By Sean Colón
Welcome to the Valley — Again.
Phoenix isn’t just hot because of the weather—it’s one of the country’s top destinations for new residents in 2025. According to U-Haul’s latest midyear migration data, the Valley is welcoming a steady stream of newcomers, and that means opportunity for Arizona realtors. Whether you're working with buyers fresh from Los Angeles or helping sellers relocate to Austin, understanding where people are coming from (and going to) gives you a competitive edge in today’s market.
Where Are Phoenix's Newest Residents Coming From?
Based on one-way U-Haul moves between January and July 2025, the top states fueling Phoenix’s population growth are:
California (no surprise here),
Texas,
Colorado,
Nevada,
Washington,
Utah,
New Mexico,
Oregon,
Illinois, and
Florida.
These transplants are often bringing cash offers, remote jobs, or the desire to escape sky-high housing costs. For agents, this means highlighting Arizona’s relative affordability, outdoor lifestyle, and investment potential is more critical than ever.
Top Metro Areas Sending Movers to the Valley
In terms of cities, Phoenix is attracting people from:
Los Angeles, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Denver, CO
Salt Lake City, UT
Seattle, WA
These are high-density, high-cost metros—many movers are looking to trade cramped square footage for a spacious desert upgrade. Realtors should be ready to educate newcomers on HOAs, water rights, and neighborhood nuances like East Valley vs. West Valley.
In-State Shifts: Arizona’s Internal Migration
Phoenix isn’t just drawing people from out of state. It’s also gaining residents from within Arizona itself. Cities like Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu, and Yuma are feeding the metro area as retirees downsize, families chase jobs, and students make post-graduation moves.
Knowing where your client came from can inform how you present listings—someone from Tucson may prioritize cooler microclimates like Ahwatukee or North Scottsdale, while Flagstaff folks might want walkability and mountain views.
Where Are Arizonans Headed?
While we’re gaining residents, plenty of Arizonans are also packing up. Phoenix is a top origin city for moves to:
Austin, TX
Denver, CO
Las Vegas, NV
San Diego, CA
Portland, OR
San Antonio, TX
…and even back to California metros like Sacramento, San Francisco, and Riverside.
If you’re representing sellers, especially those heading out of state, it’s worth preparing them for market competition elsewhere—and connecting them with referral agents in those key destinations.
Why It Matters for Arizona Realtors
Migration trends aren’t just fun trivia—they’re strategy. When you know your buyer is coming from Seattle, you can tailor your pitch to emphasize sunshine, tax benefits, and year-round hiking. When your seller is leaving for Texas, you can advise them on closing timelines and price positioning in a softening market.
Phoenix’s real estate market isn’t slowing—it’s evolving. With more inbound migration and shifting local patterns, staying informed helps you stay ahead.
Ready to work smarter in Arizona’s fast-moving market? Know who’s coming, who’s going—and how to serve them better.
By the way, I help realtors improve their online and social media presence by providing beautiful photos of their listings. That is why I’ve created this FREE HOME PREP LIST for your clients to help your listings look their best. Feel free to share.