The U-haul indicator is a very helpful tool to compare the net migration of two different cities. In many of the comments on our radio show John and I strive to note which nationwide trends affect Austin and Central Texas and which patterns are local, affecting just our metro area. As you read news stories (even in our local papers), note the source in fine print. It is quite surprising how many articles may be reprinted from Los Angeles or Boston or Detroit.
As you read news articles about real estate, use the U-Haul indicator and pricing tool at: http://www.uhaul.com/Trucks/ to compare Austin to the city in the story that you are reading. If the “to” price for a one-way trip at U-Haul is similar to the “return” price, perhaps you should give some weight to the news piece. If the numbers are drastically different, you may have found an article that is true for them but not for us.
Happy Learning!
Kevin Bown
Co-Host, “The Real Estate Zone”
2009 top 50 U.S. destination cities
U-Haul International, Inc., has released the results of the annual 2009 U-Haul National Migration Trend Report, titled “The 2009 Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities.” According to moving data reflective of nationwide statistics for calendar year 2009, Houston, Texas, took the No. 1 spot, moving up from second place, while Las Vegas, Nevada, took second place, moving up from the No. 4 rank last year. Chicago, Illinois, climbed to No. 3 from No. 7 last year while San Antonio, Texas, ranked No. 4, moving up from No. 8. Austin, Texas, moved up to fifth place from the No. 9 rank last year, and Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; Sacramento, California; Kansas City, Missouri; and Denver, Colorado rounded out the Top 10.
The ranking reflects destinations for movers traveling more than 50 miles and considers every city in the country, regardless of size. However, the data is not stated as a percentage of population and is not reflective of overall growth.
The 2009 Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities Report was compiled from more than 1 million U-Haul truck transactions occurring during a recent 12-month period.
U-Haul Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities
