The United States is hailed as the land of opportunity. People from several countries around the world are eager to immigrate to America. But surprisingly, there are various places in the US the locals themselves are fleeing in numbers.
According to a report, more than 35 million Americans moved interstate last year. Idaho, Arizona, and South Carolina show the highest inbound moves as people continue to abandon major states like California, New York, and New Jersey. Below, we present a complete list of the states Americans do not want to live in anymore.
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1. Oklahoma
People looking for green lands or better employment opportunities are moving out from Oklahoma. Although some families are moving in, the number of people moving out is greater than those entering it. In a survey, 64% of people mentioned a new job as being the reason for leaving Oklahoma, whereas 54% of new settlers were shifting to this place after seeking employment here.
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2. New Jersey
The main reason causing people to move out from New Jersey is the high housing expenses and tax rate. New Jersey has the highest property tax in the nation. According to a CNBC report, 46% of people moving out were seeking better job opportunities, and 24% were retirees who want to spend retirement in quieter regions.
3. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is America’s smallest state by area. However, being home to over a million residents, it is one of the most densely populated states in the US. This is the biggest reason why the majority of people are leaving the place.
4. Alaska
In contrast to Rhode Island, Alaska is the least populated state in the country and the largest in the United States, having less than two residents per square mile. Alaska ranked second in 2018 for the highest unemployment rates in the United States. The high cost of living, high rates of unemployment, and tough climate are the primary reasons why people are fleeing out of Alaska.
5. Mississippi
Mississippi offers scenic beaches on the Gulf Coasts along with delicious Southern comfort food. However, it doesn’t offer very attractive employment opportunities, which is why people are escaping the place in large numbers. Plus, the weather here tends to get unbearably hot – and welcomes a swarm of mosquitoes and biting flies too.
6. Arkansas
Arkansas stands out among the top results when you search for states Americans do not want to live in anymore. The state ranks 45th among the states in terms of livability. It has a reputation for cities that have no jobs, no outdoor activities, and dangerously high crime rates.
7. Maine
Maine is a beautiful state for people of all ages and backgrounds. However, locals say it’s a place you don’t want to retire in. The major reason stated by retirees moving out is the need for a moderate climate. After all, Maine sees quite extreme winters and very hot and humid summers.
8. Missouri
The job market in Missouri has been plummeting for quite some time. Numerous factories in Kansas City have shut down, persuading people to move to another state.
9. Virginia
With unique cultures and socioeconomic attributes, the state of Virginia is nothing but diverse. However, it is rapidly losing inhabitants mainly because of problems like high taxation and increasing traffic congestion.
10. Utah
Utah boasts a serene environment with expansive national parks flanked by snow-clad mountains. Nonetheless, it fails to motivate many people to stay. The reason? Utah is not really a tax-friendly state. Home prices in the region are continuously rising, and the state hosts a number of cities people view to be ‘ghetto.’
11. North Dakota
North Dakota is one of the most sparsely populated states in the US. And that is exactly why people don’t want to live here. The region is notorious for its dull and boring lifestyle and the cost of living that doesn’t justify the few amenities the state has to offer.
12. Nebraska
Nebraska is seeing a constant increase in the number of people moving out of this state. Mostly, it’s the search for better employment that drives them out of Nebraska. The state lacks high-paying jobs, after all. Ironically, Nebraska is the home of the richest investor in the world, Warren Buffet.
13. Maryland
People who have a penchant for historic architecture love living in Maryland. However, the state witnesses a considerably high outbound rate as families continue to escape its high living costs, expensive healthcare, and rising tax rates.
14. Kentucky
Kentucky is said to be the worst state for retirees and millennials alike. In a 2020 study, it ranked last in affordability, health expenses, and the quality of life in general.
15. Wisconsin
The gorgeous landscape of Wisconsin compels people to stay. But the majority that escapes the state anyway is slow employment growth coupled with the increasing property prices.
16. Louisiana
Louisiana is a popular tourist destination. Still, it’s one of the states Americans do not want to live in anymore. The tax rates tend to be brutally high, and the overall environment is not considered good for families with kids.
17. California
Who wouldn’t love to live next to a fancy beach? Well, people who have to battle outrageously high costs of living. California has seen the most exits over the last three years as people flocked to Texas, Arizona, and Washington.
18. Illinois
Illinois is the 12th most heavily populated state in the US and therefore, ranks high in outbound moves. The topography of the state, which results in quite harsh weather conditions in the area, is also a culprit behind the large number of exits.
19. South Dakota
South Dakota forces people out because the weather makes the state downright inhospitable. Summertime can get blazingly hot, whereas the colder months tend to be painfully chilly.
20. New York
High rents and property prices, expensive living costs, harsh weather conditions, and ‘familiarity fatigue’ are some of the top reasons why even die-hard NYC loving residents are packing up and moving outstate. Plus, the extremely fast-paced lifestyle tends to get exhausting for many millennials who initially chose the land as their home.
21. Michigan
Generally, it’s the young and educated workers who no longer want to live in Michigan. This is mainly because the state has a relatively slow-performing economy and doesn’t that too many well-paying jobs.
22. Montana
Lots of tourists, coupled with a lack of public transportation and affordable housing options, are the main factors driving people out of Montana. Many retirees escape this state as the weather can be challenging to manage at times.
23. Iowa
The state of Iowa has been steadily developing over the years. The job market is growing, and cities are expanding. Still, people are leaving because the place is becoming unaffordable, especially for large families. Public schools in Iowa are usually poorly rated, and the overall lifestyle tends to be boring.
24. Connecticut
Connecticut is home to over 3.5 million residents for a reason. You can enjoy the outdoors, experience the real glory of small-town American communities, and simply delve into the natural beauty. However, it still earns a spot in the list of states Americans do not want to live in anymore. You can consider the rising property prices, harsh weather conditions, and slow traffic as the things forcing people to leave.
25. Ohio
Ohio has a highly developed highway network – but it seems like residents are only using it to flee. Several industries in the state are gradually closing down. Combine the diminishing employment opportunities with rising costs of living, and it’s easy to see why people don’t want to live in anymore.
26. Massachusetts
Residents of Massachusetts are highly fond of the culture and education system of the state. Nonetheless, they seek housing elsewhere because of how expensive living in Massachusetts can be.
27. Kansas
Kansas has always struggled to maintain its population and the reason is quite simple. There isn’t much diversity in the state. The natural landscape is void of beaches and mountains. Tornadoes are an annual event. And the tax rate is surprisingly high.
28. Hawaii
Hawaii by far has the highest influx of people all around the year – but only for vacationing. The state isn’t popular among those looking for permanent residence as the living costs in Hawaii have skyrocketed over the years.
29. Wyoming
Wyoming has a relatively low outbound rate compared to most of the states on this list. However, it has still seen a significant decrease in its population predominantly because residents with a flare for cosmopolitan lifestyles are moving out.
30. Georgia
Georgia ranks in the lowest tiers when it comes to ideal states for raising a family. Fortune 500 companies actually love the state, with Coca-Cola, Delta, and The Home Depot setting up their headquarters in the capital city of Georgia. However, traffic in the region is quite horrible. Summers can be hot and steamy, and the predominantly historic architecture often becomes an eyesore for residents.
End Note
When you look at the states Americans do not want to live in anymore, you will notice that people are mostly flocking West and South. If you are planning to shift to America or wish to move interstate, make sure to determine the livability index and quality of life in the region beforehand.
