How long Americans stay in their hometowns (& mistakes they make when they finally do)
While many Gen Zers dream of making it in a big city to New York City or Los Angeles, it’s not really the norm across the country. About six in 10 young adults live within 10 miles of where they grew up, and eight in 10 never venture more than 100 miles from home, a 2022 survey from the U.S. Census Bureau and Harvard University found.
Migration patterns by demographic groups
Among the most common cities Americans flock to are New York City, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
When looking at migration patterns by demographic group, Black Americans tend to move to Southern cities, while Asian Americans tend to move to the West Coast. Hispanic Americans’ top destinations are in the South and on the West Coast, such as Los Angeles and San Antonio, while White Americans are moving across the country, including to New York City and Chicago.
Why Americans are choosing to stay put
Many people who leave eventually return, and those who never leave mostly cite family as the reason they stayed. In a NorthAmerican.com survey. 41% of men said they wanted to be near family, and 31% said they were simply happy where they were. Similarly, 64% of women chose to stay in their hometowns, with 53% citing family as the main reason.
When do Americans actually decide to move
There are really two windows when people tend to make a move: early adulthood, when leaving home feels exciting and full of possibility, and later — once they’re ready to settle down and start a family — when a lot of them end up circling back to where they came from.
4 ways to avoid these common mistakes when moving
The biggest moving mistakes people make usually happen either before or during the move. Here are four ways to avoid these pitfalls.
1. Research your movers
Make sure you’re looking at movers with the best rates and discounts because you’re not going to be able to fit your entire life in two suitcases. This is especially true when moving into big cities without your own transportation. Consider using movers or renting your own moving truck.
2. Not setting aside proper meals and clothes during the packing process
While it’s tempting to just box everything up at once, you’re still living in your home for another week — you’ll need clothes and food. Set aside a few lightweight outfits and plan for easy meals those last few days, whether that’s prepping something simple or just ordering in.
3. Declutter your belongings
Take some time to consider what items can be recycled or donated. You don’t need those jeans you’ve had since high school or the pot that’s covered in rust. By dedicating some time to deciding what you want to keep and what you don’t, you can save some time and money by packing fewer items.
4. Update your address
The first thing you should do when you arrive at your new home is to update your address. A new address is not only necessary to receive your mail, but to prove your residency, update your driver’s license and voter registration.
With these tips, moving has never been easier
Whether you’re exploring your 20s in a new city or ready to settle down, these tips will help you make the moving process a smooth-sailing ride.
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