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This is from HomeBuyersRelocationService.com. These numbers are based on over 176,000 relocation’s. Top 20 List of best relocation cities in the United States for 2009. Each city below is ranked from 1 – 20 by a few factors explained below.
- City increase population
- Medium home price increase/decrease
- Cost of living increase/decrease
- … popularity across our network of over 1,250,000+ pages~
#1 – Charlotte, North Carolina
In 2007 we predicted that Charlotte, NC would be the #2 ranked relocation city in the United States. We were right. This year Charlotte is our #1 pick as the best relocation city for 2008/2009. Charlotte has faired better than any metro city in the 2008 foreclosure crisis, being one of the only cities to still have a strong increase population. Charlotte is one of the rare cities where its cheaper to have a mortgage than pay to rent an apartment/home per month!
#2 – Fort Collins, Colorado
In 2007 Fort Collins was the undisputed champion in regards to best relocation city, but due to the foreclosure crisis it has dropped to #2. Although Fort Collins only has a decreased medium home value of $10,000 – $15,000 it just can’t compete with the massive increase population that Charlotte has. Fort Collins still has a medium home price of $320,000 for new homes and $220,000 for existing homes. This is down from $234,000 in 2006.
#3 – Raleigh, North Carolina
Are we surprised yet? 3 years in a row at #3, and that is a good thing! Raleigh continues to be on of the best relocation cities in the country due to its great low home prices, and competitive earning potential. Although it wasn’t able to be the #1 NC city, Raleigh is boasting about its home medium price increase of $15,000 during the foreclosure crisis. That is some kind of nice!
#4 – Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is another city that has stayed at the same rank as it did in the 2007 season. This city continues to be one of the best relocation cities, due to its very competitive real estate prices of $254,000. Since Atlanta is a hub city, the suburban cities around Atlanta make up the bulk of the areas population.
#5 – Austin, Texas
It was only a matter of time before Austin moved into the top 5 of best relocation cities. It moved up 1 spot from #6, due to very low real estate prices, great job potential, plus the city just “rocks!“
#6 – Phoenix, Arizona
Can you believe back in 2007 that Phoenix wasn’t even in the top 25 for best relocation cities? We elected to add Scottsdale to the list, and give mention to Phoenix as a surrounding city. But this year Phoenix is in the list, and at #6. Some cities faired ok during the foreclosure crisis and some took a huge hit such as Phoenix. One of the hardest hit places in 2007/2008 has been Phoenix, but to relocating families.. this is good news. Prices haven’t been this cheap since 2004/2005 during Phoenix’s last real estate boom. This is the time to purchase real estate in Phoenix.
#7 – Portland, Oregon
Portland is a new comer to the top relocation cities list. It was an honorable mention last year, but in 2008/2009 it is quite deserving to be on the top list. The $360,000 medium home value is a steal considering the home income is very high for Portland.
#8 – Seattle, Washington
Just like last year when we picked Seattle as the 8th best relocation city, it remains #8 today due to jobs. In the last 7 years (now 8 years) Seattle has seen an average population increase of 2% each year. As I said in 2007, “This is a dynamic city, and will remain in the top 10 for years to come.“
#9 – Houston, Texas
It was very hard to decide where to put Houston this year. Statistics have shown increasing population across our network, but a devastating job market and real estate market. But just like Phoenix, Houston is going through a foreclosure crunch that is lowering medium real estate prices. Plus (if you can get a good job) the job market could be turning around in late 08/09.
#10 – Tampa, Florida
Although Tampa is once again is the #1 relocation city for Florida, it has dropped 5 position this year. There is a large influx of people thinking of relocating to Florida, but there is a large exodus out of Florida. Decrease/increase population are currently balancing each other out, but in early 2009… you might see a huge Tampa Real Estate boom!
#11 – San Antonio, Texas
We are quite frankly shocked that San Antonio made it on the top list. Even an honorable mention would of been hard to believe. But from our statistics San Antonio is receiving quite a lot of attention from relocating families. One of the positive things about San Antonio is that since 05′ the medium house values have kept increasing, which is great for current owners. Since the foreclusure crisis in 2007 the average home has increased by $20,000.
#12 – Orlando, Florida
This, once in the top 10, city has dropped 2 positions this year to be out of the top. Another city being hit by hard the foreclosure crisis. Without its (stronger than most FL cities) job situation, Orlando would probably have fallen into the 20’s for best relocation cities. But to due strong job growth Orlando is once again in the top 25.
#13 – Scottsdale, Arizona
Just one year ago Scottsdale was the 11th best relocation city in the country, and #1 for Arizona. But this year Scottsdale has been knocked down to #13 from its previous #11 spot and no longer the #1 Arizona relocation city (i.e Phoenix). Scottsdale is still a very strong city and will remain a top relocation city for many years.
#14 – Denver, Colorado
Congratulations to Denver for changing 4 spots in one year to become the lucky 13th best relocation city in the country. Very affordable real estate prices, and a very strong economical job strength helps Denver jump into the #14 spot.
#15 – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Denver goes up, and Colorado Springs goes down. Colorado Springs is use to being the #2 Colorado city, and once again it keeps its recognition. Due to its strong military presence, this city remains high up on the relocation list. As long as they don’t do a “McDonough” (i.e McDonough, Georgia [Closed Military Base]), the city should remain.
#16 – Las Vegas, Nevada
A year ago things were going great in Las Vegas. There was a T.V made after it, home prices were great, and there were a ton of jobs…. then 2008 hit. The T.V show was canceled, home prices plummeted, and jobs are scarce. Rough times for Las Vegas, but just like Cape Coral/Fort Myers, Florida… Las Vegas once again might be an investors dream!
#17 – Dallas, Texas
A year ago I thought Dallas was definitely going to fall off the top relocation list in 2008. Not only did it not fall off, it increased by 2 spots. Home construction in 2006/2007 for Dallas… was quite frankly horrible. But starting in early 2008 Dallas has started to boom again. Home prices are competitive at $153,000 and jobs are once again abundant in Dallas. You never know Fort Worth might be in the top 25 next year.
#18 – Jacksonville, Florida
Although dropping 4 spots, Jacksonville is once again in the top 25 for best relocation cities. Expect this to continue for many years. A strong military presence just like Colorado Springs, that will continue to increase its population.
#19 – Wilmington, North Carolina
Due to Wilmington being #19, North Carolina should be proud to have 3 cities in the top 20! With great relocation cities in the same area such as Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham, Cary etc.. no wonder a city like Wilmington is also in this top 20 list again!
#20 – Tucson, Arizona
For now the 7th year in a row Tucson has increased its population. Jobs remain strong, and real estate prices remain competitive. Congratulation’s for Arizona having 3 cities in the top 20!