The study also revealed the COVID-19 pandemic factored into and
accelerated many decisions to move.
The top outbound states for 2020 were:
1. New Jersey
2. New York
3. Illinois
4. Connecticut
5. California
6. Kansas
7. North Dakota
8. Massachusetts
9. Ohio
10. Maryland
More than 60% of all moves within the northeast United
States were outbound moves.
Some New Jersey regions also ranked among the nation's top five
metropolitan areas with outbound moves. Bergen and Passaic counties combined
for 81% heading outbound, Trenton at 76% and Newark at 72%.
The 44th annual study bases destination ranking off the percentage
of inbound and outbound state moves compared to overall state moves. The biggest reasons for leaving were retirement, followed by family reasons and
then, a new job.