The Best (and Worst) Places to Live in 2024, According to Americans

What Makes a Place Desirable or Undesirable? | Most Desirable Cities | Least Desirable Cities | Most Desirable States | Least Desirable States | Rankings by Category | City Summary Table | State Summary Table | Why Americans Move | Relocation Priorities

With 50 unique states and nearly 20,000 incorporated cities, it's safe to say Americans have plenty of options when looking for a place to call home.

Whether they choose to live in a bustling city or a close-knit small town, 73% of Americans like where they live.

No place is perfect, however, and 59% still feel frustrated by their place of residence. An additional 43% say their state embarrasses them. 

Most Americans learn to live with the bad as well as the good, but 84% say they could be convinced to move to another city or state.

To learn where Americans really want to live in 2024, we surveyed 1,000 people to find the most and least desirable places in the U.S.

We found that 59% of Americans live where they've always lived, rather than their dream destination.

Although many Americans want to pursue a better life elsewhere, real obstacles stand in their way. Half of Americans (50%) say they can't afford to move to a more desirable location.

Keep reading to find out what makes a great place to live and what would prompt Americans to pack up their lives and move to a new location.

What Makes a Place Desirable or Undesirable to Live?

Americans rarely agree on anything these days, but the qualities that attach us to our communities are surprisingly similar across the U.S.

At least half of Americans agree that the most desirable places to live have:

• Low crime rates (68%)
• Low living and housing costs (66%)
• Good weather (62%)
• Low taxes (52%)
• Lots of amenities and things to do (50%)

Not surprisingly, the most undesirable places to live are described as the opposite.

High crime is the most undesirable trait for the third year in a row, with nearly 3 in 4 Americans (73%) saying it makes a place undesirable.

After crime, Americans say the most undesirable places have:

• A high cost of living, including expensive home and rent prices (65%)
• High taxes (62%)
• Run-down infrastructure (58%)
• Bad weather and pollution (54%)

10 Most Desirable Cities to Live

1. Tampa, FL
2. Charlotte, NC
3. Virginia Beach, VA
4. Nashville, TN
5. Orlando, FL
6. Raleigh, NC
7. Atlanta, GA
8. Denver, CO
9. Las Vegas, NV
10. Miami, FL

Americans say Tampa is the most desirable city in the U.S. in 2024, with nearly one-fourth of respondents (23%) listing it in their top five.

It's not hard to understand Tampa's appeal. It checks many of the boxes that make a place desirable. 

Not only does Tampa boast year-round warm, sunny weather, it has less crime and more affordable homes than other cities its size. Compared to other Florida metros on the most desirable list, Tampa's median home price of $361,177 is well below Orlando's $379,039 and Miami's $441,399. Plus, Florida has no state income tax, creating a lighter tax burden for Tampa residents.

» Read more about the most affordable places to live in Florida

Living in a major metro area isn’t for everyone, though. Americans can find more approachable urban environments in midsize cities that still offer plenty of amenities but with more space and a lower cost of living.

Americans say the most desirable midsize cities are:

1. Honolulu, HI
2. Colorado Springs, CO
3. Charleston, SC
4. Cape Coral, FL
5. Palm Bay, FL
6. Winston, NC
7. Tucson, AZ
8. Albuquerque, NM
9. Greenville, SC
10. Augusta, GA

Living in a tropical paradise like Hawaii might seem like a dream come true, but the reality can be quite different.

Although Americans say the most desirable cities are affordable, Honolulu is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. Not only do basic goods and services cost more there, the median-priced home is valued at $794,000 — roughly $373,000 more than the national average.

It's no wonder Hawaii had the highest outgoing migration rate among all 50 states, according to the most recent data from 2022. 

The good news is Americans can still find palm trees, beautiful beaches, and warm weather in midsize cities on the mainland for a fraction of the price.

