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Beyond the Garden State: The Top Places for Moving Out of New Jersey
New Jersey is undoubtedly a lovely place to live — as you well know, having been a resident — but it also happens to be one of the top states people are leaving. So where are New Jerseyans moving to?
Many are packing up and heading toward warmer states with more affordable living costs, especially in terms of housing. Other common reasons for moving out of NJ include the state’s cumbersome taxes and the limited yet competitive job market. Some of the common destinations for these outbound residents include Florida, Arizona, Texas, and Tennessee. If one of them is on your list, White Glove Moving & Storage offers long-distance moving services from New Jersey to destinations across the United States.
Find out what makes these destinations appealing to New Jersey movers and what they could hold in store for you.
Top Places for Moving Out of NJ
No matter your reasons for leaving New Jersey, you’re bound to find something to love about the places New Jerseyans are headed:
Tampa, FL
Tampa is known for having warm weather year-round and plentiful sand and surf. Its job market offers a bounty of opportunities for those across industries within a diverse and thriving economy, allowing new citizens to enjoy a better quality of life without draining their bank accounts.
Philadelphia, PA
Philly is a city with rich historical roots, culture, high-ranking universities, and professional sports. It also boasts excellent walkability and a unique culinary scene, which means there’s something for everyone to love who may be considering Philadelphia as their new home.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota is a highly coveted retirement community and an excellent place to raise a family. With one of the best beaches in the nation, ample outdoor recreation opportunities, low crime rates, and impressive arts and culture, it’s no wonder people are flocking to places like Sarasota in droves.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a culturally diverse city and the center of the entertainment industry. It offers mild weather year-round and plenty of job opportunities within the technology, healthcare, and entertainment industries. Its vibrant nature scene ranges from beautiful beaches to mountain reserves.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Boating enthusiasts and night owls will love what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. With marinas, yacht clubs, an extensive canal system similar to that of Venice, Italy, high-end shopping boutiques, stunning beaches, and thriving nightclubs, adventure seekers will find what they’re looking for in this city.
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has a relatively low cost of living compared to other US cities as well as excellent opportunities for career growth. In addition to its economic benefits, Jacksonville has safe neighborhoods, highly rated schools, and outdoor life conducive to fishing, hiking, kayaking, and biking.
Charleston, SC
Charleston is one of those places marked by warm “Southern hospitality.” Its welcoming environment is friendly to newcomers seeking its temperate climate, delicious Lowcountry cuisine and seafood, beauty, and historical significance. New residents will also enjoy access to a variety of coastal beaches.
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is a bustling hub for business and has developed a reputation for safe communities, top-ranking universities, green, open spaces, and high quality of life. Those moving here seeking thrills will also be delighted at how many scenic spots there are for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson is marked by majestic desert beauty and a warm, sunny climate that lends itself to all-year hiking, biking, horseback, and golfing, which the cold-averse will appreciate. It has one of the lowest costs of living among all cities in Arizona and has safe neighborhoods conducive to family living.
Nashville, TN
Also known as Music City, Nashville is an exciting city to live in if you’re a country music lover with an affinity for barbecue and Southern-style cooking. This city has a growing economy with employers in finance, higher education, and healthcare and has a strong sense of community, which ensures a high quality of life.
Why People Are Leaving New Jersey
Residents are leaving New Jersey for numerous reasons, including crime rates, harsh weather, and traffic. Below are some of the most commonly reported reasons for leaving the state:
High Cost of Living in NJ
New Jersey is home to two of America’s wealthiest counties and continues to be one of the most expensive states in the nation, with prices about 9% above the national average, the third highest of any state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Because the state is so small and densely populated, there is fierce competition for available living space, and the demand spikes the cost of housing. Housing costs in New Jersey run about 34% above the national level, the main reason the state is so expensive.
Lack of Job Opportunities
New Jersey’s most common industries for employment include the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and financial sectors, though opportunities are more limited in other fields. For example, underrepresented occupations in the state include agriculture, tech, hospitality and tourism, and nonprofit organizations.
High Taxes and Property Values
New Jersey’s close proximity to New York City and high population density keeps housing costs high, with a statewide median sales price of $515,000 in the first four months of 2026, up 3.1% from a year earlier, according to New Jersey Realtors.
On top of that, the state has the highest property taxes in the country, with an effective property tax rate of 2.23% of home value, according to the Tax Foundation. New Jersey’s income tax also has one of the highest top rates in the nation: 10.75% on income over $1 million.
Is New Jersey One of the Most Expensive States to Live In?
Yes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, New Jersey had the third-highest price level of any state in 2024, behind only California and Hawaii, at about 9% above the national average. Housing drives most of the gap: the state’s housing rents run about 34% above the national level. Property taxes add to it; New Jersey’s are the highest in the country.
That is why popular destinations for New Jerseyans, such as Florida, Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee, cost less day to day: lower overall prices, no state income tax in Florida, Texas and Tennessee, and lower property taxes.
What Is the Best State to Move to From New Jersey?
If you’re looking for relief from high tax burdens, more job opportunities, affordable housing, and an overall better quality of life, these top places to move out of New Jersey may have some — or all — of what you’re looking for.
