On the move: Housing markets where homebuyers are headed (and fleeing)

Whether they're on the hunt for cheaper homes, chasing a healthier job market or supporting a lifestyle change, homebuyers are packing their bags and heading to more favorable housing markets.

Among key areas of interest for consumers is the South, according to a LendingTree migration report. About 12.1% of consumers looking to move out of state are heading to Southern states. For those making a cross-country leap, Florida is the most popular destination.

Still, consumers don't want to stray too far. Over half of homeowners crossing state lines are calling bordering states their new home.

From where they're headed to where they're jumping ship, here’s a look at 2018 homebuyer migration patterns.

The 2018 migration data is based on a LendingTree analysis of over 2 million new purchase mortgage loan requests through mid-November for primary residents of all 50 states.

Florida housing
Aerial drone image of residential condominiums and apartments in Sunny Isles Beach Florida

Favorable Florida

Florida was tapped as the top destination for 15 of 50 states. About 9.1% of all purchase mortgage requests were for the Sunshine State, with 12.4% of requests coming from out-of-staters. Florida is particularly popular among retirees.
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Dallas City Skyline at dusk, sunset. Dallas Texas downtown, business center. Commercial zone in big city. Dallas City view from Reunion Tower.

Lone Star Love

Texas residents are happy to call it home. The Lone Star State had the most residents looking to move within state lines as 93.4% of purchase mortgage requests from consumers in Texas were for houses within the same state. Texas is also a popular destination for new residents — six states have Florida as a top destination for movers.
Anchorage
View of Anchorage Skyline and the Chugach Mountains, Alaska.

Abandoning Alaska

Unlike Texas, Alaska had the lowest share of homeowners looking to stay put. Only about a third of purchase mortgage requests in the state were for residents buying within Alaska. The most popular destination for Alaskans looking to leave is Washington.
NMN081518-Charleston-SC

Popular Palmetto

When adjusted for population size, South Carolina is the top pick for movers, according to LendingTree's Moving Popularity Score Index, which analyzes state destinations adjusted by population. While a score of 100 means a state receives loan requests proportional to its population, the Palmetto State scored 156, meaning South Carolina is more popular than its share of the national population.
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