South Carolina has officially secured its position as the premier destination for Americans on the move, claiming the #1 spot in the latest U.S. News & World Report Moving Trends report. The state’s rise to the top reflects a broader shift toward the Southeast, driven by a combination of affordability, economic opportunity, and a high quality of life.
Top Ranked States
- South Carolina
- Idaho
- Alaska
- North Carolina
- Maine
- Tennessee
- Delaware
- South Dakota
- Alabama
- Arkansas
While the Palmetto State led the nation as the most desirable state for relocation, the report highlighted York County as a primary driver of that success. York County was ranked 17th nationally among the “Most Desirable Counties,” a distinction that places it in the top tier of all counties in the United States.
Top Ranked Counties
- Brunswick County, North Carolina
- Horry County, South Carolina
- Washington County, Tennessee
- Sumter County, Florida
- Marion County, Florida
- Ellis County, Texas
- Catawba County, North Carolina
- Greenville County, South Carolina
- Dorchester County, South Carolina
- Gaston County, North Carolina
- Comal County, Texas
- Sussex County, Delaware
- Bay County, Florida
- Johnston County, North Carolina
- Baldwin County, Alabama
- Beaufort County, South Carolina
- York County, South Carolina
- Canyon County, Idaho
- Flagler County, Florida
- Broomfield County, Colorado
York County’s National Appeal
The ranking underscores York County’s unique position in the region. Offering a blend of suburban comfort and proximity to a major metropolitan hub, York County—which includes Tega Cay, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill—has become a magnet for families and professionals. Rock Hill was ranked as the 22nd most desirable city.
According to the report, the desirability of counties like York is often tied to a balance of lower tax burdens compared to neighboring regions and a robust local job market. For York County specifically, the high ranking is also attributed to its highly-rated school districts and its recreational assets, including Lake Wylie and the Catawba River.
North Carolina Also Ranks High
The trend of moving to the Carolinas is a bipartisan affair across the state line. North Carolina also made a strong showing in the report, ranking as the 4th most desirable state in the country.
The report suggests that the “Carolina Corridor” is currently one of the most active moving zones in the nation. Many residents moving to York County are part of this regional growth, often relocating from higher-cost areas in the North and West, or even moving across the border from Charlotte to take advantage of South Carolina’s residential benefits while staying close to the city.
A Regional Trend
The U.S. News data indicates that “desirability” is no longer just about vacation spots; it is about where people can realistically build a life. South Carolina’s #1 ranking and York County’s #17 national county ranking suggest that the local area is successfully meeting the demands of modern homeowners who prioritize value and community.
As the region continues to grow, local officials and residents are seeing the impact of these trends firsthand through new residential developments, expanding infrastructure, and a vibrant local economy that continues to attract national attention.
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