With home prices rising in many major markets, 2025 is the year to look beyond typical hotspots. A growing number of homebuyers are seeking states that offer a mix of affordability, job growth, climate comfort, and long-term stability. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, remote worker, or relocating for lifestyle, these are the 7 states to purchase a home in 2025 that are worth serious consideration.
What First-Time Buyers Should Look for in 2025
Buying your first home in 2025? You’re not alone. With rising rents and evolving work norms, many first-time buyers are entering the market looking for space, stability, and long-term value. But buying in today’s market means thinking ahead.
Start by getting pre-approved early, so you know your budget before touring homes. Look for properties in areas with steady job growth, low property taxes, and infrastructure improvements on the horizon. Consider homes with flexible layouts, especially if you’re working remotely or planning to grow your family.
Many states offer first-time homebuyer programs, including down payment assistance or reduced interest rates. Be sure to ask about them before locking in a loan. And don’t forget to factor in utilities, HOA fees, and insurance—especially in areas prone to weather risks.
Quick Comparison: Top Homebuying Benefits by State
Top 3 for Price
- Arkansas – Lowest average home prices
- Pennsylvania – Consistently under national average
- North Carolina – Still affordable with strong long-term value
Top 3 for Lifestyle
- Florida – Coastal access, no income tax
- Colorado – Mountain living, outdoor culture
- Georgia – Suburban space with city access
North Carolina – Balanced Growth and Job Opportunity
North Carolina remains one of the top destinations for homebuyers looking for both quality of life and investment value. Cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham are attracting tech professionals, families, and retirees alike. The job market is strong, with major employers in technology, research, and healthcare. The average home price sits below national averages, and homes in secondary markets offer even more savings.
Suburban areas around the Research Triangle provide great schools and growing infrastructure, while smaller towns like Wilmington offer a coastal lifestyle without coastal pricing. The combination of steady appreciation, expanding inventory, and lifestyle diversity makes North Carolina an ideal pick. Buyers relocating from other parts of the country can rely on moving companies North Carolina to navigate both urban and suburban logistics efficiently.
Arkansas – A Low-Cost Market with High Potential
Arkansas is gaining attention for its affordability and rapid development in select areas. While the state overall remains budget-friendly, hotspots like Bentonville and Fayetteville are booming thanks to corporate growth and tech investments. Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville continues to attract new residents, along with an expanding startup scene. Rural areas outside metro centers provide even more value, with land and homes available at a fraction of coastal prices. Arkansas is a particularly smart option for buyers looking to purchase their first home or relocate on a moderate income. With demand rising, it’s important to book your move early—Arkansas movers can help with both in-state and out-of-state relocations.
Florida – Tax Savings and Coastal Living
Florida continues to draw buyers from across the country. One of the biggest perks? No state income tax. That alone is enough to attract retirees, remote workers, and business owners. Add in a wide variety of cities, from bustling Miami to relaxed Sarasota, and it’s clear why Florida stays high on the list. In 2025, the housing market is stabilizing, with prices softening in some regions. Inland towns and smaller coastal cities offer better affordability while still providing access to beaches and amenities. However, keep in mind the rising cost of homeowners insurance and HOA fees in some areas. Those moving south for sun and savings should start with moving companies in Florida for help navigating the state’s housing density and storm-prone zones.
Colorado – Nature, Growth, and Stability
Colorado’s housing market has cooled just enough to create new opportunities for buyers. While cities like Denver remain expensive, other areas such as Colorado Springs and Pueblo offer more affordable entry points. These places still benefit from access to jobs in tech, healthcare, and the military, plus incredible mountain views.
Colorado appeals to buyers who prioritize outdoor living—hiking, biking, skiing—and want a home base with long-term value. The market may be competitive, but smart buyers can still find well-priced homes if they look outside the state’s major hubs. Whether you’re moving from across the state or across the country, movers in Colorado can help plan a move that fits your lifestyle and location.
