American exodus down south continues: Where people are moving to in SC and Upstate in 2025

Where are Americans moving to in the Upstate?, Things to do in Greenville-Spartanburg, as recommended by PODS, 20 cities with the highest number of move-ins ranked, according to PODS, 20 cities with the highest number of move-outs ranked, according to PODS

Americans are continuing to flee to states along the Sun Belt in search of a better quality of life, which includes Southeast states like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.

This mass exodus has been driven by skyrocketing costs of living, changing work policies, and natural disasters.

Popular moving and storage service PODS analyzed its net-long distance moving numbers between January 2024 and March 2025 to determine where most Americans are relocating to this year. The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina, area topped the list of top 20 cities.

Another area in S.C. also squeezed into the top 5, this time in the Upstate. Here's where it is.

Where are Americans moving to in the Upstate?

The Greenville-Spartanburg area is staying steady on the PODS list, ranking at spot No. 4 in the roundup. According to PODS, the area has a combined population of more than 1.4 million, with both cities featuring a "tight community and a focus on building the downtown areas where residents can enjoy an active culture with plenty of outdoor activities."

Workers find the area desirable due to top brands BMW and AFL planting their headquarters there. Access to affordable housing and quality schools is also made easy in Greenville-Spartanburg.

And when it comes to neighborhoods and attractions, there's no shortage. Residents in Greenville get to enjoy the Greenville Zoo and Pettigru Historic District, as well as two country clubs and golf courses located near Pleasant Valley, per PODS. Spartanburg neighborhoods Hillcrest and Fernwood are in short distance from shopping areas and quality outdoor spots.

Where are Americans moving to in the Upstate?, Things to do in Greenville-Spartanburg, as recommended by PODS, 20 cities with the highest number of move-ins ranked, according to PODS, 20 cities with the highest number of move-outs ranked, according to PODS

A four-day old newborn giraffe walks near its mother Autumn at the giraffe area at the Greenville Zoo near downtown Greenville, S.C. Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

  • Hike and horseback ride at Croft State Park.
  • Explore the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve.
  • Relax or stroll the gardens at Falls Park on the Reedy.
  • Get a mix of local culture, history, and nature at Glendale Shoals Preserve & Waterfalls.
  • See the animals at the Greenville Zoo.
  • Visit the Hub City Railroad Museum or Spartanburg Regional Museum of History.
  • Dine at local restaurants like Willy Taco, Monsoon Noodle House, and Wade's Restaurant.

20 cities with the highest number of move-ins ranked, according to PODS

  1. Myrtle Beach/Wilmington, North Carolina (1st in 2024)
  2. Ocala, Florida (2nd in 2024)
  3. Raleigh, North Carolina (6th in 2024)
  4. Greenville-Spartanburg (4th in 2024)
  5. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (Not ranked in 2024)
  6. Charlotte, North Carolina (5th in 2024)
  7. Boise, Idaho (11th in 2024)
  8. Knoxville, Tennessee (8th in 2024)
  9. Nashville, Tennessee (13th in 2024)
  10. Jacksonville, Florida (9th in 2024)
  11. Chattanooga, Tennessee (Not ranked in 2024)
  12. Huntsville, Alabama (16th in 2024)
  13. Portland, Maine (12th in 2024)
  14. Johnson City, Tennessee (15th in 2024)
  15. Spokane, Washington (Not ranked in 2024)
  16. Atlanta, Georgia (14th in 2024)
  17. Greensboro, North Carolina (20th in 2024)
  18. Asheville, North Carolina (10th in 2024)
  19. San Antonio, Texas (Not ranked in 2024)
  20. Dover, Delaware (17th in 2024)

20 cities with the highest number of move-outs ranked, according to PODS

  1. Los Angeles, California (1st in 2024)
  2. Northern California (San Francisco area) (2nd in 2024)
  3. South Florida (Miami area) (3rd in 2024)
  4. Long Island, New York (Serving parts of NYC) (4th in 2024)
  5. San Diego, California (8th in 2024)
  6. Central Jersey, New Jersey (6th in 2024)
  7. Chicago, Illinois (7th in 2024)
  8. Boston, Massachusetts (13th in 2024)
  9. Hudson Valley, New York (10th in 2024)
  10. Denver, Colorado (12th in 2024)
  11. Santa Barbara, California (11th in 2024)
  12. Seattle, Washington (Not ranked in 2024)
  13. Stockton-Modesto, California (9th in 2024)
  14. Washington, DC (Not ranked in 2024)
  15. Hartford, Connecticut (15th in 2024)
  16. Tampa Bay, Florida (Not ranked in 2024)
  17. Fresno, California (17th in 2024)
  18. Austin, Texas (5th in 2024)
  19. Bakersfield, California (18th in 2024)
  20. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Not ranked in 2024)
Where are Americans moving to in the Upstate?, Things to do in Greenville-Spartanburg, as recommended by PODS, 20 cities with the highest number of move-ins ranked, according to PODS, 20 cities with the highest number of move-outs ranked, according to PODS

Over 2700 athletes took part in the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina triathlon on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 in Wilmington, N.C. The course started in Wrightsville Beach and ended in downtown Wilmington at Water Street Park along Wilmington’s riverfront. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: American exodus down south continues: Where people are moving to in SC and Upstate in 2025

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