Most Popular Cities To Move to in 2026: 7 Cities To Keep an Eye On

If you're researching the most popular cities to move to, don't automatically assume the biggest metro areas are your best options. People are increasingly weighing affordability, community, and quality of life when deciding where to live. In fact, 58 percent of respondents in the PODS Moving Mindset Study cited affordability as a key consideration, while 41 percent pointed to community and connection.

7 of the Most Popular Cities To Move to Right Now

These moving trends offer a useful snapshot of where people are relocating, but the right destination ultimately depends on what you want from your next home. The most popular cities to move to aren't necessarily popular for the same reasons. Someone working remotely may prioritize lifestyle and housing costs, while a recent graduate may care more about career opportunities. Others may value a fresh start or more affordability.

According to PODS' 2026 Moving Trends Report, the following seven cities are represented among this year's top 10 markets for move-ins.

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• Average home value: $323,100
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Great for: Coastal living, beaches, recreation, and plenty of entertainment

The broader Myrtle Beach-Wilmington market ranked first for move-ins for the fourth consecutive year on PODS’ Moving Trends Report. The region continues to attract movers with its combination of beaches, golf courses, a thriving entertainment scene, and great restaurant options.

The Myrtle Beach area has 60 miles of coastline, while outdoor activities range from kayaking and fishing to exploring its namesake state park. Golf is another major draw, with more than 80 courses in the area.

2. Ocala, Florida

• Average home value: $265,300
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Great for: Natural attractions, outdoor recreation, equestrian culture, and relatively affordable housing

Ocala offers an alternative to Florida's larger and busier metro areas, though it is farther from the coast. You still have plenty of access to the outdoors — and the best part? A lower price tag than those major metros. Ocala’s average home value is $265,300, while Sarasota’s (the other Florida destination on this list) is $409,900.

Ocala is home to the Ocala National Forest, a hotspot known for its natural springs and fun activities, including biking, zip lining, and scuba diving. It's also known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” with hundreds of farms and a long equestrian history.

Big opportunities and room to grow make Dallas one of the most popular cities to move to in 2026.

3. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

• Average home value: Dallas: $305,800 | Fort Worth: $295,800
• Average rent (one-bedroom): Dallas: $1,425 | Fort Worth: $1,275
• Great for: Career opportunities, big-city amenities, entertainment, and a wide variety of communities

Dallas-Fort Worth gives movers the scale and amenities of a major metro area, along with a diverse economy that can open the door to a range of career opportunities. The Dallas economy includes more than 62,000 businesses, with major industries spanning technology, financial services, life sciences, transportation, manufacturing, and more.

There’s plenty to do outside of work, too. The Dallas-Fort Worth area offers professional sports, restaurants, shopping, arts and entertainment, along with plenty of outdoor spaces. And because the Metroplex covers such a large area, movers aren't limited to the two urban centers. Dozens of cities and communities throughout the region give newcomers plenty of options when deciding where to settle.

4. Raleigh, North Carolina

• Average home value: $428,700
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Great for: Technology and research jobs, higher education, parks, and outdoor recreation

As part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, Raleigh has a particularly strong technology sector, with nearly 4,000 tech companies and employers working in fields like software, analytics, health care IT, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. The area's universities and research institutions add another dimension to its employment and education landscape.

The city also makes it relatively easy to get outside. Raleigh has more than 200 parks, along with lakes, nature preserves, athletic facilities, and other recreational spaces. Its Capital Area Greenway system adds more than 100 miles of trails for walking, running, and biking.

5. Charlotte, North Carolina

• Average home value: $392,600
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Great for: Career opportunities, big-city amenities, and a diverse economy

Career opportunities are one potential draw for people considering Charlotte. The region is the second-largest financial center in the U.S. (right behind NYC), with more than 100,000 people working in financial services, while other industries add variety to the local employment landscape.

With plenty of appeal beyond its business sector, Charlotte's neighborhoods give newcomers a variety of places to settle, while restaurants, entertainment, professional sports, and other urban amenities provide plenty to do. The city's economic development efforts also continue to focus on attracting companies, supporting small businesses, and encouraging investment throughout Charlotte.

6. Boise, Idaho

• Average home value: $503,900
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, easy access to nature, and a lively downtown

Although housing is more expensive in Boise than in several other destinations on this list, the city stands out for combining an active downtown with convenient access to outdoor recreation. That mix can appeal to movers who want city amenities without losing out on access to nature.

The Boise Greenbelt adds a 25-mile pedestrian and bicycle path connecting downtown with more than 850 acres of parks and natural areas. Hundreds of miles of trails are accessible around the city, and the Boise River runs through its center. Downtown Boise also has more than 100 restaurants and bars, along with shops and cultural attractions.

Beach days, art-filled afternoons, and outdoor adventures give Sarasota plenty of reasons to land on the list of popular cities to move to.

7. Sarasota, Florida

• Average home value: $409,900
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,125
• Great for: Gulf Coast beaches, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and warm weather

Sarasota's Gulf Coast location offers a mix of beach access and outdoor recreation, while a well-established arts scene means plenty of museum access and galleries spread around town — it’s known as Florida’s Cultural Coast for a reason.

The Sarasota area has more than 35 miles of coastline, along with opportunities for kayaking, boating, cycling, and exploring nearby parks and preserves. Myakka River State Park and Lake Manatee State Park are both just 30 minutes away.

Most Popular Cities to Move to Right Now — FAQs

Q: What are the top 10 cities people are moving to?

A: According to PODS' 2026 data, the top 10 most popular cities to move to are:

1. Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC
2. Ocala, FL
3. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
4. Raleigh, NC
5. Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
6. Charlotte, NC
7. Boise, ID
8. Knoxville, TN
9. Sarasota, FL
10. Jacksonville, FL

Q: What are the top 20 cities to live in the U.S.?

A: According to PODS’ 2026 Moving Trends data, the 20 most popular cities in the U.S. are:

1. Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC
2. Ocala, FL
3. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
4. Raleigh, NC
5. Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
6. Charlotte, NC
7. Boise, ID
8. Knoxville, TN
9. Sarasota, FL
10. Jacksonville, FL
11. Nashville, TN
12. Spokane, WA
13. Chattanooga, TN
14. Phoenix, AZ
15. San Antonio, TX
16. Orlando, FL
17. Grand Rapids, MI
18. Johnson City, TN
19. Dover, DE
20. Huntsville, AL

Q: What is the No. 1 city in America?

A: For move-in activity, Myrtle Beach ranked first in PODS' 2026 data — and it’s held that rank for the last four years.

Q: Where is the best place to move and start over?

A: It depends on what you're hoping to change. A retiree might prioritize affordability and healthcare, while a recent graduate may focus on career opportunities.

Once you’ve decided where to move, make it a flexible move with PODS.

Make Your Move to a New City Flexible With PODS

Once you’ve decided where to move, make it a flexible move with PODS portable moving containers. Have a container delivered right to your driveway, where you can load your belongings on your own schedule. Need a hand with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services. When you're ready, have your container picked up and delivered to your new home, or stored securely at a PODS Storage Center until you're ready to settle in.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.