2024 Study: Moving Scams Falling in the US, But Growing Costlier

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Overall Findings

  • Moving scams and associated fraud are projected to decline by 9% in 2024
  • The total financial toll of moving scams is projected to be $32.2 million, 5% more than last year
  • A typical moving scam has cost Americans 23% more so far in 2024 (median of $431) compared to last year’s total ($350)
  • “Issues with quotes and charges” (18%), “Deceptive business practices “(16%), and “Missing documentation” (14%) are the most common moving scams so far in 2024

Local Insights

  • Ohio (-77%) and Arizona (-72%) are set to see the biggest drop in moving scams
  • Moving scams are on the rise in Alabama (+106%) and North Carolina (+96%)
  • In Florida, one moving scam complaint is registered for every 262 moves, the worst ratio in the U.S.
  • Miami, FL (75) and Port St. Lucie, FL (71) are cities most affected by moving scams, roughly 1 scam for every 70 moves

Moving scams continue to persist, but by how much?

Last year, the number of complaints lodged against moving companies with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was 8,769, a 15% increase over 2022.

FMCSA complaints span a whole range of issues, from:

  • Non-licensed movers
  • Lack of documentation to significant damage to transported items
  • No-shows
  • Hostage loads
  • And more

What about this year? In this study, we explore the most recent trends in moving scams, see which scam and fraud types are the most prevalent, and highlight the states and cities where moving scams appear to be on the rise.

(Note that in our previous studies of moving scams, we used figures from the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. This year, we’ll be relying on even more comprehensive from FMCSA.)

moving scamsMoving Scams Projected To Decline by 9% Year-Over-Year, But Costlier

According to the FMCSA’s data on the first five months of this year, complaints against moving companies in 2024 are poised to decline by 9% year-over-year.

That doesn’t mean they don’t exist. A moving scam complaint is filed with the FMCSA for 1 in every 4,000 moves in the country, and as of June 1st, 2024, the FMCSA received 2,612 complaints against moving companies. 

 The median amount lost to a moving scam last year was $350. Thus far in 2024, the amount lost per scam is 23% higher, which is $431 per move.

If the number of moving scams seems small, it’s worth remembering that only a small percentage of all scams get reported to organizations like the FMCSA. How few, exactly? The current estimate is around 5%, according to an analysis by the Federal Trade Commission, and 10%, according to Better Business Bureau’s estimates.

Also, most scams (like most moves) take place during the summer, which we are currently only partly through. With up to 30% of Americans planning to move this year, the final figures at the end of the year may look different.

Even though moving fraud appears to be declining nationally, there are states and cities where it continues to pose a significant problem for folks looking to move.


Moving Scams by State: Up in Alabama, Down in Ohio, Most Prolific in Florida

While moving scams appear to be on a downward trend in 2024 nationally, that is unfortunately not the case in all the U.S. states and cities.

In reality, moving scams are on the rise in a fair few states. In Alabama (+106%) and North Carolina (+95%) they are rising the fastest, as they’ve had roughly twice as many scam complaints submitted against moving companies so far in 2024 than during the same time period last year.

Other states, where FMCSA has registered a significant uptick in the number of moving scam complaints are Colorado (+52%) and Kansas (+46%).  Also worth nothing are New Jersey (1 scam for every 442 moves), Nevada (722), and Connecticut (853). 

State % change YoY State % change YoY
Alabama +106% Ohio -75%
North Carolina +96% Arizona -72%
Colorado +52% Indiana -67%
Kansas +44% Tennessee -59%
Nevada +26% New York -56%
Missouri +23% Washington -46%
Georgia +15% California -43%
Mississippi +14% Illinois -38%
Texas +13% Maryland -33%
Oregon +12% Virginia -32%

On the other hand, states that are seeing the greatest decrease in reported fraudulent activities are Ohio (-75%) and Arizona (-72%). Indiana (-67%), Tennessee (-59%), and New York (-53%) round off the top five states where moving scams are in decline with year-over-year decreases in fraud reports well over 50%.

Another honorable mention for improvements goes to Florida — a state with a 27% decline in scam complaints about moving companies so far in 2024. Yet despite this recent reduction in scam complaints, Florida still leads the nation in how common moving scams are there; nationally, the average rate is one scam per every 4,000 moves, but Florida has one scam complaint for every 262 moves that take place in the Sunshine State.

