Recent national moving data confirms what many New Jersey homeowners have been feeling for years. More people are choosing to leave the state than move in, and that trend has now held steady for well over a decade.
According to the 2025 United Van Lines National Movers Study, New Jersey once again ranked number one in the country for outbound moves. Over 62 percent of moves involving New Jersey households were people leaving the state.
This is not a short term shift. It is a sustained pattern.
For homeowners who are thinking about retirement, downsizing, or relocating to be closer to family, this data provides important context. You are not alone in these thoughts. Many homeowners just like you are making similar decisions.
The Trend Is Being Driven by Homeowners Age 55 and Older
One of the most important insights in the data is who is actually leaving.
More than two thirds of outbound movers from New Jersey are age 55 or older. These are long time homeowners who have spent decades building careers, raising families, and paying into the system.
Now, many are choosing a different pace of life.
This aligns closely with what we see every day working with New Jersey sellers. Homeowners are increasingly looking for:
- Lower property taxes
- Lower maintenance responsibilities
- Smaller, easier to manage homes
- Proximity to adult children and grandchildren
- Communities designed for retirement living
For many, staying in the same home no longer fits their lifestyle or financial goals.
This Is Not Just About Cost, It Is About Value
Another important detail from the data is income.
Nearly half of the homeowners leaving New Jersey earn over $150,000 per year. This is not a situation where only struggling households are moving. Many financially successful homeowners are deciding that the overall value equation no longer works for them.
They are not forced out. They are choosing out.
That distinction matters.
Homeownership is not just about what you can afford. It is about what you want your money to support. For some, that means less going to taxes and maintenance and more going to experiences, travel, and family.
The Local Picture Matters Too
This is not only a statewide trend. It is very visible in North Jersey and Central Jersey markets.
Metro areas including Bergen County, Passaic County, Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Somerset County, Newark, and Jersey City all rank among the highest outbound regions in the country.
In other words, this is happening in the exact communities many of our clients live in.
We regularly speak with homeowners in towns like Westwood, Paramus, Fair Lawn, Teaneck, Hackensack, Emerson, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, and surrounding areas who are quietly planning their next chapter outside of New Jersey.
Why Planning Matters More Than Ever
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until the move becomes urgent.
They wait until:
- Health forces a change
- The home needs more work than they want to handle
- The market shifts
- Family circumstances change suddenly
At that point, decisions are rushed and options are limited.
The homeowners who have the smoothest transitions are the ones who plan early. They understand their equity. They time the market. They prepare the home properly. They coordinate the sale with their next move.
That planning makes a significant difference in both financial outcome and stress level.
Selling in New Jersey Is Not One Size Fits All
Every homeowner’s situation is different.
Some want to list traditionally and maximize price.
Some want to sell as is without making repairs.
Some are coordinating a move out of state.
Some are handling an estate or family property.
Some are downsizing.
The right approach depends on your goals, timeline, and the condition of the home.
This is where experience and local knowledge matter.
How New Jersey House Partners Helps
At New Jersey House Partners, we specialize in helping New Jersey homeowners navigate these exact transitions.
We work with:
- Older homeowners planning retirement
- Families helping parents sell
- Empty nesters downsizing
- Homeowners relocating out of state
- Sellers with properties in disrepair
- Probate and estate situations
We offer both traditional listings and investor style solutions, depending on what makes the most sense for your situation. Our job is not to push you into one path. Our job is to help you choose the right one.
If You Are Thinking About Leaving New Jersey, Start With the House
Your home is likely your largest asset. How and when you sell it will impact:
- How much cash you walk away with
- How smooth your transition is
- How much flexibility you have in your next chapter
Before you make big decisions, it is important to understand your real options.
Not online estimates.
Not guesswork.
Real numbers and real strategy.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Chapter
If you are thinking about selling, downsizing, or relocating out of New Jersey, we would be happy to talk with you.
No pressure.
No obligation.
Just honest guidance.
You can:
- Request a home value review
- Discuss timing and market conditions
- Explore as is versus full market options
- Plan your move with confidence
Whether your timeline is six months or three years, having a plan makes all the difference.
Your next chapter should be exciting, not stressful.
When you are ready, we are here to help.
