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Moving, like everything else, has changed. Housing and job markets, remote work, and a new senior retirement perspective are reshaping how the moving industry can help move people into the next season of their lives.
We’re focusing on generations of first-time and repeat homebuyers, young professionals, and retiring baby boomers, why they move, and where they’re moving in today’s uncertain world to help you make decisions and moves toward your goals.
Who's Relocating for Affordable Cities, Jobs, and a Better Life?
The days of graduating, getting a job, and buying a house aren’t over, but they can be delayed. Your generation can influence your reasons to move and where you choose to live. A particular state’s appeal is different for everyone, but the main reasons remain the same: affordability, job opportunities, and a better quality of life.
You will find Colorado and Utah on different popular places lists. There are the best cities, most affordable neighborhoods, and charming towns in every state, including Colorado and Utah. Let’s look at the relocation trends in these two states for an idea of where you might want to pack and make a local, intrastate, or interstate move.
How Many & Why Are People Leaving Colorado or Utah?
Moving Out of Colorado
As much as Coloradans love their state, there have been notable outbound migrations from Colorado and Utah. According to a Consumer Affairs article, “Moving to Colorado Statistics (2025 Data),” here’s Colorado’s inbound data. Here’s a breakdown for the past few years:
- Around 211,370 Coloradans left the state in 2023.
- In 2020, the consistent ratio of more incoming than outgoing residents shifted towards stagnation or decline.
- Colorado ranked 22nd in popularity in 2024.
What about Colorado in 2025? The Consumer Affairs’ article, “Migration Trends: Where are people moving to in 2025?” noted these stats:
- Colorado ranks 44th in 2025.
- People leaving the state outnumbered people moving in by 292.
- An estimated 3,980 people left Colorado in 2025.
To find more of the best places to live in Colorado, read “Top Reasons Moving Happens in 2025: Local CO Trends & Why It’s More Stressful.”
Moving Out of Utah
The number of Utahns moving out slowed population growth. The data in Consumer Affairs’ article, “Moving to Utah statistics (2025 data),” showed that:
- Utah ranked 30th in 2023 with a population of 3,417,734.
- In 2025, approximately 1,135 people left Utah.
- Utah’s net migration (moved in minus moved out) is -43 in 2025.
How Many & Why Are People Moving to Colorado or Utah?
Moving to Colorado
Colorado’s influx has slowed in recent years, but it remains a popular destination for interstate moves. According to a Consumer Affairs article, “Moving to Colorado Statistics (2025 Data),” here are some Colorado insights.
- The Centennial State welcomed around 232,663 new constituents in 2023.
- Among U.S. states, Colorado ranked #22 in 2024.
- In 2025, the same Consumer Affairs data showed 3,688 inbound residents.
- Outdoor appeal and jobs are two of the main reasons people move to Colorado.
Moving to Utah
Utah remains popular among those seeking a fresh start in a different state. Consumer Affairs’ “Moving to Utah Statistics (2025 data)” article noted a migration slowdown between 2022 and 2023 and provided some interesting migration highlights.
- Utah was the #1 best state with 2024 movers.
- In 2023, 90,865 new residents moved to Utah.
- The number of people moving to Utah in 2023 decreased from 91,341 in 2022.
- Utah’s strong economy was among top reasons people moved to the Beehive State in 2021.
- Today, job opportunities are attracting new residents.
Read our “2025 Local Moving Guide: Most Popular Cities and Neighborhoods in Colorado and Utah” for more moving destination ideas.
Find out why Bailey’s Moving is uniquely qualified to help you move for any reason.
A Reason to Move: Where Are the Best Cities for Young Professionals in CO & UT
Many young professionals and adults, including Gen Z and Millennials, are motivated to move to where the best opportunities are. Colorado and Utah cities offer both, and they are growing as younger workers move in. We highlight the best cities for young adults and workers in the Centennial and Beehive States.
Best Cities for Young Professionals & Adults in Colorado
Colorado added the most millennial residents in 2024, according to The Center Square, “Colorado Tops Nation for Millennial Migration, Report Finds” data. The Centennial State’s economy, its top ten ranking for job growth, and the affordability of home purchases largely motivated the influx. Here are the top two cities and details from Smart Asset’s “Cities Attracting the Most Millennials – 2025 Study” article.
