Tourism Shifts As Florida, California See Increased Suburban Relocations

Americans have been on the move, but the destinations they’re flocking to might surprise you. According to the 2025 State of Moving survey, conducted by LugLess, a leading luggage shipping service, more than half of the nation has stayed put for over five years. However, a noticeable shift is underway, with 32 percent of respondents planning to relocate in the near future, often seeking more affordable living, better family connections, or simply a change of pace. While cities like Florida and California are losing residents, they remain popular among those preparing to move. This migration trend is reshaping how people approach moving—and, in turn, how it’s influencing tourism across the US.

A significant portion of Americans is trading the hustle and bustle of big cities for suburban tranquillity. According to the survey, 24 percent of respondents are swapping city life for suburban living, driven by desires for more space, lower costs, and family-friendly environments. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with millennials and Gen Z increasingly favouring suburban locations. While urban areas like New York and San Francisco continue to lose residents, the demand for suburban areas is growing.

Florida and California, long-time tourism powerhouses, are seeing a shift in population. Despite these states losing residents, they remain high on the list for those looking to relocate. Florida’s sunny allure still attracts 13% of those planning to move in the next five years, with many moving to more affordable, suburban areas. California follows closely behind, with 8 percent of respondents hoping to relocate to the Golden State, particularly to suburban areas that offer a better balance of lifestyle and affordability.

This demographic shift has notable implications for tourism. As more Americans leave major cities for suburban areas, the demand for tourism services in these regions is set to rise. Areas that were once overlooked by tourists are seeing a surge in interest, offering more opportunities for local tourism development and travel businesses. The growing trend of moving to suburban areas signals a shift in where people want to visit, with families and young professionals seeking destinations that offer convenience, relaxation, and accessibility to urban amenities.

Destinations within the suburbs are likely to see an increase in local tourism, as more residents and their families discover attractions and activities that were previously overshadowed by bustling city centres. Florida and California are well-positioned to benefit from this trend, with their suburban areas becoming new hubs for tourists seeking peaceful retreats, outdoor activities, and family-friendly experiences. These areas could become tourist hotspots, with visitors flocking to lesser-known towns and scenic neighbourhoods that offer a unique, quiet escape.

As cost of living continues to rise, many Americans are prioritising affordability when choosing where to move. This shift has direct consequences on tourism patterns, as more people are seeking budget-friendly options that offer a high quality of life. The survey revealed that 24 percent of those who moved in the past five years did so to reduce their cost of living, followed by 22 percent who wanted to be closer to family. These factors indicate that tourism will likely evolve to meet the needs of visitors who are also looking for more economical travel options.

The increased reliance on box shipping services, such as those offered by LugLess, highlights a growing preference for more affordable and flexible methods of relocation, which in turn affects how travel-related services are delivered. With a rising number of individuals moving from city centres to the suburbs, tourism businesses will need to adapt by offering tailored experiences that align with the lifestyle preferences of the growing suburban demographic.

Traditional moving services, such as renting a U-Haul or hiring professional movers, remain the norm. However, dissatisfaction with the moving process has led many to seek more efficient and affordable alternatives. The rise of box shipping services, especially among younger generations, signals a new trend in relocation practices. This shift not only affects how people move but also impacts tourism logistics. As people become more accustomed to shipping their belongings rather than transporting them through traditional means, travel companies may also explore similar shipping and moving options to provide greater convenience for tourists.

The growing trend of relocating to suburban areas could spark new travel interest in destinations previously overshadowed by major cities. Local businesses and tourism providers in suburban locales should consider targeting this shifting demographic, offering new experiences for families and young professionals seeking escapes from urban life.

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