The Southeast is becoming an increasingly popular destination for long distance moves. If you’ve been thinking of moving long distance, or just found out that you must, this kind of information can help you choose exactly where you’re going to settle down.
Internal data from National Van Lines shows that from January 2026 to August 2026, about one-third of the long distance moves we booked were headed to Southeastern states like the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia and Florida.
When you’re moving to the Southeast for a non-negotiable reason, such as a new job or new family circumstances, knowing about moving industry trends can help make choosing a new city or neighborhood much easier.
What Does National Van Lines Data Say About People Moving to the Southeast?
To get started, it helps to understand what “the Southeast” is referring to. For the purposes of this article, “the Southeast” is made up of the states in the southeastern corner of the United States of America.
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Virginia
- Florida
Here’s a helpful breakdown of exactly where National Van Lines has moved people in recent years, and how the numbers compare.
| Destination | Share of Arrivals, 2024 | Share of Arrivals, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Southeast Region | 29.5% | 33.4% |
| Florida | 10.8% | 11.7% |
| North Carolina | 5.1% | 6.8% |
| Tennessee | 2.7% | 4.3% |
| Virginia | 3.6% | 3.4% |
| South Carolina | 3.0% | 3.3% |
| Georgia | 3.3% | 2.8% |
| Alabama | 0.9% | 1.0% |
Source: National Van Lines booked moves, January 2024 to August 2026. This table compares January through August of 2024 and 2026.
This translates to about one in three customers at National Van Lines heading to a Southeastern state in 2026. The Census Bureau also reports that of these states, South Carolina was the fastest-growing state in the nation between 2024 and 2025. The data paints a clear picture showing that individuals and families are genuinely interested in relocating to these states.
How Do I Choose the Best Southeastern State for My Long Distance Move?
With a little bit of research and using the right resources and websites, you can gather data and information that will help you make a more informed and educated choice about where you’re going next. There are plenty of state-level and federal resources that can help you make decisions about the best school districts for your children, the biggest job markets, and the most wallet-friendly areas.
We’ve gathered a few top resources and websites for some of our popular Southeastern destinations to get you started.
Families With School-Aged Children
- North Carolina publishes a report card for every public school. North Carolina’s school report cards cover all public schools, including alternative and charter schools. School report cards include school performance grades, test results, class size, educator qualifications and school safety, so parents can compare schools in any North Carolina town on their list.
- Tennessee grades its schools A through F. In December 2025 the Tennessee Department of Education released its 2024–25 State Report Card. This includes letter grades for schools and shows how districts and schools perform across the state.
- Florida also gives letter grades to its schools. The Florida Department of Education’s 2025–26 school grades show that 76% of all schools (2,614 schools) earned an “A” or a “B,” up from 71% the year before.
People Moving For Work
- North Carolina’s growth is strong and widespread. The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management projects that if current trends hold, North Carolina will pass both Georgia and Ohio to become the seventh-largest state in the early 2030s.
- Tennessee’s unemployment rate is below the national average. Tennessee’s unemployment rate fell to a two-year low of 3.4% in July 2026, well below the national rate of 4.1%. Employers in the state added 21,300 jobs over the past year, with the biggest gains in health care and social assistance, followed by administrative and support services and durable goods manufacturing.
- Health care and education jobs are growing in Florida. As of July 2026, Florida had added 41,000 jobs over the past year, bringing the state to more than 10 million jobs. Education and health services led the growth, followed by professional and business services and leisure and hospitality.
Budget-Conscious Movers
- Everyday prices run lower in the Southeast. Federal data compares price levels in each state against a national average of 100. In 2024, California sat at 110.7 and New Jersey at 108.8, the first- and third-highest in the country, while North Carolina sat at 94.3 and Tennessee at 91.9. In plain terms, everyday prices in Tennessee ran about 8% below the national average, while California’s ran about 11% above.
- Tennessee does not tax your paycheck. Tennessee’s only tax on personal income, the Hall income tax, applied only to interest and dividends, and the state repealed it for tax years beginning January 1, 2021. Today, Tennessee residents pay no state income tax on wages or investment income, which can make a real difference for anyone moving from a high-tax state.
When you weigh schools, jobs and costs against what matters most to your family, you can choose the place that fits your goals and lifestyle. Use these resources to narrow down your list and start choosing your next home with confidence.
How to Plan Your Long Distance Move to the Southeast
Once you know where you are headed, first figure out the timing of your move. Summer is peak season for long distance moves, and June is typically the most expensive month to make a move. If you’re curious about how timing affects your price, take a look at why moving in June costs 22% more.
Next, choose your mover with care. Before you book, ask every company two simple questions.
- Will you handle my move yourselves? Some companies, called brokers, will book your move, then assign it to a different company to conduct the move. Knowing who will actually move your belongings helps you plan with confidence. At National Van Lines, we’re a federally licensed long distance carrier. We’re registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation under the number 76628. Your move will stay within the National Van Lines agent network from start to finish.
- Are you licensed to move households across state lines? A move to the Southeast from another region may cross several states, so choosing experienced state to state movers can help you plan for that kind of trip.
The right mover can make a long distance move to the Southeast feel stress-free, from your initial quote to the final unloading.
Ready to Make Your Move to the Southeast?
More families are choosing the Southeast, and the data shows why the region deserves a spot on your list. With the right resources you can compare schools, jobs and costs to find the place that fits your life best.
Once you have chosen your new home, National Van Lines is here to help you get there. Our team brings 97 years of experience to every long distance move. We’ll do all the heavy lifting and logistics so you can focus on what comes next.
Ready to plan your move to the Southeast? Start the conversation with National Van Lines today by calling 800-323-1962 or getting a free moving quote online.