Georgia – Urban Options and Growing Suburbs
Georgia offers excellent affordability without sacrificing opportunity. Atlanta continues to thrive with jobs in tech, logistics, and film. However, it’s the surrounding suburbs that provide real homebuying value. Places like Marietta, Peachtree City, and Alpharetta are ideal for those wanting space, top-rated schools, and convenient access to the city.
Outside Atlanta, cities like Savannah and Augusta offer coastal and historic charm with a lower cost of living. Georgia gives you options—rural land, metro condos, and everything in between. Relocating into the Peach State? moving companies in Georgia specialize in both city access and HOA-restricted neighborhoods.
Arizona – A Desert Market With Room to Breathe
After years of rapid growth, Arizona’s real estate market is beginning to stabilize. This makes 2025 a good time to buy in metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson or in quieter suburbs like Gilbert and Queen Creek. Arizona continues to attract retirees, remote workers, and young families with its sunshine, spacious housing, and growing infrastructure.
The state offers modest property taxes and a reasonable cost of living, especially when compared to California or Nevada. While summer heat is a factor, many buyers appreciate the trade-off for year-round sun and low-maintenance landscapes. Planning a move into Arizona’s unique climate? Work with movers in Arizona who know how to handle long-distance desert transitions.
Pennsylvania – Affordability with Big-City Access
Pennsylvania rounds out the list for its strong combination of affordability and location. Cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia provide access to jobs, culture, and universities, while smaller towns across the state offer quiet, community-driven living. The average home price remains well below the national average, and buyers have options ranging from urban rowhomes to rural retreats. Central PA continues to grow, with areas like Harrisburg and Lancaster providing value and access to major highway corridors. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or downsizing, Pennsylvania remains one of the most livable and stable housing markets in the Northeast. For a stress-free transition into the Keystone State, work with trusted Pennsylvania moving companies who understand regional traffic and city-specific rules.
How Local Laws Can Affect Your Closing Timeline
Each of these states to purchase a home in 2025 handles real estate closings differently, and those variations can impact your moving timeline more than you’d expect. If you’re buying a home in a new state, it’s important to understand how local laws, disclosure rules, and title processes might cause delays—or even move things faster than you planned.
In places like North Carolina, buyers typically go through a due diligence period with built-in negotiation time. In Florida, flood zone disclosures and hurricane insurance verification can extend the process. Meanwhile, states like Georgia are known for faster turnarounds thanks to streamlined title systems.
Here are a few legal and logistical factors to research before you close:
- Inspection contingencies and due diligence deadlines
- Flood zone declarations and insurance timelines
- Title search requirements and typical processing time
- HOA documentation or property-specific restrictions
- County or city-level permitting backlogs
The more you know upfront, the easier it is to align your move-in date with your closing. That’s why many buyers planning interstate relocations coordinate early with long distance moving services to time deliveries, storage, and travel around the legal timeline—not just the moving truck.
How Remote Work Is Shaping Housing Trends
Remote and hybrid work are reshaping where people buy homes in 2025. No longer tied to major urban centers, buyers are spreading out—often choosing states like Arizona, North Carolina, and Colorado for their lifestyle perks, weather, and space.
If you’re working from home, prioritize internet speed, home office space, and community infrastructure. Many smaller towns are investing in coworking hubs, downtown redevelopment, and broadband upgrades to attract remote professionals.
Some buyers are even relocating across the country to maximize what their salary can buy. If you’re planning a big move to support your remote lifestyle, it’s smart to work with movers who understand the timing and scale of these kinds of transitions.
What Kind of Property Makes the Best Investment in 2025?
In today’s housing market, the smartest purchase isn’t just the lowest-priced property—it’s the one that will hold its value, meet your lifestyle needs, and offer flexibility down the road. With remote work, changing family structures, and rising maintenance costs all in play, buyers in 2025 are thinking beyond square footage.
