People now move for mortgage rates instead of city life
The dream of big-city living is being replaced by a calculated exodus toward midsize towns where monthly interest payments are actually manageable for working families.
The modern American migration has shifted from a search for culture to a hunt for lower interest rates. In 2026, midsize destinations like Myrtle Beach have seen a surge in newcomers who are bypassing the traditional urban hubs of the Northeast. Only 19 states saw a net increase in population last year, as people fled high-tax regions for the Mountain West and the Sun Belt. Idaho, for instance, saw inbound moves jump by 36 percent as buyers prioritized ownership over amenities.
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