It’s difficult to decide where to move to with 50 states in the country. However, it is undeniable that some states are no longer popular with Americans. People are leaving their home states in droves in search of better opportunities elsewhere in the United States, whether it’s due to Mississippi’s high unemployment rate or California’s high cost of living.
Which states have worse favorability ratings among Americans has been made evident by survey results, polls, and resident testimony. Scroll down to find which states individuals no longer wish to call home; you might be surprised.
Georgia Has Become Too Expensive
Georgia being included on this list may surprise some people, but there is a good explanation. People frequently travel to Georgia, usually to Atlanta, but they don’t stay. On the other hand, it appears that many are attempting to flee the country. Ultimately, costs are what matter.
In contrast to the nine percent increase in other states throughout the nation, the city’s rent prices have increased by 28 percent since 2000, according to the government periodical. According to HotPads research from 2018, the cost of renting was increasing three times more quickly than in comparable cities. People naturally want to relocate, so it makes sense!
Iowa Is “Just A Boring State To Live In”
Although the towns and employment market in Iowa are expanding and the sunsets over its cornfields are breathtaking, none of these things are attracting people to stay in the state. People aged 44 and under are emigrating from Iowa in quest of improved career prospects and a lifestyle change, while older residents are doing so to retire.
United Van Lines reports that “68.22% are relocating out of the state to pursue jobs, while 12.41% are leaving to retire.” Another Redditor lamented “the state’s weather extremes, inadequately financed public schools, and failing infrastructure, as well as that Iowa is a dull place to live in.”
Up next: people are leaving this tiny state in search of better job opportunities.
Maine Residents Want To Retire Somewhere Warmer
Maine is a stunning coastal state with picturesque ports, mountains, and wilderness in every direction. However, few people want to settle in the state. Most locals leave Maine’s boundaries in quest of a somewhat warmer place to live, especially the elderly who make up 59 percent of the population.
Long-time Elsa K., a person from Maine, commented on Quora, “Wintertime brings chilly weather. And snowy and windy. I’m from northern Iceland, where the winters are harder and snowier but not as long or gloomy as they are there.”
Minnesota Has Horrible Weather
One of the chilliest states in the nation, Minnesota is one of those places where you have to enjoy the cold and snow to live there contentedly. A lovely three-year period of tourists pouring into the icy scenery of the Land of 10,000 Lakes came to an end in 2019. And it’s not simply the weather’s fault.
98.1 Minnesota’s New Country reports “For various occupations, 62.43 percent of folks relocated outside the state. Additionally, 17.99% of the workforce retired. Everyone is familiar with someone who relocates to a warmer state for the winter.”
Oklahoma Has Fewer And Fewer Jobs
Unfortunately, Americans no longer travel in droves to Oklahoma to view its expansive plains and woodlands. A ten-year trend of individuals moving into the state has been disproved in recent years. More people now appear to be moving away from Oklahoma following graduation.
According to Chad Wilkerson, vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Oklahoma City Branch, “relatively fewer job possibilities than in some other sections of the country following the oil price decline of 2014-2015 has been a driving element in recent out-migration from the state.”
North Dakota Residents Don’t Enjoy The Lifestyle
The fact that North Dakota is one of the least populous states in the union certainly doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Even the absence of work prospects isn’t to blame for the small population. On the other hand, it is asserted that if someone relocates there, they will undoubtedly get employment.
People are less inclined to relocate to The Peace Garden State because of their way of life. According to United Van Lines, “the most frequent reason people migrate out of North Dakota is the lifestyle, which is given by roughly 61 percent of those who do so.” On Quora, someone wrote: “Every state has a unique feature that is worth exploring. What makes North Dakota interesting?”
Mississippi Has One Of The Highest Unemployment Rates
Mississippi has many excellent qualities, such as the people and southern culture. However, the jobless rate in the Magnolia State is among the highest in the nation. People aren’t exactly lining up to migrate to Mississippi because of the sticky conditions, mosquitoes, and general stickiness.
“When we evaluate population projections by age, we discover Mississippi is losing individuals at the age when they would be entering their peak earning years, while other states are gaining them,” a Tradition study said during a healthcare and economic symposium in 2018. Census figures show that Mississippi is rapidly losing its millennial population.
