If it feels like everyone knows someone who recently packed up and moved, the numbers help explain why.
According to United Van Lines’ 2025 National Movers Study, 62% of its New Jersey moves were outbound, making New Jersey the top outbound state for the eighth consecutive year. New York and California followed.
But people are not all heading to the same place. Some are moving South, others are staying closer to the Northeast, and many are simply relocating within New Jersey.
Where Are People Moving?
Based on United Van Lines study “Top States People Moved to in 2025” ranked the top inbound states for 2025 as:
- Oregon
- West Virginia
- South Carolina
- Delaware
- Minnesota
- Idaho
- North Carolina
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Nevada
South Carolina and Alabama have now appeared on the inbound list for six consecutive years, showing that the move toward the South is more than a short-term trend.
The biggest reasons Americans gave for moving included being closer to family, job opportunities and retirement.
Why Are So Many People Moving South?
For New Jersey residents, some of the most popular interstate destinations include Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.
South Carolina ranked #3 nationally for inbound moves in 2025, with 60.8% of United Van Lines moves going into the state, while North Carolina ranked #7 at 57.8% inbound.
Population growth tells a similar story. Between 2024 and 2025:
- Texas added about 391,000 residents
- Florida added nearly 197,000
- North Carolina added about 146,000
- Georgia added nearly 99,000
- South Carolina added about 80,000
- Tennessee added nearly 64,000
Why the South? For many movers, it is a combination of warmer weather, housing options, growing job markets, retirement opportunities and a different pace of life. The Carolinas in particular offer growing cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh alongside coastal and suburban communities.
Staying Closer to Home
Some New Jersey residents want a change without moving too far from family, friends or business connections.
That makes Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland attractive options.
Delaware stands out in the latest data. It ranked #4 among inbound states in 2025, with 59.7% of United Van Lines moves going into the state.
For many movers, the Mid-Atlantic offers a balance between starting somewhere new and remaining within driving distance of New Jersey and the greater New York area.
Were People Are Moving Within New Jersey
The New Jersey moving story is not only about people leaving.
Several counties have grown since 2020:
- Ocean County: +5.7%
- Burlington County: +4.2%
- Somerset County: +3.2%
- Middlesex County: +2.3%
- Bergen County: +2.2%
- Monmouth County: +1.2%
h offers something different.
Ocean and Monmouth Counties attract people looking for shore communities, suburban neighborhoods and more space.
Middlesex County offers a central location, major transportation routes and access to employment centers.
Burlington County provides access to both South Jersey and the Philadelphia region, while Somerset County remains attractive for its suburban communities, open space and access to Central and North Jersey.
Why Bergen County Remains So Desirable
Even with New Jersey leading the outbound rankings, Bergen County remains one of the state’s most desirable areas for families and professionals. It combines highly regarded schools, beautiful neighborhoods, vibrant downtowns, parks, convenient transportation, and easy access to New York City. Bergen County currently ranks among New Jersey’s top counties for families, public schools, young professionals, and overall quality of life.
One of Bergen County’s biggest advantages is variety. Someone can choose a quiet residential community, a walkable downtown, or a more urban environment closer to Manhattan without leaving the county.
Popular Bergen County Towns
- Ridgewood: A favorite for families because of its highly rated schools, established neighborhoods, parks, active downtown, restaurants, shops, and commuter access. Ridgewood ranks #2 among Niche’s 2026 best places to live in Bergen County.
- Glen Rock: Popular for its strong schools, welcoming community, residential feel, and convenient location near Ridgewood and New York transportation. It ranks #5 in Bergen County.
- Tenafly: Often attracts families looking for beautiful residential neighborhoods and highly rated schools while remaining close to New York City.
- Fort Lee: Appeals to movers who want a more urban lifestyle and especially easy access to Manhattan, while still living in Bergen County. It ranks #8 among Niche’s best places to live in the county.
- Ho-Ho-Kus and Allendale: Smaller communities that appeal to families looking for quieter neighborhoods, strong schools, and a close-knit suburban atmosphere. Both rank among Bergen County’s top 10 places to live.
- Ramsey and Westwood: Known for their community feel, attractive downtowns, restaurants and shops, suburban neighborhoods, and convenient access to the greater New York area.
For many Bergen County residents, moving does not necessarily mean leaving the area. It may mean moving to a larger home, downsizing, or choosing a nearby town that better fits their current lifestyle.
Moving Beyond the United States
For some New Jersey residents, the next destination is much farther away.
International moves continue to include countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Australia.
International relocations require additional planning, including overseas transportation, customs, documentation, shipment schedules and delivery coordination.
Wherever You’re Moving, Ridgewood Moving Can Help
Whether you are moving across Bergen County, elsewhere in New Jersey, or across the country, Ridgewood Moving provides full-service residential moving, packing and unpacking, specialty moving, and short- and long-term storage solutions. For customers moving out of state, Ridgewood Moving is a proud interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines, connecting our personalized local service with a nationwide network that can help get you wherever your next chapter takes you.
