2 min read • Originally published March 15, 2016 / Updated February 7, 2026
You’ve mastered the firm handshake, polished your professional appearance, and perfected your business cards. But what about your voice?
“There is a sound to success, professionalism, and leadership,” says Dr. Lois Frankel, president of Corporate Coaching International. “People who sound successful do things very differently from others.”
Kim Dower, a Los Angeles-based media trainer whose clients have included the CEOs of Starbucks and General Electric, attributes declining verbal communication skills to our reliance on text-based communication.
Here are five strategies to sound more persuasive and authoritative.
1. Use fewer words
“The number one mistake is using too many words when fewer would do,” says Dr. Frankel. “In communication, short sounds confident.”
2. Eliminate uptalk
Uptalk is the habit of ending sentences at a higher pitch, making statements sound like questions. While it feels friendlier, Dower warns it undermines your authority.
“It comes across in business as though you don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s consensus-seeking.” Cut it from your speech entirely.
3. Pause for three seconds before responding
“That short pause gives you the opportunity to think,” says Dr. Frankel. “You can ask yourself: What’s the first thing I want to say? What points do I want to make?”
The pause signals that you’re thoughtful and considerate. “When someone gives an immediate response, we often feel they didn’t fully hear us. How could you answer so quickly?”
4. Channel your anxiety into passion
“There’s a difference between feeling nervous and feeling self-conscious,” says Dower. “Nervousness can release adrenaline, which makes you more passionate. Use it to fuel your presentation. Think of it as good energy.”
5. Embrace silence
After you finish speaking, resist the urge to fill the quiet. “When we don’t hear a response right away, we assume something negative,” says Dr. Frankel. “Don’t ascribe negativity to silence.”
Some people need that moment to process, especially if you’ve presented a new idea. Give them space.
Know your audience
The most crucial communication skill? Understanding who you’re speaking to, says Dower. “Are you mentoring someone where you want to relate to them? Or presenting to executives focused on the bottom line? We can adapt our voices based on who we’re talking to.”
A New Immersive Exhibition Opens in Brussels, Exploring Art Through Digital Storytelling
By
Media News
4 min read • Published February 7, 2026
By
Media News
4 min read • Published February 7, 2026
BRUSSELS, BE / ACCESS Newswire / February 7, 2026 / A new immersive exhibition has opened in Brussels, introducing a contemporary cultural format that combines digital art, sound, and visual storytelling. The exhibition presents creative content through large-scale projections and spatial design, allowing visitors to experience art in an interactive and sensory environment.
The project forms part of the growing cultural movement of Exposition immersive à Bruxelles, where traditional exhibition models are replaced with digital experiences that focus on atmosphere, emotion, and participation. Instead of observing artworks from a distance, visitors are placed inside evolving visual spaces.
A Contemporary Cultural Format
Immersive exhibitions represent a shift in how culture is presented. Traditional exhibitions rely on physical objects, written explanations, and fixed viewing points. Immersive formats, by contrast, create environments where sound, light, and movement shape the experience.
This new exhibition follows that model by offering digital spaces where artistic themes are communicated through visuals and audio rather than text. The experience is designed to be intuitive, allowing visitors to explore content freely and form personal interpretations.
The exhibition does not focus on a single artist or historical period. Instead, it highlights the possibilities of digital storytelling as a medium for creative expression. This approach reflects changing audience expectations, where emotional engagement and accessibility are valued alongside cultural learning.
As part of the expanding field of Immersive exhibition in Brussels, the project contributes to the city’s evolving cultural identity.
Exhibition Design and Experience
The exhibition is organised into several immersive zones, each designed around abstract artistic themes. These zones are visually connected, creating a continuous journey rather than separate rooms.
Each space uses:
Large-scale digital projections
Ambient sound and music
Soft lighting and colour transitions
The absence of physical artworks allows the experience to remain fluid and adaptable. Walls, floors, and ceilings become part of the artistic environment, creating a sense of movement and depth.
Visitors move through the exhibition at a relaxed pace, without guided routes or strict timelines. This open structure supports personal reflection and encourages visitors to engage with the content emotionally rather than intellectually.
The design focuses on calmness and simplicity, avoiding complex visual effects. This creates an environment that is accessible and suitable for a wide audience.
Role of Digital Technology
Digital technology plays a central role in shaping the exhibition. Video mapping, spatial audio, and lighting systems are used to transform empty spaces into immersive environments.
