a better quality of life or more affordable surroundings. Whatever the reason may be, relocating is always a big decision. If you’re thinking about the benefits of relocating, there are many. But there are also some things you need to consider when you move to a new state.

What Do Statistics Say About Relocations in The US?

For some people, the thought of picking up, investing in long-distance moving services, and starting over in a new place is exciting. They see it as an adventure and a chance to start fresh. Others may find the idea of moving to be daunting and stressful. No matter how you feel about it, there’s no denying that relocations are a lot of work.

There can be many reasons why people decide to move out of their current state and find life across the country. It could be for work because they’ve managed to get a better job before they move. Or perhaps they want to be closer to family or friends or simply look for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, relocating is a big decision and a huge undertaking.

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Although the pandemic is not that far behind us, relocations during Coronavirus were still happening, and trends haven’t changed that much. People were still relocating to a small town or big city, some were relocating with kids, and others moved for a job. According to Statista, in the United States, there were roughly more than 26 million people who switched residence in 2021. Of them, 4.4 million people migrated to a different state, while 15.8 million people changed dwellings while remaining in the same county.

Dancing couple unpacking after cross-country moving
People invest in white glove moving services and move all the time

At What Age Do People Move and Why?

Many people envision themselves settling down and setting up roots in one place at some point in their lives. The majority of people believe this will occur for them between the ages of 24 and 26. The next largest group, or 17% of people, think they won’t get married until they are over 36.

According to the age group, the data in the table below displays the reasons Americans moved within the United States in 2020. 104,000 16 to 19-year-olds relocated in 2019 – 2020 as a result of an alteration in marital status.

Age group Alteration of marital status To start one's own home Work transfer or a new position To seek work Retirement
Under 16 years 320 489 475 70 13
16 to 19 years 104 140 79 14 2
20 to 24 years 111 664 430 46 0
25 to 29 years 108 538 386 61 0
30 to 44 years 293 679 738 102 18
45 to 64 years 301 306 243 107 90
65 to 74 years 24 42 23 5 93
75+ years 26 19 13 0 10

Source – Statista

Why Do People Move Back Home

There are many reasons why people move back home after living away for a period of time. Some people may find that they miss the support and sense of community that comes from being close to family and friends. Others may want to be closer to their children or grandchildren. And still, others may simply prefer the slower pace of life that is often found in smaller towns and cities. Whatever the reason, moving back home can be a great way to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.

Be Prepared for a Change of Pace

If you’re used to the hustle and bustle of big city living, you may find that relocating to a smaller town or rural area feels quite different. Be prepared for slower days and a more relaxed way of life (and some adjustment insomnia).

Consider Your Job Prospects

If you’re relocating back home after living in another city for work, you may find that there are fewer job opportunities available. Make sure to do your research and see what kind of work is available in your new area.

Be Prepared for Some Culture Shock

If you’ve been living in a big city, you may find that moving back home feels like a bit of a culture shock. Things may have changed since you left, so be prepared for the move and some changes in your local community.

Reestablish Old Connections

One of the best things about returning back home is that you get to reestablish old connections with family and friends. Take the time to catch up with everyone and reminisce about the good times gone by.

Make New Connections

While you’re reconnecting with old friends, take the opportunity to make new friends as well. Explore your new community and get to know the people who live there.

Who Is the Most Likely Candidate for Going Back to Their Hometown?

Most people wish to live somewhere else from their hometown while they are young, but it looks like this mindset changes as they get older. Regarding heading back to their hometown, men and women had remarkably comparable views. However, in contrast, the generations are distinctly divided. Here is what some studies claim about returning home by different age groups:

  • According to some data, the majority of Baby Boomers claim that they would never return to their hometown.
  • They are followed by Gen X, where the majority don’t currently live in their hometown but are most likely to return.
  • The majority of Millennials currently reside in their hometowns, and they are the least likely to claim that they would never return.

There were a lot of variations in regional preferences on deciding where to live and whether you should go back to your old home. It was quite likely for people in the West and the Northeast to state that they planned to eventually return to their hometown. In contrast, residents of the South were more likely to still be living there. The majority of people who said they would never return to their hometown were from the Midwest.

Woman in Washington DC
The majority of Millennials love their hometowns

Are People Moving Because of a Job?

Relocating to a place without a job is a huge turnoff for the great majority of people. Men and women, Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials all over the US concur on this point. So yes, people are definitely relocating across the US for jobs. In fact, job opportunities are one of the main reasons why people relocate.

According to a recent study, about 20% of Americans moved to a new state or a city because of a job. And of those who relocated for work, nearly 60% said they would do it again. There are a number of reasons why people might choose to move for a job. For some, it’s simply about finding the right position in their field. Others may be looking for better pay or a more affordable cost of living. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that people are willing to uproot their lives in pursuit of a new job. And with the ever-changing landscape of the US economy, it’s likely that this trend will continue.

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Relocating Without a Pay Increase

Believe it or not, lots of people are prepared to relocate for a job that doesn’t provide a raise or promotion. In fact, according to studies, Baby Boomers are the only group more likely to declare they would not contemplate moving for a job without a raise or a promotion. In the study, more than 30% of respondents said they would relocate for a pay increase of less than 20%. One in four individuals claimed they would relocate for a 20% pay increase, while 18% claimed they would want at least a 50% pay increase to leave their current employment.

Job-related Relocations, by Generation

Baby Boomers, as a whole, were significantly less likely to move for a job, probably because they are nearing or have already reached retirement age. The most demanding generation is Gen X. Most respondents from that generation claim that in order to move, they would need a rise of 20% to 50%. As the group most likely to indicate that they will relocate for a 5% to 15% pay rise, Millennials were the least demanding.

A young woman researching job opportunities before moving cross-country
Job opportunities are always a good reason to pack your belongings and move across the country

Do People Move for Love?

Overall, attitudes toward relocating for love are largely pragmatic. In every demographic group, the preferred initial dating period is between one and two years. In every category, more than 30% of respondents said they would have to reach that point before thinking about relocating to the same location as the individual they are dating.

The findings suggest that the choice to live with a loved one is significantly influenced by the expense of living. In addition, 3 out of 4 people claim that if they could divide a high cost of living, they would be more inclined to move in with their partner sooner. Which city both partners like is usually the most important consideration when selecting who should relocate closer. The highest income or most possibilities for growth were both employment-based variables that came in second place. Also, it is worth noting that a long-distance relationship is more stressful for over 60% of people than moving in together.

A couple looking for their future home
Many people relocate for love

Decide Whether You Should Move and Call Long-Distance Movers

There are many reasons why people may choose to move to another state alone or with family. Some want to be closer to family, some may have been displaced by a natural disaster, and others may be looking for a change. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that relocations are a big undertaking.

If you are considering a cross-country move, reach out to a white glove moving company that can help you plan and execute your relocation. If you hire movers, they will work with you to ensure that your move goes smoothly with their swift auto transport service and handy packing services. If you seek assistance, it will allow you to start enjoying your new home as soon as possible.

When you are ready, give Long Distance Movers a call, and we will help you relocate anywhere in the country.

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