The States With the Fewest Moving Scams

Conversely, scams are rarest in Maine (1 in 8,630 moves) and Delaware (1 in 8,590 moves). But it’s not only the less-populated states where scams are rare. In Arizona, a scam complaint is lodged for every 7,625 moves and in Texas, there’s one for every 7,055.

To see how common (or rare) moving scams are in other states, check out our interactive map above.


Moving Scams by Metropolitan Area: Bigger in Birmingham, Tapering off in Tampa

First and foremost, it is important to point out that of the 37 metropolitan areas for which enough data is available, 25 are seeing moving scam complaints decline year-over-year. Sadly, that still leaves 12 where scams are on the rise.

 

“…Florida has one scam complaint for every 262 moves that take place in the Sunshine State.”

 

Based on the number of scam complaints in the first five months of 2024, moving scams are rising fastest in the metro areas of Birmingham, AL (+163%), Houston, TX (+153%), and Charlotte, NC (+124%). 

Echoing state findings, Denver, CO (+32%) and Las Vegas, NV (+24%) are experiencing an increase in moving scam complaints on par with their respective states.

Metro % change YoY  City % change YoY 
Birmingham-Hoover, AL 163% Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL -83%
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX 153% Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA -80%
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC 124% Rochester, NY -79%
Toledo, OH 69% Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ -72%
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL 64% Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN -72%
Raleigh, NC 58% Fort Wayne, IN -69%
St. Louis, MO-IL 56% Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC -67%
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO 32% Huntsville, AL -62%
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV 24% Jacksonville, FL -59%
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 19% San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA -59%

At the same time, moving scams appear to be dropping the fastest in the Tampa, FL area (-83%) and the Seattle, WA (-80%) metropolitan area. In keeping with the state-level trend, two metros in Indiana post significant declines in moving scam complaints: Indianapolis, IN (-72%), and Fort Wayne, IN (-69%). 

As some metropolitan areas have low and declining rates of moving scams, in others they are exceedingly common. In Miami, FL (75) and Port St. Lucie, FL (71) metros, for example, a moving scam happens once in every 70-odd moves. That is astoundingly common, considering the average rate across the major metropolitan areas is 1 scam in 1,000 moves.

Two major metropolitan areas below that average line are Las Vegas, NV and New York, NY, where scams occur once for every 668 and 784 moves, respectively.

In the Houston, TX metro where scams have been increasing, they still occur once for every 15,591 moves – the rarest among all metropolitan areas, where data was available. In the Boston, MA metro only 1 in every 14,125 moves is affected by a scam, while in the Seattle, WA metro the scams-to-moves ratio is 1 to 10,661.


The Most Common Types of Moving Scams in 2024

As moving scams continue to plague certain parts of the country, what kinds of things are movers getting away with?

Among the categories distinguished by the FMCSA, the following three scam complaints are the most common:

1. Estimates/Final Charges:  (18%)

These complaints include movers refusing to honor a pre-agreed binding estimate, a form of payment, and/or insisting on charging more than 10% over what was agreed.

2. Deceptive Business Practices (16%)

This category spans a broad range of fraud, such as false advertising, operating without or with an invalid insurance policy, companies requesting payment for services not rendered, and so on.

3. Shipment Documents (14%)

Complaints in this category have to do with missing documentation, such as confirmed inventory, bill of landing, or any other documents pertaining to the move.

Other fairly common causes for complaints are “Loss and Damage” (11%), “Pickup and Delivery” i.e., the “no-show” (10%), and “Claim Settlement“, i.e., when moving companies refuse to settle a customer complaint or participate in arbitration (10%).

It’s worth noting the “Hostage Load” (i.e., moving company withholding people’s possessions until a ransom is paid) category of complaints is what prompted FMCSA to launch a “national crackdown” on moving scams last year. And that looks to have worked, as only 147 such complaints have been filed so far in 2024, compared to 204 at the same time last year, amounting to a 28% decline in this type of moving scam.

