25 best places in the US people are moving to in 2018

These places have the highest net migration over five years.

In calculating the Best Places to Live, U.S. News factors in each metro area’s growth due to net migration over a five-year period. For the 2018 ranking, we used net migration data from 2012 to 2016 from the U.S. Census Bureau, the most recent complete data set at the time of our calculations. Places with the most growth might be attracting new residents thanks to a hot job market, affordable housing, a desirable location or some other factor. Read on for the 25 metro areas (out of the 125 most populous in the U.S.) that have grown the most over this period.

25. Seattle Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 10 Metro Population: 3,671,095 Median Home Price: $403,650 Median Annual Salary: $61,170 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 5.39 percent Seattle has long had a reputation for its strong job market, with the likes of Microsoft, Starbucks and Amazon headquartered in the area. Also scoring highly for desirability in the Best Places to Live ranking, Seattle isn’t just bringing people to the area for work, but also because they want it to be their next hometown. Learn more about Seattle. Pictured: Tourists look across at the Space Needle, where a floor of scaffolding remains below the upper portion, in Seattle on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

Dallas, Texas cityscape with blue sky at sunset, Texas — **24. Dallas-Fort Worth** **Best Places to Live 2018 Rank:** 18 **Metro Population:** 6,957,123 **Median Home Price:** $210,181 **Median Annual Salary:** $50,350 **Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016:** 5.57 percent The largest metro area on this list, Dallas-Fort Worth grew by 5.57 percent in a five-year period. Despite its size, Dallas-Fort Worth has a median home price of $210,181, less than the national median price of $222,408. *Learn more about Dallas-Fort Worth.* (Thinkstock)

23. Asheville, North Carolina Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 24 Metro Population: 441,724 Median Home Value: $234,576 Median Annual Salary: $40,330 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 5.72 percent A smaller metro area that’s appearing on the list for the first time as part of the 125 most populous metro areas in the U.S., Asheville earns its spot at No. 23 after growing 5.72 percent between 2012 and 2016 due to net migration alone. (*The median home price for Asheville was not available, so median home value is listed.) See more about Asheville. Pictured: This April 21, 2015, file photo, shows a visitor taking in the scenery at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, N.C. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz, File)

AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz, File

22. Phoenix Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 19 Metro Population: 4,486,153 Median Home Price: $235,333 Median Annual Salary: $47,540 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6 percent Phoenix serves as a particularly hot destination for retirees. But the job market and ample outdoor activities continue to attract new residents of all ages. The area has grown by 6 percent over a five-year period. Learn more about Phoenix. Pictured: Students at Tuscano Elementary School play in the school playground as they wait for class to start as several Arizona schools resume classes Thursday, May 3, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

21. Jacksonville, Florida Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 44 Metro Population: 1,424,097 Median Home Price: $184,508 Median Annual Salary: $45,140 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.07 percent Sunny Florida weather, a below-average cost of living and a growing business district continue to attract residents of all ages to Jacksonville, which grew more than 6 percent due to net migration between 2012 and 2016. Learn more about Jacksonville. Pictured: In this Monday, Sept. 22, 2014, file photo, Lisa Green helps to get the cheese department ready at The Fresh Market in Jacksonville, Fla. (Bruce Lipsky/The Florida Times-Union via AP, File)

Bruce Lipsky/The Florida Times-Union via AP, File

20. Denver Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 3 Metro Population: 2,752,056 Median Home Price: $362,492 Median Annual Salary: $55,910 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.12 percent Growing 6.12 percent due to net migration between 2012 and 2016, Denver continues to grow at a rapid pace, thanks to both its flourishing job market and high desirability among U.S. residents for its countless outdoor opportunities with the Rocky Mountains just a short drive away. Learn more about Denver. Pictured: In this Wednesday, March 28, 2018, photo a sold sign is shown outside a single-family home on the market in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

19. Fayetteville, Arkansas Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 5 Metro Population: 503,642 Median Home Price: $182,508 Median Annual Salary: $44,980 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.44 percent Northwest Arkansas’s largest metro area continues to grow rapidly, by 6.44 percent over a five-year period due to net migration. Fayetteville’s growth is picking up speed as well — in last year’s ranking, Fayetteville saw just 6.09 percent growth due to net migration from 2011 to 2015. Learn more about Fayetteville. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

AP Photo/Michael Woods

18. Las Vegas Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 80 Metro Population: 2,070,153 Median Home Price: $232,533 Median Annual Salary: $43,480 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.46 percent One of the recession’s hardest-hit cities, particularly in the housing market, Las Vegas continues its upward trend with a growing job market and plenty of entertainment options to attract new residents. Learn more about Las Vegas. Pictured: In this April 4, 2017, file photo, the fountains of Bellagio erupt along the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

