Unearth The Voyage
Americans are on the move, and the places they’re choosing might surprise you. According to recent data from moving companies like PODS and U-Haul, certain cities are drawing huge numbers of new residents thanks to affordable housing, strong job markets, and quality of life. Here are the 13 cities expected to see the biggest population booms in 2026.
1. Myrtle Beach, SC / Wilmington, NC
For three straight years, this coastal twin has topped PODS’ list of most popular moving destinations. Beach access, reasonable home prices, and a thriving tourism economy keep people flooding in from pricier parts of the country.
Retirees love the laid-back lifestyle, while remote workers appreciate the lower cost of living without sacrificing coastal charm. Families are drawn to the area’s schools and outdoor activities, from surfing to fishing.
All signs point to 2026 being another record year for this Carolina duo. If you’re dreaming of ocean breezes and a wallet-friendly lifestyle, this region remains unbeatable.
2. Ocala, Florida
U-Haul crowned Ocala the top growth city in 2024, and PODS ranks it second for 2025. What’s the secret? Housing costs here are far below most of Florida, making it a haven for people priced out of Miami or Tampa.
Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala boasts a unique equestrian culture alongside strong healthcare and manufacturing jobs. Families and retirees alike are choosing this inland gem over risky, expensive coastal areas.
With Florida’s insurance crisis pushing people away from the coast, Ocala’s appeal will only grow stronger in 2026. Expect more moving trucks headed to this affordable, job-rich city.
3. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh jumped from 20th place to third on PODS’ latest rankings, and the reason is clear: jobs, jobs, jobs. The Research Triangle is packed with tech companies, universities, and healthcare innovators looking for talented workers.
Rents here run about $200 below the national average, and home prices remain reasonable compared to other tech hubs. Young professionals and families are flocking to Raleigh for career opportunities without the crushing costs of Silicon Valley or Boston.
With North Carolina’s economy booming and living costs still manageable, Raleigh is set to remain a top-tier destination in 2026. Smart money says this city’s growth is just getting started.
4. Greenville–Spartanburg, South Carolina
Sitting at number four on PODS’ list, Greenville–Spartanburg proves you don’t need a beach to attract thousands of newcomers. This manufacturing and logistics powerhouse offers solid jobs, affordable homes, and genuine Southern hospitality.
Major employers keep expanding here, drawn by business-friendly policies and a skilled workforce. Families appreciate the small-city charm, excellent schools, and easy access to both mountains and beaches.
People from expensive northern cities are discovering what locals already know: Greenville–Spartanburg delivers big-city opportunities at small-town prices. As 2026 approaches, expect this upstate South Carolina metro to keep climbing everyone’s must-move list.
5. Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas
Everything really is bigger in Texas, including the number of people moving to DFW. U-Haul named it America’s top growth metro for 2024, while PODS ranks it fifth among all cities.
No state income tax, booming job markets in tech and finance, and relatively affordable living costs make this mega-metro irresistible. Both the urban core and sprawling suburbs are experiencing unprecedented growth.
Professional services, logistics companies, and corporate headquarters continue relocating here from pricier states. For 2026, Dallas–Fort Worth remains one of the safest bets for population growth, especially if you work in business, tech, or logistics.
6. Charlotte, North Carolina
Banking built this city, but lifestyle keeps people coming. Charlotte ranks sixth on PODS’ list and second on U-Haul’s, proving its pull across multiple data sources.
Zillow calls Charlotte one of 2025’s hottest housing markets, with homes going under contract in just 20 days. Young professionals flood in for financial services jobs, while families love the suburbs, parks, and Southern culture.
You get big-city career opportunities without San Francisco or New York price tags. Housing demand remains fierce, and competition will only intensify in 2026 as more people discover Charlotte’s winning combination of jobs, affordability, and quality of life.
7. Boise, Idaho
Boise climbed from 11th to seventh place on PODS’ rankings, and it’s easy to see why. Wide-open spaces, world-class outdoor recreation, and strong schools make it a dream destination for families and retirees.
