Arkansas emerged as the top inbound state in 2024, with 65% of Atlas Van Lines’ shipments heading into the state. The data, released in the company’s 2024 Migration Patterns Study, highlights the growing appeal of Arkansas, along with states like Rhode Island and North Carolina, as destinations of choice for Americans seeking change. While Arkansas leads, the key takeaway from this year’s study is clear: fewer Americans are relocating across state lines.
A Nation Holding Still
According to Atlas, 2024 saw the highest number of “balanced” states in the last five years, meaning states where the number of people moving in is nearly equal to those moving out.
Additionally, the U.S. saw the lowest number of outbound states during that same period. This trend suggests that many Americans are staying put, a phenomenon closely linked to the “lock-in effect.” The “lock-in effect” refers to homeowners choosing not to move because their existing mortgage rate is significantly lower than current rates. As a result, inventory tightens, home prices rise, and mobility slows, a pattern now supported by both Atlas’ data and recent research from the
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
Why People Are Still Moving
Despite this inertia, many do still relocate, and the reasons are telling. In August 2024, Atlas surveyed 1,135 individuals who had moved within the past three years. The most common reasons cited were:
● Job opportunities (32%)
● Proximity to friends or family (25%)
● Affordability (10%)
Other reasons included climate, health, retirement, and safety considerations.
These motivators help explain why states like Arkansas, known for a lower cost of living, have seen an increase in inbound moves, while traditionally high-cost states like California, Illinois, and New York landed on the top outbound list. California returned to the outbound category in 2024 after being classified as “balanced” for two consecutive years.
Top Inbound and Outbound States (2024)
Top 10 Inbound States:
- Arkansas
- Rhode Island
- North Carolina
- Washington, D.C.
- Idaho
- Tennessee
- Maine
- Connecticut
- Washington
- Alaska
Top 5 Outbound States:
- Louisiana
- California
- Illinois
- South Dakota
- New York
Regional and International Trends
The study also revealed regional and international insights. In Canada, centrally located provinces like Ontario and Manitoba saw the most outbound moves, while northern and eastern provinces such as New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island attracted inbound relocations.
Globally, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, and China ranked among the top destinations for international inbound shipments, while Panama and India topped the list for outbound moves.
2024’s migration trends indicate a nation in flux with economic pressures and personal priorities shaping where (and whether) people move. As more Americans weigh the costs of leaving their low-rate mortgages behind, the market remains tightly wound. But for states like Arkansas, the appeal is contributing to growth, as many of us have seen here in Northwest Arkansas.
Source: Atlas® Van Lines 2024 Migration Patterns Study
Full report atlasvanlines.com/resources/migration-patterns
Desiree Stock, Executive Broker, Collier & Associates
Momentum Loans
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FayettevilleNew Business
Fayetteville's cheese lovers have something to celebrate—Bloom Cheese Collective is now softly open at 914 N. College Ave., just behind Pink Ferns. This cheese shop and eatery is the dream-turned-reality of husband-and-wife duo Ali and Brooks Cameron, who bring their culinary passion and cheese expertise to the community. Bloom offers cut-to-order cheeses from around the world, small and large charcuterie boards, sandwiches, pasta dishes, beer, wine, and more. Guests can expect casual pop-up dinners, guided cheese tastings, and classes once the shop is fully up and running. Stop in for a sandwich, sip some wine, or sample your way through a cheese counter like no other—Bloom is now open and ready to welcome you.
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