Most popular cities to move in the US? These Boise-area cities made the list
People looking to move have eyes on two Idaho cities, according to a new study by moveBuddha.
The technology company, which offers online resources including a moving cost calculator, recently ranked the top 10 most popular cities for those seeking to relocate in 2025.
National trends indicate that movers are “still seeking out affordability and access to nature” with a fresh focus on smaller towns and cities, moveBuddha said.
“It isn’t highly populated urban hubs that are drawing the largest proportions of new residents,” moveBuddha co-founder Ryan Carrigan wrote in an Aug. 20 article. “Instead, small and suburban enclaves with plenty of affordable housing and outdoor recreation emerge as big winners mid-way through 2025.”
Idaho was the third most popular state to move in 2025, the study found, trailing behind South Carolina and North Carolina.
Here’s where people are moving to in Idaho — and why:
Why is Eagle one of the most popular US cities to move?
Eagle, which borders Boise, took third place on moveBuddha’s list of the most popular cities to move to in 2025.
The Ada County suburb that runs along the Boise Foothills has seen a slight population increase since 2020, growing to an estimated 33,451 residents in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“Encompassing the Boise River and resting alongside the rolling foothills, Eagle provides jaw-dropping landscapes surrounded by an abundance of shopping, dining, and adventure,” the city of Eagle said on its website.
The Eagle Chamber of Commerce said the “family-oriented” community has access to a variety of golf courses and more than 12 miles of trails for walking and biking.
Eagle’s median household income was $118,037 annually as of 2023, according to Census data.
“We offer career opportunities, low cost of living, beautiful well-designed neighborhoods, excellent schools, abundant recreational choices, attractive retail and commercial developments and a community where people feel safe, and comfortable,” the Eagle Chamber of Commerce said on its website.
What makes Caldwell a great place to relocate?
Two municipal golf courses, walking paths and an “ever-growing” wine industry attract many to Caldwell, the city said.
The Canyon County city was No. 4 on moveBuddha’s list of the most popular cities in the United States where people are moving.
Caldwell’s population has grown significantly in the past few years, Census data show, going from slightly less than 60,000 people in 2020 to approximately 73,000 residents in 2024.
Caldwell is approximately 28 miles from Boise by car.
The city described itself as a place with a “small-town feel” and “big-city amenities.”
“Agriculture continues to be a huge strength in and around Caldwell, but diversity of the business community is part of our growth,” the city of Caldwell said on its website.
Caldwell, the fifth most populated city in Idaho, is home to the College of Idaho.
Caldwell residents had a median income of $67,117 as of 2023, according to Census data.
Where are top 10 most popular cities for movers in US?
According to moveBuddha, the most popular cities for people looking to relocate can be found primarily in the Southeast and West.
“The cities that are leading the pack don’t venture too far off the beaten track of popular states,” moveBuddha said, with seven of the top 10 cities for movers located in South Carolina, North Carolina and Idaho.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was the most popular city to move to in 2024, the tech company said, two inland South Carolina cities —Conway and Little River — topped the list in 2025.
These were the top 10 most popular cities to move in 2025, according to moveBuddha:
1. Conway, South Carolina
2. Wake Forest, North Carolina
3. Eagle, Idaho
4. Caldwell, Idaho
5. Calabash, North Carolina
6. Green Valley, Arizona
7. Johnson City, Tennessee
8. Fairhope, Alabama
9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
10. Little River, South Carolina
How did moveBuddha come up with list?
MoveBuddha used proprietary data from its moving cost calculator to analyze move trends.
MoveBuddha said it used an in-to-out ratio to “see which cities are earning more residents by moves in than losing them via moves out.”
The data was collected from 2020 through June 30.
This story was originally published August 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Most popular cities to move in the US? These Boise-area cities made the list."