Study: NJ Residents Moving Out of State

A new study finds that when it comes to residents moving out of the state, New Jersey tops the list.

The annual National Movers Study, conducted by United Van Lines, lists Oregon as the top moving-in state, while New Jersey was the top moving-out location, with 65 percent outward moves.

"It's not surprising because New Jersey has had a long-standing problem with migration losses - it's been going on for more than a decade," said James Hughes, the dean of the  Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.

According to Hughes, approximately 50,000 more people move out of the state than move in. One of the main reasons is the cost of living in the Garden State.

"One of the basic reasons is the sheer cost of housing and cost of living in New Jersey," Hughes said. "We rank number one in housing costs."

Hughes said when New Jerseyans are mapping out their financial futures, they are opting to sell their homes and buy property in other states where a similar size home is significantly less expensive.

"They can sell their house in New Jersey, purchase an equivalent house in North Carolina or South Carolina for about half the price. It gives you a real financial cushion," Hughes said.

He also said while many people continue to move out of New Jersey, the state isn't exactly emptying out.

"We are one of the major immigration destinations from abroad, and we've always been an immigration-friendly state," Hughes said.

Another reason why people are moving out of the Garden State is because it's such a hassle to get around, he said.

"New Jersey is the densest state in America, actually New Jersey has greater population density than Japan or India," Hughes said. "So moving to less congested environment, moving to a more climate-friendly environment has its attractions."