Hot Markets for Inbound Moves

If it’s true that retail follows rooftops, what markets offer the best growth opportunities for stores? One potential answer to that question can be found in the latest migration survey on long-distance moves produced by North American Van Lines. That effort shows which states and cities are seeing the top upticks in in-bound moves performed by various carriers, including North American, and also those places seeing the most outbound moves.

For retailers scouting possible new markets, here are the top five most-popular cities for inbound moves in the U.S., with North American Van Lines’ assessment of their strengths:

1. Boise, Idaho, is an attractive mid-sized city that offers affordable housing and a low cost of living. It’s also known for its proximity to nature and endless entertainment for recent

2. Charlotte, N.C., has seen significant growth over the last three years. The city has a low cost of living and great weather. There’s also a ton of family-friendly events, activities and breathtaking green views surrounding the city.
3. Nashville, Tenn., is a vibrant city with a rich history and many fun-filled attractions. It is known as the Music City and attracts music lovers and artists alike. Residents can also expect a low cost of living and affordable housing.
4. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C., is a popular city for working professionals, recent college graduates, and new families. There are plenty of job opportunities within the tech and healthcare sectors. While housing prices continue to rise as the demand grows, there are still plenty of affordable, family-friendly suburbs throughout the city.
5. Dallas has everything you need: great restaurants, endless- family-friendly activities and various fun-filled attractions. There are tons of great places to visit, including the Meyerson Symphony Center and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The cost of living is also relatively low, and there are many job opportunities available in various industries.

On the other side of the coin, the top places people are moving from are (in descending order) Los Angeles and San Diego, Calif.; Houston; Chicago and Washington, D.C.

Click here for more from the migration study.