The Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com) had a very interesting article in late December, 2008 about migration between states and the affect that the current recession might be having on it. There has been, as most of us are aware, a long-standing movement of population in this country from the North to Southern and Western states. Using statistics gathered from the latest US Census Bureau for the 12 months ending 7/1/08, the article states that while these long-term migration patterns still exist, the early months of the recession seem to have slowed the movement from colder, more expensive Northeast and Midwest markets for the warmer Western and Southern states. The main reason sighted for this ‘lull’ in the rate of migration between states was that most folks move for jobs, and when the rate of job growth slows, so does movement. Also, many people were unable to sell their existing homes, forcing them to stay put for the time being.
In spite of this, the four states that had the greatest net rate of migration from other states were Utah, Arizona, Texas and North Carolina. South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee were all in the top 10 in population growth from other states.
North Carolina, espcially the Triangle area, is really growing. I’m glad to see that people recognize all that this great state has to offer!