Last Updated: 15th October 2025
The United States remains one of the most popular destinations for an international move. Guides on the best places to live in America are widely available, but many are based on lifestyle rankings, cost-of-living surveys, or quality-of-life indexes. While valuable, these lists do not necessarily reflect where people in the UK are actively looking to relocate.
To answer the question more directly, this guide looks at our internal data on where UK residents are planning removals to the U.S.. In other words, where are real people placing their votes for the best place to live in the States?
Drawing on a large set of thousands of relocation enquiries to the U.S. received by 1st Move International, we highlight the cities and states attracting the greatest share of interest in moving. We then explore these popular destinations in more depth to help explain why they’re attracting the most attention, considering housing, costs, taxes, and lifestyle factors.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- New York, Los Angeles, and Houston rank as the top three destinations, together attracting over 20% of all interest.
- The top 10 cities account for 34% of demand, leaving a majority share distributed across many other cities and small towns.
- The states with the broadest spread of interest include Texas and Florida, where multiple cities each capture significant shares of enquiries.
Explore by State
Enquiries were recorded across all 50 U.S. states. The interactive table below lets you explore how demand is distributed state by state, and see which cities within each state are most popular with UK movers. Click a state to drill down on the top cities.
Now, onto the detail that matters most: the best places to live in the US, combining our internal data on enquiry patterns with data on housing, costs, taxes, and more.
1. New York City, New York (13.3% of enquiries)
New York dominates relocation interest from the UK, accounting for 13.3% of all enquiries to the United States. Within New York state, nearly four out of five enquiries are focused on the city itself, making it the most concentrated area of interest in our dataset.
Employment and opportunities
The appeal is obvious. New York is a global centre for finance, media, technology, and the arts, with career paths that simply do not exist at the same scale elsewhere. UK professionals see it as a natural extension of London, helped by the ease of travel: multiple daily direct flights connect the two cities, keeping business and personal links close.
Housing and living costs
That scale comes at a price. Rents in New York average around US$4,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and the overall cost of living is 131% higher than the U.S. national average. Taxes are another burden: residents face both New York State income tax, up to 10.9%, and a city income tax of up to 3.876%.
Lifestyle and climate
New York offers cultural and social experiences on a level few cities can match, from Broadway theatre to museums, restaurants, and music. At the same time, its climate is more extreme than the UK, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. The pace of life is fast, and the city can feel relentless. Appealing to some, overwhelming to others.
Best suited for
New York is best suited to those prioritising career growth, cultural access, and international connectivity, and who can absorb the higher costs of living. For UK movers aiming to be at the centre of global activity, it remains the leading choice.
2. Los Angeles, California (4.98% of enquiries)
California is the most popular state overall in our data, drawing 17.35% of all enquiries, and Los Angeles leads the way with more than a quarter of that interest focused on the city.
Why people choose Los Angeles
Hollywood has made LA globally recognisable, but the city’s appeal goes well beyond the entertainment industry. It has a vast and varied economy, with strong sectors in tech, aerospace, design, and trade. UK movers often see it as a place where creative ambition and business opportunity can meet.
The reality of living here
Housing is expensive, with average rents for a one-bedroom of over US$2,500. Costs vary sharply by neighbourhood: Santa Monica and West Hollywood are priced at a premium, while areas further inland can be more affordable. Commuting and traffic are a major part of daily life, something newcomers need to weigh seriously.
Lifestyle and character
LA is sprawling, diverse, and heavily shaped by the car. The climate is one of its strongest assets: mild, dry winters and hot summers with near-constant sunshine. Culturally, it offers world-class food, music, and art, plus easy access to beaches and mountains. The scale of the city means choice, but also a sense of distance between communities.
Who it suits best
Los Angeles suits movers who value variety and creativity, who want sunshine year-round, and who are comfortable with the costs and sprawl that come with life in Southern California. For UK movers drawn to California living, LA is the leading gateway.
3. Houston, Texas (2.4% of enquiries)
The State of Texas attracts just over 9% of all enquiries, and Houston tops the list within the state, securing nearly a quarter of those moves, ahead of Austin and Dallas.
Economic opportunity
Houston’s reputation as the “Energy Capital of the World” remains central to its economy, but the city has broadened well beyond oil and gas. Healthcare is a dominant sector, anchored by the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. Technology, aerospace, and manufacturing are also expanding, offering UK movers a wide range of professional opportunities.
Affordability and taxes
One of Houston’s strongest draws is cost. Housing is significantly more affordable than in coastal cities. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment sits around US$1,660 per month, while overall living costs are 7.4% below average. On top of this, Texas levies no state income tax, an attractive financial advantage for many UK movers.
Lifestyle and climate
Houston is a sprawling city with a diverse population and an increasingly vibrant cultural scene. Its restaurant culture reflects one of the most ethnically varied metro areas in the U.S. The climate, however, can be a challenge: summers are long, hot, and humid, and the region is prone to hurricanes and flooding.
