Tennessee: A Top Destination for Movers in 2025: A Comprehensive Analysis

RainaDigital Marketing2025-06-205600

According to a recent study conducted by PODS, a moving company that analyzed the cities people are flocking to and the cities people are moving out of in 2025, Tennessee has emerged as a popular destination for those looking to relocate. The state was the second-most represented on the move-ins list, just behind North Carolina, which made up one-fourth of PODS' top 20 cities for move-ins in 2025.

The moving company credits the lower-than-average cost of living and proximity to picturesque nature as reasons why so many people are moving to Tennessee and North Carolina. "Both the Carolinas and Tennessee boast lower-than-average costs of living, Southern charm, and lively culinary scenes as big draws," PODS said. "The Carolinas shine with a larger diversity of nature that ranges from mountains to beaches to forestlands, while Tennessee offers residents rivers, lakes, mountains, and plains."

East Tennessee dominated the PODS list, with Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City all ranked among the most popular cities to move to in 2025. Knoxville ranked eighth, maintaining its position since 2024 and is particularly popular among young professionals. Johnson City was ranked No. 14, moving up one spot from its 2024 ranking. Chattanooga was unranked in 2024 but now takes the No. 11 position as the most popular city to move to this year. Nashville also made the list, ranking No. 9.

The Journal of Consumer Research also supports PODS data, with a study conducted among 122,584 ConsumerAffairs users who expressed interest in moving between March 2024 and March 2025. The annual study revealed that 3,933 people had an interest in moving to Tennessee, while 2,656 users looked to move away. When it comes to the state's net average of people migrating and moving away, Tennessee ranked No. 3. Like the PODS study, Tennessee fell short of the Carolinas, with North Carolina taking the No. 1 spot and South Carolina ranking No. 2.

Tennessee is generally considered a good state to move to due to its lower-than-average cost of living, no state income tax, moderate climate, and close access to nature. The state's natural beauty and Southern charm make it an attractive destination for those looking for a new place to call home.

In terms of the cities with the highest number of move-ins according to PODS data, here are some of the top destinations: