U.S. Migration Trends: A Look at Ocean and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey
Nationwide, 26% of homebuyers searched to move to a different metro area between June 2024 and August 2024, reflecting a trend of relocation that is reshaping the real estate landscape. While southern states such as Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina continue to attract the most interest, areas like Ocean and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey have seen a notable influx of buyers, particularly those leaving major urban areas like New York City.
Migration Patterns in Ocean and Monmouth Counties
Ocean and Monmouth Counties are becoming increasingly popular for homebuyers seeking coastal living with more space, affordability, and proximity to the Jersey Shore. Many buyers from New York, New Jersey’s urban centers, and even California are relocating to these areas, attracted by the suburban lifestyle, strong schools, and beach communities.
With more remote work opportunities, homebuyers are flocking to Ocean County‘s beach towns like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights, and Monmouth County‘s coastal gems like Asbury Park and Red Bank. These areas offer a more relaxed pace of life while still maintaining easy access to major employment hubs like New York City and Philadelphia.
Outbound Migration: People Leaving Major Cities for New Jersey Suburbs
Between June 2024 and August 2024, the top five states people were leaving included California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington. These states saw higher levels of outbound migration, with residents seeking lower taxes, more affordable housing, and greater space. For many New Yorkers, the appeal of Monmouth and Ocean Counties lies in the affordable real estate compared to the skyrocketing prices of New York City, combined with the scenic appeal of coastal living.
Rising Popularity of Southern and Coastal Destinations
On a national level, places like Sacramento, Sarasota, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, and Cape Coral were the most searched-for destinations during this period. However, for buyers who want to remain near the Northeast, coastal New Jersey has emerged as a desirable alternative, offering a blend of suburban tranquility and beachside charm without moving too far from friends and family in New York or Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, cities like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. continue to see higher numbers of outbound residents. Many of these departing residents are landing in New Jersey’s suburbs, including Ocean and Monmouth Counties, drawn by more space, family-friendly communities, and a better quality of life. The demand for properties in these counties has increased significantly, with some buyers moving to escape the hustle of urban living while still maintaining easy access to metropolitan areas for work or leisure.
Summary
Ocean and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey are experiencing a surge in interest as part of broader U.S. migration trends. As buyers from densely populated urban areas seek more space, affordability, and coastal living, these counties are becoming attractive alternatives. This shift is expected to continue as more people seek a balance between work-from-home flexibility and lifestyle preferences, making coastal New Jersey a hotspot for relocation.
Top 10 areas people are moving from
Outbound Net outflow
Metros
Jun ’24 – Aug ’24
1 Los Angeles, CA 35,700
2 New York, NY 30,700
3 San Francisco, CA 23,400
4 Seattle, WA 18,600
5 Washington, DC 15,000
6 Chicago, IL 8,600
7 Philadelphia, PA 5,900
8 Boston, MA 5,600
9 Denver, CO 2,900
10 Hartford, CT 2,800
Numbers provided by Redfin