Key takeaways:
- Polk County, anchored by the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area, is the top relocation destination in Florida, with a net gain of nearly 18,600 new residents.
- Millennials and Gen Zers dominate suburban migration, drawn to counties like Polk, Palm Beach, Putnam, and St. Johns.
- Hernando County shines in attracting homebuyers, with a staggering 73% of newcomers becoming homeowners within their first year of residence; St. Lucie and Charlotte counties follow closely.
- Zooming in on county-to-county moves within the state, many Floridians relocate from urban centers like Miami and Tampa to more affordable areas in Polk, Pasco, and Osceola counties.
- Some counties continue to attract predominantly baby boomers, especially Sumter, where the average age of migrants is 60 years old.
- At the other end of the migration spectrum, Miami-Dade is experiencing a major exodus, with a net loss of nearly 50,000 residents due to high costs.
After nearly a decade as the top migration destination in the U.S., Florida fell to second place in 2023, surpassed by Texas. Nonetheless, the state continues to attract and retain out-of-state residents at impressive levels, despite pandemic-related disruptions to mobility and ongoing economic challenges. According to our interstate migration study based on the latest data from the U.S. Census, approximately 1,755 people moved into Florida per day in 2023, while 1,380 left, resulting in a net gain of 375 new Florida residents daily – or 137,000 people over the year.
While retirees continue to flock to Florida to enjoy their golden years, baby boomers now face competition from millennials and Gen Xers who are increasingly seeking a better work-life balance and improved homeownership opportunities. Florida’s appeal now extends beyond its warm climate to include desirable lifestyle amenities and relatively more affordable housing, especially compared to states like New York, California and Massachusetts.
With these trends in mind, we set out to determine which areas in Florida are the most popular relocation destinations and what makes them stand out as the best places to live in 2025. Factoring in both state-to-state and local moves, our research shows that the Sunshine State remains a hotspot for mobility and home swapping, with Greater Tampa and East-Central Florida recording the biggest net migration gains.
Interestingly, more than half of Florida’s counties have attracted more homeowners than renters. In Hernando County, 73% of net movers secured a home within their first year of residence, with St. Lucie and Charlotte counties close behind. More than 65% of newcomers to Putnam and St. Johns counties — both emerging remote work hubs—have also achieved homeownership. Similarly, millennial newcomers to Manatee and Palm Beach counties are securing homes at rates of 55% and 47%, respectively.
Zooming in on county-to-county flows, areas with a lower cost of living — such as Polk, Pasco and Osceola — are drawing residents away from pricier regions like Miami-Dade and Broward. The demographics of these movers reveal a notable trend: millennials and Gen Zers, who are more budget-conscious than older generations, are increasingly choosing these more affordable counties.
Meanwhile, retirees and baby boomers are flocking to Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties. Sumter County stands out, with an average newcomer age of 60 and a homeownership rate of 70%. These areas are experiencing an influx of older, wealthier homeowners, primarily from northern states, reinforcing Florida’s reputation as a top retirement destination.
Affordability remains a key factor driving outbound migration. Miami-Dade, for example, saw nearly 111,000 residents leave. While Miami remains a cultural and financial hub, escalating housing costs and worsening traffic congestion are pushing Floridians to seek more budget-friendly alternatives. The region’s affordability crisis—driven by skyrocketing rents and home prices—further accelerates this trend.
These shifts carry long-term economic implications. Rising homeownership rates in fast-growing counties could bolster local economies but may also lead to affordability challenges if housing supply fails to keep pace. Fortunately, Florida is rapidly expanding its housing inventory, particularly in high-growth areas like Cape Coral and Port St. Lucie, helping to accommodate the influx of new residents.
Top 10 Florida counties for net migration: Remote workers join retirees in fueling urban-to-suburban shift
Florida’s fastest-growing counties — Polk, Volusia, Lee, Palm Beach and St. Johns — are experiencing a migration surge, but this time, it’s not just retirees driving the trend. Remote workers—primarily Millennials and Gen Zers — are joining baby boomers, drawn by the lower cost of living, job growth, emerging entertainment scenes, and a tax-friendly environment. This influx of diverse age groups is contributing to the rapid growth of Florida’s exurban areas.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular relocation destinations in the Sunshine State based on net migration.