10 Least Desirable Cities to Live

1. Washington, DC
2. New York, NY
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Chicago, IL
5. Detroit, MI
6. Los Angeles, CA
7. Baltimore, MD
8. Birmingham, AL
9. Atlanta, GA
10. Buffalo, NY

The District of Columbia is the most undesirable city for the second year in a row, and with Americans already politically fatigued during an election year, distaste for D.C. is higher than ever. About 33% of Americans say it is one of the top five worst cities in the U.S. — up from 20% who said the same in 2023.

Politics aside, D.C. is one of the most expensive cities in the country. With 65% of Americans saying a high cost of living makes a place undesirable, it's no surprise the District of Columbia — along with New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles — is considered an unappealing place to live.

The cost of housing is a big contributing factor to the cost of living, and all cities on the undesirable list — with the exception of Birmingham — have housing costs that are out of reach for the average earner. Los Angeles is the worst offender, with the annual income needed to buy a home surpassing residents' actual income by about $162,000.

Other cities on the undesirable list may be more affordable but lack public safety. Baltimore, for example, leads the U.S. in murders and robberies per 100,000 residents, while Detroit ranks first for rape and second for murder and aggravated assault. 

Baltimore and Detroit, as well as Birmingham and Buffalo, also struggle with decaying industrial infrastructure that 58% of Americans find undesirable in a place to live.

10 Most Desirable States to Live

1. Florida
2. California
3. Texas
4. Hawaii
5. New York
6. North Carolina
7. Tennessee
8. Colorado
9. South Carolina
10. Washington

Florida is back on top as the best state in America, relegating last year's winner, California, to No. 2. About 35% of Americans say Florida is one of the top five places to live, compared to just 28% who say the same about California. 

Florida and California both have year-round warm weather and unparalleled natural beauty, but Florida has the advantage of having lower living costs and lower taxes. 

Florida is also full of cities Americans think are great. Tampa, Orlando, and Miami all made the list of most desirable cities, while California didn't have any metros represented. In fact, San Francisco and Los Angeles are considered two of the worst cities to live, according to Americans.

While Florida and California perennially duke it out for the top spot in our survey, other states are quietly making moves. South Carolina cracked the top 10 for the first time in 2024, bumping Georgia off the list.

With a low cost of living, gorgeous natural scenery, and irresistible Southern charm, it's easy to see why South Carolina ranks No. 2 in net migration. The state has many prime relocation destinations, but few can match the appeal of Charleston, which is the third-most desirable midsize city, according to nearly 1 in 5 Americans who list it in their top five (19%).

10 Least Desirable States to Live

1. California
2. New York
3. Alaska
4. Alabama
5. Texas
6. Florida
7. Arkansas
8. New Jersey
9. Mississippi
10. Washington

In a divided America, it's no surprise there are mixed feelings about California, but its haters outweigh its supporters in 2024. Whether it’s because of traffic, air pollution, or sky-high living expenses, 30% of Americans say California is one of the five most undesirable states — compared to 28% who say it is one of the best.

Although unappealing states can be found from coast to coast, half of the most undesirable states on our list are concentrated in the South. 

The South's history of slavery and segregation continue to shape negative perceptions, as well as low rankings in educational achievement and limited access to high-paying jobs that contribute to the region's economic hardships. 

With the exception of Florida, the remaining Southern states on the list — Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi — have poverty rates higher than the national average, with Mississippi possessing the highest rate in the U.S. at 19.1%.

Despite actual and perceived drawbacks, many Americans choose to stay or move to the South for lower housing and living expenses. In fact, they are more likely to leave expensive locales, with net migration data showing New York lost the most residents in 2022, followed by New Jersey at No. 3 and California at No. 5.

Rankings by Category

Most Underrated Cities and States

Of all the remarkable cities in the United States, only a few receive national recognition. Highly touted destinations are popular for a reason, but they can also be overhyped.

Meanwhile, less-visited locales leave Americans pleasantly surprised by how much they have to offer. Americans say the 10 most underrated cities in the U.S. are:

1. Charlotte, NC
2. Virginia Beach, VA
3. Austin, TX
4. Raleigh, NC
5. Tampa, FL
6. Boston, MA
7. Seattle, WA
8. Baltimore, MD
9. Atlanta, GA
10. Buffalo, NY

In 2024, about 20% of Americans say Charlotte is one of the most underrated cities in the U.S. — up from 15% who said the same in 2023.

Charlotte's popularity is on the rise due to its low cost of living and growing number of attractions. Not only does the Queen City have a cost of living about 2% lower than the national average, it has plenty of things to do — from football games and breweries to ghost tours and nearby beaches.

Charlotte isn't the only underrated city in North Carolina. Its neighbor to the north, Raleigh, made the underrated list for the first time in 2024 — coming in at No. 4.

» Read more about the most affordable places to live in North Carolina

While traveling off the beaten path, there are several states Americans shouldn't overlook, either. Americans say the 10 most underrated states are:

1. Colorado
2. Alaska
3. Wyoming
4. Vermont
5. Tennessee
6. Virginia
7. Arizona
8. Washington
9. West Virginia
10. Montana

Colorado is loaded with scenic wonders, outdoor activities, and cultural activities, but 1 in 5 Americans (18%) still don't think the Centennial States gets the recognition it deserves.

» Read more about the most affordable places to live in Colorado

Like Colorado, many underrated states will wow Americans with their natural beauty, even if they're not considered great places to live.

Alaska's untouched landscapes are considered some of the most breathtaking in the country, but 1 in 4 Americans (23%) say it's one of America's most undesirable places to live. However, that perception differs somewhat from reality. 

Day-to-day life in Alaska isn't as rugged as "Deadliest Catch" and "Ice Road Truckers" would have you believe. It's a lot like life everywhere else but with much better scenery.

West Virginia is another state that often gets dismissed, but there's a reason John Denver calls it "almost heaven" in his hit song, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." The state is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, rock climb, and white-water raft.

There's no shortage of natural beauty in these underrated states, but there is a shortage of people. Alaska, West Virginia, Wyoming, Vermont, and Montana are some of the least-populated states in the U.S. 

It appears Americans are tired of cramped city living and are looking to move to states with plenty of room to spread out. Alaska and Wyoming, for example, experienced the highest influx of incoming residents in 2022, according to the most recently available data. 

Cities and States With the Nicest Residents

Americans are known for their friendliness, but some states go out of their way to provide an extra warm welcome. Americans say the nicest residents live in these 10 states:

1. Hawaii
2. Tennessee
3. Texas
4. South Carolina
5. Florida
6. California
7. North Carolina
8. Georgia
9. Alaska
10. Virginia

Known for the "Aloha Spirit," showing kindness, respect, and compassion is culturally ingrained in Hawaiians. In fact, it's so important, it was written into the Hawaii statues.

On the mainland, Southern hospitality is alive and well. Seven of the 10 nicest states are located in the South.

It's only fitting, then, that Southern cities are also considered some of the nicest places in America:

1. Nashville, TN
2. Charlotte, NC
3. Virginia Beach, VA
4. Atlanta, GA
5. Austin, TX
6. Raleigh, NC
7. Tampa, FL
8. Boston, MA
9. Seattle, WA
10. Birmingham, AL; Denver, CO; Orlando, FL (tied)

Nashville is considered one of the nicest cities in the United States, with 23% of Americans saying it has the top-five most friendly residents. Despite an influx of tourists in recent years, most Nashville residents will still greet you with a smile or meet you on the dance floor of a honky tonk.