Issues Around Estimates and Charges Dominate Scam Complaints in 17 States

Scams that have to do with moving cost estimates and charges are the #1 most common in a total of 17. This includes Alabama and Colorado, i.e., the states where the number of scams is increasing, as well as the nation’s biggest states in Texas, New York, and California.

Deceptive businesses are most prevalent in nine states, including Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee. Loss and damage of items is the most-complained-about issue with moving in seven states including Utah, Missouri, and Kansas.

In Delaware and Indiana, the top cause for complaints against movers has to do with Shipment and Documents, while claim settlement is the top issue in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Minnesota.


How To Avoid Getting Scammed When Moving

To be sure, moving scams are declining. Part of the reason for this could be the FMCSA’s continued effort to crack down on fraudulent moving companies and bad actors in the industry, which was redoubled earlier this year.

Another contributing factor is is the increasing number of moves booked via established mover-vetting platforms like MovingPlace and HireAHelper. When people can comparison shop and accurately price their move before booking, they are far more protected from easy to pull off moving scams.

With all this in mind, it still pays to be vigilant when moving. Here’s what we recommend to avoid getting scammed:

  • Shop around
    • Compare multiple quotes to avoid scams and ensure a good deal. Beware of significantly lower or higher quotes, lack of concrete details, absence of written contracts, and excessive down-payments.
  • Research your mover
    • Legitimate moving companies have a website and listings on platforms like Yelp or HireAHelper. A lack of online presence or frequent name changes may indicate a suspicious company.
  • Check their reviews
    • Look up what previous customer said about the mover you’re looking at and avoid companies with a history of dissatisfied customers on review-aggregating websites like Yelp and the BBB.
  • Keep a detailed inventory
    • Create a detailed list of packed items and consider taking photographs. Being organized helps prevent theft and identify missing items after the move.
  • Protect your most valuable possessions
    • You can get a few lockable moving boxes and properly pad fragile items to prevent tampering or theft.
  • Consider getting insurance
    • Moving insurance can protect against financial losses due to damaged or lost items. Third-party insurance is recommended in case of fraudulent moving companies.

For a full range of tips, please read our extended guide, read about your rights and responsibilities, and learn red flags to look out for when moving provided by the FMCSA

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Sources and Methodology
All moving scam complaints data was taken from the official Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database, retrieved on June 1st 2024. 
To calculate the number of moves in each state for the year 2023, we utilized the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey and its Annual Social and Economic Supplements, as available via IPUMS.
Median was used to estimate the typical cost of a moving scam, as listed on the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker
To estimate the projected total of moving complaints for 2024, an assumption was made that, given 65% of moves take place from July through December (HireAHelper’s multi-year average 2019-2023), 65% of moving scams would also occur in the same period.
For year-over-year comparisons, only states with a total of 100 and cities with a total of 50 moving complaints in 2023 and 2024 were included.
Illustrations by Heather Vaughan

HireAHelper’s 2024 Moving Survey: 30% of Americans Plan on Moving This Year

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Key Findings

  • 30% of Americans surveyed plan to move at some point this year
  • Key reasons cited for wanting to move in 2024 were “Family” (26%), “Wanting more space/bigger home” (22%) and “New job or promotion” (17%)
  • 1 in 5 (20%) considered moving to a state with open access to abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned
  • Florida narrowly beat California as the moving destination “if money was no object”
  • 52% of respondents who said they aren’t moving in 2024 cited financial reasons

an illustration of someone taping a box. In the corner it's labeled fragileIt’s officially moving season, AKA the four months of May through August when the majority of moves in the United States take place every year.

HireAHelper’s yearly Moving Season Survey asked over 2,000 Americans what their moving plans are for 2024. What did they say? Where are people going? And why?

We looked at how many Americans plan on moving this year, what was behind their decision to move or stay put, and how this year’s trends and developments might affect moving patterns in America this year.


Almost One in Three Americans Plan on Moving in 2024

Despite last year’s overall decrease in moving, 30% of Americans surveyed planned on moving at some point in 2024. An additional 54% don’t have such plans, while 16% haven’t made up their minds yet.

Overall, that’s a general decrease in moving intent compared to last year’s survey when 38% said they intended to move. Still, it’s a substantial percentage considering less than 8% of the U.S. population actually did move last year.

