North Americans on the Move

2017 Update of information

The migration numbers are in and some interesting shifts in moving behavior are emerging. In 2016, the most significant trends seem to be developing with retirees and job seekers. 

This is all according to United Van Lines 2016 National Movers’ Study which has tracked migration patterns annually on a state-by-state basis since 1977. For 2016, the study is based on household moves handled by United within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. This study ranks states based off the inbound and outbound percentages of total moves in each state.

Retirees Following Tax Incentives 

“This year’s data clearly reflects retirees’ location preferences. We are seeing more retirees than ever decide to relocate, and as a result, new retirement hubs are popping up in Western states, said Michael Stoll, economist, professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Interestingly enough, these retirees are leaving at such a fast pace that the movement of millennials to urban areas in the Midwest and Northeast is being overshadowed.”

Job Seekers Finding New Opportunities

Job seekers are establishing their own trends with a number of new destinations making news. As the U.S. economy continues to recover from a series of financial crises, unemployment rates across the country have begun to fall. The increased job opportunities in specific areas have led some individuals and families who want to further their careers to consider relocating.

SOURCE: https://www.unitedvanlines.com/movers-study