1. Polk County
Net move-ins: 18,600
Biggest demographic: Millennials
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 52% / 38%
Median home price: $240,000 / Median rent: $1,270
Polk County, home to the Lakeland-Winter Haven area, is experiencing a surge in new residents. The average newcomer is 39 years old, and more than half (52%) become homeowners within their first year.
So, what’s drawing people in? Affordable property taxes, a growing economy, and strong academic institutions like Florida Southern College and Poly Tech are big selling points. Plus, Lakeland’s prime location between Tampa and Orlando means easy access to top job markets, great schools and plenty of entertainment—all without the big-city price tag.
Polk County isn’t just drawing new residents from within Florida — it’s also welcoming plenty of newcomers from across the country. In 2023, nearly 2,000 people made the move from Illinois, bringing an average age of 40 and a strong homeownership rate of 70%. New York sent a similar number of transplants, with an average age of 39 and a 54% homeownership rate. Pennsylvania has also been a steady source of new arrivals, further adding to the county’s growing appeal.
2. Volusia County
Net move-ins: 16,800
Biggest demographic: Baby Boomers
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 51% / 43%
Median home price: $278,000 / Median rent: $1,370
Volusia County — which includes Deltona, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach — has welcomed nearly 17,000 new residents, many of whom are baby boomers. The average age of those moving in is 45, and half are homeowners. It doesn’t hurt that Daytona Beach is one of the most affordable beach towns in the U.S., making it an attractive spot for relocation.
When it comes to out-of-state newcomers, New York leads the way, with most arrivals coming from the baby boomer and Gen X generations. Half of them are homeowners, while about 20% choose to rent.
New Jersey isn’t far behind, adding nearly 1,200 new residents to Polk County. What stands out? They’re younger, with an average age of 34, yet an impressive 76% already own homes. Plus, with 58% working remotely, they’re bringing a new level of flexibility to life in the Sunshine State.
3. Lee County
Net move-ins: 14,100
Biggest demographic: Baby Boomers
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 56% / 37%
Median home price: $326,300 / Median rent: $1,600
Lee County has the highest percentage of out-of-state newcomers in Florida, with two-thirds of its migration coming from beyond state lines. A net total of 14,100 people have settled in this region, which includes the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area. Most of them are baby boomers, and more than half have already put down roots as homeowners.
Leading the way is Illinois, which sent nearly 2,800 new residents — many in their fifties, with an impressive 74% homeownership rate. It’s no surprise, given Chicagoans have long had a reputation for flocking to Cape Coral in droves. Ohio also contributed over 2,700 new arrivals, most of them Gen X and homeowners. New York follows a similar trend, adding another 2,700 residents to the mix.
4. Palm Beach County
Net move-ins: 13,900
Biggest demographic: Millennials
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 47% / 43%
Median home price: $407,300 / Median rent: $1,820
Palm Beach County welcomed 14,000 new residents in 2023, pushing its population past 1.5 million. What’s more, this growth comes with a solid median income of $68,000, pointing to a relatively affluent wave of newcomers.
New York led the charge, with a staggering 9,600 people making the move. Of these transplants, 60% are homeowners and half hold a bachelor’s degree. This migration picked up during the pandemic, when lower taxes and sunny weather made Palm Beach a prime destination for New Yorkers looking for a lifestyle shift. Remote work played a major role — and it still does. Today, one in three working newcomers from New York are working from home.
New Jersey also made a strong showing, sending nearly 3,900 new residents to Palm Beach County in 2023, with an average age of 46. Most are homeowners, and 44% hold at least a bachelor’s degree, reflecting a relatively established group of movers.
Californians are arriving too — more than 2,000 in a single year — but with a slightly different profile. About half are renters, and over half have a bachelor’s degree, pointing to a younger, more mobile crowd that’s still career-focused but ready for a change of scenery.
5. Putnam & St. Johns Counties
Net move-ins: 13,700
Biggest demographic: Millennials
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 65% / 30%
Median home price: $395,700 / Median rent: $1,510
Together, Putnam and St. Johns Counties have attracted a net influx of nearly 13,700 new residents, making the region one of Florida’s top migration destinations. What’s more, newcomers to Putnam and St. Johns have the highest average income among the ten biggest migration hotspots: over $79,800. And while both counties are drawing new residents, their appeal is based on different factors.
St. Johns County, with an average home price of nearly $458,000 — the highest among Florida’s top 10 migration hotspots — attracts with its booming tech sector, strong business growth, and proximity to Jacksonville. Major employers like Northrop Grumman, along with growing manufacturing firms such as Vermeer Southeast and Rulon, contribute to its economic appeal.
