According to the 2025 National Movers Study from United Van Lines, New Jersey and New York rank as the top two outbound states in the country, continuing a multi-year migration trend away from the Northeast.

  • New Jersey ranks #1 outbound, with 62% of moves leaving the state

  • New York follows closely, with 58% outbound moves

These rankings are based on thousands of interstate household relocations handled nationwide and provide one of the most reliable indicators of where — and why — Americans are moving today.

Why Are People Leaving New York & New Jersey?

While high housing costs, taxes, and population density remain contributing factors, the reasons people move have evolved significantly over the last decade.

A Major Shift in Why Americans Move

Over the past eight years, national moving motivations have shifted dramatically — away from career-driven relocations and toward personal and family priorities.

  • In 2018, nearly 48% of moves were driven by a new job or company transfer

  • By 2025, that figure dropped to 25.9%, a decline of more than 21 percentage points

  • During the same period, moving to be closer to family increased from 24.1% to 29.1%, making it the top reason Americans move today

This change reflects broader trends such as remote and hybrid work, aging family dynamics, and a growing emphasis on quality of life over proximity to an office.

What This Means for New York & New Jersey Movers

For residents of New York and New Jersey, these national trends are especially relevant:

  • Many moves are long-distance and family-focused, rather than job-mandated

  • Movers are relocating to be closer to children, parents, or extended family

  • Lifestyle changes and affordability play a growing role in destination choices

Retirement-related moves remain steady nationwide (about 14% of all moves), while lifestyle changes — such as downsizing or relocating to warmer climates — continue to influence outbound migration patterns from the Northeast.

What Is the National Movers Study?

The United Van Lines National Movers Study has tracked U.S. migration trends since 1977, analyzing interstate household moves across the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.

Each state is classified as:

  • High Outbound (55% or more moves leaving)

  • High Inbound (55% or more moves arriving)

  • Balanced

The study also evaluates why people move, offering insight into long-term demographic, economic, and lifestyle shifts shaping relocation decisions across the country.

🔗 View the full 2025 study: https://www.unitedvanlines.com/newsroom/2025-national-movers-study

Moving Out of New York or New Jersey in 2025?

Whether your move is driven by family, lifestyle changes, retirement planning, or a new opportunity, Molloy Moving has decades of experience helping New York and New Jersey residents relocate with confidence.

Our services include:

  • Local and long-distance moving

  • Professional packing and logistics

  • Customized move planning

  • Dedicated support from start to finish

 Contact Molloy Moving today to plan your next move with a team that understands today’s moving trends — and what matters most to modern movers.