Americans are continuing to head south, and the latest moving data offers a closer look at the cities attracting the most new residents.

Penske Truck Rental released its 16th annual Top Moving Destinations list, ranking cities by the number of one-way consumer truck rentals during 2025. Houston took first place for the fifth consecutive year, while Atlanta and San Antonio held onto the second and third spots.

The reasons people move are changing, too. In a separate survey of 1,009 U.S. adults, 41% said they wanted a fresh start, while 32% cited the chance to live somewhere with a lower cost of living.

Here are the 10 cities that topped Penske’s latest rankings.

The 10 Top Moving Destinations

Houston, Texas
Atlanta, Georgia
San Antonio, Texas
Charlotte, North Carolina
Las Vegas, Nevada
Orlando, Florida
Austin, Texas
Dallas, Texas
Phoenix, Arizona
Tampa, Florida

The South Dominates the List

The rankings have a clear regional pattern, with most of the cities located in the South. Texas accounts for four spots, with Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas all making the top 10, while Florida adds Orlando and Tampa.

Several cities also held onto their positions from the previous year. Houston remained No. 1 for the fifth year running, and Atlanta and San Antonio stayed in second and third place, while Charlotte moved up from sixth to fourth.

Phoenix also returned to the top 10 for the first time since 2021. It took the place of Chicago, which appeared on the previous list.

Why Americans Are Packing Up

The survey offers some insight into what people hope to find after moving. A fresh start was the most common reason, with 41% of respondents choosing it, followed by a lower cost of living at 32%.

When asked where they would prefer to live if money weren’t a concern, respondents gave more weight to lifestyle. Weather was the top priority for 33%, while 24% said they would like to live closer to family and friends.

People also seem to want a combination of activity and peace in their new communities. Around 61% said they wanted to live in an area with easy access to restaurants and entertainment, while 59% preferred a quieter community with a slower pace of life.

Younger adults had their own priorities, too. Among Gen Z respondents, 65% said living in a city that reflects their personal values was very or extremely important, while 80% wanted a fun place where they could enjoy their interests.

The rankings point to a familiar pattern: many Americans are still choosing Texas, Florida, and other Southern destinations when it’s time to move. Their reasons vary, from wanting a fresh start to finding more affordable housing or a lifestyle that suits them better.

Planning a Move of Your Own?

Moving to another city involves plenty of details, from sorting through belongings to getting settled in a new home. Our moving checklist covers tasks to handle before, during, and after the move so you can keep track of what needs to get done.