 

“…those in rental accommodation (38%) were twice as likely to report an intention to move in 2024 compared to those who owned a home (16%).”

 

Americans may be more likely to stay put this year than last, but one trend that hasn’t changed is younger generations are significantly more eager to move than their older counterparts. As many as 38% of Gen Z and 37% of Millennials planned to move in 2024, compared to just 24% of Gen X’ers and 12% of Baby Boomers.

Another important note is that the gap between renter and homeowner relocators widened this year; those in rental accommodation (38%) were twice as likely to report an intention to move in 2024 compared to those who owned a home (16%).

Furthering the narrative that America lacks affordable housing, only 25% of those relocating renters said they are moving to become homeowners, while the other 75% said they intended to keep living the rental life.


The Cities and States With the Most Movers and Stayers

an illustration of two people loading boxes into a moving truck. They and the truck are cast in shadow while the background of houses and trees is in evening lightAmong cities with a statistically representative number of respondents, people from Atlanta, GA (48%), Seattle, WA (38%) and Houston, TX (37%) were most likely to have plans to move at some point during 2024, whether in or out of their city.

Residents of Philadelphia, PA (18%), on the other hand, were least likely to say they would relocate this year, as people in Dallas, TX and Boston, MA had a reported moving intent of only 26%.

States

What about states? The states with the fewest amount of people who said they were likely to move in 2024 were Pennsylvania (22%) and New Jersey (24%).

The states where moving intent was the highest were Ohio (35%) and Florida (34%), places where more than one-third of respondents planned on moving this year.

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Family, Housing Top Reasons for Moving in 2024

What reasons did people give for wanting to move in 2024?

Much like last year, the biggest driving force for those looking to move was family, specifically “Moving closer to family members” (26%) and “Wanting more space or a bigger home” (22%).

Last year, the third most common consideration for potential movers was “Inflation“, but this year gave way to “New job or promotion” (17%). This could be due to the U.S. job market having had a strong year so far, with inflation itself significantly lower than one year ago.

Slightly More Financial Flexibility in 2024, And More

This year, financial reasons played a lower (but still significant) role in people’s moving motivations.

In our 2023 survey, 38% of all respondents who made plans to move did so (at least in part) for not being able to afford their home, moving to an area with a lower cost of living, and getting evicted.

But this year, only 29% checked a box for any one of these reasons. That’s a pretty significant drop!

 

“…(26%) of Americans we surveyed said they’d consider leaving the U.S. if Donald Trump were elected president this November. How many would leave if Joe Biden was re-elected? Also 26%! That’s just how divided the country appears these days.”

 

Another reason for moving that saw a drop this year was a move forced by “Climate change“. If 15% of potential movers in 2023 ultimately factored in climate change into their moving plans, only 9% plan to do so this year.

Other notable changes: more Americans intend to move because they “Want a better school district” (12%), “Bought a home” (11%), and because they started “A new relationship or got married” (10%).

Also interesting is that almost one in 10 (9%) respondents who intended to move in 2024 said the fact that they “Don’t like local politics where (they) live” was the main driver to their intentions to move. Last year, that share was only 5% of total relocators.


Many Moving Plans Affected by the Real Estate Commission 

an illustration of white plates and cups being wrapped in brown packing paper. A currently empty cardboard box sits nearbyBesides more typical reasons for moving such as family, jobs and housing, a few recent developments in the news have also impacted moving plans this year.

A recent landmark court case between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and home sellers resulted in the abolition of the longstanding 6% commission on buying or selling a home. This court ruling, which is poised to shake up the real estate market in the coming months, has seemingly affected many, as the moving plans of 49% of all respondents and two-thirds (67%) of those planning to move this year reported being affected by this case.

How the NAR impacted moving

A total of 45% of respondents with moving plans in 2024 said this development made them more likely to move because “Homes are likely to become cheaper” (33%), or because they “Will be able to sell (their) home faster” (12%). 

Not everyone is quite as optimistic, however, as 13% of people who planned on moving admitted they’re moving because “They may need to pay a commission to (their) agent as a buyer“, while an additional 10% think they “Won’t be able to sell (their) home at a higher price“.


Most Movers Won’t Go Far: 71% of Planned Moves to Stay Within the Same State

A growing share of moves our respondents have planned are local.

