Here's where Phoenix's newest residents are coming from. Hint: it's not just California

By Laura Daniella Sepulva

Most Phoenicians who move out of state are are heading to other Western U.S. hotspots, like Las Vegas, Denver and San Diego.

But what about Arizona's newest residents?

U-Haul's midyear migration trends report for 2025 shows the most common cities where people relocated to in the first half of the year, based on U-Haul's one-way rentals between January and July. The study shows the Valley is one of the top destinations for people moving within the U.S.

The U-Haul study also shows where all the newcomers are moving from. And no, it's not just California. Here's which states and cities they are relocating from.

What states are new Phoenix residents coming from?

California continues to be the leading state sending new residents to metro Phoenix, followed by Texas and Colorado. Other popular origin states include Nevada, Washington and Utah — all within a day’s drive of the Valley.

Here are the top 10 states where new Phoenix residents are moving from, according to U-Haul:

1. California
2. Texas
3. Colorado
4. Nevada
5. Washington
6. Utah
7. New Mexico
8. Oregon
9. Illinois
10. Florida

What cities are new Phoenix residents coming from?

When looking at metro areas, most newcomers are arriving from major Western cities. Los Angeles tops the list, with significant numbers also coming from Las Vegas, Denver, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Here are the top 5 U.S. cities outside of Arizona where new Phoenix residents are moving from, according to U-Haul:

1. Los Angeles
2. Las Vegas
3. Denver
4. Salt Lake City
5. Seattle

Top Arizona cities sending residents to Phoenix

Phoenix also draws heavily from within Arizona, according to U-Haul.

In-state moves continue to fuel growth, especially from Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City and Yuma.