A new analysis has pinpointed the American city that residents are most eager to leave, earning it the unofficial title of the nation’s least popular city. The study, conducted by the moving research platform moveBuddha, examined migration patterns across the country from early 2024 through late 2025. By identifying the top exit city in each state, the data revealed a clear frontrunner where the desire to move out significantly outweighs the interest in moving in.
That city is West Des Moines, Iowa. The numbers tell a stark story: for every 80 people looking for information on moving to West Des Moines, 100 are actively searching for ways to leave. This negative migration rate places it at the top of a list no community wants to lead. The finding is particularly surprising given that West Des Moines was once celebrated as one of the best places to live in the United States, having received that accolade from Money magazine less than a decade ago.
So, what has caused this dramatic shift in perception? Analysts point to increased competition from nearby suburbs as a primary factor. Communities like Waukee, Ankeny, and Grimes are now attracting new residents with the promise of newer housing construction. Waukee, for instance, is now issuing more new building permits than West Des Moines, signaling a shift in demand toward fresher suburban developments.
Affordability also appears to be a key issue. With an average home value of $319,000, West Des Moines is considered pricey by local Iowa standards. Potential new residents looking for a bargain in the Midwest are not finding a significant cost advantage there, especially when compared to neighboring areas where homes are, on average, decades younger. This combination of older housing stock and higher prices seems to be driving both new and existing residents to look elsewhere.
The study also highlighted specific migration trends, noting that one of the most popular relocation paths was from West Des Moines directly to Phoenix, Arizona. This suggests that beyond local competition, some residents are seeking a complete change, likely motivated by a desire for warmer year-round weather. The city now faces the challenge of reversing this outward flow and restoring its once-sterling reputation as a desirable place to put down roots.
