Annual survey finds two-thirds of consumers say moving has improved their well-being
READING, Pa., May 1, 2025 -- Marking the start of National Moving Month and peak moving season, Penske Truck Rental has released its 15th annual Top Moving Destinations list, identifying the top 10 U.S. cities that recorded the highest volume of one-way consumer truck rentals in 2024.
In addition, Penske published findings from its national Settling In: A Consumer Moving Trends Survey, which examines consumer sentiment and trends around relocation.
The list shows where people are moving, while the survey offers insight into why. This year 82% of respondents viewed moving as a fresh start, and more than half moved to find a greater sense of community.
Top 10 Moving Destinations in 2024 (previous year ranking):
- Houston, Texas (No.1 four consecutive years)
- Atlanta, Ga. (4)
- San Antonio, Texas (2)
- Dallas, Texas (6)
- Orlando, Fla. (7)
- Charlotte, N.C. (3)
- Las Vegas, Nev. (5)
- Chicago, Ill. (Returning – last ranked in 2021)
- Austin, Texas (8)
- Tampa, Fla. (9)
The 2024 data reflects continued migration to the Sun Belt, with multiple Texas and Florida cities appearing in the top 10. Houston retained the top position for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Atlanta, which rose to No. 2. Chicago reentered the ranking for the first time since 2021.
"Each year, the Top Moving Destinations list helps track relocation trends and guide how we support customers across the country," said Kevin Malloy, senior vice president of Penske Truck Rental. "In 2024, we saw people moving with clear intent—driven by lifestyle fit, space, or location. As we look ahead, Penske continues to provide the tools and resources they need to move confidently—and we're here to support those planning their next move, wherever they're headed."
What Drives Moves
According to the survey, the top reasons for moving in 2024 were:
- Closer proximity to loved ones (28%)
- Better job opportunities (27%)
- Lower cost of living (23%)
- Needing more space (23%)
Overall, 67% of respondents reported that moving had a positive impact on their overall well-being, and 56% viewed the process itself positively. When coordinating a move, 69% preferred to rent and drive their own truck. Among those who rented 57% found that packing and organizing overtime helped reduce stress, and 49% relied on family and friends for support.
Penske Truck Rental offers support across North America. The Penske Truck Rental app enables customers to make and modify rental reservations, access loading guides and how-to videos, connect with Penske's 24/7 roadside assistance, and cancel reservations without fees.
About Penske Truck Rental
Penske Truck Rental is a business unit of Penske Truck Leasing. With one of the newest moving truck rental fleets, Penske Truck Rental provides do-it-yourself movers with clean, well-maintained and reliable rental trucks as well as moving equipment, packing supplies and accessories. Call 1-800-GO-PENSKE for questions about moving.
About Penske Truck Leasing
Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 428,000 vehicles and serves its customers from more than 990 maintenance facilities and more than 2,200 truck rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit pensketruckleasing.com for more information.
Top Moving Destinations Methodology
For the past 15 years, Penske Truck Rental has been compiling this list using analysis of one-way consumer truck rental reservations made via the company's website, calls to its 1-800-GO-PENSKE call center and through one-way reservations made at Penske's over 2,200 truck rental locations.
Settling In: A Consumer Moving Trends Survey Methodology
The Moving Trends Survey was conducted via a survey fielded online by Big Village among a sample of 279 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older who have moved to a new city or town in the past five years.
More Moving Resources
To explore moving tips, tools and previous Top Moving Destination lists, visit www.pensketruckrental.com.
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