Top 5 States People Are Moving to Arizona From

Top 5 States People Are Moving to Arizona From

Arizona continues to be one of the most popular relocation destinations in the country, and the numbers back it up. According to recent state-to-state migration data, about 235,000 people moved to Arizona from another state in 2024, helping Arizona rank 4th nationally for net domestic migration.

For buyers, sellers and homeowners, this matters. Relocation trends help explain where demand is coming from, why certain price ranges stay active, and why Arizona continues to attract people even as the housing market changes.

So where are people moving to Arizona from?

1. California

California remains the biggest source of new Arizona residents by a wide margin. In 2024, about 52,400 people moved from California to Arizona.

That is not surprising. Many California buyers come to Arizona looking for more space, a different cost of living, newer homes, and a lifestyle that still keeps them within reach of the West Coast. For some, Arizona offers a way to stay close to family or business ties in California while getting more home for the money.

Greater Phoenix is often a natural landing spot because of its job base, airport access, entertainment, sports, healthcare, and variety of communities. From lock-and-leave condos to larger single-family homes, California buyers often compare Arizona through the lens of lifestyle and value.

2. Washington

Washington was the second-largest source of people moving to Arizona, with about 17,600 residents relocating here in 2024.

For many Washington residents, Arizona offers a major change in climate and lifestyle. Sunshine, outdoor recreation, golf, spring training, hiking, and a more predictable winter season are all part of the appeal.

There is also a practical side. Many Washington relocations are tied to remote work flexibility, retirement planning, family moves, and the search for a home that better fits someone’s next stage of life.

3. Texas

Texas and Arizona have a lot in common, but Arizona still attracted about 10,300 residents from Texas in 2024.

Some Texas-to-Arizona moves are job related. Others are lifestyle driven. Arizona appeals to buyers who want the desert climate, mountain views, access to the West Coast, or a different pace of life within a major metro area.

For real estate, this shows that Arizona is not only pulling residents from colder or more expensive states. It is also competing with other high-growth states for people who are choosing where they want to live long term.

4. Colorado

Colorado also sent about 10,300 residents to Arizona in 2024.

Colorado and Arizona share a strong outdoor culture, but Arizona offers a warmer climate, lower elevation, and a different housing mix. Some Colorado movers are retirees or seasonal residents who eventually decide to make Arizona their full-time home. Others are families and professionals looking for more options in newer communities.

This is especially relevant in the Phoenix metro area, where buyers can find everything from established neighborhoods to newer master-planned communities with parks, trails, schools, and shopping nearby.

5. Illinois

Illinois rounded out the top five, with about 9,400 people moving to Arizona in 2024.

Illinois has long been an important relocation state for Arizona. Weather is a big factor, but it is not the only one. Many Illinois movers are looking for sunshine, lower-maintenance living, retirement options, job opportunities, and a lifestyle change.

Greater Phoenix also benefits from a growing economy and a strong employment base. The region continues to attract people because of its business growth, outdoor lifestyle, sunshine, housing variety, and access to major employment centers.

Why This Matters for Arizona Real Estate

Migration is one of the biggest long-term drivers of housing demand. When people move to Arizona from other states, they need places to live. Some rent first. Some buy right away. Some purchase second homes. Others move family members here over time.

That demand can influence home prices, buyer competition, new construction demand, rental demand, neighborhood growth, seller opportunities, and relocation marketing.

It also helps explain why Arizona real estate is not only driven by local buyers. A home listed in the Phoenix metro area may attract interest from someone living in California, Washington, Texas, Colorado, Illinois, or another state entirely.

What Buyers Should Know

If you are moving to Arizona, the best place to live depends on your lifestyle, budget, commute, schools, home style, and long-term plans. Arizona is not one-size-fits-all.

A buyer moving from another state should look closely at property taxes, HOA fees, utility costs, commute patterns, summer heat, new build incentives, resale inventory, and how different areas compare. Two homes with the same price can feel very different depending on location, age, lot size, upgrades, and neighborhood amenities.

What Sellers Should Know

If you are selling a home in Arizona, relocation buyers matter. Your home’s online presentation is often the first showing. Photos, video, pricing, property description, local context, and digital exposure all matter because out-of-state buyers may narrow their list before they ever step foot in Arizona.

A strong listing strategy should not only appeal to local buyers. It should also speak to the people researching Arizona from another state.

Final Thoughts

Arizona continues to attract people from across the country, especially from California, Washington, Texas, Colorado and Illinois. The reasons vary, but the bigger picture is clear: people are still choosing Arizona for lifestyle, opportunity, weather, housing options, and long-term quality of life.

If you are thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to Arizona, having local guidance matters. The market can change quickly, and the right strategy can help you make a confident move from start to finish.

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
USAFacts state-to-state migration data
Arizona’s Economy migration reporting
Greater Phoenix Economic Council