subject: Moving and Mobility in America During the Economic Crisis [print this page] Moving and Mobility in America During the Economic Crisis
A recent article published on the internet discussed the issue of mobility and moving during the present economic crisis in America. In other words, less people are moving today than at any time during the past century. As Americans are more inclined to relocate than the populations of most countries in the world, this has become a unique and possibly disturbing trend. This is important to homeowners, job seekers and industry alike.
There are many reasons for this. Among them, people are finding it difficult to sell their homes, they can not find jobs in the area where they were planning to move or they are not interested in relocating for work when it affects a partner's stable job or position in their present area.
Many have also found that they just can not afford to move, even though moving will offer them new opportunities. This has helped to maintain high levels unemployment in many parts of the country with no change seen in the foreseeable future.
This big drop in moving and relocation has caused many to ask these two questions. Who is moving and why are they relocating?
Economists have found that there are states that will actually be losing population through relocation to other areas and the reasons are varied. Some of the states that are expected to see major decreases in their populations the near future are New York, Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, North Dakota and Mississippi.
For example New York State has been rapidly losing large segments of its population over the past number of years. Since in New York State, housing prices have not been affected badly as in other regions of the country or states and the housing market in New York has remained stable, it is easier for a homeowner to sell their home and move to anther location. In areas of the state such as New York City many who rent homes and apartments have found themselves out of work and can no longer afford the high cost of living in the New York Metropolitan area. This is forcing a big migration from the city to more affordable locations.
In Illinois, the economy, loss of jobs in manufacturing and industry are causing people to move. High taxes have also become an issue. This is true in other Midwestern states such as Ohio, Nebraska, Kansas and North Dakota.
States such as Michigan, especially its big cities have been steadily losing residents because of a severe lack of jobs and opportunity.
Two other states, Louisiana and Mississippi have been affected by unfortunate circumstances. Many were forced from the area because of Hurricane Katrina and never returned. Another large part of the population will be leaving because of other natural and economic circumstances such as the big oil spill in the area which has affected local businesses.
However, there are still many other reasons for relocating, even in these difficult economic times. An aging population is looking to move to better locations, with better weather and conditions that will also offer a more affordable way of life. There are also many young people that are moving to states where they can start a carrier or there are large corporations offering well paid jobs.
States including Texas, Arizona, North Carolina and Florida are expected to actually show rapid population growth. These are states that offer good weather, affordable living and good health care. They also offer jobs in high tech and service oriented industries that are attractive to younger segments of the population.
Another big surprise is in the many "Rust Belt" states and cities. These locations that had reached rock bottom have shown a willingness to attract new residents and new businesses, especially high tech industries. They have made themselves attractive for new businesses and for people to relocate by creating the right atmosphere or economic conditions.
As we see, many less people are moving during these economically trying times in America. There is no one reason for this. Then, when they do relocate it is from recognized states and cities. They move to specific locations and for very specific reasons. This has a positive and negative snowball effect on many parts of the country and surely on the economy.