People priced out of Seattle or Portland are finding refuge in Idaho’s capital, where housing costs remain reasonable and nature is always close. The city offers a genuine small-town feel despite steady growth.
PODS calls Boise a long-running fan favorite, and that reputation will carry into 2026. If you crave mountains, rivers, and breathing room without Pacific Northwest prices, Boise should top your list.
8. Knoxville, Tennessee
College-town energy meets Sun Belt affordability in Knoxville, which ranks eighth on PODS’ list and seventh on U-Haul’s. The University of Tennessee brings youthful vibrancy, while the surrounding region offers outdoor adventures in the Smoky Mountains.
Tennessee has no state income tax, and rents here run well below national averages. Jobs in healthcare, education, and manufacturing keep the economy humming along steadily.
Families and young professionals are choosing Knoxville over mega-metros like Nashville, trading some big-city amenities for lower costs and a relaxed pace. Expect 2026 to bring another wave of newcomers seeking this perfect middle ground.
9. Nashville, Tennessee
Music City still sings a siren song for thousands of movers. Nashville lands at ninth on PODS’ list and sixth on U-Haul’s, proving its multi-year boom isn’t over yet.
Healthcare giants, entertainment companies, and tech firms fuel robust job growth. The city’s cultural brand and nightlife are unmatched in the region, drawing young professionals and creatives.
Yes, housing costs have climbed, but Nashville still beats coastal cities by a mile. Some residents are decamping to cheaper Tennessee towns, but plenty of newcomers keep arriving to chase the Nashville dream. The beat goes on into 2026.
10. Jacksonville, Florida
While much of Florida cools off, Jacksonville keeps heating up. PODS ranks it 10th, and U-Haul lists it among the top 25 growth metros.
A busy port, military installations, and financial services jobs provide economic stability. Residents enjoy a coastal lifestyle without the sky-high insurance premiums hammering other Florida cities.
PODS notes that Florida has far fewer top-10 cities than before, but Jacksonville and Ocala remain exceptions. With a diverse economy and waterfront living, Jacksonville is positioned to stay strong in 2026 while other Florida metros struggle with out-migration and rising costs.
11. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is the new kid on PODS’ top-20 list, joining three other Tennessee cities. This river city offers a compelling pitch: all the perks of Nashville at a fraction of the cost.
No state income tax, low housing costs, and stunning natural scenery attract remote workers and retirees. Rock climbing, hiking, and water sports are practically in your backyard.
Because Chattanooga’s boom is newer than Nashville’s, there’s still room to get in before prices skyrocket. Analysts predict continued strong in-migration through 2026 as people discover this underrated gem along the Tennessee River. Don’t sleep on Chattanooga.
12. Huntsville, Alabama
Rockets and engineers have put Huntsville on the map. Ranking 12th on PODS’ list and climbing from 16th the year before, this Alabama city punches above its weight.
Aerospace, defense, and engineering companies offer high-paying STEM jobs in a region with below-average living costs. You can afford a nice house and still save money each month.
Skilled workers from expensive coastal tech hubs are discovering Huntsville’s secret: cutting-edge work without crushing expenses. With major government contracts and private space ventures expanding, 2026 looks bright for Huntsville’s continued growth and its reputation as the South’s brainiest boomtown.
13. Portland, Maine
A quirky coastal charmer, Portland ranks 13th on PODS’ list and has been a top-15 fixture for years. This small city delivers outsized appeal with walkable streets, fresh seafood, and an artsy vibe.
Remote workers especially love Portland’s blend of New England charm and modern amenities. Quality of life here rivals much larger cities, and the seaside setting is hard to beat.
PODS notes that more Americans now prioritize lifestyle over size when choosing where to live. Portland embodies that shift perfectly, and its multi-year track record suggests 2026 will bring another wave of newcomers seeking coastal New England magic.
