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If you’ve noticed more London accents on the L train lately, it’s not your imagination: New York has officially claimed the top spot as the U.S. city that Brits most want to move to.
According to the newly released 2025 Relocation Index from international moving specialists 1st Move International, New York City ranks first among U.S. destinations for UK residents dreaming of a transatlantic reset. The data, which is based on Google search trends and internal relocation inquiries over the past two years, shows New York pulling in 11,460 relocation-related searches from Brits (more than double its nearest rival) and earning a perfect relocation interest score of 10 out of 10.
Los Angeles lands in second place with 4,490 searches and a 9.81 score, while Austin takes third, continuing its rise as the cooler, weirder alternative to coastal megacities. But New York’s lead is decisive, reinforcing its status as the ultimate big-city fantasy for UK movers.
For many Brits, New York offers familiarity without feeling tame: the shared language helps, but the scale, pace and cultural density are unmistakably American. The combo of finance and fashion, Broadway and Brooklyn, corner bodegas and Michelin stars (often all on the same block), isn’t dissimilar to London. Plus, career opportunity remains a major draw, particularly in media, finance, tech and the creative industries.
The rest of the top 10 paints a clear picture of British priorities. Sun-soaked, lifestyle-driven cities like Miami (#5) and Los Angeles score high, while heavyweight urban centers such as Chicago (#6) and Boston (#7) continue to appeal thanks to jobs, universities and global clout. Texas also makes a strong showing, with Austin and Houston both ranking in the top eight, reflecting sustained interest in lower taxes and fast-growing job markets.
Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, says interest in moving from the UK to the U.S. has surged sharply. Relocation searches for Brits moving stateside jumped 42.7 percent over the past year, with the U.S. now the most desired country for British movers overall. New York, Los Angeles and Austin consistently dominate inquiries, he notes, because they each offer something distinct—whether that’s career acceleration, lifestyle perks or simply a clean break from the familiar.
In other words: when Brits picture a fresh start across the Atlantic, the postcard in their head still looks a lot like Manhattan.