Arkansas Struggles With Poverty
Ironically, Arkansas, which is dubbed “The Land of Opportunity,” faces issues with unemployment and poverty. Even though the state has wonderful parks, wilderness regions, and a top-notch university, roughly 71 percent of its citizens leave the state in pursuit of employment.
According to The Washington Post, “Thousands of Medicaid participants lost their health insurance in the months that followed as the state became the first to mandate that recipients have employment. Arkansas doesn’t have enough jobs, according to Medicaid opponents.”
West Virginia Has A Dwindling Economy
West Virginia’s towering mountains and gushing rivers draw tourists, but the state’s ailing economy has young people fleeing to neighboring states. The state has one of the worst unemployment rates in the nation due to the opioid problem. The population is constantly declining, making it impossible for businesses to grow in West Virginia and create jobs.
John Deskins, the director of WVU’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, says, “One of the ways the state attracts new firms is through population expansion. Before establishing a location, a firm must be certain that it will be able to find the employees it needs there.” This is a destructive cycle.
Pennsylvania Retirees Would Prefer Less Snow
Older individuals are relocating to warmer states while young people are relocating to Pennsylvania. According to The Center Square, 240,832 people left the state in 2019. While many things about Pennsylvania might be enjoyable, such as the low cost of living and the sports teams, the great majority of retirees would prefer to go somewhere with less snow and wind-cold.
Research from Pew Charitable Trusts stated, “It is evident that there isn’t just one main motivation for moving. The majority of those who left Philadelphia described themselves as looking for new chances rather than running away.”
Missouri Doesn’t Have Enough Work
Even though Missouri is known as the “Gateway to the West” because of the enormous archway that dominates the state’s skyline, citizens frequently pass through other gates before continuing to other states. People move out of the state for straightforward reasons. There aren’t enough jobs because factories are shutting down.
Jobs are the reason for 63 percent of migrations, according to Moneywise. Additionally, the Kansas City metro region has lost 1.9 percent of its manufacturing employment over the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as a result of “factories closing near Kansas City.”
Utah Doesn’t Have Job Opportunities
With its national parks and snow-capped mountains, Utah is a well-liked retirement destination. Despite this, the state struggles to retain its younger citizens. 65 percent of outbound movements have been attributed to both work possibilities, with the increasing cost of housing being another factor.
“The median price for an existing single-family house in Salt Lake City has grown eight percent over the previous year to a tough $358,000,” states a 2019 quarterly study by the National Association of Realtors.
Michigan Jobs Don’t Have Good Pay
Residents of Michigan are not misled by the state’s 3,300 miles of shoreline and stunning parks. The severe weather in Michigan causes seniors to go elsewhere for their retirements. And young people are moving in droves to other states in search of chances and jobs that pay more.
The state has prospects for employment in management, math, and technology, but there are also lower-paying jobs available, such as food preparation, which pays under $20,000 annually, according to Bridge Magazine. According to the Joint Economic Committee, the absence of meaningful employment causes highly educated young people to experience a “brain drain,” which encourages them to look for better employment prospects abroad.
Kentucky’s Minimum Wage Is $7.25
The expansive bluegrass terrain of Kentucky is insufficient to discourage people from leaving the state. Residents are fleeing the area in search of employment that pays more than the $7.25 minimum wage due to one of the worst jobless rates in the nation. Yes, it has been the state’s minimum wage for the previous 10 years.
According to United Van Lines research, more than half of those who relocate out of Kentucky do so to accept a better job elsewhere. Fortunately, Kentucky authorities have announced that additional employment chances will arise in the upcoming years.
Hawaii Is Too Expensive
Hawaii is perhaps one of the most picturesque states in the union. It’s clear why visitors adore this place with its white-sand beaches, jungle-like setting, and stunning mountains. But such visitors seldom intend to remain for more than a few weeks, and they wouldn’t think of relocating there permanently. This is mostly caused by the absurdly high cost of island life.