AP Photo/John Locher, File

Boise city of trees skyline in autumn — **17. Boise, Idaho** **Best Places to Live 2018 Rank:** 23 **Metro Population:** 663,680 **Median Home Price:** $221,475 **Median Annual Salary:** $43,040 **Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016:** 6.47 percent Offering a different landscape than Las Vegas, Boise comes in at No. 17. Idaho’s capital grew by 6.47 percent between 2012 and 2016 due to net migration alone. *Learn more about Boise.* (Thinkstock)

16. San Antonio, Texas Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 14 Metro Population: 2,332,345 Median Home Price: $200,667 Median Annual Salary: $45,210 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.53 percent The second of four Texas metro areas on the list, San Antonio has experienced significant growth due to net migration: 6.53 percent between 2012 and 2016. Learn more about San Antonio. Pictured: This March 6, 2013, file photo, shows the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

AP Photo/Eric Gay, File

A View of Houston, Texas city center at night — **15. Houston** **Best Places to Live 2018 Rank:** 26 **Metro Population:** 6,482,592 **Median Home Price:** $216,575 **Median Annual Salary:** $52,870 **Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016:** 6.58 percent Staying in Texas, Houston takes the No. 15 spot on the list, having grown by 6.58 percent from 2012 to 2016 due to net migration. But with population growth comes a higher cost of living — the median home price is $216,575, nearly 9.6 percent increase compared to last year’s $197,628. *Learn more about Houston.* (Thinkstock)

14. Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 13 Metro Population: 1,786,119 Median Home Price: $227,814 Median Annual Salary: $52,669 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.63 percent Home to major universities — the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University — the Raleigh and Durham area has plenty of former students who are choosing to lay down permanent roots, while others are flocking to the metro region for the job opportunities the schools and other locally based corporations offer. Learn more about Raleigh and Durham. Pictured: Allie Eidson, left, and Connor Howe, right, walk in the street of their snowbound neighborhood in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Emery P. Dalesio)

AP Photo/Emery P. Dalesio

13. Charlotte, North Carolina Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 22 Metro Population: 2,381,152 Median Home Price: $200,942 Median Annual Salary: $49,600 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.64 percent Growing by more than 6.5 percent between 2012 and 2016 from people relocating to the area, Charlotte brings many newcomers due to its role in the banking industry, as it’s home to Bank of America and major offices for Wells Fargo. Learn more about Charlotte. Pictured: People pass by the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Feb. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

AP Photo/Chuck Burton

12. Tampa, Florida Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 75 Metro Population: 2,927,714 Median Home Price: $183,592 Median Annual Salary: $45,510 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.67 percent The second of nine Florida metro areas on the list, this Gulf Coast metro area grew by 6.67 percent between 2012 and 2016 due to net migration. Learn more about Tampa. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

11. Nashville, Tennessee Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 11 Metro Population: 1,794,570 Median Home Price: $236,267 Median Annual Salary: $45,780 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 6.7 percent With growth numbers like this, aspiring country singers certainly aren’t the only people moving to Nashville. The largest metro area in Tennessee comes in at No. 11, having grown by 6.7 percent due to net migration between 2012 and 2016. Learn more about Nashville. Pictured: In this Oct. 11, 2016, file photo, Travis Greene performs at the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne/Invision/AP, File)

Photo by Wade Payne/Invision/AP, File

MELBURNE BEACH, FL - SEPTEMBER 4: Rick Thomas down a pier on the the Indian River to watch the storm September 4, 2004 in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Hurricane Frances is a slow moving category 2 hurricane that is expected to affect Florida for days. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images) — **10. Melbourne, Florida** **Best Places to Live 2018 Rank:** 29 **Metro Population:** 560,683 **Median Home Price:** $163,042 **Median Annual Salary:** $46,520 **Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016:** 7.19 percent Growing 7.19 percent due to net migration between 2012 and 2016, Melbourne sees particular interest from seniors. The metro area’s median age is 47 years old, compared to the national median age of 37.9, according to the U.S Census Bureau. *Learn more about Melbourne.* (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)

LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 18: Kate Upton, Justin Verlander and Wins for Warriors Foundation Host Grand Slam Adoption Event Presented by Link AKC on March 18, 2017 in Lakeland, Florida to benefit SPCA Florida and K9s For Warriors. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Wins For Warriors Foundation) — **9. Lakeland, Florida** **Best Places to Live 2018 Rank:** 71 **Metro Population:** 637,691 **Median Home Price:** $160,583 **Median Annual Salary:** $40,180 **Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016:** 7.73 percent Located in the center of Florida’s peninsula, Lakeland is showing strong growth that mirrors the state’s other coastal metro areas featured on the list. Lakeland grew by 7.73 percent from 2012 to 2016 due to net migration alone. *Learn more about Lakeland.* (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Wins For Warriors Foundation)

8. Charleston, South Carolina Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 38 Metro Population: 728,271 Median Home Price: $232,983 Median Annual Salary: $44,500 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 8.27 percent People love visiting Charleston, which is helping the South Carolina city’s tourism industry boom. The Charleston metro area grew by 8.27 percent due to net migration over five years. Learn more about Charleston. Pictured: A person walks in the snow on King Street in Charleston, S.C., Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. (Matthew Fortner/The Post And Courier via AP)

Matthew Fortner/The Post And Courier via AP

7. Daytona Beach, Florida Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 94 Metro Population: 613,723 Median Home Price: $164,069 Median Annual Salary: $38,010 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 8.95 percent Daytona Beach’s growth from net migration between 2012 and 2016 nearly hit 9 percent. The coastal metro area attracts plenty of tourists to NASCAR races and local beaches, but plenty of these visitors also appear happy enough to make the place their next home. Learn more about Daytona Beach. Pictured: Fans watch as the field takes the green flag to start the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/David Graham)

AP Photo/David Graham

Fans wait for autographs before the first inning of a spring training baseball game between New York Mets and Houston Astros Sunday, March 11, 2018, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) — **6. Port St. Lucie, Florida** **Best Places to Live 2018 Rank:** 79 **Metro Population:** 446,728 **Median Home Price:** $179,058 **Median Annual Salary:** $41,120 **Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016:** 9.1 percent Located along the Treasure Coast, Port St. Lucie attracts people looking for a place with plenty of waterways to explore and, of course, the warm Florida weather. The Port St. Lucie area grew by just over 9 percent during a five-year period. *Learn more about Port St. Lucie.* (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Downtown Orlando. City skyline. Located in Lake Eola Park, Orlando, Florida, USA. — **5. Orlando, Florida** **Best Places to Live 2018 Rank:** 78 **Metro Population:** 2,328,508 **Median Home Price:** $213,717 **Median Annual Salary:** $43,060 **Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016:** 9.14 percent The home of Disney World and Universal Studios doesn’t just attract tourists hoping to see their favorite fictional characters up close, it also brings people who are planning to make this warm-weather destination their home. *Learn more about Orlando.* (Thinkstock)

Ballet Folklorico dancers from Rio Grande City perform in the Rotunda of the Texas State Capitol, Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) — **4. Austin, Texas** **Best Places to Live 2018 Rank:** 1 **Metro Population:** 1,942,615 **Median Home Price:** $278,608 **Median Annual Salary:** $50,830 **Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016:** 10.25 percent Tech companies have been opening offices in this Texas metro area with particular focus following the Great Recession. Its affordability relative to the likes of San Jose and San Francisco is driving many people to Austin for work. It’s a hot enough destination that the metro area grew 10.25 percent over five years due to net migration. *Learn more about Austin.* *Pictured: Ballet Folklorico dancers from Rio Grande City perform in the Rotunda of the Texas State Capitol, Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in Austin, Texas.* (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

3. Sarasota, Florida Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 34 Metro Population: 751,422 Median Home Price: $224,613 Median Annual Salary: $41,870 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 12.42 percent With a median age of more than 50 years old, Sarasota is a particularly attractive destination for retirees, even more so than other Florida locales. Sarasota grew by a whopping 12.42 percent in a five-year period due to net migration. Learn more about Sarasota. Pictured: This May 18, 2017 photo shows Siesta Beach on Siesta Key in Sarasota, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

2. Fort Myers, Florida Best Places to Live 2018 Rank: 41 Metro Population: 680,970 Median Home Price: $210,133 Median Annual Salary: $40,420 Net Migration Rate, 2012 to 2016: 14.16 percent After reigning as the fastest-growing metro area on the Best Places to Live list for the last two years, Fort Myers falls back to the No. 2 spot in 2018, beaten out by a newcomer to the list. Fort Myers grew by 14.16 percent over a five-year period due to net migration. Learn more about Fort Myers. Pictured: A runner makes her way down Fort Myers Beach, Fla., Monday, July 31, 2017. (Andrew West/The News-Press via AP)

Andrew West/The News-Press via AP