Cities and States With the Rudest Residents

With 50% of Americans saying rude residents make a place undesirable, they may want to steer clear of these 10 cities:

1. New York, NY
2. Washington, DC
3. Chicago, IL
4. Los Angeles, CA
5. Buffalo, NY
6. San Francisco, CA
7. Boston, MA
8. Baltimore, MD
9. Detroit, MI
10. Philadelphia, PA

A whopping 40% of Americans say New York has rude residents, followed by the District of Columbia (32%), Chicago (23%), and Los Angeles (21%).

Notably, Americans say the rudest residents live in big, bustling cities where busy residents don't have time for an act of kindness. What's more, eight of those 10 cities are located in the North or Northeast, where the people are seemingly as cold as the winters.

With the Big Apple earning the title of rudest city, it's no surprise Americans ranked New York as the rudest state, followed by New Jersey. 

What else can be expected from two of the most densely populated states in the country? The high-stress, fast-paced environment naturally leads to blunt communication and impatient behavior that comes across as less than friendly.

Americans say the states with the rudest residents are:

1. New York
2. New Jersey
3. California
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Washington
7. Illinois
8. Massachusetts
9. Connecticut
10. Alabama

States With the Most Pretentious Residents

American exceptionalism has been part of the country's ethos since its founding. There are good reasons for Americans to feel proud, but that attitude can descend into downright snobbery.

Americans say the most pretentious people live in these 10 states:

1. California
2. New York
3. Washington
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. New Jersey
7. Connecticut
8. Massachusetts
9. Virginia
10. Colorado

Movies and TV shows, such as "90210" and "The OC," often portray Californians living extravagant lifestyles to impress others and boost their own image. For many Americans, that perception doesn't seem too far off from reality thanks to a multitude of celebrities and influencers who live glamorous and ostentatious lifestyles. 

The high cost of living in California also attracts wealthy individuals, creating an environment where affluence and status are emphasized. In fact, California is home to five of the top 10 richest ZIP codes in the U.S.

Of course, snobbery isn't exclusive to California. Elitists live everywhere, particularly in expensive areas where people with money can afford to live.

Many states in the Northeast — such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey — are considered pretentious because of exclusive lifestyles made possible through "old money."

The high value placed on education through attendance at prestigious boarding schools and Ivy League institutions contribute to a culture of intellectual superiority, reinforcing perceptions of pretentiousness.

Cities and States With the Most Annoying Residents

Americans are fed up with people who can't seem to behave normally in public anymore. Those they find the most irritating tend to congregate in these 10 cities:

1. New York, NY
2. Washington, DC
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Boston, MA
5. Chicago, IL
6. Los Angeles, CA
7. Buffalo, NY
8. Baltimore, MD
9. Tampa, FL
10. Seattle, WA

Unfamiliar behavior is often annoying. With many New York City residents living in a bubble, cultural norms can clash with the rest of the country and be perceived as irritating.

One-third of Americans (33%) say New York City has some of the most annoying residents in the U.S. The nation's capital is a close second, with 30% of Americans saying D.C. has some of the most vexing residents. 

As the political hub of the United States, D.C. residents often have strong opinions and are highly engaged in political discussions, which can be bothersome to people who want a break from the intensity and divisiveness of political discourse. 

Plus, D.C. has a high concentration of politicians, which Americans view as some of the most distrustful and ineffectual professionals in the country. Annoying even on their best days, politicians can be especially irritating during election season, when intrusive political ads infiltrate Americans' screens. 

With 1 in 3 Americans thinking New York City is an annoying city, it's no surprise New York is also considered the most annoying state. Approximately 39% of Americans say New York is annoying, followed by California at 37%.

Specific behavior may be what really grinds Americans' gears. Many Americans find New Yorkers irritating because of their reputation for rudeness. In fact, eight of the 10 most annoying cities are also considered the rudest.

Meanwhile, Californians are often seen as annoying because of their perceived pretentiousness.

The 10 states with the most annoying residents are:

1. New York
2. California
3. New Jersey
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Washington
7. Alabama
8. Arkansas
9. Illinois
10. West Virginia

States With the Craziest Residents

In the often dysfunctional family that is the United States, Americans say California is like the weird uncle, with nearly half (47%) saying the Golden State has the craziest residents.

