U-Haul data shows Gen Z moving to California while older Americans choose Southeast

A new U-Haul report shows that Gen Z is moving to California more than almost any other state. California ranked second for Gen Z relocations, behind only Texas. Older generations, including boomers and Gen X, rarely chose California at all. They preferred warmer, cheaper states in the Southeast. U-Haul says Gen Z is drawn to busy cities because they offer universities, entry-level jobs, and apartments. Gen Z's favourite metros included New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles. California's total population has fallen since 2020, so many people assumed young Americans were avoiding the state too. This report suggests that is not true for Gen Z, who are choosing urban job markets over low costs and warm weather.