BOSTON–A new nationwide survey finds that 2026 could be a busy year for the housing and moving markets, with more than two in five Americans planning to relocate — though most moves will stay close to home.
According to the 2026 State of Moving Forecast Survey released by American Home Shield (AHS), 42% of Americans surveyed say they intend to move this year. The survey, conducted in December 2025, included 1,004 respondents across the country ranging in age from 19 to 78, with an average age of 45.
Gen Z Most Likely to Move
The survey shows younger Americans are leading the migration trend. Nearly 59% of Gen Z respondents plan to move in 2026, followed by 39% of Millennials. Gen X (36%) and Baby Boomers (31%) trail behind but still represent significant movement.
Despite the high level of intent to relocate, most moves will not cross state lines. About 34% of those planning to move will stay within their current city or town, while 38% will remain within their state. One in four respondents said they are moving to a different state, and just 2% plan to move abroad. Most moves are expected to take place during the spring and summer months.
Why Americans Are Moving
The motivations behind relocation vary. More than one-third of respondents cited a desire for a change of scenery as their primary reason for moving. Life changes such as marriage or children accounted for 27% of planned moves.
Housing needs are also driving decisions: roughly a quarter of respondents are planning to either upsize or downsize their homes. Meanwhile, 17% are moving for work and another 17% for family reasons. Fourteen percent indicated they are moving specifically to purchase a home.
Among prospective first-time homebuyers, Millennials lead at 13%, followed closely by Gen Z at 12%. Gen X (6%) and Boomers (3%) reported lower first-time buying intentions.
Homebuyer Preferences in 2026
Among those moving to purchase a home, two-thirds are already actively searching, while 11% are somewhere in the buying process. Five percent reported they already own the home they plan to move into.
On average, respondents said their ideal home size is 2,251 square feet. Gen X respondents are seeking the most space, averaging 3,123 square feet, while Boomers prefer smaller homes at an average of 1,656 square feet.
Affordability remains a central concern. Twenty-eight percent said they are prioritizing affordability over preferred location. Additionally, 35% are considering fixer-uppers to cut costs, and about half are exploring home warranties to manage potential repair expenses.
Suburbs Gain Appeal
The survey also highlights shifting geographic preferences. While 45% of respondents still live near where they grew up, 95% said they prefer settling down in one place rather than moving frequently. Eighteen percent reported having moved in the past year.
Cost of living is a key factor influencing relocation. Currently, 52% of respondents live in medium-cost areas, 31% in high-cost areas, and 18% in low-cost areas. In 2026, 65% say they plan to move to medium-cost locations, while 18% aim for low-cost areas and 17% for high-cost regions.
Suburbs appear to be the biggest beneficiaries of this shift: 45% of movers plan to relocate to suburban areas, compared to 31% choosing cities, 15% rural areas, and 9% small towns.
Among states attracting the most interest, California tops the list at 11%, followed by Florida (9%) and Texas (8%). Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., Arkansas, and Montana ranked highest among places respondents reported wanting to leave.
Costs and Stressors
Moving remains both expensive and stressful. Respondents planning a move estimate spending an average of $2,162. While 25% say they feel excited and 23% optimistic, 30% report feeling anxious and 17% say they are dreading the process.
More than half (53%) plan to handle the move themselves by renting a truck or van. Seventeen percent will hire movers to load and unload but drive the truck themselves, while only 15% intend to use full-service movers.
Packing was cited as the most stressful part of moving by 38% of respondents, followed by the challenge of finding an affordable home. Over one in ten said they worry about starting over in a new community.
Nearly 19% reported having had a negative experience with movers in the past, citing damaged belongings, surprise charges, and long wait times among the most common issues.
A Year of Transition
The findings suggest that while Americans continue to value stability, economic pressures and lifestyle changes are prompting significant housing transitions in 2026. With affordability, flexibility, and cost-of-living considerations top of mind, many are opting for suburban and mid-cost locations that balance lifestyle and financial realities.
As the survey indicates, 2026 may be defined less by long-distance migration and more by strategic, practical moves aimed at improving quality of life while managing economic uncertainty.
