Every year the U-Haul Growth Index offers a real-world snapshot of where Americans are actually moving. Unlike surveys or estimates, this report is based on millions of one-way U-Haul rentals, making it one of the most practical indicators of domestic migration trends.
While Texas reclaimed the top spot nationally in 2025, one of the most important takeaways for our local market is this: North Carolina continues to rank among the top states people are moving to, reinforcing what we see daily here in Cary and the Raleigh area.
North Carolina’s Continued Growth Is Not a Fluke
North Carolina placed firmly near the top of the 2025 U-Haul Growth Index, continuing a multi-year trend of inbound migration. This is especially meaningful because the Growth Index measures net moves in versus moves out. More people are choosing North Carolina as their destination than leaving it.
– For the Triangle, this confirms what local buyers and sellers already feel on the ground:
– Strong job growth across tech, life sciences, healthcare, and education
– A steady flow of relocations from higher-cost states
– High demand for well-located homes in established communities
– Cary and Raleigh remain especially attractive because they offer a rare combination of career opportunity, livability, and long-term stability.
Why Cary and Raleigh Are Benefiting the Most
Migration data often paints with a broad brush, but the Triangle stands out even within North Carolina.
Cary continues to attract relocating families and professionals thanks to its schools, walkable neighborhoods, greenways, and proximity to Research Triangle Park. Raleigh remains a magnet for buyers looking for urban energy, universities, and expanding job sectors.
Together, these areas benefit from:
– Relocation buyers with strong purchasing power
– Long-term residents moving up or downsizing locally
– Investors watching population growth as a signal for durability
This consistent demand helps explain why pricing has remained resilient even as national markets fluctuate.
What the U-Haul Data Means for Local Buyers
For buyers, strong inbound migration means competition is real, but it also means confidence. People move to places with opportunity. When a market continues to attract new residents year after year, it supports home values and neighborhood growth.
In Cary and Raleigh, buyers are not just purchasing a home. They are buying into a region that continues to draw talent, employers, and infrastructure investment.
What It Means for Local Sellers
For sellers, migration trends like this are powerful. More people moving into North Carolina creates a broader pool of potential buyers, including those relocating from higher-cost markets who often have flexibility on price and timing.
Homes that are well-prepared and well-positioned continue to perform strongly, particularly in established neighborhoods close to employment centers, schools, and amenities.
The Bigger Picture
The U-Haul Growth Index reinforces something we have known locally for years. Cary and Raleigh are not benefiting from a short-term surge. They are part of a long-term growth pattern driven by jobs, quality of life, and smart development.
Understanding these trends helps buyers make confident decisions and allows sellers to approach the market strategically.
If you are considering buying or selling in Cary or the Raleigh area and want to understand how national migration trends connect to your neighborhood, Linda Trevor & Co. is always here as a trusted local resource.