Climate Migration – Where to Move to Avoid Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant concern; it’s reshaping our daily lives, communities, and futures.

From record-breaking wildfires in California to increasingly destructive hurricanes along the East and Gulf Coasts, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe across the United States.

As a result, climate migration, the act of relocating to escape the impacts of climate change, is on the rise.

If you’re one of the many Americans wondering where to move to avoid climate change, this guide offers insights into the safest states and regions to consider.

You can find detailed information about the expected impacts of climate change in different parts of the country at www.climatecentral.org

What Is Climate Migration?

Climate migration is the movement of people driven by environmental changes caused by global warming.

And unfortunately, this is not a future scenario; it’s already happening.

Rising sea levels, longer droughts, deadly heatwaves, and mega-storms are pushing families to seek safer, more stable places to live.

Experts predict that millions of Americans could be forced to relocate within the next few decades as some areas become uninhabitable.

If you think climate migration is not a real thing in the U.S., think again. It is calculated that 3.2 million Americans have moved home in the last 20 years to avoid the effects of climate change. You can read the full report at www.magazine.columbia.edu

You may also like to read: Moving to Another State. If you are thinking of an interstate move, then this checklist of things to do before, during, and after your home move will be invaluable.

How Climate Change Is Affecting the U.S.

How climate change is affecting population patterns, and why it’s causing people to move:

1. Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Flooding

Coastal states like Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Delaware face serious flooding risks due to rising tides and intensifying storms.

Some projections show large portions of these states could be underwater by the end of the century.

You may also like to read: Moving to Florida. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to Florida.

2. Extreme Heat

Heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S.

States like Texas, Arizona, and Mississippi are experiencing more days above 100°F, and that trend will only intensify.

Without action, these areas may become dangerously hot for human habitation.

You may also like to read: Moving to Arizona. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to Arizona.

3. Water Scarcity

Drought is a growing threat, particularly in the Southwest and Great Plains. States like Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas, which supply much of the nation’s crops, are facing declining water supplies and agricultural disruption.

4. Wildfires

Hotter, drier conditions mean more frequent and severe wildfires. California, Oregon, and Colorado are already seeing longer wildfire seasons and unprecedented destruction.

Smoke from wildfires can also pollute air quality thousands of miles away.

Discover how climate change is changing the U.S. at www.epa.gov  

You may also like to read: Moving to a Warmer State. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to a state with consistently high temperatures.

Where to Move Away From To Avoid Climate Disasters

For those looking to avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change, here are the areas most prone to catastrophic weather events:

• Low-lying coastal states (e.g., Florida, Louisiana)
• Hot, arid regions (e.g., Arizona, Texas, Nevada)
• Drought-prone agricultural zones (e.g., Great Plains)
• Wildfire-prone states (e.g., California, Oregon, Colorado)

While nowhere is entirely immune, these regions face the greatest threats from climate change in the coming decades.

Good to know: The Gulf Coast States are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and strong hurricanes, and consequently rank amongst the worst states for climate change in the country. California ,meanwhile, experiences ever greater and more deadly wildfires, which is only predicted to continue getting worse.

You may also like to read: Moving to a Cold State. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to a colder state, as well as offering some tips to make your move and living in a cold state easier.

This is an interesting tool from www.ncei.noaa.gov. See the weather disaster cost, event type, and frequency across the U.S. for weather events that cost the country $1 billion or more. You can select any year between 1980 and 2024.

Best Places to Live to Avoid Climate Change in the U.S.

While there’s no true “safe haven” from global warming, some areas are better positioned to withstand climate disruptions due to geography, resources, and infrastructure.

Here are the most climate-resilient regions to consider:

 1. The Great Lakes Region

• States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, upstate New York
• Abundant freshwater access from the Great Lakes
• A cool climate is less susceptible to extreme heat
• Lower wildfire and hurricane risk
• Elevated inland locations reduce flood vulnerability

Top Cities: Duluth, MN · Madison, WI · Pittsburgh, PA · Grand Rapids, MI

You may also like to read: Moving to Minneapolis, MN. In this guide, we find out why moving to Minnesota is such a great idea.

2. Inland New England

States: Vermont, New Hampshire, inland Maine, western Massachusetts

• Low hurricane risk, away from the Atlantic coast
• Plentiful rainfall and a clean water supply
• Cold winters that may moderate with warming
• Minimal wildfire and drought risks

Ideal for: Nature lovers, retirees, and remote workers looking for peace of mind and four-season beauty.

You may also like to read: Moving to New England. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to New England

3. The Pacific Northwest (Inland)

• States: Washington, Oregon, Idaho
• Temperate climate with mild summers and winters
• Access to water and rich forests
• Higher elevations protect against sea-level rise
• Wildfire risk is lower inland than in western coastal zones

Top Cities: Spokane, WA · Boise, ID · Eugene, OR

Tip: Inland areas with higher elevation and stable water resources are especially promising in this region.

You may also like to read: Moving to Seattle. In this guide, we discover what makes Seattle such a great place to live.

What Makes a Place Less Susceptible to Climate Change?

When deciding where to move to avoid climate risk, consider these five key factors:

• Distance from the coast – Avoid sea-level rise and storm surges
• Cooler baseline temperatures – Reduce heatwave exposure
• Reliable water sources – Ensure long-term sustainability
• Elevation – Protect against floods and overheating
• Local infrastructure and climate preparedness – Consider disaster planning, healthcare, and energy resilience

Discover maps and data showing the overall climate vulnerability of every state in the U.S. at www.map.climatevulnerabilityindex.org  

Important Considerations Before You Move

While moving to escape climate change may seem smart, it’s not a silver bullet.

Population booms in “climate havens” could strain local infrastructure, housing, and natural resources.

No area is 100% safe, and everywhere will experience some level of change.

Before making a move:

• Research water access, air quality, and flood/heat projections
• Consider housing availability and local real estate trends
• Look into job opportunities and the cost of living
• Use eco-friendly movers to minimize your carbon footprint

You may also like to read: Eco-Friendly Moving. In this guide, we share some tips to make your home move more environmentally friendly.

Should You Move or Adapt?

Relocating may offer short-term respite from the effects of the climate, but adaptation is equally crucial.

Investing in resilient homes, green infrastructure, and sustainable communities is key to surviving and thriving in our new world.

You may also find this useful at www.epa.gov. It contains regional guides for adapting to climate change in a downloadable PDF format.

Climate migration is no longer theoretical or a sci-fi film plot; it’s reshaping the map of America and where we choose to live.

Migration has always been a coping mechanism to deal with environmental hazards, so if you’ve decided that moving is right for you, now’s the time to act.

Be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your relocation easier, cheaper, and safer.