This Pacific Northwest State Attracts Workers and Retirees Alike
The Beaver State is gaining much traction with workers and retirees, as movers seek job opportunities and affordability in retirement.
Oregon topped the list in United Van Lines’ 49th Annual National Movers Study as the state with the highest percentage of inbound migration, jumping from number eight in 2024.
The research found that workers are primarily leaving their homes to move closer to family, followed by potential job opportunities, or for retirement needs.
Oregon is a popular destination for those seeking work (36%), with opportunities in tech and healthcare industries. Specifically, the Eugene-Springfield area of Oregon has seen an uptick in movement with 85% of inbound moves due to its lower cost of living and proximity to Eugene and Portland, the research finds.
Younger professionals also favored the northeast and states like New Jersey, where the region also saw an influx of retirees moving out. The Garden State reported a 62% outbound migration in this year’s report, primarily driven by residents seeking retirement and affordability. On the other hand, 21% of inbound movers to New Jersey were between the ages of 18 to 34, classifying the region as a “launch state” for younger families and new professionals.
The top inbound states of 2025 were:
- Oregon
- West Virginia
- South Carolina
- Delaware
- Minnesota
- Idaho
- North Carolina
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Nevada
The top outbound states for 2025 were:
- New Jersey
- New York
- California
- North Dakota
- Colorado
- Mississippi
- Massachusetts
Some states experienced a “balanced” migration with matching inbound and outbound movement, like Illinois, Texas, and Florida.
United Van Lines has tracked migration patterns by state since 1997. The 2025 study is based on household moves handled by the UniGroup network, the parent company of United Van Lines, within 48 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with nearly a decade of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado.