Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
On the move: U.S. migration patterns
Migration slows nationwide, but regional reshuffling continues to shape city growth.
January 2026
Key takeaways
- Fewer Americans are packing up each year, yet when they do move, they overwhelmingly stay in their home region, according to Bank of America account data. The big story isn't a national reshuffle — it's people trading one nearby city for another that fits their budget and lifestyle a little better.
- Austin and Denver keep pulling in newcomers, especially from other Sunbelt metros, while LA, NYC, and Miami continue to see more people heading for cheaper pastures. Affordability and climate remain the two biggest magnets — and the two biggest push factors.
- Whether it's New York, Philadelphia, LA, or even Austin, inflows and outflows often mirror each other. People aren't abandoning regions, they're reshaping their lives within them, hunting for value without giving up too much familiarity.
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