Putnam County, on the other hand, offers affordability and a quieter, more rural lifestyle, with home prices averaging just over $147,000—the lowest among Florida’s top migration hotspots. Newcomers may also be drawn to the natural beauty of the county, from The Ocala National Forest to the St. Johns River.
A significant portion of newcomers to St. Johns and Putnam counties are arriving from New Jersey, New York, and California. More than 2,600 people moved in from New Jersey in 2023, most in their mid-thirties. Interestingly, 60% work from home and 60% are renters—a trend that underscores the area’s rising appeal among remote professionals seeking flexibility and lifestyle balance.
New York also stands out as a top contributor, with over 2,500 New Yorkers settling in St. Johns and Putnam in a single year. This group skews younger, with an average age of 30 and a striking 77% homeownership rate, suggesting a population that’s both mobile and ready to put down roots.
California, meanwhile, sent nearly 1,300 new residents—and an eye-catching 90% of them own their homes, indicating a more established group of transplants likely seeking a long-term change.
6. Manatee County
Net move-ins: 12,000
Biggest demographic: Millennials
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 55% / 42%
Median home price: $359,800 / Median rent: $1,550
Manatee County is quietly becoming one of Florida’s standout growth stories. With a net gain of 12,000 new residents in 2023, it’s drawing attention — and people — from across the map. Millennials, in particular, are trading high costs and heavy traffic for the laid-back lifestyle and relative affordability of Bradenton. In fact, Bradenton ranks among the most affordable cities in the state, making it an increasingly attractive option for those looking to stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality of life.
The county’s pull isn’t limited to one group — it’s appealing across generations and state lines. Georgia has sent nearly 2,000 newcomers, most of them around 30 years old, while more than 1,800 New Yorkers have also made the move. And they’re not just testing the waters — 83% of them have bought homes, signaling long-term plans and confidence in what Manatee has to offer.
7. Sarasota County
Net move-ins: 10,800
Biggest demographic: Baby Boomers
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 58% / 37% renters
Median home price: $373,100 / Median rent: $1,715
Even with house prices rising, Sarasota remains an affordable alternative for people leaving pricey states like New York. With a net gain of nearly 10,800 new residents, this area is experiencing significant growth, especially among baby boomers drawn to its appealing lifestyle and stability.
The migration trend is fueled by notable influxes from New Jersey and Ohio. Nearly 1,700 New Jerseyans have made the move, with an average age of 49 and an impressive 82% homeownership rate. Ohio also contributes 1,500 new residents of a similar age — though they boast an even higher 87% homeownership rate.
8. Lake County
Net move-ins: 10,500
Biggest demographic: Baby Boomers
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 63% / 31%
Median home price: $287,900 / Median rent: $1,470
Lake County saw a notable wave of residents returning home during and after the pandemic, helping drive a net move-in total of nearly 10,500 people — and a striking 15% population increase since 2019.
A magnet for both homeowners and renters, the county has attracted transplants from high-cost states like New York and California. More than 1,250 New Yorkers relocated to Lake County, and the vast majority — 77% — are homeowners, though only 5% report working remotely. Californians added another 900+ move-ins, with a different profile: more than half work from home, and 55% are renters, suggesting a younger, more flexible crowd seeking affordability and space.
9. Osceola County
Net move-ins: 10,300
Biggest demographic: Millennials
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 44% / 53%
Median home price: $317,600 / Median rent: $1,650
Osceola County — home to the city of Kissimmee — saw an impressive net influx of around 10,300 new residents in 2023, with millennials driving much of the momentum. New York tops the list, sending about 3,600 newcomers with an average age of 37 — and more than half are opting to rent. Then there’s Texas, contributing over 1,400 new arrivals, and they’re the youngest group yet, with an average age of just 24.
Osceola has, in fact, experienced a remarkable 16% population increase from 2019 to 2023 — the highest of any county in Florida. But with rapid growth comes added pressure on the local housing market and infrastructure, requiring a careful balancing act. To preserve Osceola’s appeal while ensuring its fast-growing population has the resources it needs to thrive, county commissioners are moving to raise one-time mobility impact fees. These fees, applied to both residential and commercial developments, are intended to help the county keep pace by funding improvements to roads, schools, parks, and other essential infrastructure.