Best suited for
Houston offers a strong mix of affordability, economic breadth, and cultural diversity, making it a practical choice for UK movers who want access to opportunity without the cost burden of New York or California. The trade-off comes in the form of climate extremes and sprawl, but for many, the balance is compelling.
4. San Francisco, California (2.3% of enquiries)
San Francisco is the second most popular destination in California after Los Angeles. Around 12.5% of California enquiries name the city, showing that despite its size, San Francisco’s pull remains strong.
Why people choose San Francisco
San Francisco is synonymous with technology and innovation. It sits at the heart of the Bay Area, alongside Silicon Valley, drawing professionals in software, biotech, and venture capital. UK movers in these fields often see it as the natural step up in their career.
Cost of living crisis
The city has some of the steepest housing costs in the US. One-bedroom rents often exceed US$3,000, and many are priced out of San Francisco proper, instead commuting in from Oakland, Berkeley, or further afield. Salaries in tech can offset this, but affordability remains the biggest hurdle to settling here.
City on the bay
San Francisco is compact and scenic, with steep hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific close at hand. Fog, cooler weather, and ocean breezes give it a very different climate from the sunny stereotype of California. Progressive politics, arts, and food are central to its identity.
Who it suits best
San Francisco suits professionals in technology and innovation who want to be at the cutting edge of their industry, and who can manage the city’s steep housing costs in exchange for high earning potential and cultural vibrancy.
5. Boston, Massachusetts (2.16% of enquiries)
More than half of all enquiries for Massachusetts named Boston as their city of choice, showing that for UK movers, the state largely means Boston itself.
Why people choose Boston
For many, the appeal is its reputation as an intellectual and medical powerhouse. Harvard, MIT, and other world-class universities shape the city, feeding industries like biotech, pharmaceuticals, and research. It is less about corporate scale and more about specialised knowledge and innovation.
Education at the core
No other US city has the same concentration of universities and colleges, and this academic culture influences everything from the local job market to the housing scene. International students and professionals often cluster around Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline.
Weather and way of life
Boston’s winters are famously harsh, with heavy snow and biting winds, while summers are warm and sociable. The compact city layout, historic streets, and strong neighbourhood identities give it a character that feels closer to Europe than most of America.
Who it suits best
Boston is well suited to families and professionals in education, science, and medicine who want a blend of American opportunity with a more European rhythm.
6. Austin, Texas (2.00% of enquiries)
Austin is the second most popular Texan destination after Houston. Within Texas, more than 20% of enquiries point to the city, reflecting its rapid rise on the international stage.
Why people choose Austin
Austin is known for its booming tech sector, music scene, and quality of life. Tech companies have expanded here rapidly, giving it the nickname “Silicon Hills.” It combines economic growth with a cultural reputation that makes it feel less corporate than Houston or Dallas.
Growth pains
The city’s success has pushed up property prices sharply. Average rent for a one-bedroom is around US$2,100, and demand continues to climb. Traffic congestion has worsened, and some long-term residents worry the city is losing the relaxed identity that once defined it.
Music, food, and festivals
Austin calls itself the “live music capital of the world,” with venues across the city hosting performances nightly. Major events like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits showcase music, film, and tech on an international stage. The food scene, from barbecue to modern fusion, is another draw.
Who it suits best
Austin suits movers who want a mix of tech opportunity, music, and culture, and who are looking for a city with a younger, more progressive feel than much of Texas.
7. Chicago, Illinois (1.88% of enquiries)
Chicago is another city that dominates the share of enquiries within it’s state. Over 60% of all enquiries for Illinois are directed to the city, making it the undisputed hub of the state.
Why people choose Chicago
Chicago is the economic engine of the Midwest, with strong finance, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. It has one of the busiest airports in the world, keeping it well connected to both Europe and the rest of the US. For UK movers who want a big-city experience without heading to the coasts, Chicago is the obvious choice.
Housing variety
Unlike the coastal hubs, Chicago offers more choice at lower prices. A one-bedroom averages around US$2,400, but there is a wide spread: upscale neighbourhoods like Lincoln Park or the Loop cost far more, while many other districts remain affordable.
Seasons that define the city
Summer in Chicago is full of outdoor festivals, lakefront activities, and buzzing nightlife. Winter is the opposite: heavy snow, ice, and wind off Lake Michigan can make it one of the toughest climates in the US. For many residents, that seasonal contrast is central to the city’s identity.
Who it suits best
Chicago suits movers who want a major city with global connections, cultural depth, and more accessible housing options than New York or San Francisco, and who can handle a severe winter.
8. Atlanta, Georgia (1.79% of enquiries)
Atlanta is by far the most prominent city in the state of Georgia for international movers, with over 50% of all Georgia enquiries naming the city.
Why people choose Atlanta
Atlanta is a fast-growing city with a strong corporate presence, particularly in logistics, media, and technology. It is home to global companies such as Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and CNN. For UK movers, the mix of career options and relative affordability makes it appealing.
