📦 If it feels like half of New Jersey is packing up and heading south, you’re not imagining it. The data backs it up. Every year, thousands of residents are leaving the Garden State. And they’re not just chasing palm trees and sunshine. They’re running from high property taxes, political fatigue, expensive utilities, cold winters, and a lifestyle that just doesn’t make sense anymore.
At New Jersey House Partners, we work directly with homeowners who are ready to move on. We’ve seen this shift up close, and the national data confirms what sellers already know: New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states people are leaving.
🚚 The Top 5 States People Are Leaving (Outbound Migration)
Based on the most recent migration reports from United Van Lines and U.S. Census data:
1. New Jersey – 67% of all moves were outbound
2. Illinois – 63% outbound
3. California – 60% outbound
4. New York – 59% outbound
5. Massachusetts – 57% outbound
New Jersey has held the top spot in outbound migration for multiple years. No surprise here. We have the highest property taxes in the country, a steep cost of living, rising utility bills, and post-COVID burnout that never fully faded. The state’s political climate, weather, and lack of affordable housing have a lot of people saying, “I’m out.”
🏝️ The Top 5 States People Are Moving To (Inbound Migration)
Here are the states drawing the most newcomers, according to United Van Lines:
1. Florida – 62% of all moves were inbound
2. Texas – 61% inbound
3. North Carolina – 60% inbound
4. South Carolina – 59% inbound
5. Tennessee – 58% inbound
These numbers reflect a clear trend. People want sunshine, space, and states with fewer restrictions. Florida and Texas offer no state income tax. Property taxes are significantly lower. Real estate is more affordable. Plus, in many of these states, your dollar stretches a lot further—and your politics might align more with local leadership.
📈 What I’m Seeing on the Ground
This isn’t just data. These are real people I know.
A friend of mine from Butler, New Jersey owned a small three-bedroom ranch and was paying over $13,000 a year in property taxes. But that wasn’t all. He was still frustrated about how New Jersey handled the pandemic. His kids were stuck on Zoom for months. School sports, music, and community programs were shut down. He and his wife finally had enough. They sold the house, moved to the west coast of Florida, and bought into a new construction community with a clubhouse, pool, and amenities they never had up north.
Another friend from Rockland County, New York worked for the post office. He was able to transfer to Florida. He bought a brand-new home in a gated development with a low HOA, tennis courts, and walking trails. His mortgage is now less than what he used to pay in just property taxes. And he’s surrounded by other families who made the same move.
💸 Why Are People Leaving Blue States Like New Jersey, New York, and California?
Let’s look at the real reasons people are heading for the exits:
- Taxes: New Jersey has the highest property tax burden in America. The average bill is over $9,000 per year.
- Living Costs: Groceries, insurance, car repairs, and housing are all more expensive than the national average.
- Utility Rates: In 2024, New Jersey residents faced sharp increases in electric and gas bills. The state Board of Public Utilities approved double-digit rate hikes for some utility companies, adding hundreds of dollars per year to the average household’s costs. It’s no longer just taxes squeezing homeowners—energy costs are joining the pile.
- Aging Infrastructure: Roads, public buildings, and broadband are falling behind neighboring states.
- Weather: Snow, ice, potholes, and heating bills are draining wallets and patience.
- Pandemic Policies: Long shutdowns, remote learning, and mandates left a lasting impact on working families.
- Political Fatigue: Many of the most moved-from states are Democrat-led. The top inbound states? Mostly Republican. Whether it’s taxes, mandates, or schools, many families feel more in sync with leadership in the states they’re moving to.
- Remote Work: When you’re no longer tied to an office, there’s no reason to stay somewhere that doesn’t serve you anymore.
🌴 Why People Are Choosing the Sun Belt and the Southeast
Inbound states are winning because they offer what people are missing:
- No state income tax (Florida, Texas, Tennessee)
- Lower property taxes and cost of living
- New construction with modern infrastructure
- Warmer climate and lower utility bills
- Communities with pools, gyms, trails, and event programming
- Governance that many transplants feel better aligns with their values
People aren’t just chasing affordability. They want quality of life, stability, and control over how they live.
🧭 Thinking About Selling and Starting Fresh?
You’re not alone. Whether you’re a retiree looking to stretch your savings, a tired landlord ready to cash out, or a parent who’s had enough of Zoom school and snow boots, the timing might be right.
At New Jersey House Partners, we help homeowners navigate the transition. Some want top dollar on the open market. Others want to skip repairs and sell fast with no showings or inspections. We offer both.
And if you’re heading south, we can connect you with trusted agents in Florida, the Carolinas, or wherever you’re headed next.
📞 Call or text Kevin Hill at 201-214-1349
🌐 Visit www.NJHousePartners.com
🧠 Final Take
This is no longer just a trend. It’s a movement. The rising costs, pandemic aftermath, and lifestyle imbalance are driving people to make real, lasting change.
You’re not stuck. You’re not crazy. You don’t need to keep paying more for less. It might be time to sell smart and start fresh.
