According to the 2010 Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns study, more Americans are on the move. In a possible sign of economic improvement, Atlas reported an increase in household moving during 2010. Atlas’ annual study has tracked the nation’s moves since 1993.
Outbound moving was prevalent in some states. Due to high unemployment, especially with declining manufacturing and automotive jobs, residents of the Rust Belt continue to relocate elsewhere. People kept their relocation activity out of the Rust Belt to nearby states. Kentucky was recently added as an inbound state – joining the ranks of North Carolina, Maryland and Washington D.C. as destination areas. Ohio had the dubious title of leader in outbound moving activity. Washington D.C. on the other hand, was the top inbound moving location for five years running.
Regardless of economic highs and lows, several states have remained constant in status for ten or more years. Alaska and North Carolina have remained inbound havens, while Indiana continues its outbound moving trend. California, Kansas and South Carolina remain balanced. Migration patterns have remained balanced in many Western states. Idaho moved from an outbound state to a balanced state, joining California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Many southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina) retained balanced inbound vs outbound moves despite a housing market plagued by low sales and high foreclosure rates. A reason for the balance could be these states’ popularity as a retirement destination.
Both inbound and outbound migration patterns means people still need professional movers. Popular search engines can help you find a mover close to home. Just type a localized phrase (i.e. ‘Cleveland mover‘). Atlas tallied 74,541 moves for 2010, with many of those occurring during the Summer months and later in the year. For full results of the migration survey, visit www.atlasvanlines.com/migration-patterns/.