OCALA, Fla. – Ocala has claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year in U-Haul’s list of the top 25 U.S. cities experiencing the most growth.
U-Haul has unveiled its list of the top 25 U.S. cities experiencing the most growth, highlighting areas outside the largest metro regions that are attracting the highest number of one-way U-Haul customers.
Ocala was ranked number one for the second consecutive year, having previously ranked first in 2022 and second in 2023. This marks the fifth straight year a Florida city has led the U-Haul growth rankings.
“There are two main reasons people are moving to Ocala,” U-Haul Company of Gainesville President Brady Rome said. “The primary reason is cost of living, simply being that it’s lower than almost anywhere in the state. It allows housing to be a more affordable option for families packing up their U-Haul and moving to central Florida.”
“The second reason is the job market, which remains strong with the addition of so many manufacturing jobs,” he said. “The healthcare industry has also seen massive growth in the past year and is a driving force of employment. And you can’t go without mentioning Ocala is the ‘Horse Capital of the World.’ The equestrian center is huge and continues to bring people here.”
Four other cities in Florida were in the top 25 growth cities in U-Haul’s list, including Kissimmee, Clermont, Port St. Lucie and Panama City.
While U-Haul’s rankings may not directly reflect population or economic growth, the U-Haul Growth Index serves as a valuable indicator of how effectively states, metropolitan areas, and cities are attracting and retaining residents.
With an network that spans all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces, U-Haul is a trusted authority on migration trends. With more than 23,000 rental locations, U-Haul offers a view of migration patterns, providing insights into where people are moving.