Some 44% of those who plan on moving in 2024 intend to stay within the bounds of their current city. Only 27% plan on moving elsewhere within their state.

Changing States

16% of potential movers are looking to relocate to a different state. Curiously, it’s the older Americans who are most likely to have a cross-state move in the works; in fact, Baby Boomers (29%) were twice as likely to plan a move to another state compared to Millennials (14%).

This is likely because retirees are more likely to move farther than others, a fact we consistently find in our studies of moving for retirement.

Surprisingly, as many as 7% may leave the United States altogether! This sentiment is strongest with those who aren’t happy with politics where they live, 19% of which said they’d be willing to move to a different country.


How Politics Impacts Moving Intent in 2024

Speaking of leaving the country, more than a quarter (26%) of Americans we surveyed said they’d consider leaving the U.S. if Donald Trump were elected president this November. How many would leave if Joe Biden was re-elected? Also 26%! That’s just how divided the country appears these days.

Thus, with this year being a presidential election year, it would be hardly surprising that politics is playing more on people’s minds.

Another political issue impacting the consideration of moving is abortion. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, 20% of our survey participants considered moving to a state where abortion is more accessible. This includes 25% of Millennials and 35% of Gen Z.

Conversely, 17% have said they will consider moving to a state where abortion is more restricted.

All this said, 38% are satisfied with the local politics of where they currently live.


an illustration of a canvas wrapped in bubble wrap. it's stood on top of other packed boxes.Unaffordable for Most: Finances Continue to Hold Americans Back from Moving

If a smaller share of Americans are planning to move this year, what’s holding them back? 

For a majority of them, it’s simply not something they can afford.

Of respondents who are not moving this year, over half (52%) said they are staying put because they “Can’t afford to move“. One-third of respondents (33%) also noted they “Can’t afford housing where (they) want to live“. 

Additionally, nearly one in five “Worried it may not work out” (23%), “Would be too far away from (their) family” (23%), or are simply “Worried about making a big change” (21%).

It’s not all worries and concerns, however. One in four (25%) of those who aren’t moving this year are staying put for one very simple reason: “I like where I currently live“.


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About $500: Here’s How Much Americans Estimate Their Move Would Cost in 2024

With such a high share of our respondents not moving because they can’t afford it, how much do those who do intend to move plan on spending?

Of all who plan on moving, 50% plan want to keep their costs to a maximum of $500, which may include buying moving boxes, renting a truck, potentially hiring movers, etc. (The overall average estimate of moving costs is just under that amount: $496.)

The average estimate for moving costs specifically from respondents who plan on hiring movers was somewhat higher: $613. Meanwhile, those set on moving entirely by themselves plan on squeezing in a move with under $400.


an illustration of boxes being moved with a dollyCalifornia Florida Dreaming: Where Americans Would Move if Money Were No Object

If anything were possible and if money didn’t matter, where would Americans move to? 

Last year, Americans said they dreamed of moving to California more than any other state. In 2024, the dream state to be in is Florida, with nearly 10% saying that’s where they’d move to if money were no object. 

California is right behind the Sunshine State with 9% of the preference share. Hawaii is the only state that can compete as a potential dream destination; it was name-dropped in just over 8% of our study participants.

Texas, Tennessee, New York, and Georgia were named as the places people would move if anything were possible by between 3% and 4% of respondents. (Funnily enough, marginally more people (4.5%) indicated they’d rather leave the U.S. than move to these four states, if money were no object.)


The States Americans Would Never Move To 

California may have lost the popularity contest to Florida in this year’s survey, but instead, it appears to have topped a different kind of ranking this year.

When asked, “To which state or states, if any, would you not move under any circumstances?”, 28% of our study participants chose California – more than any other state. 

Other states that feature prominently on this list are Alaska, where 23% wouldn’t ever want to move, New York (22%) and Alabama (21%). Florida – a dream destination for some Americans – is a no-go area for 20% of our respondents.

Which state consistently got marked as the place to leave? Well, it was whichever state the respondent already lived in! “Home state” was the least desirable place to live, as reported by 12% of all dissenting respondents. 