It's no coincidence that the four most-populous states — California, New York, Florida, and Texas — are considered the most crazy. With that many people in a confined space, it's just a matter of time before they start hosting naked barbecues or drinking wine from a Pringles can.

1. California
2. New York
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Washington
6. Alabama
7. New Jersey
8. West Virginia
9. Alaska
10. Louisiana

Cities With the Best Food

American cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes. Every metro has its own speciality — from Cincinnati chili to Nashville hot chicken — but Americans say these cities have the best food:

1. New York, NY
2. New Orleans, LA
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Las Vegas, NV
5. Chicago, IL
6. Boston, MA
7. Atlanta, GA
8. Austin, TX
9. Los Angeles, CA
10. Tampa, FL

When it comes to food, New York City brings a lot to the table. The city is famous for its pizza, bagels, and cheesecake, but with approximately 25,000 restaurants, there's always a new dish to try. 

There's so much more to American food than just hamburgers and hot dogs.

American cuisine blends the best flavors from around the world, and nowhere is that more apparent than in New Orleans. The fusion of French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Native American food has led to iconic dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, and the po'boy sandwich. 

Other cities are famous for dishes that speak to the heart of American culture: sourdough bread bowls in San Francisco; deep-dish pizza in Chicago; clam chowder in Boston; and barbecued brisket in Austin.

Ugliest and Prettiest Cities

Urban environments are often associated with trash, graffiti, and a host of other challenges that can become an eyesore.

Americans say the ugliest cities are:

1. Detroit, MI
2. New York, NY
3. Washington, DC
4. Buffalo, NY
5. Baltimore, MD
6. Chicago, IL
7. Birmingham, AL
8. Pittsburgh, PA
9. St. Louis, MO
10. Cleveland, OH

Detroit was once the symbol of American industrial might, but with the loss of auto industry jobs, the city entered a state of decay that has led some outsiders to call it a post-apocalyptic city — littered with abandoned vehicles and decrepit buildings. 

Americans have no love for other post-industrial cities — such as Birmingham, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland — where utilitarian architecture, industrial waste, and minimal green spaces can make these areas look bleak and uninviting.

These cities may be in decline, but they aren't dead. Detroit, for example, has invested in new roads, parks, downtown spaces, and city cleanups to restimulate growth — but progress is slow.

Meanwhile, the most beautiful cities in America show all that city living can be. Whether they offer incredible views of nature, public art installations, or attractive public spaces, these are the prettiest cities in the U.S. according to Americans:

1. Denver, CO
2. Virginia Beach, VA
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Miami, FL
5. Tampa, FL
6. Seattle, WA
7. Charlotte, NC
8. Washington, DC
9. Boston, MA
10. San Diego, CA

Denver is a clear choice for prettiest city in America. Sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and several charming, walkable neighborhoods.

Denver stands out as one of only two landlocked cities on this list. While catching a glimpse of a mountain peak rising from the plains can be an inspiring sight, it's clear Americans favor waterfront views.

States With the Worst Scenery

From beautiful beaches to red-rock deserts, the U.S. certainly deserves its nickname, "America the Beautiful." But not every state is blessed with naturally good looks.

Americans say these states have the worst scenery:

1. Kansas
2. Iowa
3. Arkansas
4. Alabama
5. New Jersey
6. Illinois
7. Indiana
8. New York
9. Texas
10. Oklahoma

About 1 in 5 Americans (21%) say Kansas is one of the five ugliest states in the U.S.

Kansas lacks the dramatic mountains and ocean coastlines of other classically beautiful states. Instead, it's characterized by endless stretches of boring flatland. In fact, Kansas has the least amount of park acreage among all 50 states, with zero national parks and just 26 state parks that cover 0.06% of state land.

But beauty is subjective, and some Americans might find the amber waves of grain in Kansas appealing. Even "ugly" states have hidden natural gems that may surprise Americans who haven't visited the area. 

Although 17% of Americans say Arkansas is ugly, its nickname is the Natural State because of its abundant natural beauty — including mountains, hot springs, forests that showcase the best fall colors, and the first national river in the U.S.  

Regions With the Worst Accents

At times, it can seem as if Americans are one people separated by a common language. Ordinary English words often sound completely different depending on where the speaker lives. 

Just consider the controversy caused by the word bagel. While most Americans pronounce the ring-shaped bread as "bay-gull," many Midwesterners refer to it as a "bag-el."

Some accents can be charming or endearing, but others can be downright annoying. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans (31%) say the Southern drawl is the worst, followed by the New England accent, which includes the R-less dialect of Boston. 

1. Southeast (31%)
2. New England (23%)
3. Mid-Atlantic (18%)
4. Southwest (11%)
5. West (7%)
6. Upper Midwest (6%)
7. Lower Midwest (5%)

City Summary Table

		Positive Traits					Negative Traits
Overall Rank	Metro/City	Most Desirable Rank	Most Underrated Rank	Prettiest Place Rank	Nicest Residents Rank	Best Food Rank	Least Desirable Rank	Ugliest Place Rank	Rudest Residents Rank	Most Annoying Residents Rank
1	Nashville, TN	4	11	14	1	11	43	49	45	47
2	Denver, CO	8	13	1	10	32	49	50	50	41
3	Raleigh, NC	6	4	18	6	25	46	47	43	44
4	Charlotte, NC	2	1	7	2	20	42	40	35	28
5	Virginia Beach, VA	3	1	1	3	13	20	46	28	20
6	Orlando, FL	5	22	13	10	21	26	44	32	22
7	Memphis, TN	23	17	32	17	19	38	35	42	43
8	Jacksonville, FL	16	12	23	20	30	33	40	35	28
9	New Orleans, LA	28	47	17	16	2	25	45	40	32
10	Austin, TX	11	3	19	5	8	15	25	18	15
10	Louisville, KY	31	16	37	24	33	43	40	39	46
12	Richmond, VA	29	23	35	29	35	50	48	37	41
13	Tampa, FL	1	5	5	7	10	11	20	11	9
14	Phoenix, AZ	19	33	19	30	38	32	35	44	48
15	Atlanta, GA	7	9	11	4	7	9	15	13	14
15	San Diego, CA	15	20	10	18	26	22	33	23	24
17	Boston, MA	13	6	9	8	6	18	17	7	4
18	San Antonio, TX	22	17	28	19	15	26	23	21	33
18	Seattle, WA	13	7	6	9	17	13	16	15	10
20	Las Vegas, NV	9	39	12	22	4	17	25	18	17
21	Miami, FL	10	45	4	27	18	14	40	16	18
22	Providence, RI	30	27	25	34	37	37	30	30	39
23	Portland, OR	27	31	22	31	33	31	33	34	26
24	Hartford, CT	25	26	33	38	44	39	37	33	36
25	Kansas City, MO	43	37	45	39	29	47	39	48	37
26	Dallas, TX	18	28	26	15	14	16	28	11	16
27	Salt Lake City, UT	33	19	21	24	46	26	31	27	27
28	San Francisco, CA	17	28	3	13	3	3	12	6	3
29	Minneapolis, MN	49	45	44	41	44	47	38	49	48
30	Indianapolis, IN	45	37	50	43	50	45	32	46	50
31	Houston, TX	24	42	39	26	23	21	27	26	23
32	Columbus, OH	44	32	48	44	41	40	21	41	44
33	Washington, DC	20	21	8	13	12	1	3	2	2
34	St. Louis, MO	35	15	31	21	15	12	9	14	13
35	Birmingham, AL	35	13	30	10	27	8	7	17	11
35	San Jose, CA	34	23	33	40	31	19	29	20	21
37	Oklahoma City, OK	41	39	49	34	46	35	14	47	40
38	Baltimore, MD	32	8	24	23	24	7	5	8	8
39	Cincinnati, OH	46	30	42	48	40	34	22	31	34
40	Pittsburgh, PA	40	23	40	37	35	26	8	25	28
41	Milwaukee, WI	48	33	47	44	48	36	18	38	37
42	New York, NY	11	49	15	27	1	2	2	1	1
43	Los Angeles, CA	21	48	16	31	9	6	11	4	6
44	Sacramento, CA	38	41	36	47	41	26	24	23	25
45	Buffalo, NY	39	10	27	33	28	10	4	5	7
46	Chicago, IL	26	35	29	36	5	4	6	3	5
47	Riverside, CA	50	50	41	49	49	40	19	29	35
48	Cleveland, OH	42	36	43	44	39	22	10	22	31
48	Philadelphia, PA	37	44	38	42	22	22	13	10	19
50	Detroit, MI	47	42	45	50	43	5	1	9	12