Michael Hernandez, a former Hawaii resident, claims: “I would only transfer my family back to Hawaii if I won the lotto [in Florida] and had enough money to retire. However, given how much more expensive everything is on the island, that seems nearly impossible.”
Ohio’s Young People Are Flocking To More Vibrant Cities
Ohio offers a pleasant change of pace for many inhabitants of coastal areas because of its reduced cost of living and friendly locals. Additionally, more individuals are attempting to leave Ohio while a lot of others are moving there. Due to Ohio’s low employment rate and sluggish industrial growth, the bulk of the relocations are job-related.
“The main reason [people are leaving] by far is jobs, at 60.75 percent,” claims United Van Lines. Young professionals are moving to cities with more lively, metropolitan economies, including Washington D.C. and Seattle, according to Michael Stoll, chair of UCLA’s Department of Public Policy.
Virginia Is Being Left For Retirement
Despite Virginia’s stunning beaches, mountains, and cheap taxes, many are leaving the state. Ironically, because of the aforementioned features, the state is regarded as one of the finest for retirees. However, the age group departing Virginia in the greatest numbers is elderly citizens.
However, work prospects are another reason why individuals are leaving their homes in addition to retirement. According to the United Van Lines’ Nation Movers Study, 48.25 percent of individuals relocate for new career opportunities, compared to 23.54 percent who do so for retirement.
New Jersey’s Property Tax Is Very High
Beaches, some of the greatest pizza in the country, family-friendly suburbs, and delectable regional food can all be found in the Garden State. All of that, however, is not deterring individuals from leaving New Jersey. Despite being pleased to be from the little state, New Jerseyans are leaving in large numbers due to the weather and property taxes.
based on United Van Lines “More individuals are leaving New Jersey than any other state, according to recent data. A third or more leave the state in search of employment; a similar number do so in search of better retirement possibilities.”
Wisconsin Has Harsh Winters
Although individuals are drawn to Wisconsin because of its low cost of living and stable economic development, locals are nonetheless packing up their Green Bay Packers cheesehead hats and leaving the state. People leaving the state is not unexpected given that it has some of the worst winters in the nation.
Every winter in the state’s meteorological records, except five, “reached temperatures of at least 30 below zero,” according to the National Weather Service. More than half of individuals who relocated in 2018 were reported to be older, with an apparent desire to retire in a warmer climate.
Nebraska Has Too Many “No Experience Necessary” Jobs
Although Warren Buffet calls Nebraska home, tourists aren’t exactly drawn to the state for its pleasant climate and nearby natural wonders. It’s the complete opposite. According to locals’ jokes, people are fleeing the state in pursuit of better employment prospects and climates that don’t change every five minutes.
According to a United Van Lines survey, a sizable 70% of those who leave Nebraska do so in pursuit of employment. Because there are so many minimum wage jobs that don’t require expertise and so few high-paying professions, there is a phenomenon among locals known as “brain drain.”
Montana Residents Move To Be Closer To Family
It is difficult to see anyone leaving Montana voluntarily given the state’s picturesque open terrain, mountains, and clean air. Additionally, residents are relocating while high-profile celebrities are starting to purchase vacation properties in the region. In contrast to other states on this list, people leave to live nearer to family rather than for employment opportunities or the climate.
107.5 FM radio station reports “Over half of all movements include leaving the state. Family is the main factor in individuals leaving Montana.” It seems natural that people who live on isolated parcels of property would desire to relocate, even out of state, to be nearer to their relatives.
California Isn’t All Golden
California has one of the nicest climates in the country and is home to some stunning individuals. It’s difficult for anyone to not like the Golden State with its palm tree-lined streets and beaches that extend the length of the coast.
Due to the high expense of living and the inconvenience of traffic congestion on all California roads, more individuals are leaving the state than ever before. According to the annual American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, “in 2018, around 691,000 persons relocated from California to another U.S. state.”
Connecticut Isn’t A Good State For Retirement
Beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and quaint villages in Connecticut draw a lot of tourists each year, but the locals are eager to go. People who are approaching retirement can’t help but leave the state as taxes, the cost of living, and the condition of the pothole-filled roadways worsen.
