Where Americans Are Moving in 2026: The Rise of Midsize Cities

As Americans plan their next moves, trends show a shift away from pandemic-era small towns and expensive coastal metros toward midsize cities, particularly in the South and Southwest. According to a recent moveBuddha forecast, Knoxville, Tennessee (where I live) tops the list, with 1.61 people moving in for every resident leaving. Other fast-growing destinations include Tulsa, Oklahoma; Savannah, Georgia; and Tucson, Arizona.

University towns and midsize cities dominate the top 25, reflecting their affordability, amenities, and job opportunities. Southern and Southwestern cities are seeing the strongest net inflows, while New England and parts of the Midwest face projected population declines.

Some cities are “comeback” stories: St. Paul, MN, for example, has seen inbound interest surge by 122% over five years. Meanwhile, previously hot markets like Austin, TX are cooling, highlighting the dynamic nature of domestic migration trends.

This shift has implications for housing, infrastructure, and city planning, as growing cities balance expansion with maintaining quality of life.