Americans Are Moving More Than Ever—And They're Turning to Neighbors for Help

Moving season is officially here — with September 1 being a popular moving day in cities across America — and the data tells a compelling story. According to our latest 2025 Moving Insights Report, neighbors are relocating at the highest rates we've seen in recent years, with June 2025 showing a 20% increase compared to last year.

The New Face of Moving

While most moves aren't taking people far from home, they're increasingly changing the type of community people call home. We're seeing a notable shift from high-density urban areas to medium and lower-density communities, with the Mountain West region experiencing the highest net population gain per capita—largely driven by people leaving California.

Space is the New Priority

The reasons behind these moves reveal changing priorities. While being closer to family and seeking a fresh start remain top motivators, we've seen a 50% increase in neighbors citing the need for more space as their primary reason for moving. This aligns with what people prioritize most when house hunting: square footage and outdoor space rank as the most important home features.

The Community Connection

Perhaps most telling is how people are navigating these transitions. A remarkable 80% of recent movers used Nextdoor to help settle into their new neighborhoods, with engagement spiking both before and after moves. Once settled, neighbors are significantly more likely to seek out local service providers, with fitness and wellness services (+44%), pet services (+39%), and childcare (+31%) seeing the biggest increases in searches.

Planning for the Future

The data shows neighbors are becoming more strategic about their moves. While most still find homes within a few months, 64% more people spent over a year searching for their new home compared to last year. Most preparation happens over a month in advance, with utilities and insurance typically set up before moving day—though home security systems are usually installed afterward.

Moving isn't just about changing addresses; it's about finding community. As neighbors continue to relocate at record rates, platforms like Nextdoor play an increasingly vital role in helping people not just move houses, but truly move home.