Penske officials say the consistency signals a general southerly migration, with Houston offering movers exactly what they’re looking for.
“The consistency of these rankings year after year suggests that movers have identified cities delivering what they actually want: affordability, community, cultural vibrancy, and opportunity for fresh starts,” Kevin Malloy, senior vice president of rental at Penske, said in a recent news release.
All three top cities on the list also maintained their rankings from the year prior. Houston is followed by Atlanta, then San Antonio.
Texas dominates the overall list, accounting for four of the top 10 cities. Austin claimed spot number seven, followed by Dallas at number eight. Both cities also made the top 10 for 2024.
A separate recently-conducted Penske survey, sheds more light on why Americans are packing their bags and moving in the first place. About 41 percent of respondents said they wanted a fresh start and 32 percent said they were chasing a lower cost of living.
The survey also revealed that today’s movers prioritize cities that reflect their values and lifestyle, rather than career-motivated decisions—trends that also have a generational divide.
About 45 percent of Gen Z respondents said they had moved in the past five years, and 65 percent of them said it was extremely or very important that their city aligned with their personal values.
Only 19 percent of Boomer respondents reported a move within the past five years, while 40 percent said they prioritize a city that is closer to their families.
While movers are looking for fun, many are also seeking something calmer. The survey found that 61 percent of respondents wanted vibrant communities with easy access to restaurants and entertainment, while 59 percent simultaneously prioritized quiet communities with a slower pace.
“The top-performing destinations satisfy both: cultural ecosystems paired with accessible, community-oriented neighborhoods,” according to Penske.
The influence of social media might also play a role, with 56 percent of respondents saying social media shapes their perception of a city.
