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Health & Fitness

Moving down the street?

When local people move, where do they go?

Thinking of a move? Know anyone relocating? More and more of my clients are moving, well, down the street from their existing homes.

We have some new data that shows us that during 2011, 49% of Californians who make a move, move within the same county.  That means that when folks move in Contra Costa, almost half of them stay in Contra Costa. And in my experience, not only in the same county, but often in the same general vicinity. In 2007 however, only 37% stayed within the same county.

Some people are moving up into larger homes, some into smaller homes. Still others need to move for economic reasons, and others make the choice to move for schools.

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More facts: 19% of relocating Californians move to another county, but stay within California. Fewer families in 2011 are actually  moving out of state now. In 2011, 20% of relocating Californians moved out of state, compared to 29% in 2007.  

My guess is that some of these numbers reflect the housing market, and the fact that when a family loses their home, or is forced to moved for monetary reasons, they do want to stay close - near family, near schools, near their "village."  

Find out what's happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It makes sense, and follows the trends I've been seeing with my own clients. Many, if not relocating for a job or family, stay close and in fact, many opt for finding a home in the same neighborhood or at least within the same school boundaries.

Any guesses as to the top destinations for out of state relocations?

1. Arizona

2. Oregon

3. Texas

No surprises there!  Lower cost housing will typically rule these trends. Jobs are certainly another top factor, as are more favorable tax laws in other states, family and lifestyle. 

Have you considered a move?  To where, and why? 

 

Catherine Myers is a real estate broker in Walnut Creek California. She lives in Clayton and serves the Central Contra Costa real estate market.

You can contact Catherine at 925-683-2125 or at her Concord CA Homes | Walnut Creek homes website.  Search homes in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez and beyond - free!

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