10 places in the U.S. that were moved to higher ground (literally)
Sometimes, staying put just isn’t an option. Rising waters, crumbling cliffs, and looming flood zones have forced entire towns, buildings, and historic landmarks to pack up and head for higher ground. It’s the kind of decision no mayor wants to make lightly, but when the ground beneath your feet starts turning into a bathtub, well, you learn to improvise.
Across the U.S., communities have quite literally picked up and moved. Some shifted a few hundred feet, while others relocated miles away. Whether driven by nature or human engineering, these moves weren’t just about saving real estate-they were about preserving history, homes, and a whole way of life.
Perryville, Alaska
Perryville, Alaska, was founded after the eruption of Mount Katmai destroyed nearby villages with ash and pumice. Survivors relocated to higher, safer coastal ground miles away to escape further volcanic danger. Today, Perryville remains a small community built on this carefully chosen elevated site.
Portage Des Sioux, Missouri
Located near the confluence of two major rivers, this small town was no stranger to rising water. As flooding became more frequent, families moved to higher ground nearby. With help from federal aid and plenty of community effort, the new homes now sit safely away from the worst of the water’s reach.
Kivalina, Alaska
Arctic village is on the front line of climate change. With the Chukchi Sea slowly swallowing the coastline, the Inupiat community has begun the process of moving inland. Although progress has been gradual, the plan to relocate is one of the most closely followed climate adaptation efforts in the country.
Barbourville, Kentucky
Instead of moving entirely, Barbourville took a different approach. Following repeated flooding from the Cumberland River, the town raised parts of its downtown area. Buildings and streets were rebuilt several feet higher, allowing the town to stay put while dodging disaster.
Kenneth, Minnesota
This small town knew it had a problem after a devastating flood in the past. Rather than wait for another round, Kenneth chose to shift critical buildings like the post office and city hall to nearby higher terrain. The move was modest but meaningful, and it helped the town keep its footing.
Pittsburg, Missouri
Twice flooded badly in less than a decade, Pattonsburg had seen enough. In 1993, with funding from FEMA, residents moved the entire town about three miles away. The new site gave them peace of mind and a fresh start. The old town still exists, but nature is slowly reclaiming it.
Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana
Isle de Jean Charles is a small island community in Louisiana that has been shrinking rapidly due to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Residents have been relocating to higher ground on the mainland in one of the first federally funded climate resettlement projects in the U.S. This move aims to preserve the community and its cultural heritage as the island becomes uninhabitable.
Valdez, Alaska
When the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake hit, it caused a deadly landslide and tsunami in Valdez. Instead of rebuilding in the danger zone, the small town packed up and moved four miles to a safer spot. Buildings were transported over ice and snow, making it one of the largest and most ambitious town relocations in American history.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The flood of 2008 left a lasting mark on Cedar Rapids. Instead of moving the entire city, some neighborhoods were either raised or relocated slightly away from the river. Historic homes were preserved where possible, while others were bought out to reduce future risk. It marked the start of a long-term flood control strategy.
Moynihan Train Hall, New York
This isn’t your typical relocation story. The original Penn Station was demolished in the 1960s, sending most commuter traffic underground. However, New York opened the Moynihan Train Hall across the street in recent years, restoring grandeur and breathing room to the city’s transit scene.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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