It feels like everyone is dreaming about a fresh start lately.
And according to a new report, a lot of those dreams are pointing toward one place in Tennessee.
Johnson City just landed the top spot on MoveBuddha’s list of the most desired places to move in the United States for 2025. That’s a pretty big deal for a city with around 100,000 residents tucked away in East Tennessee.
So what’s the big draw?
People Want Smaller Cities With More Space
MoveBuddha looked at searches made through its Moving Cost Calculator between July 2024 and March 2025. The company tracked where people planned to move during 2025, and Johnson City came out on top.
Honestly, it makes sense.
A lot of people seem tired of sky-high housing prices, packed highways, and giant cities that never slow down. Johnson City offers something different. You get mountain views, outdoor activities, and a slower pace without feeling completely cut off from everything.
And yes, outdoor lovers are probably already paying attention.
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Johnson City sits about an hour north of Asheville, North Carolina, right near the Appalachian Mountains.
That means hiking trails, camping spots, fishing lakes, and mountain biking are all close by. If your ideal weekend includes fresh air instead of traffic jams, you can probably see the appeal already.
MoveBuddha specifically pointed to the area’s outdoor access as one of the biggest reasons people are interested in moving there.
And let’s be honest — waking up to mountain views sounds a lot better than waking up to construction noise.
Affordability Still Matters
Of course, scenery alone doesn’t convince people to pack up their lives.
Money matters too.
The report found that affordability is still one of the biggest priorities for people planning a move in 2025. In fact, more than half of the top 50 cities on the list had average home prices below the national average.
Johnson City stood out because it offers both affordability and quality of life.
According to MoveBuddha, homes in the area are still priced under $300,000 on average.
That’s the kind of number that makes people stop scrolling and start checking Zillow.
Other Cities Also Made The List
Johnson City wasn’t the only smaller city getting attention.
The rest of the top five included:
- Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
- Summerville, South Carolina
- St. George, Utah
- Fairbanks, Alaska
There’s definitely a pattern here.
People seem to be looking for places with more nature, lower costs, and a little breathing room. Big cities still have their fans, of course, but smaller communities are clearly having a moment right now.
Not Everyone Will Actually Move
One important thing to remember is that this report tracks interest, not finalized moves.
MoveBuddha even pointed out that many people researching a move may never actually go through with it. Still, the data gives a pretty interesting look at where Americans are dreaming about living next.
And honestly? Johnson City probably won’t mind the attention.
