Texas is the Most Popular State to Move To

Texas still most popular "moving-to" state

For the fourth straight year, Texas is the top state Americans are moving to, according to Allied Van Lines, which annually tracks US migration patterns. Texas had the highest net relocation gain (inbound moves minus outbound moves performed by Allied Van Lines) of 1,903 in 2008.

"With the continued job growth we're seeing in major cities like Dallas and Houston, and very affordable home prices statewide, Texas is still the place to be," says Brooke Hunt, 2009 chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR).

Texas' 9,879 total Allied shipments (inbound and outbound moves) in 2008 ranked second behind California, which had 11,400. But more people moved out of California last year, enabling Texas to retain its status as the number one "moving-to" state in the country. In fact, according to new data from the US Census Bureau, Texas gained more residents between July 2007 and July 2008 than any other state. Texas gained 484,000 residents during the 12-month period, followed by California (379,000), North Carolina (181,000), and Georgia (162,000).

Sources: Allied Van Lines, US Census Bureau, Texas Association of Realtors