2023 Mass Migration to North Carolina Cities: Ultimate Guide

North Carolina has become one of the go-to places for relocation in 2023. The state boasts three of the most desirable destinations for new residents in the country.

Rankings

Charlotte made it to the top 10 list of cities attracting new residents in 2023, ranking 7th on the list compiled by U-Haul’s new residents survey.

Similarly, the Charlotte region also led United Van Lines’ list of fast-growing larger metropolitan areas. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and Wilmington also made it to the list.

Methodology

The rankings were compiled based on the ratio of people moving in and out of these areas. Factors like job changes, mild weather, and relative affordability were some of the attractive features for new residents.

What moves people?

Job changes were the main reason for people to move, affecting 29% of respondents. The favorable weather and affordability were also cited as major attractions.

“North Carolina’s diversity in terms of cities, small towns, beaches and mountains is a major pull factor,” said Kay Church, U-Haul of West Charlotte President.

The migration trends are reflective of the larger population trends in North Carolina, as per U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

On the all-population list, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Palm Bay-Melbourne, Florida topped the United Van Lines and U-Haul’s lists respectively.