Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no secret that the United States has experienced significant movement of its residents—whether domestically or internationally.
While this is a national phenomenon, the South remains the fastest-growing region in the country. According to the United States Census Bureau, “At nearly 132.7 million residents, the South is the most populous region. With a population gain of nearly 1.8 million—a change of 1.4% between 2023 and 2024—the South added more people than all other regions combined, making it both the fastest-growing and largest-gaining region in the country.”
Domestic migration to this region accounted for an additional 411,004 residents and made the South the only area with positive net domestic migration, where incoming residents exceeded outgoing ones.
Why the South?
Though individuals and families of various backgrounds, lifestyles, interests, and hardships contributed to this growth, the transition can be primarily attributed to factors like affordability, career opportunities, better quality of life, and flexibility—particularly surrounding remote work—and more.
Due to their strength in these areas, states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama are seeing an influx of inhabitants.
According to a National Association of Realtors survey, 46 percent of respondents’ clients moved to the South in 2024. Of those who moved to the region, housing reasons drove 42 percent, 26 percent for family reasons, and 16 percent for employment reasons.
With the recent rise in remote and hybrid work environments, many Americans took advantage of their new freedom and moved where they desired. Many opted for new cities, spacious homes, suburban areas, quieter neighborhoods, and outdoor space.
These factors also correlated with the widespread desire for a better quality of life. Generally, the South provides quieter, safer, slower-paced, and outdoor-oriented lifestyles, often unavailable in sprawling urban or concentrated suburban areas.
Cost of living and affordability also directly impact the quality of life in a given area, causing many individuals, couples and families to move to an area with a more accessible housing market and lower living expenses.
Key Benefits
There are several reasons and notable benefits that lead Americans to seek these significant life changes.
One is better value for the money. Young professionals, families and retirees can all benefit from this affordability due to how much further money can go into the region, regardless of whether they’re considering groceries, services or the housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, 21% of the South’s new residents moved to obtain more houses for their money; Tennessee is a prime example of this goal. From urban to suburban to rural properties, the region has various options for many price ranges, desired lifestyles and more.
Another benefit the region boasts is its tax structure and economic opportunities. For those moving from locations with higher tax rates, the South typically offers a reprieve from these added costs on purchases, income and property, while states like Tennessee lack a state income tax.
Growing economies throughout the South, such as Tennessee’s healthcare, technology and entertainment boom, also provide significant opportunities for development—economic, career and otherwise. Those seeking new positions or careers are more likely to have a range of accessible job opportunities in this market.
The third benefit is the access to vibrant, growing cultural and recreational hubs. Due to the closeness of many southern cities, residents have bountiful opportunities to visit local and surrounding cities to experience a variety of communities, historical sites, landscapes, and cultures.
While much of the South is equipped with blossoming modern conveniences and amenities, the region is also home to many cultural and historical sites that can be few and far between elsewhere.
Making the Move
Once the decision to relocate is made, navigating the housing market, receiving expert guidance on neighborhoods and communities, and facilitating a smooth transition is crucial.
For example, whether someone from another southern state—or a different region altogether—is planning a move to Tennessee, working alongside a local expert to understand local market trends, find properties that meet or exceed needs, and navigate the logistics of relocating is a must.
Organizations and groups like Tennessee Realtors are an excellent way for incoming residents to ensure all ‘t’s’ are crossed and all ‘i’s’ are dotted, simplifying the significant change into a simple process.
With extensive knowledge of surrounding communities, these experts can shed light on several pertinent areas, including schools, local amenities, lifestyles, and more. This ultimately helps those relocating to select the ideal home and neighborhood to suit their needs.
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Final Thoughts
Though the reasoning behind this domestic ‘southern migration’ is likely different for each person, there are many benefits and reasons to take the leap.
If you’re considering a move to the South, regardless of whether you’re searching for affordability, career opportunities, better quality of life, flexibility, lifestyles, tax structures, or more, working with professional organizations can help ensure a smooth and successful transition—ensuring your relocation journey goes off without a hitch.
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