Survey Methodology
The survey was run via Pollfish in April 2024 using a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults (18+) living in the United States. 
The results were weighted by age, gender, and income using data from the American Community Survey’s five-year data for the years 2017-2022 (latest available).
Illustrations by Nero Hamaoui

The Best Columbus, Ohio Neighborhoods in 2024

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If you ask people what their image of Columbus, Ohio is, you’ll probably get a lot of blank stares. Chicago, Phoenix, or Austin? No further introduction needed. But…Columbus?

Identity crisis aside, the city actually has a very intriguing personality. Roughly half the US population lives within 600 miles of downtown. Five Fortune 500 companies and 16 Fortune 1000 companies are headquartered here. It is home to one of the largest universities and one of the largest college football stadiums in the entire country. And, it’s the third largest US state capital after Phoenix and Austin.

Not to mention the rich food culture, some serious sports fans, and a strong and diverse economy. So if you’re planning on moving to what some people call The Biggest Small Town in America, you’ve got lots to look forward to.

Quick Facts About Columbus

an overhead view of a university campus lawn square, surrounded by buildings in the rest of the city in Columbus, OH

  • Population: the greater metropolitan area surrounding Columbus boasts 1,727,000 residents. Or 2,161,511. It depends on what suburbs are included in the count
  • Rent and Housing: The median price for a home listed for sale in Columbus is around $275,000, while the average rent for an apartment is $1,230
  • Average Salary: The median annual salary in Columbus hovers around $42,000, with entry-level positions starting around $31,000. In 2023, the minimum wage in Ohio rose to $10.10 per hour and is set to reach $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2025
  • Cost of Living: According to figures offered by RentCafe, the cost of living in Columbus is 10% below the average nationwide. If you’re coming from San Francisco, it’s a 33% decrease in COL, and a 37% decrease if you’re moving from New York City
  • School Rating: Columbus Public Schools are, based on students’ reading and math scores, a mixed bag. On average for elementary school students, 26% of them are proficient in reading, while 16% of them are proficient in math. Columbus’s High school readiness score is 14.1. This is just an average, though, and you can see where things stand district by district here
  • Quality of Life: Columbus has an overall QOL Index score of 170, which is high. You can compare this with your current residence to get a clearer idea of what Columbus has in store for you

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The Best Neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio

Facts and figures can hardly begin to paint a picture of life in Columbus. Columbus was very recently ranked in the top twenty of the Most Walkable Cities in the US, owing in large part to the city’s progressive walkable city initiatives and the Central Ohio Greenways network of over 230 miles of trails and paths that connect you to every beautiful corner of the area.

And of course, there’s the food scene and professional sports that people here just can’t seem to get enough of.

With all this at your proverbial doorstep, there’s only one question: Where in Columbus should you live? Take a tour of some of the best Columbus neighborhoods and find your own perfect new home no matter what you’re looking for.

Uptown

The Ohio Statehouse and grounds in the Uptown district of Columbus, OH

Uptown is a neighborhood in the western section of Downtown Columbus, putting you right in the heart of the city. If you want to be in the middle of the government and business lifeblood of the city, as well as top-notch cultural and social attractions, then this is the place for you.

 

“The school district [in Bexley] is a great one…[a]nd being only a nine-minute drive away from Columbus, you’re never far from any of those big city amenities, either.

 

The Columbus Museum of Art, with its ongoing Events & Programs series, is a living display of creativity. The Columbus Metropolitan Library has been called one of the most beautiful libraries in the US.  One-of-a-kind Topiary Garden Park was inspired by and designed after a famous painting by impressionist Georges Seurat. Columbus Commons park is the central venue for concerts, a carousel for kids, and a multitude of lively summer events. 

Located right across the Scioto River from Uptown is Genoa Park, with an amphitheater for the performing arts and trails running through green spaces. Just beyond is the Center of Science and Industry. Affectionately known as COSI, this amazing center of discovery boasts Ohio’s largest planetarium and a permanent Dinosaur Gallery exhibition to go along with its live shows and over 300 hands-on exhibits.

Arena District 

The Union Station arch in Columbus, OH's Arena District neighborhood

Just northwest of downtown you’ll find the Arena District, home of the city’s three professional sports teams: the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, the Minor League Baseball Columbus Clippers, and the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. Also here is KEMBA Live!, a venue for concerts of all flavors, and 145-year-old North Market, featuring a world of food markets and eateries that is a favorite with everyone.