These tools allow artistic ideas to be expressed without physical materials. Instead of objects, the exhibition uses light and sound as its primary creative elements.
This method supports a modern approach to cultural presentation. Digital tools enable flexibility, allowing content to be updated or adapted without physical reconstruction.
The use of technology also allows for greater inclusivity. Visitors do not need prior knowledge or language skills to understand the exhibition. Visual storytelling and sound design communicate meaning through sensory experience.
This approach reflects broader trends in contemporary culture, where digital art is increasingly used to create emotional and interactive experiences.
Cultural Context in Brussels
Brussels is recognised as an important cultural center in Europe, hosting a wide range of museums, galleries, and creative spaces. In recent years, immersive exhibitions have become a significant part of the city’s cultural landscape.
These exhibitions attract diverse audiences, including families, students, tourists, and cultural professionals. The combination of art and technology allows cultural topics to reach people who may not engage with traditional art institutions.
The growth of immersive exhibitions also reflects changes in cultural consumption. Many visitors now seek experiences that are engaging, reflective, and accessible.
Within this context, the new exhibition strengthens the presence of Exposition immersive à Bruxelles as a key cultural format in the city.
Audience and Accessibility
The immersive exhibition is designed for a broad audience. The content is presented in a neutral and simple way, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
The experience does not rely on complex text or technical explanations. Visual and audio elements guide the journey, allowing understanding through observation and feeling.
The exhibition space is accessible for wheelchair users, and the calm atmosphere supports visitors seeking quiet cultural activities.
International visitors can also enjoy the exhibition without language barriers, as the experience is primarily visual and sensory.
This inclusive design supports cultural participation across different backgrounds and levels of familiarity with digital art.
Educational and Cultural Value
Although not structured as a formal educational program, the exhibition offers cultural value through experiential learning. Visitors engage with artistic ideas through space, movement, and emotion.
This format supports alternative learning styles, particularly visual and emotional learning. Instead of focusing on information, the exhibition encourages reflection and creative thinking.
Such experiences may also contribute to cultural awareness by introducing new forms of artistic expression. Immersive exhibitions demonstrate how art can evolve beyond physical objects into shared environments.
The exhibition, therefore, contributes to ongoing discussions about the role of digital art in modern cultural spaces.
About the Immersive Exhibition
The immersive exhibition is a digital cultural project focused on artistic storytelling through visual and sound environments. The experience combines technology and creativity to create spaces where visitors can explore art in a sensory and emotional way.
The project aims to present contemporary art in an accessible format, using immersive design to encourage reflection, creativity, and cultural engagement.
Company Details
Company Name: Khalil Gibran, the Immersive Experience of Love Contact Person: H. J. Sebaly Email: immersive.gibran@gmail.com Phone: 0032 485 058 216 Address: Palais 2 – Brussels Expo, Place de Belgique 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium Website: https://khalilgibranexperience.com/
Foundry Announces International Expansion of Next CIO Leadership Program
By
Media News
3 min read • Published February 6, 2026
By
Media News
3 min read • Published February 6, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 6, 2026 / Foundry, one of the world’s leading tech media, data and marketing services companies, today announced the international expansion of Next CIO, its acclaimed leadership development and awards program for rising technology executives. Originally launched in the UK, and following a successful expansion into Australia, Next CIO will now extend its programming to the United States, further strengthening its mission to accelerate the careers of emerging IT leaders worldwide.
Next CIO is a year-round leadership initiative designed to identify and celebrate high-potential technology professionals on the path toward senior executive roles such as CIO, CTO, or CDO. The program combines recognition with career advancement opportunities, helping participants build the strategic capabilities, visibility, and professional networks required to step into future C-suite technology leadership positions.
Central to the initiative is its annual awards celebration, which shines a spotlight on rising technology leaders who are already driving meaningful innovation and measurable business impact. Award recipients are profiled across CIO.com, elevating their presence within the global IT leadership community.
Beyond the awards, and country dependent, the program may also include year-round development offerings such as mentoring with established CIOs, executive readiness leadership workshops, and opportunities to engage with a growing peer network of high potential technology leaders.
