If there’s one thing that will motivate Americans to move, it’s money. Where can you get more of it, where can you save it, where is it expensive to live and where is it cheap?

It’s an American tradition that stretches back to the 19th century, with pioneers headed west in search of gold, silver and a brighter future.

But over the pandemic, as remote work took off, many people packed up and fled densely populated expensive states for cheaper living arrangements and better lifestyles.

Three years after the pandemic changed everything, those lower-density areas remain attractive to Americans looking to make a change, as a new study shows. Every year, United Van Lines, a moving and relocation company, tracks its moves and shares the results of the top states Americans are fleeing — and where they’re headed. Here are the top five states people left behind in 2022.

Don't miss

• Americans are paying nearly 40% more on home insurance compared to 12 years ago — here's how to spend less on peace of mind

• Better than NFTs: You don't have to be ultra-rich to own a piece of a Pablo Picasso. Here's how to enter the fine art market

• You could be the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods and CVS (and collect fat grocery store-anchored income on a quarterly basis)

1. New Jersey

For the fifth consecutive year, New Jersey was the number-one state Americans chose to leave in 2022. The top reasons folks cited leaving New Jersey were for retirement (32%) and being closer to family (also 32%). From there, a new job was the likely culprit at 20%.

However, a poll by Monmouth University last year found that a record 59% of New Jerseyans want to leave the state eventually. This could be due to the Garden State’s high property tax burden, which is only rising higher, with the high cost of living pushing many to seek shelter elsewhere.

2. Illinois

For the Illinoisans leaving the state, the choice came down to moving for a new job (31%), family (30%), retirement (24%) and a new lifestyle (22%).