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Migration Trends: Where Are the Hot Spots?
Though populations aren’t necessarily fleeing people-packed, highly dense areas in the droves they did during the height of the pandemic, there is still plenty of movement from metro to metro. A recent Placer.ai white paper analyzed Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) data to learn where the “hotspots in a cool market” were. Boulder, CO, is taking the spot as a top new destination.
One reason the Boulder CBSA is popular is its growth, attracting new students to the University of Colorado-Boulder’s campus. Additionally, the white paper said, “the metro has also emerged as a flourishing tech hub, with Google, Apple and Amazon all setting up shop in town,” along with smaller start-up tech concerns.
Much of the migration to Boulder originated in other Colorado CBSAs. However, migration also originates from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
“The move from these relatively urbanized CBSAs to scenic Boulder indicates that some of the domestic migration to the area is likely driven by people looking for better access to nature or a general lifestyle change,” Placer.ai said.
According to U.S. News and World Report and Niche Neighborhood Grades, Boulder scored higher in education, health and family activities than metro areas of origin. Placer.ai pointed out that such draw factors attract senior executives and younger tech workers “and can also explain why relocators from more urban metro areas may be choosing to make Boulder their home.”
The white paper also dubbed the Daytona Beach, FL CBSA as another popular destination for population migration. The region continues to appeal to older Americans and retirees because of its affordability. Other “draw” factors include weather and amenities, like nightlife and restaurants. Additionally, “like Boulder, Daytona’s scenery – including its famous beaches – is likely attracting newcomers looking to spend more time outdoors and improve their work-life balance,” Placer.ai said.
- ◦People
- ◦Economy