As the program expands into the United States, Next CIO will be fully integrated into the CIO Leadership Live five-city regional event series, creating new opportunities for emerging leaders to engage with senior CIOs and influential peers. Each region will feature Next CIO networking luncheons and editorial showcases. Participants will also benefit from access to Foundry’s broader portfolio of CIO-focused events, including CIO 100 Awards & Conference, enabling deeper connections with established technology executives and greater exposure to the conversations shaping modern IT leadership. Next CIO award submission deadline in the US is March 31, 2026.
Speaking on the expansion, Romy Tuin, Global Director of Events Content, said:
"We are thrilled to launch the program in the United States as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the CIO community. This initiative provides a powerful opportunity to recognize leaders on a strong path to the technology C-suite, while building a network of future CIOs who can develop, refine, and strengthen the skills needed for executive success."
The global expansion of Next CIO underscores Foundry’s commitment to building a diverse, future-ready pipeline of technology leaders. By bringing the program to the United States, Foundry aims to broaden access to mentorship, reduce barriers to advancement, and support rising talent at a pivotal stage in their leadership journeys.
Next CIO now operates as a unified international framework designed to champion mid-career technology professionals-creating a clear, supported pathway from rising leader to future CIO.
For more information on sponsorship and participation, visit:
Foundry helps companies bring their visions to reality through a combination of media, marketing technologies and proprietary data on a global scale. Our platforms are powered by data from an owned and operated ecosystem of global editorial brands, awards, and events, all engineered and integrated to drive marketing campaigns for technology companies.
Foundry is one of the world’s leading tech media, data and marketing services companies, and is the proud owner of the global tech sector’s most revered media brands – CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, PCWorld, Tech Advisor, TechCrunch and TechHive. To learn more, visit foundryco.com.
About CIO.com
CIO.com is the leading digital brand for chief information officers and senior technology executives, providing trusted insights on IT leadership, strategy, innovation, and business transformation. Part of the Foundry portfolio, CIO.com delivers award‑winning journalism, research, events, and peer‑driven communities-including the prestigious CIO 100-that help technology leaders drive impact and navigate today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Los Angeles Chargers seasons that exceeded expectations the most
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
zimmytws // Shutterstock
Los Angeles Chargers seasons that exceeded expectations the most
When September rolls around, NFL fans are champing at the bit for the season to start. They’ve already gotten a taste from the preseason, read up on their team’s draft picks, and made predictions about how the season should go with their team’s roster. Adrenaline is high during Week 1 and often doesn’t wear off until Week 18. A tough loss could end in tears, for both the team and its fans.
It’s hard for people who aren’t fanatics to wrap their heads around how a sport could evoke so much emotion, but there’s a psychological explanation for fandom.
For many, a team association ties into self-esteem and identity. It has been proved that people receive a self-esteem boost from associating with successful individuals or groups, which is why fans are more likely to wear team gear the day after a win than the day after a loss, and die-hards speak about team successes in first person and failures in third person. Shared fandom also provides a sense of connection, whether it be with friends who follow the same team or via strangers bonding at a game, and all humans have a need for connectedness.
A Super Bowl win, the pinnacle of the sport, can bring a city together and give fans a personal sense of pride and satisfaction. Conversely, when a team has a particularly disappointing season or loses in the playoffs, it can feel like a gut punch.
Stacker compiled a list featuring the Los Angeles Chargers seasons that most exceeded expectations since 2000 using data from Pro Football Reference. Each season was selected based on the number of wins by which the team overperformed its preseason over/under for that season. Ties were broken via the highest preseason over/under.
#5. Los Angeles Chargers 2024 – Preseason over/under: 9 wins – Season record: 11-6 (2 games over)
#4. Los Angeles Chargers 2018 – Preseason over/under: 9.5 wins – Season record: 12-4 (2.5 games over)
#3. Los Angeles Chargers 2009 – Preseason over/under: 10 wins – Season record: 13-3 (3 games over)
#2. Los Angeles Chargers 2006 – Preseason over/under: 9 wins – Season record: 14-2 (5 games over)
#1. Los Angeles Chargers 2004 – Preseason over/under: 4.5 wins – Season record: 12-4 (7.5 games over)
New York Giants seasons that exceeded expectations the most
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
zimmytws // Shutterstock
New York Giants seasons that exceeded expectations the most
When September rolls around, NFL fans are champing at the bit for the season to start. They’ve already gotten a taste from the preseason, read up on their team’s draft picks, and made predictions about how the season should go with their team’s roster. Adrenaline is high during Week 1 and often doesn’t wear off until Week 18. A tough loss could end in tears, for both the team and its fans.
