New Report Finds: Gen Z Is Driving the Biggest Moving Trend of 2026

A large share of Americans may be preparing for a change of address this year. A new 2026 State of Moving Forecast Survey by American Home Shield found that 41% of Americans expect to move in 2026, signaling continued mobility across the housing market.

Younger generations are leading the trend. According to the survey, 59% of Gen Z adults say they plan to relocate, compared with 39% of Millennials, 36% of Gen X and 31% of Baby Boomers. Many younger movers are entering new life stages, including career changes, first-time homeownership and growing families.

Despite the high number of people planning to move, most relocations are expected to stay relatively close to home. About 34% of movers plan to stay within the same city or town, while 38% expect to move somewhere else within their state. Only 26% plan to move to another state, and just 2% say they plan to move abroad.

Lifestyle changes remain one of the biggest reasons people relocate. Many respondents cited a change of scenery, while others pointed to major life events such as marriage or having children. Around 17% of movers say they are relocating for work or family reasons, and 14% are planning to move specifically to purchase a home.

First-time buyers represent a notable share of these movers. The survey found that 13% of Millennials and 12% of Gen Z respondents are entering the housing market for the first time, with two-thirds of potential buyers already searching for a property. About 11% are currently in the buying process, while 5% already own the home they plan to move into.

When it comes to housing preferences, affordability continues to influence decision-making. The average desired home size among respondents is about 2,251 square feet, though preferences vary by generation. Roughly 28% say affordability matters more than location, and 35% are open to purchasing fixer-upper homes to reduce costs.

Suburban communities remain the most popular destination for movers. The survey found 45% of respondents prefer suburban areas, while 31% prefer cities, 15% rural communities, and 9% small towns. Many movers are also looking for locations that balance lifestyle with affordability, a factor cited by 56% of respondents.

While moving can be expensive and stressful, Americans continue to relocate in large numbers. The average cost of a move is estimated at $2,162, and nearly 30% of respondents describe the process as anxiety-inducing, with packing often cited as the most stressful part of relocating.

Even with those challenges, the survey suggests strong housing mobility heading into 2026, with younger generations driving much of the movement and most relocations occurring within local or regional markets.

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