January 15, 2015 By King Relocation

United Van Lines 38th Annual National Movers Study Identifies Top Relocation Destinations for 2014

At the beginning of each year, United Van Lines takes a look back at migration trends across the U.S. in its National Mover’s Study. For us, its always fun to see what changes from year to year in terms of the top destinations that people are moving to, and away from. We’d like to take this opportunity to share what we think are some of the most interesting findings from the study.

In 2014, Oregon became a little more crowded, holding on to its title as the “Top Moving Destination” for the second year in a row, with 66 percent of moves to and from the state being inbound. Whereas, on the opposite side of the U.S., the Northeastern region found itself coping with a moving deficit with New Jersey (65 percent outbound), New York (64 percent outbound) and Connecticut (57 percent outbound) topping the list of outbound states for the third year in a row. Perhaps those harsh winters are driving people to warmer and milder climates?

Some additional highlights from the 38th Annual National Movers Study include:

• • After Oregon, South Carolina and North Carolina round out the top three inbound states, with New Jersey, New York and Illinois making up the top three outbound states.
• • District of Columbia fell again this year on the list of top inbound states, down to #7 from #4 in 2013.
• • New additions in 2014 to the inbound list included Vermont, Oklahoma and Idaho.

This map created by United Van Lines offers a great visual overview of the top inbound and outbound states for 2014:

There are many factors that impact migration patterns across the U.S. – these can include business incentives that prompt employers to relocate their operations to reduce taxes or broaden the talent pool. Often, people will relocate to achieve a lower cost of living; take advantage of amenities such as arts and cultural opportunities, the club and restaurant scene, family-friendly events and activities, public transit, and cleaner living; or, to retire.

In fact, in a separate customer survey, United Van Lines found that the Northeastern region also had the highest number of people leaving for retirement, with more than a quarter of respondents citing retirement as the reason for relocation. Many of these retirees headed west, with the Mountain West region reporting the highest number of inbound retirees.

If you relocated across the country or to a different state in 2014, we invite you to join the conversation by commenting on why you chose the location you moved to last year. Or, if you are planning to move in the coming year, what factors are you considering in choosing your new city of residence?

United Van Lines has been tracking migration patterns on a state-by-state basis, since 1977. In 2014, the study looked at household moves handled by United Van Lines and its agents within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.

For more information on United Van Lines’ 38th Annual National Movers Study, please click here.

We hope that you will consider King Companies to be your “go-to” resource for your household relocation needs. To learn more about our household goods relocation services, visit is at, please visit the King Companies website today. Also, don’t forget to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ for our latest news and updates!