Phoenix is quickly turning into a popular hotspot for people to move, especially for retirees.
According to a recent report studying moving patterns, the Valley continues to be one of the popular relocation destinations in the U.S.
A report from May by PODS Enterprises, LLC, a moving and storage company, ranked Phoenix as No. 7 in the nation for the highest number of move-ins. The study looked at moving trends across the U.S. and ranked the top 20 cities for move-ins and move-outs.
The Valley saw one of the most significant increases from the previous year’s report, moving up 11 spots from No. 18 in 2023. This year’s report was largely dominated by cities in the Sun Belt region, as the favorable weather is a major factor for people deciding where to move, and Phoenix’s ranking reflects this trend.
Another factor contributing to the city’s high ranking is its popularity among retirees. The report indicates that most people relocating to Phoenix were over 65 years old, followed closely by people between 55-64.
In addition to attracting new residents, Phoenix is also considered by companies as a prime city to relocate their businesses. The PODS study referenced Iron Mountain’s report, which identified Phoenix as a top city and Arizona as a top state for business relocations.
The Iron Mountain report highlighted that businesses are selecting the Valley as a relocation destination due to the presence of Sky Harbor International Airport and the region’s highway infrastructure, plus the high quality of life. Additionally, the area’s expanding economy in technology, health care, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, as well as the business-friendly environment, also make it a top choice for businesses moving to Phoenix.
For the second consecutive year, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina have topped the rankings as the most popular relocation. Overall, the Carolinas were by far the most popular states to move to, with six cities making the top 20. Here are the rankings:
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina/Wilmington, North Carolina (No. 1in 2023)
- Ocala, Florida (No. 4)
- Houston (No. 5)
- Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina (No. 10)
- Charlotte, North Carolina (No. 16)
- Raleigh, North Carolina (No. 20)
- Phoenix (No. 18)
- Knoxville, Tennessee (No. 7)
- Jacksonville, Florida (No. 8)
- Asheville, North Carolina (No. 17)
“Last year, we highlighted the Carolinas as areas to watch, and this year they have not only claimed the top spot for new relocations but also set a record,” said Rich Schwartz, senior vice president of corporate operations at PODS. “On the other hand, we’re seeing that expensive metro areas are pushing Americans to move to places with a lower cost of living and a more balanced lifestyle.”
Population Growth Observed in Phoenix suburbs
The Valley’s popularity as a relocation destination may also be attributed to the increasing interest in cities surrounding Phoenix, which offer a more balanced lifestyle. While Phoenix continues to attract new residents, it is the surrounding cities that are experiencing the most significant growth.
Maricopa County experienced the fourth highest population increase in the U.S. in 2023, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data released in March. Meanwhile, Pinal County, located south of Phoenix recorded the nation’s seventh-highest level of net domestic migration.
In the latest U-Haul Growth Index report, which measures destinations of one-way trips in 2023, Arizona, U-Haul’s home state, ranked No. 8 nationally among state destinations. The company also publishes a city report, and Surprise ranked No. 18, and has been in the top 25 every year since 2020.
U-Haul attributed the growing popularity of Surprise near downtown Phoenix while being situated away from the urban sprawl.
In alignment with the PODS study, a recent SmartAsset analysis indicates that Mesa has the largest influx of retirees in the nation.
