More than one in five (22 percent) residents planning an out-of-state move said better weather is motivating their relocation, making it the most commonly cited reason among 29 options included in a recent survey from Redfin.
Concerns about natural disasters and climate risks ranked a close second, with 21 percent of respondents saying those factors are influencing the decision to leave their current state.
This is according to a Redfin survey conducted by Ipsos in May, fielded to 4,000 residents. They were asked: “Which of the following reflect reasons why you are likely to move in the next year?” Respondents could select all that apply from a list of 29 options.
The results in this report are from the respondents who said they’re planning to move to a different state in the next 12 months.
People who plan to move to a different neighborhood or city within their state have different top reasons. Among that group, 29 percent are moving to upgrade to a better home or neighborhood, and the same share plan to move because they want more space, the most commonly cited factors. Next comes concern for safety/crime (21 percent). Nine percent of this group cited better weather as a reason for their move, and 14 percent cited concern for natural disasters or climate risks.
Redfin migration data shows that Americans consistently move from northern parts of the country to warm, sunny southern metro areas. Florida, Las Vegas and Sacramento, Calif. are among the most popular destinations for relocating homebuyers and renters. This survey shows a similar trend: Of the respondents who are planning an out-of-state move, 14 percent are moving to Florida, the most commonly cited state, followed closely by Texas (13 percent) and California (11 percent).
Many of the metros that people are leaving are much more expensive than the places they’re moving to; cost-of-living is an important consideration in deciding where to live, but so is weather. Many of the places with warm, sunny weather happen to have fairly affordable homes. For instance, the typical home in Orlando sells for $411,000, about half as much as the typical home in New York, the most common out-of-state origin for people moving to Orlando.
“Many movers are looking for a location that aligns with their ideal lifestyle, and weather can play a meaningful role in that decision,” Yingqi Xu, economist for Redfin, said in a release. “Whether it’s escaping harsh winters, the desire for year-round outdoor recreation or looking to sunshine as a mood booster, weather is an important consideration for many Americans who are relocating.”
A separate Redfin survey found that residents prioritize sunlight over home size: 44 percent would prefer a smaller home with more sunlight over a larger, dimmer home, while 24 percent would prefer the opposite. The survey also found that people who live in sun-filled homes are much more likely to love where they live.
In terms of Americans moving due to concern about natural disasters and climate risks, a separate Redfin analysis reinforces that point. Movement away from flood-prone parts of the U.S. intensified in 2025 after becoming a notable trend in 2024.
Among those planning an out-of-state move, concern for safety or crime was the most commonly cited reason after weather and climate risk, with 20 percent of respondents selecting that option. Next comes moving for a new job (19 percent), followed by lower overall cost-of-living (18 percent) and moving to be closer to family (18 percent).
A sizable share of respondents said they plan to move for political reasons. More than one in 10 (12 percent) who intend to move out-of-state are moving to live in an area where their views are better aligned with the political majority.