It’s hard for people who aren’t fanatics to wrap their heads around how a sport could evoke so much emotion, but there’s a psychological explanation for fandom.
For many, a team association ties into self-esteem and identity. It has been proved that people receive a self-esteem boost from associating with successful individuals or groups, which is why fans are more likely to wear team gear the day after a win than the day after a loss, and die-hards speak about team successes in first person and failures in third person. Shared fandom also provides a sense of connection, whether it be with friends who follow the same team or via strangers bonding at a game, and all humans have a need for connectedness.
A Super Bowl win, the pinnacle of the sport, can bring a city together and give fans a personal sense of pride and satisfaction. Conversely, when a team has a particularly disappointing season or loses in the playoffs, it can feel like a gut punch.
Stacker compiled a list featuring the New York Giants seasons that most exceeded expectations since 2000 using data from Pro Football Reference. Each season was selected based on the number of wins by which the team overperformed its preseason over/under for that season. Ties were broken via the highest preseason over/under.
#5. New York Giants 2016 – Preseason over/under: 8.5 wins – Season record: 11-5 (2.5 games over)
#4. New York Giants 2002 – Preseason over/under: 7 wins – Season record: 10-6 (3 games over)
#3. New York Giants 2008 – Preseason over/under: 8.5 wins – Season record: 12-4 (3.5 games over)
#2. New York Giants 2005 – Preseason over/under: 6.5 wins – Season record: 11-5 (4.5 games over)
#1. New York Giants 2000 – Preseason over/under: 7.5 wins – Season record: 12-4 (4.5 games over)
Los Angeles Rams seasons that exceeded expectations the most
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
MT-R // Shutterstock
Los Angeles Rams seasons that exceeded expectations the most
When September rolls around, NFL fans are champing at the bit for the season to start. They’ve already gotten a taste from the preseason, read up on their team’s draft picks, and made predictions about how the season should go with their team’s roster. Adrenaline is high during Week 1 and often doesn’t wear off until Week 18. A tough loss could end in tears, for both the team and its fans.
It’s hard for people who aren’t fanatics to wrap their heads around how a sport could evoke so much emotion, but there’s a psychological explanation for fandom.
For many, a team association ties into self-esteem and identity. It has been proved that people receive a self-esteem boost from associating with successful individuals or groups, which is why fans are more likely to wear team gear the day after a win than the day after a loss, and die-hards speak about team successes in first person and failures in third person. Shared fandom also provides a sense of connection, whether it be with friends who follow the same team or via strangers bonding at a game, and all humans have a need for connectedness.
A Super Bowl win, the pinnacle of the sport, can bring a city together and give fans a personal sense of pride and satisfaction. Conversely, when a team has a particularly disappointing season or loses in the playoffs, it can feel like a gut punch.
Stacker compiled a list featuring the Los Angeles Rams seasons that most exceeded expectations since 2000 using data from Pro Football Reference. Each season was selected based on the number of wins by which the team overperformed its preseason over/under for that season. Ties were broken via the highest preseason over/under.
#5. Los Angeles Rams 2025 – Preseason over/under: 9.5 wins – Season record: 12- (2.5 games over)
#4. Los Angeles Rams 2018 – Preseason over/under: 10 wins – Season record: 13-3 (3 games over)
#3. Los Angeles Rams 2001 – Preseason over/under: 11 wins – Season record: 14-2 (3 games over)
#2. Los Angeles Rams 2023 – Preseason over/under: 6.5 wins – Season record: 10-7 (3.5 games over)
#1. Los Angeles Rams 2017 – Preseason over/under: 6 wins – Season record: 11-5 (5 games over)
New York Jets seasons that exceeded expectations the most
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
MT-R // Shutterstock
New York Jets seasons that exceeded expectations the most
When September rolls around, NFL fans are champing at the bit for the season to start. They’ve already gotten a taste from the preseason, read up on their team’s draft picks, and made predictions about how the season should go with their team’s roster. Adrenaline is high during Week 1 and often doesn’t wear off until Week 18. A tough loss could end in tears, for both the team and its fans.
It’s hard for people who aren’t fanatics to wrap their heads around how a sport could evoke so much emotion, but there’s a psychological explanation for fandom.