Space to spread out
Housing in Atlanta is more spacious than in most big US cities, with a wide choice of suburban homes as well as urban apartments. A one-bedroom averages around US$1,800, and the overall cost of living is only slightly above the national average.
Connectivity and culture
Atlanta’s airport is one of the busiest in the world, a major benefit for international movers. The city itself has a rich cultural identity, shaped by its history and its role as a centre of music and film production. Summers are hot and humid, but winters are generally mild.
Who it suits best
Atlanta suits movers seeking career opportunities in a growing economy, who value warmer weather and more affordable housing than coastal hubs.
9. Miami, Florida (1.74% of enquiries)
Florida enquiries present a much more diverse range of cities compared to many of the other top states. Miami stands out as the most popular, named in over 16% of all enquiries to the state, with Orlando (~10%), Tampa (~7.9%) and Jacksonville (~4.8%) trailing behind.
Why people choose Miami
Miami is a global gateway city, particularly for trade and finance linked to Latin America. Its year-round sunshine, beaches, and nightlife make it appealing for lifestyle as much as business. Many UK movers see it as offering a different pace to New York while still being internationally connected.
A city shaped by water
The ocean defines Miami’s geography, lifestyle, and risks. Beaches and boating are central to daily life, but hurricanes and rising insurance costs are also part of the picture. Housing is expensive, with one-bedroom rents around US$2,900, and demand in areas like Brickell and Miami Beach drives prices higher.
Culture with a Latin heartbeat
Miami is one of the most diverse US cities, with strong Latin American and Caribbean influences. Spanish is widely spoken, and the food, music, and festivals reflect that mix. The result is a city that feels more international than many others in the US.
Who it suits best
Miami suits movers who prioritise climate, international flavour, and cultural variety, and who are comfortable balancing higher housing and insurance costs against Florida’s tax advantages.
10. Dallas, Texas (1.47% of enquiries)
Within Texas’s 9.05% share of total enquiries, Dallas secures about 15% of the state’s moves, placing it behind Houston and Austin but still a major draw.
Why people choose Dallas
Dallas has a strong economy based on finance, telecoms, defence, and transport. It is home to several Fortune 500 companies and has a reputation as a business-friendly city. For UK movers working in corporate sectors, Dallas often feels like a natural fit.
Affordable scale
Dallas combines big-city infrastructure with relatively low costs. A one-bedroom averages around US$1,600, and the cost of living sits below the national average. Its rapid growth has spurred housing developments across the suburbs, making space easier to find.
Texan identity with a modern edge
Dallas embraces its Texan roots with a strong sports and barbecue culture, yet its arts districts, new restaurants, and modern skyline highlight a more cosmopolitan side. The climate is hot for much of the year, and driving is essential given the city’s sprawl.
Who it suits best
Dallas suits movers seeking a business-focused city with relatively low costs, strong job prospects, and a balance between big-city amenities and Texan culture.
Beyond the Top 10: What the Rest of the Data Reveals
While the top ten cities account for around 34% of all enquiries, the remaining two-thirds are distributed across thousands of other towns, suburbs, and smaller cities throughout the United States. This dispersion highlights how relocation interest is both concentrated in the top cities, and diverse as you look beyond these most popular destinations.
At the state level, just four states; California, New York, Florida, and Texas attract more than half (52%) of total enquiries. Each represents a different kind of draw. Beyond these, Massachusetts, Georgia, Illinois, and Pennsylvania form a second tier of high-interest destinations.
Regional Shifts and Secondary Cities
Despite the dominance of major coastal metros, several inland cities are quietly gaining traction. Denver, Austin, and Nashville all feature prominently within their states, showing a growing appetite for mid-sized cities offering strong job markets and lower living costs. The data also suggests an emerging “Sun Belt” migration pattern, with increased attention to states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona as regions that combine economic opportunity with warmer climates and more space.
The Quiet Corners: Least Popular States
At the other end of the scale, a handful of states attracted very little interest from UK movers in comparison to the big contenders. North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska each account for less than 0.15% of total enquiries in our dataset, while Mississippi, Montana, and West Virginia are similarly low. Harsh winters, smaller job markets, and distance from major hubs likely play a role.
Small Cities with Outsized Appeal
Among the smaller destinations, a few stand out for punching above their weight. Portland (Maine), Charleston (South Carolina), and Boulder (Colorado) all attract a higher share of state-level enquiries than expected, reflecting growing interest in lifestyle-oriented, scenic, or progressive mid-sized cities. These areas often appeal to UK movers seeking a slower pace, cultural charm, and access to nature, which serves as a counterpoint to the intensity of the largest metros.
Final Thoughts: Real Relocation Trends, Not Just Rankings
While many guides claim to reveal the best places to live in the U.S., our findings highlight where people who are actually planning a move to America are placing their votes.
The result is a portrait of modern migration in motion; where data, not opinion, tells the real story of how and where Britons are making America their new home.
The full dataset is available upon request.