Florida
Did you know Florida is one of the only states in the US with no state income tax? If this alone isn’t enough of a draw, overall prices in Florida are about 5% lower than in New Jersey, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 price levels. Additionally, Florida’s successful economy has endless growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners in many industries. Plus, there’s lots of cultural diversity and a gorgeous climate that new residents may appreciate.
California
While California actually has higher income taxes than New Jersey, a higher median home price, and slightly higher overall prices, California has much lower property taxes than New Jersey, according to the Tax Foundation. So if you’re looking to move somewhere with a lower property tax that’s also warm all year and has diverse landscapes, excellent educational opportunities, and cultural diversity, California might be the right move for you.
Texas
Like Florida, Texas has also chosen not to collect a state income tax, which is a great advantage for New Jerseyans looking to keep more of their paychecks. Texas also has a better variety of housing options, ranging from apartments to townhomes and single-family homes. Home prices are lower than New Jersey’s, and overall prices are about 11% lower, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 price levels. New residents may also appreciate the state’s friendly people, and the warm climate.
Tips and Tricks for Moving Out of NJ
If you’re one of the many people leaving New Jersey, you’re not alone in your move! White Glove Moving & Storage is here to provide helpful advice and full-service moving solutions to make your move successful and stress-free — whether to a next-door state or one across the country.
How to Plan a Successful Move Out of New Jersey
Planning a successful move starts with setting a timeline and a budget. Your planning needs to start at least two months in advance so you have time to take care of all preliminary tasks before moving day rolls around. You also need to know what you can afford in terms of packing supplies, transportation, and a moving service. Long-distance moving tends to be more expensive, so give yourself sufficient time to save up for it.
Finding the Right Moving Company
When it comes to a big move, don’t entrust the first moving service you come across. Take the time to research it by reading reviews, learning about its services, and gathering quotes so you find the company best suited to your needs. The right moving company is the one that has availability for your timeline, uses its own trained crews rather than subcontractors, is licensed for interstate moves (ours: USDOT 648262), provides the full suite of services you need, has great reviews from clients, and can handle the job within your projected budget.
Packing and Decluttering Tips for a Smoother Move
Once you’ve set a timeline, established a budget, and selected a moving company to help you, it’s time to start sorting through the things you own and getting rid of the things you no longer need, want, or use. You can donate these items or sell them to make some extra cash to pay for the move. Paring down your belongings can make moving day smoother and reduce the size of your move — and, therefore, the costs. Start this process several weeks before moving day.
When it’s time to pack what you have left, you can either take care of it yourself or hire our professional moving team. We have years of experience packing up homes of all different sizes and know what it takes to get your items safely from point A to point B. If packing services aren’t in the budget, turn to us for high-quality packing supplies, including bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and packing tape. Label every box with its contents and the room it belongs in to make unpacking easier.
Moving Out of New Jersey: FAQ
What is the best state to move to from New Jersey?
It depends on what you want to change. For lower taxes, Florida and Texas have no state income tax. For a lower cost of living close to family in the Northeast, Pennsylvania is a common choice. For jobs and a milder climate, North Carolina and Tennessee are popular. The sections above compare Florida, California and Texas in detail.
Which company is best for moving out of state?
Look for a mover licensed for interstate moves (check its USDOT number), with its own crews, a written quote based on your inventory, and recent reviews from people who made the same kind of move. White Glove Moving & Storage is licensed under USDOT 648262 and moves New Jersey families to every state. Get a free quote.
How far ahead should I plan a move out of New Jersey?
Start about two months ahead: set the date and budget, get written quotes, and book your mover. Summer and month-end dates fill first.
Do I still have to file a New Jersey tax return after I move?
Usually, yes, for the year you move. New Jersey has no separate part-year form: you file the regular resident return, Form NJ-1040, and report only the income you earned or received while you lived in New Jersey. If you keep getting income from New Jersey sources after you leave, such as a job in the state, you also file the nonresident return, Form NJ-1040NR. Details are on the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s part-year resident page.
What do I do with my New Jersey license plates?
Once your car is registered in your new state, turn in your New Jersey plates at any Motor Vehicle Commission agency, at the counter or in the drop box outside, or mail them to an MVC agency with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The MVC mails you a receipt as proof of surrender. Keep it in case any later charges are linked to those plates. Plates cannot be surrendered at inspection stations.
What if my new home is not ready when I leave New Jersey?
Closing and lease dates do not always line up. White Glove Moving & Storage can pick up your belongings in New Jersey, keep them in our storage, and deliver when your new home is ready. Every client gets 1 month of free storage, and extended storage options are available if you need more time.
How is the price of a long-distance move out of New Jersey set?
We price long-distance moves at a flat rate, set before moving day. The quote reflects how much you move, the distance, packing, building access at both ends and any specialty items such as pianos or art. You can choose an in-home or a virtual estimate, whichever suits you. Get a free quote.
Plan Your Move Out of NJ With White Glove
In this article, we’ve covered popular places for New Jersey residents to move — but as you may have noticed, many of the top places to move out of New Jersey are quite a long distance away.
Long-distance moves are not for the faint of heart, so as you plan your move out of New Jersey, consider making White Glove part of the process. We specialize in long-distance moving and have the materials and expertise to relocate anywhere in the US. Contact us today for a quote and rest easier knowing we’re here to take the heavy lifting off your shoulders.