10. Pasco County
Net move-ins: 8,700
Biggest demographic: Millennials
Homeowner/renter ratio among move-ins: 62% / 35%
Median home price: $265,800 / Median rent: $1,370
Once seen as a bedroom community for those working in Pinellas and Hillsborough, Pasco County has emerged as one of Florida’s hottest migration hotspots. With 8,700 new residents moving in, this area is growing steadily—especially among millennials looking for great opportunities and a high quality of life.
New York leads the way, sending over 2,500 newcomers, and an impressive 62% have already become homeowners. Michigan is also making its mark, adding over a thousand new residents, with an even higher homeownership rate of 79%.
Top Florida hotspots by generation: Gen Z moves to Gainesville and Tallahassee, retirees settle in Lee and Palm Beach
When it comes to attracting young renters, Alachua County — home to Gainesville — takes the lead. Migration patterns in 2023 brought a net gain of more than 9,000 Gen Zers, making it the top Florida destination for this age group. And it’s not hard to see why. Gainesville checks a lot of boxes for young adults: a major university (go Gators!), plenty of parks and green space, solid job prospects, and a cost of living that won’t eat up their entire paycheck.
Leon County, where Tallahassee is located, is another Gen Z favorite. Nearly 7,900 young newcomers added to the area’s youthful vibe, bringing the average age of new arrivals down to 32. Like Gainesville, Tallahassee blends college-town energy with real-world affordability. It’s home to Florida State University, offers easy access to the outdoors, and has a housing market that’s friendlier to young renters than many other parts of the state.
Millennials, on the other hand, are gravitating toward Polk and Manatee counties, where climbing the homeownership ladder is more feasible than in traditional millennial hubs like Miami-Dade or Broward.
As for retirees, Lee, Sarasota, and Volusia counties remain magnets for those seeking a slower pace of life — but each offers its own unique flavor. Lee County, home to Fort Myers and Cape Coral, appeals with its laid-back Gulf Coast living, boating culture, and access to top-rated healthcare. Sarasota draws newcomers with its artsy downtown, white-sand beaches, and thriving cultural scene, while Volusia County — home to Daytona Beach — offers oceanfront living with a more affordable price tag than many coastal spots.
But Sumter County stands out the most, boasting the highest average age of newcomers — around 60. About 70% of new arrivals here are homeowners, underscoring its appeal to those looking to settle down long-term. Anchored by The Villages, one of the largest and fastest-growing retirement communities in the U.S., Sumter offers a strong sense of community, endless social activities, and plenty of golf carts to get around.
South Florida’s exodus: Miami-Dade sees the biggest resident loss
While many Florida counties are welcoming an influx of new residents, others are seeing notable departures. These shifts reflect evolving population dynamics as people move in search of greater affordability, lifestyle changes, or the freedom that comes with remote work. Miami-Dade County tops the list, with a staggering net loss of nearly 50,000 residents. Broward County isn’t far behind, with close to 9,000 move-outs—further signaling a broader migration trend away from South Florida. Even Seminole County, though on a smaller scale, has seen a net loss, with around 1,200 residents relocating elsewhere in pursuit of new opportunities.
Here is the full list of net migration in Florida counties, along with additional data points indicative of the trends shaping these movements:
Conclusion
Affordability and remote work are reshaping Florida’s housing market and economy, especially in the Central, East-Central, and Tampa Bay areas. As expected, South Florida’s high cost of living is driving many to neighboring counties, while Central Florida is becoming a hub for young professionals in search of flexibility and affordability. Suburban counties like Pasco and Lake are attracting more homeowners, while places like Osceola and Seminole continue to be rental-heavy. Meanwhile, an influx of out-of-state migrants, especially from New York and Illinois, is likely to reshape local economies and housing markets.
Methodology
This analysis was conducted by StorageCafe, an online platform that offers nationwide storage unit listings.
In this report, we ranked all Florida counties based on net migration figures, calculated by subtracting the number of departures from the total number of move-ins for each location.
The migration data, along with information on income levels, homeownership rates, employment status, educational attainment and other demographic details of movers across the country were sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey PUMS 5-year, 2023.
Median home prices were derived from 2023 owner-occupied housing unit values reported by the U.S. Census. Rental data was also obtained from the 2023 U.S. Census American Community Survey.
Fair use and distribution
This study serves as a resource for the general public on issues of common interest and should not be regarded as investment advice. The data is true to the best of our knowledge but may change if amendments to it are made. We agree to the distribution of this content, but we do require a mention in return for attribution purposes.