The best-performing properties this year tend to offer multi-use features, long-term livability, or income-generating potential. While your perfect home depends on your goals, here’s what’s trending:
- Single-family homes with finished basements or ADUs for flexible space or rental use
- Condos and townhomes in mid-sized cities for low maintenance and affordability
- Properties in growing school districts that are attractive to families long-term
- Homes with energy-efficient upgrades that reduce utility costs and increase resale value
- Rural homes with acreage for privacy and potential development in future years
Whether you’re buying for yourself, as an investor, or somewhere in between, look for properties that do more than just check boxes—they should adapt with your life.
Planning Your Move to One of the States to Purchase a Home in 2025
No matter which of the 7 states to purchase a home in 2025 you choose, planning is key. Start by researching the area’s housing laws, closing costs, and insurance requirements. Many states now require stricter documentation or offer regional tax credits for first-time buyers. Make sure to schedule your relocation at least 4–6 weeks ahead of time. This gives you enough time to compare carriers and secure your preferred dates. Whether you’re moving alone or with a family, early planning will make the experience smoother. For help with multi-state transitions, you can rely on state to state movers with experience in housing market timing, scheduling, and coordination.
Why It’s Worth Working with a Broker
Instead of calling 10 companies yourself, a licensed moving broker helps narrow it down—matching you with carriers that are licensed, insured, and available for your exact move. You’ll save time, avoid scams, and reduce back-and-forth coordination. Safe Ship Moving Services works with fully vetted movers in every state listed here. We verify licenses, check insurance coverage, and provide quote comparisons with no pressure. If you’re moving between two or more of these states, long distance moving services through Safe Ship ensure your timeline, budget, and needs are met in one coordinated move.
What to Expect with Your State-to-State Move
Relocating across state lines in 2025 means dealing with things like route restrictions, truck permitting, weather concerns, and service limitations. Working with pros who know the terrain can help prevent delays and damage. Safe Ship helps you coordinate moves to and from places like New York, California, and Florida—three of the most common departure points in the U.S. If you’re heading out of high-cost areas, work with movers who already understand regional logistics.
What to Avoid When Relocating in 2025
Buying in a new state can be exciting—but it also comes with risks if you don’t do your homework. One of the most common mistakes is overpaying in trending zip codes. Popular areas can experience inflated pricing, only to cool months later.
You should also research local risks, like hurricane zones in Florida or wildfire exposure in parts of Colorado and Arizona. Make sure you know the insurance costs, and don’t assume that what’s normal in one state applies in another. Utilities, taxes, and permitting rules vary widely.
Lastly, don’t gamble on unverified movers. Cross-state relocations require experienced carriers. Start with reliable movers to make sure your timeline, inventory, and delivery window are handled professionally and legally.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you’re searching for affordable housing, better weather, or long-term value, these 7 states to purchase a home in 2025 offer some of the best opportunities available right now. From small towns in Arkansas to mountain views in Colorado or tax-free living in Florida, you’ll find options that align with your goals. If you’re ready to start the process, United States moving services can help you compare trusted carriers, schedule the best time to move, and feel confident from the first quote to final delivery. Buying a home is a big step. Moving into it shouldn’t be. Let’s get it done right.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is moving so expensive?
Moving costs reflect essential services: trained labor, special equipment, fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. Because of seasonal demand, distance, and location-specific regulations, moving prices can vary.
What is the most expensive part of moving?
Labor usually represents the highest moving expense, especially for long-distance relocations. Professional movers’ rates often account for expertise, fuel charges, physical demands, and time investment.
What is a reasonable moving budget?
Reasonable moving budgets vary by home size, location, and distance. Local moves can cost between $800 to $2,500 for a two-bedroom home. Long-distance moves might cost between $2,500 and $8,000. Set aside an additional 10% to 15% for unexpected expenses and costs like packing materials, insurance, and tips.
How much should you tip movers for long-distance moves?
For long-distance moves, the standard tip ranges from 5% to 10% of your total moving cost, split between pickup and delivery crews.