A policy tale of two cities... and many more

In many places, it is the best of times. In others, it is the worst.

If you need further proof, simply look at the latest moving data from organizations like U-Haul, North American Van Line services, and now PODS. The clear message is Americans are voting with their feet.

PODS watches moving data closely. And, like other moving companies, it has first-hand experience – after all, it sees the data every day in where customers are requesting units, and where they are ending up.

Among cities, Boise has the 7th highest number of move-ins. In fact, it is the only city outside of the South that ranks in the top 10. This shouldn’t be a surprise. Idaho's quality of life, low tax burden and booming economy make it incredibly attractive. When it comes to public policy, citizens vote with their feet.

Cities With the Highest Number of Move-Ins Ranked

1.    Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC (1st in 2024)

2.    Ocala, FL (2nd in 2024)

3.    Raleigh, NC (6th in 2024)

4.    Greenville-Spartanburg, SC (4th in 2024)

5.    Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (Not ranked in 2024)

6.    Charlotte, NC (5th in 2024)

7.    Boise, ID (11th in 2024)

8.    Knoxville, TN (8th in 2024)

9.    Nashville, TN (13th in 2024)

10.  Jacksonville, FL (9th in 2024)

Meantime, the number of Move-Outs also includes a Northwest city. Seattle, not previously ranked, shot up to 12th nationally. High living costs, crime, homeless encampments and more have made the Emerald City one of the least desirable places to live.

Cities With the Highest Number of Move-Outs Ranked

1.             Los Angeles, CA (1st in 2024)

2.             Northern California (San Francisco area) (2nd in 2024)

3.             South Florida (Miami area) (3rd in 2024)

4.             Long Island, NY (Serving parts of NYC) (4th in 2024)

5.             San Diego, CA (8th in 2024)

6.             Central Jersey, NJ (6th in 2024)

7.             Chicago, IL (7th in 2024)

8.             Boston, MA (13th in 2024)

9.             Hudson Valley, NY (10th in 2024)

10.         Denver, CO (12th in 2024)

11.         Santa Barbara, CA (11th in 2024)

12.         Seattle, WA (Not ranked in 2024)

Customers of U-Haul get daily lessons in the price of bad policy as well. We tried to book a U-Haul truck from Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland and other cities to Boise, and then from Boise to the other cities.

·      Seattle to Boise (July 1st) - $752

·      Los Angeles to Boise (July 1st) - $3,474

·      San Francisco to Boise (July 1st) - $2,698

·      Boise to Seattle (July 1st) - $532

·      Boise to Los Angeles (July 1st) - $842

·      Boise to San Francisco (July 1st) - $609