The American migration map is changing fast. In 2025, it’s not just about jobs or taxes; citizens are chasing cleaner air, safer neighborhoods, and stronger health care systems. More people are choosing states that align with their values and offer a better quality of life.
From low crime rates to access to child care and inclusive laws, lifestyle factors are now front and center. Whether you're relocating for peace of mind or investing in long-term value, this guide reveals the top states people are moving to and the real reasons why.
TL;DR
- More Americans in 2025 are prioritizing clean air, low crime, and inclusiveness when choosing where to live.
- States with strong health care systems, worker protections, and reproductive rights are attracting a new wave of residents.
- Access to affordable and available child care is now a key quality-of-life factor for families relocating.
- Investor interest is rising in states that combine lifestyle appeal with long-term property value stability.
Comparing The Top US States People Are Moving To
These states aren’t just popular, they’re proving to be livable, safe, and values-aligned in ways that matter to modern movers. Before we break them down one by one, here’s how they compare across core quality-of-life factors.
Whether it’s access to clean air, inclusive laws, or reliable health care, the following states check multiple boxes for families, individuals, and investors alike.
Vermont
Vermont continues to attract residents seeking peace, safety, and progressive values. Known for its natural beauty and community-oriented culture, the state consistently ranks high on health and livability metrics. It also leads the country in reproductive rights and anti-discrimination laws, making it especially appealing to younger, values-led movers.
Why Are People Moving to Vermont?
- Strongest reproductive rights laws, enshrined in the state constitution
- Extremely low crime rates across urban and rural areas
- Clean air and low pollution across all counties
- Inclusive laws protecting LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities
- High access to healthcare with strong public health programs
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The lowest
Maine offers a quiet, community-centric lifestyle with unmatched safety. The state’s low crime rate, clean environment, and strong reputation for inclusiveness are drawing families and remote workers alike. While its health care metrics are mixed, its social policies and peaceful living conditions continue to drive inbound migration in 2025.
Why Are People Moving to Maine?
- The lowest violent crime rate in the country
- Excellent air quality and abundant green space
- Affordable coastal and rural housing markets
- Strong sense of local community and self-sufficiency
New Jersey
New Jersey defies outdated stereotypes with impressive quality-of-life metrics. Despite its compact geography, the state offers solid infrastructure, cultural diversity, and strong public services. Its consistent rankings in health and safety make it a magnet for those seeking suburban access to metro areas without compromising on well-being.
Why Are People Moving to New Jersey?
- Ninth-lowest violent crime rate in the U.S.
- Second-lowest premature death rate nationally
- Strong worker protections and inclusive legal frameworks
- Access to major metros with better quality-of-life trade-offs
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Minnesota
Minnesota blends progressive governance with steady economic growth. Known for its educated workforce and vibrant metro areas, the state also stands out for its legal protections and healthcare infrastructure. In 2025, it’s attracting residents who want modern rights without giving up affordability or quality public services.
Why Are People Moving to Minnesota?
- Strong reproductive rights are codified under the PRO Act
- Broad protections against discrimination in housing and employment
- Excellent health care access, including primary and specialty care
- Low uninsured rates and nationally ranked medical systems
Connecticut
Connecticut offers a high standard of living with well-developed infrastructure and proximity to major Northeastern cities. Its mix of suburban towns and historic communities provides options for both families and professionals. While environmental concerns remain, it's public safety and health outcomes that continue to attract new residents.
Why Are People that to Connecticut?
- Fourth-lowest violent crime rate in the country
- Ranked top 5 nationally for overall health and low obesity
- Strong worker protections and inclusive policies
- High education levels and access to top medical facilities
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Hawaii
Hawaii offers a lifestyle shaped by natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. While logistics and costs are unique to the islands, the draw of calm living and environmental serenity continues to outweigh those challenges for many relocating families and professionals in 2025.
Why Are People Moving to Hawaii?
- Exceptionally low crime rates in both urban and rural areas
- Pristine environmental conditions and strong air quality
- Strong social cohesion is built around cultural values and inclusiveness
- High life expectancy and broad health insurance coverage
North Dakota
North Dakota offers a low-key, grounded lifestyle with solid public safety and environmental cleanliness. While less known as a relocation hotspot, the state’s affordability, low population density, and ease of access to services make it increasingly appealing to families seeking space and simplicity.
Why Are People Moving to North Dakota?
- Most affordable and accessible child care in the country
- Consistently low levels of crime and personal safety concerns
- Clean air and low environmental stress
- Low rates of physical and mental distress
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Massachusetts
Massachusetts combines academic excellence, world-class health care, and strong labor laws into a dense but livable package. Residents benefit from some of the country’s best medical institutions and protections, making it a destination for professionals who prioritize health, stability, and rights-driven governance.
The lowest
- The lowestThe highest rate of uninsured residents in the U.S.
- The highest density of primary care doctors and mental health providers
- Strong union protections and labor laws supporting collective bargaining
- High access to dental and specialty care services
Nebraska
Nebraska continues to attract those seeking a quieter lifestyle with dependable public safety and environmental quality. Its central location and affordable living costs add to its appeal, particularly for families and retirees looking for long-term stability outside coastal metros.
Why Are People Moving to Nebraska?
- Among the top five states for clean air quality
- Low incidence of mental and physical health distress
- Strong community culture and local support networks
- Steady migration driven by quality-of-life over economic flash
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Virginia
Virginia offers the rare blend of proximity to major hubs like Washington, D.C., while still maintaining suburban calm and green space. Its health-forward lifestyle and access to clean air make it a quiet draw for families and professionals alike, especially in 2025’s values-based relocation climate.
Higher-than-average fitness levels and consistent public health rankings
- Low crime rates despite high-density areas in the north
- Good air quality across most of the state, with limited urban exceptions
- Access to nature, parks, and outdoor recreation near city centers
Conclusion
As migration patterns shift in 2025, it’s clear that Americans are moving with purpose. Clean air, safer communities, stronger health care systems, and inclusive laws are shaping where people want to live and invest. These top states aren’t just winning on lifestyle, they’re becoming long-term value markets.
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FAQs
What Are the Top Factors Driving State-to-State Migration?
The leading drivers of migration include access to quality health care, clean air, safety, affordable child care, and strong legal protections. In recent years, state laws on reproductive rights and worker protections have also influenced where individuals and families choose to move.
How Do Reproductive Rights Affect Where People Move?
Reproductive rights have become a key factor in relocation decisions, especially among younger demographics. States that protect access to abortion and broader reproductive care are attracting residents who prioritize personal freedoms, gender equality, and inclusive governance when choosing where to live.
Are These States Also Good for Real Estate Investment?
Yes, states with high livability scores tend to have more stable housing markets and consistent rental demand. Real estate investors are increasingly targeting these regions for long-term appreciation, particularly in areas with low crime, strong health care systems, and growing inbound migration.