Given Connecticut’s severe winters and pricey way of life, it’s not surprising that elderly people are searching for a warmer and less costly place to live. based on United Van Lines “Ages 55 to 64 are the most common range for people leaving Connecticut. The majority of individuals who leave have annual earnings of at least $150,000.”
Massachusetts Is An Expensive State
Massachusetts, a coastal state, has a fantastic education system and is the ideal spot to relax and watch sailboats while indulging in a delectable lobster roll. Unfortunately, the state is also notorious for having very high housing costs, particularly close to Boston’s central business district.
The high cost of housing in the Boston region, both to buy and to rent, is another consideration, necessitating quality-of-life trade-offs that many potential residents may not be ready to accept, according to the radio station 90.9 wbur. It’s hardly surprising that people are fleeing when you consider the severe winters on the East Coast and the terrible traffic in the state.
New York City Is Not The Place To Start A Family
Although New York certainly provides one of the most distinctive ways of life in the nation, it is quite expensive. The expensive studio apartment rent in the metropolis and the insecure employment in certain rural communities are not worth the good cuisine, culture, and active lifestyle.
While New York is a fantastic environment for young people, those looking to have a family tend to go to areas with more affordable housing options. “Nearly 300 individuals relocate out of New York every day,” according to Bloomberg. That statistic now ought to tell you something!
Louisiana Has A Low Employment Rate
Louisiana is a desirable state for numerous reasons, including its coastal location, delectable cuisine, and distinctive culture. Even though these attractions are enjoyable for tourists, inhabitants are actively seeking jobs outside of the state.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent 2019 data, “The number of individuals employed in Louisiana has drastically fallen since reaching a peak in 2014. In actuality, 4,801 fewer individuals are working.”
Kansas Doesn’t Have Favorable Weather
While Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz once declared, “There’s no place like home,” many people are now traveling down Kansas’s version of the yellow brick road. This has nothing to do with Sunflower State’s high unemployment rate or affordable cost of living, both of which are quite alluring.
People are instead moving away from the “windy with a risk of a tornado or two” weather to pursue alternative employment options. 63.8 percent of those who left Kansas mentioned their jobs as the reason, according to United Van Lines.
Illinois Residents Are Leaving For The Sun Belt
Great deep-dish pizza, fantastic universities, outstanding sports teams, and one of the trendiest cities in America, Chicago, can all be found in Illinois. Nevertheless, state citizens are moving in droves to other regions of the country. People are fleeing for several reasons, including the state’s high property taxes.
A 2016 Southern Illinois University study indicated that over half of Illinois, residents wanted to relocate, citing taxes, the weather, an inefficient and dishonest local government, and a dearth of middle-class employment, according to Governing magazine.
Next: We’re looking at the U.S. states that were ranked the worst to retire based on affordability, crime, culture, weather, and wellness.
Maryland Isn’t An Affordable Option
Maryland has been named the worst state in the union for retirees out of all 50 states. While it does poorly in all but one area (weather), cost and culture are where it suffers the most.
Despite having a long history, the state doesn’t now have a lot to offer in the way of culture and entertainment. Additionally, Maryland residents have the highest levels of wealth in the nation, which raises the cost of housing and makes it difficult for people who want to retire on a tight budget.
New Yorkers Should Move Elsewhere To Retire
The state of New York includes a lot of land with lakes tranquil creeks and stunning foliage in the fall. The state, however, is among the worst for retirees. Even while it may seem alluring for New Yorkers to stay in the same state and relocate north, the cost of living there is very high, and the area lacks many of the cultural amenities that New York offers.
The state’s median house value is $305,300, however, due to the active property market, home prices are only expected to rise.
Wellness Isn’t Well In Illinois
Given that Illinois is one of the most populous states in the US, it stands to reason that those who spent their working lives in Chicago or who grew up there may wish to retire there as well. With little crime, pleasant weather, and a variety of cultural events, it’s an excellent spot to raise a family.
However, Illinois shouldn’t be on your list of retirement destinations. Illinois scores poorly when it comes to health and wellness. If you don’t reside in a remote area of the nation, it is also an expensive state to live in. Additionally, there isn’t much to do if you’re far away.