This is a great place to look if you’re into music, sports, or just want a slightly cozier vibe to the downtown bustle. In addition to all the amenities and events, the Arena District is packed full of restaurants, pubs, and parks. 

Short North Arts District

High Street in Columbus OH's Short North Art's District
by J. Jessee

Head north out of Downtown and make your way up the lively and iconic High Street, and you’ll soon find yourself in what some call “the art and soul of Columbus”. Short North is lined with buildings breathing with old-world charm, with some of the city’s best boutique shopping, art galleries, attractive dining, and rooftop bars, all in a community that prides itself on its openness and inclusivity.

Besides the many locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops, and the street art on just about every block, there is an active love of the offerings of Short North, evidenced in the Columbus Food Adventures tour of the neighborhood and the Gallery Hop, a monthly celebration of art, performance, and (of course) food. 

Dublin and Bridge Park

A park and lake in Dublin, OH, a suburb of Columbus, OH

A bit northwest of downtown, straddling the Scioto River, lie the twin communities of Dublin and Bridge Park. Away from the city center, both offer that small-town feel. 

Dublin is actually a city separate from Columbus, named back in the 1800s by an Irishman who fell in quite fondly with the old-fashioned shops and brick-lined sidewalks that reminded him of the Dublin of his home country. Testifying to the heritage of this slice of the wider Columbus area are several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Closer to the Irish heart of Dublin is the Dublin Irish Festival, the largest three-day Irish Festival in the world.

 

“…[T]he cost of living in Columbus is 10% below the average nationwide. If you’re coming from San Francisco, it’s a 33% decrease in COL, and a 37% decrease if you’re moving from New York City.”

 

Across the river from the center of Dublin lies Bridge Park, a relatively new neighborhood within Dublin, known for its buzzing atmosphere of shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

Dublin and Bridge Park are mere minutes from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium while offering more than 60 parks and over 100 miles of cycling trails, making this enclave just north of Columbus a great place to keep in touch with the natural side of life.

Bexley

Jeffrey Mansion in Bexley, OH, a suburb of Columbus, OH
by Jinjian Liang

If you’re looking for a more suburban feel for your family while still in proximity of the city, it’s tough to beat Bexley. Once a place where the wealthy would come to build their spacious, luxurious estates, Bexley remains a slice of gentility, with plenty of tree-lined streets and parks.

The school district is a great one, and there’s also a lot of historic charm to be had. Including the Jeffery Mansion that’s available for visiting as well as renting out for events such as weddings. And being only a nine-minute drive away from Columbus, you’re never far from any of those big city amenities, either.


Columbus has a vibe quite unlike anywhere else. With an alluring array of neighborhoods to choose from, you may just find yourself sitting pretty here in the middle of the Buckeye State.

And with the city’s population – and popularity – on the rise, it may not be long before you can simply say you live in Columbus, without even having to say Ohio.

 

2022 Study: Where Americans Moved To Retire This Year

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Key Findings

  • Over 234,000 Americans moved to retire in 2022, 4% more than in 2021
  • 12% of American retirees moved for “cheaper housing” — highest % since 2014
  • Florida is top destination for retirement moves (~12% of all retirees)
  • Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL (9%) top metro destination for retirement moves
  • Oregon the state retirees most likely to leave — origin state of 10% of retiree moves
  • Retirees of color more than 2x likely to move in search of cheaper housing (20%) than their white counterparts (9%)

retiree 2022In last year’s study of retirement moves, the COVID-19 pandemic was very much the central theme in many people’s moves.

Yet while the effects of the pandemic are still being felt across the country, this year’s driving narrative has been inflation; the economy is of course connected to cost of living, savings, and home prices, all touchstones of the retirement equation.

As American retirees face an increased estimate for the amount of money needed to retire comfortably, 36% of retirees reported their living costs as higher than expected, while 56% expected to continue working after they retire. How has this impacted how many people retired this year? And where did they all go?


