Alabama’s Migration Momentum: Why Americans Are Heading South

Alabama’s Southern charm isn’t just a cliché—it’s becoming a major draw for many Americans on the move. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2024 Migration Trends Report, Alabama is one of the top states for inbound moves, with families, retirees, and professionals choosing the Yellowhammer State for a variety of reasons. Let’s explore what’s behind this recent surge and why Alabama has become a sought-after destination. A Look at the Overall Trends

With rapidly changing buyer preferences, a surge of remote work opportunities, and increasing affordability issues, there has been a noticeable uptick in migration throughout the U.S. over the past few years. In 2023, the states with the largest net migration were: 

1. Florida 

2. Texas

3. North Carolina

4. South Carolina

5. Georgia 

6. Tennessee 

7. Arizona 

8. Alabama 

9. Oklahoma 

10. Ohio 

11. Indiana 

12. Arkansas 

13. Virginia 

14. Idaho 

15. Wisconsin 

16. Colorado 

17. Missouri 

18. Kentucky 

19. Washington 

20. Nevada

NAR reports that southern states, such as Florida, Texas, the Carolinas — and of course, Alabama — “have been big winners in these domestic migration patterns, largely led by more affordable conditions and opportunities.” NAR says that “forty-six percent of respondents’ clients moved to the South this year, while 25 percent moved to the West, 18 percent moved to the Midwest, and 11 percent moved to the Northeast.”