State Summary Table

		Positive Traits				Negative Traits
Overall Rank	State	Most Desirable Rank	Most Underrated Rank	Nicest Residents Rank	Incoming Migration (2022) Rank	Least Desirable Rank	Craziest Residents Rank	Worst Scenery Rank	Rudest Residents Rank	Most Annoying Residents Rank	Most Pretentious Residents Rank	Outgoing Migration (2022) Rank
1	North Carolina	6	13	7	21	50	43	49	49	49	40	33
2	Montana	18	10	25	6	47	46	47	45	50	48	11
3	South Carolina	9	12	4	7	44	35	47	36	38	29	20
4	Maine	16	15	19	26	40	49	43	42	41	35	30
5	Hawaii	4	34	1	12	30	37	50	37	40	17	1
6	Tennessee	7	5	2	20	32	18	37	25	26	28	27
7	New Hampshire	31	33	31	15	49	50	45	35	45	32	12
8	Kentucky	25	26	17	32	26	23	40	30	31	33	47
9	Colorado	8	1	12	11	26	24	41	31	19	10	4
9	Missouri	43	50	44	31	45	45	35	44	48	46	28
11	Minnesota	43	45	38	41	34	39	41	47	44	44	36
12	Vermont	15	4	20	8	39	24	32	24	21	13	10
13	Georgia	13	18	8	25	22	15	37	22	24	24	34
14	North Dakota	45	32	48	5	22	40	28	48	45	49	6
15	Indiana	40	42	34	40	48	41	7	39	35	44	46
16	Iowa	48	35	32	38	36	47	1	45	41	47	39
17	Nebraska	50	48	49	33	43	48	15	50	47	50	29
18	Maryland	23	43	28	37	46	36	44	28	35	26	13
19	Idaho	38	20	46	3	30	34	14	39	38	38	7
20	Virginia	11	6	10	23	34	16	36	14	17	9	16
21	Ohio	29	30	29	46	32	28	13	29	30	42	48
22	New Mexico	34	26	36	17	18	30	22	31	33	37	25
22	South Dakota	42	23	45	16	20	37	30	33	35	36	18
24	Wyoming	19	3	21	2	14	26	17	25	22	21	2
25	Oregon	20	16	30	24	20	16	39	33	27	27	5
26	Kansas	49	48	38	19	38	42	1	39	41	43	22
26	Pennsylvania	14	21	22	43	37	20	25	11	14	25	40
28	Alaska	20	2	9	1	3	9	24	25	18	14	3
29	Oklahoma	46	40	43	27	26	28	10	37	34	39	41
30	Arizona	12	7	15	13	11	14	12	18	11	12	23
31	Rhode Island	36	24	38	14	24	43	25	21	28	15	9
32	Wisconsin	30	16	16	42	16	22	27	17	12	18	43
33	Delaware	33	18	33	4	25	32	11	15	19	19	15
34	Michigan	35	36	34	48	26	27	32	12	22	31	49
35	Connecticut	32	25	23	10	19	33	20	9	13	7	32
36	Louisiana	40	44	27	47	15	10	31	43	32	34	35
37	Nevada	22	39	50	9	41	21	18	18	25	29	8
37	West Virginia	17	8	14	34	12	8	23	13	10	10	37
39	Florida	1	31	5	18	6	3	32	5	5	4	38
40	Massachusetts	26	46	36	35	42	31	45	8	14	8	19
40	Texas	3	11	3	39	5	4	9	4	4	4	50
40	Utah	23	21	23	30	12	18	15	20	16	23	17
43	Washington	10	8	11	22	10	5	20	6	6	3	14
44	Mississippi	46	46	46	36	9	12	29	23	28	40	44
45	Alabama	28	28	13	29	4	6	4	10	7	16	45
46	Arkansas	39	14	26	28	7	13	3	15	8	22	31
47	California	2	29	6	50	1	1	19	3	2	1	42
48	Illinois	37	37	38	45	17	11	6	7	9	20	26
49	New York	5	37	18	49	2	2	8	1	1	2	24
50	New Jersey	27	40	42	44	8	7	5	2	3	6	21