On the Rise Again: Number of Retirement Moves Increased in 2022

After a significant dip in 2021, the number of Americans who moved to retire this year has gone up to reach over 234,000. It’s still some way off the pre-pandemic levels, but that’s 4% greater than the number of people who moved to retire last year

American retirees continue to move at an increasing rate, despite pressures associated with the cost of living and the changing home market temperatures in many parts of the country. Knowing that more people are once again beginning to move more for retirement, what are some of their reasons for moving?

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Family and Cheaper Housing: Why Are More Retirees Moving in 2022?

Inflation and the associated rise in the cost of living are likely contributing to why over 12% of American retirees who moved in 2022 said they did so to find cheaper housing.

Housing was second only to “other family reasons” (e.g., “being close to family”). Cost-conscious retirement moves are at their highest level since 2014.

Not coincidentally, retirement moves for “new and better housing” have fallen sharply; upscaling now makes up 10% of all stated reasons for a retirement move, down from 18% as early as 2019. 

 

“In 2022, the Sunshine State attracted almost 16% of all retirees choosing to retire outside their state, the highest of any state.”

 

It’s worth noting that retirees of color were more than twice as likely to move in search of cheaper housing (18%) than their white counterparts (8%).

These overall findings suggest that retirees are more sensitive to inflation than anticipated by many and, while home prices have begun to fall, they are still significantly higher than they were this time last year. 


Florida is Back, Baby! Sunshine State Tops Retirement Move Destinations

After coming in second in our 2020 retirement move study and the same study last year, Florida is once again the top destination for out-of-state retirement moves.

 

“…36% of retirees reported their living costs as higher than expected, while 56% expected to continue working after they retire.”

 

In 2022, the Sunshine State attracted almost 16% of all retirees choosing to retire outside their state, the highest of any state.

North Carolina takes the second spot, with almost one in ten (9.6%) retirement moves crossing state lines going to this state.

A new entrant on this year’s top 10 is the state of Washington. Drawing about 5% of out-of-state retirees, Washington state jumped to the seventh spot of this year’s ranking.


Goodbye Oregon: States Retirees Were Most Likely to Leave

Their destination may be in Florida, but in terms of origin, Oregon was the state retirees were most likely to leave. As one of the most expensive states in the country to live in, Oregon saw as many as 10% of people moving to retire leaving the state.

Maryland placed second in states retirees were most likely to leave, with 7% of local retirement moves heading elsewhere. Idaho, a state we often see get the greatest net gains in our annual reports, had 3.4% of all local retirees leave the state when moving for retirement.


Popular Metro areas: Palm Bay, FL a Hit With Early Retirees

Compared to last year, Americans moving in retirement in 2022 tend to prefer staying in urbanized areas slightly more, according to the data.

 

“… retirees of color were more than twice as likely to move in search of cheaper housing than their white counterparts.”

 

The key beneficiary of retirees’ intention to settle in metropolitan areas is Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL, which attracted 9.2% of all retirement moves in 2022 — more than any other metropolitan area.

Having once been named the best place for early retirement (albeit by itself), this area to the southeast of Orlando seems to live up to that reputation; 37% of its newcomer retirees were between the ages of 55 and 64.

In second place, the greater Columbus, OH area drew slightly under 6% of all retirees looking for a new place to live. The Ohioan metro ranking so highly this year is likely another testament to cost of living being one of the priorities for retirees planning their moves in 2022.

Elsewhere, there are two notable metro areas located in Tennessee, Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro, TN (5.3%) and Knoxville, TN (3.2%), which combined attracted 8% of retirees who chose to move this year.


Who Is Moving in Retirement in 2022? A Look at the Demographics

Much like last year, 86% of Americans moving in retirement were white, and just 14% were retirees of color. 

Married people accounted for 55% of all retirees relocating in 2022, with the remaining 45% being single, including those widowed, divorced, as well as those who never married.

Finally, while almost three-quarters (74%) of those moving in retirement in 2022 were over 65, some 26% were early retirees in 2022.


Sources and Methodology
Unless otherwise stated, all the data behind the charts in this study were taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey and its Annual Social and Economic Supplements for 2022. 
To calculate the most moved-in and moved-out states and cities, we took the percentage of all retirees in 2021 who moved or left a state or city. “Early retirees” was operationalized as any retiree aged younger than 65 years old. 
Illustrations by Daniel Fishel
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