For many, a team association ties into self-esteem and identity. It has been proved that people receive a self-esteem boost from associating with successful individuals or groups, which is why fans are more likely to wear team gear the day after a win than the day after a loss, and die-hards speak about team successes in first person and failures in third person. Shared fandom also provides a sense of connection, whether it be with friends who follow the same team or via strangers bonding at a game, and all humans have a need for connectedness.
A Super Bowl win, the pinnacle of the sport, can bring a city together and give fans a personal sense of pride and satisfaction. Conversely, when a team has a particularly disappointing season or loses in the playoffs, it can feel like a gut punch.
Stacker compiled a list featuring the New York Jets seasons that most exceeded expectations since 2000 using data from Pro Football Reference. Each season was selected based on the number of wins by which the team overperformed its preseason over/under for that season. Ties were broken via the highest preseason over/under.
#5. New York Jets 2010 – Preseason over/under: 9.5 wins – Season record: 11-5 (1.5 games over)
#4. New York Jets 2009 – Preseason over/under: 7 wins – Season record: 9-7 (2 games over)
#3. New York Jets 2001 – Preseason over/under: 8 wins – Season record: 10-6 (2 games over)
#2. New York Jets 2015 – Preseason over/under: 7.5 wins – Season record: 10-6 (2.5 games over)
#1. New York Jets 2006 – Preseason over/under: 6.5 wins – Season record: 10-6 (3.5 games over)
Buffalo Bills seasons that exceeded expectations the most
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
zimmytws // Shutterstock
Buffalo Bills seasons that exceeded expectations the most
When September rolls around, NFL fans are champing at the bit for the season to start. They’ve already gotten a taste from the preseason, read up on their team’s draft picks, and made predictions about how the season should go with their team’s roster. Adrenaline is high during Week 1 and often doesn’t wear off until Week 18. A tough loss could end in tears, for both the team and its fans.
It’s hard for people who aren’t fanatics to wrap their heads around how a sport could evoke so much emotion, but there’s a psychological explanation for fandom.
For many, a team association ties into self-esteem and identity. It has been proved that people receive a self-esteem boost from associating with successful individuals or groups, which is why fans are more likely to wear team gear the day after a win than the day after a loss, and die-hards speak about team successes in first person and failures in third person. Shared fandom also provides a sense of connection, whether it be with friends who follow the same team or via strangers bonding at a game, and all humans have a need for connectedness.
A Super Bowl win, the pinnacle of the sport, can bring a city together and give fans a personal sense of pride and satisfaction. Conversely, when a team has a particularly disappointing season or loses in the playoffs, it can feel like a gut punch.
Stacker compiled a list featuring the Buffalo Bills seasons that most exceeded expectations since 2000 using data from Pro Football Reference. Each season was selected based on the number of wins by which the team overperformed its preseason over/under for that season. Ties were broken via the highest preseason over/under.
#5. Buffalo Bills 2014 – Preseason over/under: 6.5 wins – Season record: 9-7 (2.5 games over)
#4. Buffalo Bills 2017 – Preseason over/under: 6.5 wins – Season record: 9-7 (2.5 games over)
#3. Buffalo Bills 2019 – Preseason over/under: 7 wins – Season record: 10-6 (3 games over)
#2. Buffalo Bills 2024 – Preseason over/under: 10 wins – Season record: 13-4 (3 games over)
#1. Buffalo Bills 2020 – Preseason over/under: 9 wins – Season record: 13-3 (4 games over)
San Francisco 49ers seasons that exceeded expectations the most
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
By
Stacker Feed
2 min read • Published February 6, 2026
MT-R // Shutterstock
San Francisco 49ers seasons that exceeded expectations the most
When September rolls around, NFL fans are champing at the bit for the season to start. They’ve already gotten a taste from the preseason, read up on their team’s draft picks, and made predictions about how the season should go with their team’s roster. Adrenaline is high during Week 1 and often doesn’t wear off until Week 18. A tough loss could end in tears, for both the team and its fans.
It’s hard for people who aren’t fanatics to wrap their heads around how a sport could evoke so much emotion, but there’s a psychological explanation for fandom.
For many, a team association ties into self-esteem and identity. It has been proved that people receive a self-esteem boost from associating with successful individuals or groups, which is why fans are more likely to wear team gear the day after a win than the day after a loss, and die-hards speak about team successes in first person and failures in third person. Shared fandom also provides a sense of connection, whether it be with friends who follow the same team or via strangers bonding at a game, and all humans have a need for connectedness.
