More People Moving Out Of MA Than Almost Any Other State: Study

MASSACHUSETTS — A higher percentage of people moved out of Massachusetts in 2023 than almost any other state in the country, according to a study by United Van Lines. Massachusetts ranked No. 7 among the top outbound states.

A total of 56.6% of moves United handled for Massachusetts were for those leaving the Bay State.

The top reason for leaving the state was for a job, contributing to 28% of all moves. Next was for family at 19%, followed by retirement at 18%.

Massachusetts is known for having a high cost of living, but that was the leading factor for only 2% of those leaving.

Massachusetts was also ranked seventh on the highest outbound moves list in 2021 and eighth in 2020.

However, another New England state is the most popular in the country to move to: Vermont ranked No. 1 among inbound states in 2023, with 65% of moves being to the state. Rhode Island also ranked No. 5 on the list of inbound states.

“We are continuing to see the trend that Americans are moving to more affordable, lower-density areas across the country, with many heading to Southern states,” United Van Lines Vice President of Corporate Communications Eily Cummings said in a statement. “Movers are also becoming more strategic with their planning, as relocation continues to be driven by factors such as the price of housing, regional climates, urban planning and job growth.”

Here's the full list of top outbound states for 2023:

1. New Jersey
2. Illinois
3. North Dakota
4. New York
5. Michigan
6. California
7. Massachusetts
8. Kansas

And the full list of inbound states for last year:

1. Vermont
2. Washington, D.C.
3. South Carolina
4. Arkansas
5. Rhode Island
6. North Carolina
7. South Dakota
8. Alabama
9. New Mexico
10. West Virginia

Check out the full report at United Van Lines.