Is Florida the top state Americans want to move to, or move out of? We have some answers
It's no secret that people flock to Florida. Between its beaches and warm climate, there's a reason why it was the number one state that people moved to in 2022.
Yet, Florida gets a lot of flack too — raised rents, recent unruly hurricane seasons, and constant political turmoil complete with controversial new laws.
After a study by moving company SelfStorage, new research revealed that Florida topped the lists of states that Americans want to move to and relocate from according to Google search data.
The search volume was determined by running a series of keyword phrases through Google Keyword Planner, such as “haulage,” “moving companies,” “packing and unpacking services” and “professional movers.” These keywords show the interests and intentions of those seeking information about moving to specific states.
Why are residents wanting to both leave and live in Florida? Here's what the data reveals:
Who is moving to Florida? New Yorkers: New Yorkers are the No.1 movers to Florida. Find out why.
How many people are seemingly seeking to relocate from Florida?
Florida ranks number one as the state with the most residents interested in relocating with a search volume of 152 per 100,000 population.
What are the other most common states people are trying to move out of?
Florida
Utah
Idaho
Colorado
New York
Arizona
South Carolina
Texas
Kansas
Washington
Why are residents leaving Florida?
While the study doesn't speculate on why residents might want to move out of their state, recent news over the past year might shed some light on why some might seek something other than the Florida.
For starters, Hurricane Ian devasted large parts of the state, particularly Southwest Florida. Ian was responsible for over 150 direct and indirect deaths and over $112 billion in damage, making it the costliest hurricane in Florida's history and the third-costliest in United States history.
Due to the severe damage to their homes or livelihoods, many have to jumpstart their recovery journey and relocate out of the state, whether temporarily or permanently.
Another major reason is the rising cost of living, particularly with the surge in demand for homes and apartments as more people move to the state. According to Rent.com’s May 2023 Rent Report, the median rent in Orlando is $2,153, in Tampa it’s $2,255 and in Miami, it’s $3,066. All are higher than the national median rent of $1,967.
Lastly, while political discourse isn't limited to one state, Florida has made the headlines more recently with legislation pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
In the last few months, people have been repeatedly warned to stay away from Florida by advocate groups due to they may be targeted by Florida's new laws that, among other things:
Restrict gender-affirming care
Require people to use bathrooms aligned with their sex assigned at birth
Ban children from attending vaguely defined "adult live performances"
Ban nearly all abortions after 15 weeks (with a 6-week ban looming)
Allow concealed carry of firearms without training or permits
Allow medical providers to refuse treatment based on their personal beliefs
Add the harshest restrictions on undocumented immigrants in the United States
Some of these laws have either been blocked or challenged by Florida courts ahead of their July 1 implementation. However, their effects were still felt, with select events canceled and certain groups claiming they have felt targeted over the past few months.
The impact of recent travel advisories: After the LGBTQ and NAACP travel advisories against Florida, is anyone staying away?
Other controversial laws, including permitless carry and book bans, have also sparked debates among Florida residents and some have said this was their final straw with the proclaimed "Anti-Woke" state.
How many people are searching for how to move to Florida?
SelfStorage also checked the keywords to see where people wanted to move to, using the phrases “Relocate to state,” “Houses in state” and “Move to state.” Texas landed in first place with a search volume of 21,021.67 queries.
Florida had a search volume of 18,530 queries, reflecting its popularity as a desirable relocation destination. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and retirement-friendly communities, Florida appeals to individuals seeking a warm climate and a relaxed lifestyle.
What other states have people wanting to move there?
Texas
Florida
California
Hawaii
Arizona
North Carolina
Virginia
Tennessee
Alaska
New York
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida a leader in lists of where residents want to leave, and move