A Super Bowl win, the pinnacle of the sport, can bring a city together and give fans a personal sense of pride and satisfaction. Conversely, when a team has a particularly disappointing season or loses in the playoffs, it can feel like a gut punch.
Stacker compiled a list featuring the San Francisco 49ers seasons that most exceeded expectations since 2000 using data from Pro Football Reference. Each season was selected based on the number of wins by which the team overperformed its preseason over/under for that season. Ties were broken via the highest preseason over/under.
#5. San Francisco 49ers 2006 – Preseason over/under: 5 wins – Season record: 7-9 (2 games over)
#4. San Francisco 49ers 2022 – Preseason over/under: 9.5 wins – Season record: 13-4 (3.5 games over)
#3. San Francisco 49ers 2001 – Preseason over/under: 7.5 wins – Season record: 12-4 (4.5 games over)
#2. San Francisco 49ers 2019 – Preseason over/under: 8 wins – Season record: 13-3 (5 games over)
#1. San Francisco 49ers 2011 – Preseason over/under: 7.5 wins – Season record: 13-3 (5.5 games over)
Young Buyers Are Rate-Locked: 1 in 3 Say They Need 4% to Move
By
Media News
3 min read • Published February 5, 2026
By
Media News
3 min read • Published February 5, 2026
Nearly 9 in 10 Americans say saving money is influencing whether they move in 2026, and interest in moving to lower-cost states is rising.
ATHENS, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Even in a buyer’s market, current mortgage rates aren’t making buying any easier in 2026.
Only 8%would be motivated to buy and 5% to sell for a sub 1% point rate drop, according to a survey from moveBuddha.com, a relocation booking website.
Gen Z is the most likely to react to smaller rate cuts. 15% say a rate cut of under 1-point would help them buy, nearly twice the share of Millennials (9%) and Gen X (8%).
But most younger buyers say mortgage rates would need to drop by at least two points to motivate a home purchase; roughly one in three Gen Z (31%) and Millennial buyers (32%).
With 30-year rates at 6.01% when the survey closed, that suggests rates would need to fall to about 4%. The last time Americans saw rates that low was in 2022.
"Affordability is an issue impacting a lot of decisions right now, including moving," says Ryan Carrigan, co-founder of moveBuddha. "Mortgage rates are a key component in making homebuying decisions, but it’s overall affordability that’s holding back potential movers across the map.
We are seeing potential movers spending more time considering not just the cost of housing, but also the cost of living where they are headed, the costs of moving, and much more. Movers want the best cost option, and are taking more time than ever to research whether a move is the right choice."
Overall, costs are weighing more heavily this year than last. moveBuddha’s annual 2026 moving survey also found that Americans are:
Twice as concerned about living somewhere affordable. Interest in moving to "wherever the cost of living is low" has doubled since last year to 16% in 2026, up from 8.5% in 2025.
Factoring in saving money. 88% of respondents indicate that saving money is a factor influencing relocation this year.
Looking for relief in monthly housing costs. 73% of respondents say it would take a 20+% discount on housing costs to make a move worth it.
Feeling stuck because of high costs. 40% say high moving costs and 38% say housing costs in their desired destinations are keeping them from moving this year.
Still dreaming of Florida and lower-cost states. This year, we asked respondents again: In which state would you want to move to or live? Florida is still #1. While states with lower average costs of living and home prices, like #3 Texas (+2), #5 Tennessee (+5), and #7 South Carolina (+4), are climbing in the ranking.
2026’s Most Desired Move-to States
moveBuddha asked respondents: Whether you are planning to move or not, which 3 states would you want to move to or live in?
State
% of Respondents*
Y/y Rank Change
1. Florida
28.6%
0
2. California
20.1%
0
3. Texas
18.2%
+2
4. North Carolina
15.2%
0
5. Tennessee
14.5%
+5
6. New York
12.0%
+3
7. South Carolina
11.3%
+4
8. Georgia
10.8%
0
9. Colorado
10.7%
-3
10. Virginia (tie)
10.6%
+6
10. Hawaii (tie)
10.6%
-7
*Percentages reflect the total % of respondents which selected any given state. Rankings reflect how frequently each state was selected as a top destination.
Why This Matters Now? In 2026, potential movers feel boxed in by cost pressures. This is reshaping where people are willing to live and whether they move at all.