More Than 8 in 10 Americans Could Be Convinced to Move

Nearly three-fourths of Americans (73%) like where they live, but 84% could be convinced to move to another city or state, and 42% could be convinced to move to another country.

Americans are most likely to move if there's an increase in crime (58%), the cost of living (52%), or taxes (47%). With Americans saying these three factors are also the most likely to make a place undesirable, it's understandable they would want to leave these areas in search of a better quality of life.

Interestingly, public safety and economic policies are often closely tied to the political leanings of a city or state. But only 1 in 5 Americans (21%) say a change in local politics could make them leave their place of residence.

Although 44% of Americans don't agree with the politics of their city and 47% don't agree with the politics of their state, moving may not be a feasible option. Half of Americans (50%) say they could not afford to move to a more desirable area. 

Affordable Housing Is the No. 1 Consideration When Moving

When moving to a new location, the single most important factor is the cost of homes. Affordable housing is even more important than in 2023, when Americans said it was the third-most crucial factor behind the cost of living and safe neighborhoods.

Americans' changing priorities may be the result of falling inflation that has slightly eased their living expenses. Meanwhile, affording a home remains a significant challenge, with prices still rising nearly 6% last year.

In fact, shelter remains the primary driver of inflation. If shelter costs had remained stable, prices would have only risen 1.4% from a year ago, rather than 3.3%.

Overall, Americans say the most important factors when moving are:

1. Cost of homes
2. Safe neighborhoods
3. Cost of living
4. Proximity to friends and family
5. Proximity to amenities
6. Proximity to work
7. Proximity to nature and parks
8. Quality of education
9. Agreeable politics
10. Location that makes others jealous

Americans move for a variety of reasons, but not all of them are noble. About 1 in 8 respondents (12%) say the most important factor when moving is to choose a location that makes others jealous.

Methodology

The proprietary data featured in this study comes from an online survey commissioned by Clever Real Estate. One thousand American adults were surveyed from June 14-16, 2024. Each respondent answered 25 questions related to where they live, which areas of the U.S. they prefer, and what they believe makes a city or state desirable.

In addition, we examined migration data from the U.S. Census at the state and metro level to determine which states and cities Americans are moving in and out of.

About Clever

Since 2017, Clever Real Estate has been on a mission to make selling or buying a home easier and more affordable for everyone. 12 million annual readers rely on Clever's library of educational content and data-driven research to make smarter real estate decisions—and to date, Clever has helped consumers save more than $160 million on realtor fees. Clever's research has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, Housing Wire, and many more.

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