United States, August 9, 2025
News Summary
MoveBuddha’s report reveals a growing trend of Americans relocating to smaller to mid-sized cities due to affordable living, safety, and a high quality of life. Cities like Johnson City, Coeur d’Alene, and Summerville attract newcomers, particularly younger generations seeking vibrant communities and better work-life balance. The report notes that approximately 11.3% of Americans relocated in 2023, with significant shifts in preferences focusing on lifestyle and financial viability. Even as mid-sized towns rise in popularity, they offer amenities without the burdensome costs typically seen in urban settings.
Smaller to Mid-Sized Cities in the U.S. Dominating Relocation Trends in 2025
MoveBuddha’s latest report reveals that smaller to mid-sized cities are becoming increasingly popular among Americans looking to relocate. This trend stems from a combination of affordable living, safety, and a high quality of life, all of which make these cities attractive, especially to younger generations. According to the report, which draws on findings from the Moving Cost Calculator and the 2023 American Community Survey, approximately 11.3% of Americans relocated in 2023, marking a slight uptick from previous years.
Leading Cities for Relocation
The report highlights the top cities for relocation in each state, with key examples including:
- Johnson City, Tennessee: Notable for its outdoor activities, this city sees four new arrivals for every person moving out.
- Cue d’Alene, Idaho: Renowned for its beautiful lakes and extensive trails.
- Summerville, South Carolina: Famous as the birthplace of sweet tea, this historic town attracts many new residents.
- Fairbanks, Alaska: Known for its stunning aurora borealis and diverse wildlife, it is often called the “Golden Heart of Alaska.”
- St. George, Utah: A hub for various outdoor recreational activities, appealing to adventure seekers.
- Huntsville, Alabama: Recognized for its aerospace advancements and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, earning it the nickname “Rocket City.”
- The Villages, Florida: This is the largest active adult community in Florida, featuring golf-cart-legal streets.
- Duluth, Georgia: Known for its historic downtown charm and vibrant community festivals.
- Portland, Maine: Home to the oldest operational lighthouse in the U.S. and a lively coastal atmosphere.
- Gulfport, Mississippi: Recognized for its gorgeous beaches and welcoming Southern hospitality.
Factors Contributing to the Shift
The report outlines that mid-sized cities provide big-city amenities without the high costs typically found in urban centers. Aspects such as crime rates, employment opportunities, cost of living, educational quality, and climate play significant roles in these relocation decisions. U.S. News analysis of 859 cities reveals that Cedar Rapids, Iowa, ranks 60th overall on the Best Places to Live list, featuring a short average commute of just 15 minutes and affordable housing priced at $174,452.
Other cities recognized in the rankings for mid-sized living include The Woodlands, Texas; Laredo, Texas; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; McKinney, Texas; and Frisco, Texas. These places stand out for their vibrant communities and opportunities for growth.
Attracting Younger Generations
Particularly for Gen Z, the report emphasizes a growing preference for lifestyle changes that prioritize community engagement and financial viability over traditional career pathways. Cities such as Madison, Wisconsin, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are thriving by offering promising career opportunities alongside a balanced work-life environment, signaling a shift toward viewing mid-sized towns as viable long-term residences rather than temporary stops.
Conclusion
With the increasing trend of relocating to smaller and mid-sized cities, it is clear that these communities are about much more than just affordability. They present a unique blend of conveniences, lifestyle options, and community spirit, making them appealing destinations for many Americans in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
What are the top cities for relocation according to the MoveBuddha report?
The top cities include Johnson City, TN; Coeur d’Alene, ID; Summerville, SC; Fairbanks, AK; St. George, UT; Huntsville, AL; The Villages, FL; Duluth, GA; Portland, ME; and Gulfport, MS.
What factors attract people to smaller and mid-sized cities?
Key factors include affordability, low crime rates, improved job markets, quality education, and favorable climates.
How many Americans relocated in 2023?
Approximately 11.3% of Americans moved to a new home in 2023, indicating a slight increase compared to previous years.
What demographics are primarily relocating to these cities?
Many of the relocations are made by younger generations, especially Gen Z, who prioritize affordability, community, and work-life balance.
Key Features of Relocation Trends in 2025
| City | Key Feature | Population Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson City, TN | Outdoor activities | 4 in for every 1 out |
| Cue d’Alene, ID | Lakes and trails | Growing |
| Summerville, SC | Historic town | Expanding |
| Fairbanks, AK | Aurora and wildlife | Stable |
| St. George, UT | Outdoor recreation | Increasing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- U.S. News: Best Medium-Sized Cities
- CommercialCafe: Best Mid-Sized Cities for Gen Z
- Greenville Online: Livable Cities in the Southeast
- U.S. News: Rise of Midsize U.S. Cities
- Mtdemocrat: Reasons for Moving to Mid-Size Cities
- Wikipedia: City
- Google Search: Mid Sized Cities USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mid-Sized City
- Google Scholar: Mid-Sized Cities
- Google News: Livable Cities Trend
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