Denver
- Number of New Millennials: 83,447
- Average Commute: 25 minutes
- Unemployment: 3.1%
Lakewood
- Number of New Millennials: 13,742
- Average Commute: 27 minutes
- Unemployment: 4.5%
Best Places to Live in Utah for Young Professionals & Adults
Utah is a hotspot for all generations, including young professionals and adults. Here are the best places in the Beehive State based on Niche’s “Best for Young Professionals” data.
Salt Lake City
- Population: 203,888
- Unemployment: 2.7%
- Rent/Own: 53% Rent/47% Own
Provo
- Population: 114,303
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Rent/Own: 60% Rent/40% own
Moving to Colorado and renting an apartment? Read “Lease to Lease: Top Apartment Moving Tips – How to Move Quickly and Easily” for helpful tips.
Aging in Place and Another Great Reason for Retirees to Move to CO or UT
The baby boomers’ silver tsunami is sparking interest in how this wave of retirement impacts job and housing markets, healthcare, and the communities they move to. According to a Realtor.com article titled “The Typical First-Time Homebuyer Is Now 40 Years Old, a Record High,” baby boomers aged 61 to 79 are an influential cohort.
The North American Community Hub Statistics’ (NCHstats) article, “The Average Age of Retirement in the United States 2025 – What You Need to Know,” noted 62 as the average retirement age. American retirees think 63 is the ideal age, but some retire earlier or later, mostly depending on their economic situation.
It's not surprising, given today’s uncertainties, that fewer adults retire early. If you’re wondering about Colorado and Utah, they share the average retirement age of 64. Based on MSN’s “The Top 30 U.S. Cities for Seniors to Retire in” article, we’re giving you the top cities in Colorado and Utah perfect for retirement.
Need a Great Place to Retire? Another Reason to Move to CO or UT
Top city in Colorado to Retire - Colorado Springs
Why Colorado Springs?
- Typical home price: $276,000
- Population: 465,000
- Very strong economy
- Perfect for active, outdoorsy people, and easy to bike around
Top city in Utah to Retire – Salt Lake City
Why Salt Lake City?
- Typical home price: $366,000
- Population: 194,000
- Great for active seniors
Have you decided on Utah, but need help deciding where? Read “Where to Move if You Love Utah & Why.”
Colorado appeals to retirees seeking a small-town lifestyle. The best rural areas are also easy on your budget. World Atlas shone a spotlight on affordable towns in the article, “6 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns to Retire in Colorado.”
Best Small Towns for Retirement in Colorado
La Junta
- Home price: $161,000
- Has the historic fur trading post - Bent’s Old Fort
- Over 500 senior community members
Lamar
- Home price: $172,000
- Has the historic Santa Fe Trail Big Timbers Museum
- Quiet southeast Colorado town
Trinidad
- Home price: $237,000
- Only 13 miles from New Mexico
- Close to Trinidad Lake
Learn more about Colorado mountain towns in “Want to Live in a CO Ski Town? Know This About Mountain Towns Before Move In.”
If you’re looking for more rural appeal in Utah, the “6 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns to Retire in Utah” article in World Atlas highlights the top budget-friendly small towns in the Beehive State.
Best Small Towns for Retirement in Utah
Price
- Population: 8,200
- Average home price: $300,000
- Was a coal-mining town
- Home to Utah State University Eastern
Cedar City
- Population: 40,000
- Average home price: $348,000
- Known as Utah’s “Festival City” for its rich culture
- Close to Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion, and Bryce Canyon
Vernal
- Population: 10,200
- Average home price: $234,000
- Close to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
- Basecamp for Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest explorations
Moving to Colorado or Utah and need a good moving company? Get a quote from Bailey’s Moving & Storage.
A Generation’s Reason to Move Conclusion
When, why, where, and how we move are different for today’s generations. First-time home buyers are older; young professionals are moving to areas with jobs and affordable housing; and more seniors are moving to cities or small towns and aging in place. Colorado and Utah are popular destinations, no matter your age or generation, and you can find affordable places for any goal.
