New jersey leads nation in people fleeing state for 7th consecutive year

ST. LOUIS — For the seventh consecutive year, New Jersey has topped the list of states with the highest percentage of residents moving out, according to United Van Lines’ 48th Annual National Movers Study released Thursday.

Ironically, this exodus coincides with Phil Murphy’s term in office. New Jerseyans are fleeing the state’s wildly progressive laws, justice system, and immigration sanctuary state. New Jersey has been named in recent reports as one of the worst states in America for retirees because of high taxes and a high cost of living.

The 2024 study, which tracked state-to-state migration patterns based on United Van Lines’ customer data, reported that 67% of moves involving New Jersey were outbound. The top reasons cited for leaving included retirement (22%) and the desire to be closer to family (20%), with over 40% of those moving out aged 65 and older.

Among those fleeing New Jersey, Florida was the most popular destination, accounting for 20% of the state’s outbound migration. Many movers were drawn to the Sunshine State’s warmer climate, lower taxes, and overall affordability, the study noted.

Economic pressures and high living costs have consistently contributed to New Jersey’s ranking as a leading state for outbound migration. In contrast, states like West Virginia, South Carolina, and Alabama have gained traction as top destinations for inbound movers seeking affordability and quality of life.

New Jersey’s ongoing exodus underscores a broader trend of Americans seeking relief from high-cost, densely populated areas in favor of less expensive and more family-oriented regions.

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