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Jul 14, 2008 -- Why aren't Americans relocating for opportunity?
New stats from the Census Bureau show that Americans are not as mobile as we once were. In a time of economic dislocation, there's been a longstanding tradition in our country to migrate for opportunity. That usually means relocating for a better job. But apparently that's not what's going on right now.
Jobs have steadily migrated to low-tax/low-cost states, which is a smart decision for any business. Think about this in your own life. If you're in a tough job market -- especially like Michigan -- the opportunities are hollowing out. So it might behoove you to move.
Some of us aren't moving because of the housing market and the current difficulties in selling a home. But that's just a small sliver of us. So Clark is rather surprised about these new stats.
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
My parents moved for opportunity - I went to 9 schools, including 3 high schools. My Dad said if he had it to do over, he would not. We moved to CA from Indiana, they ripped off his ideas, he got no raises, we moved back without a job. I have been out of work since the end of Jan 08. This was 30 days after we bought a good deal short sale house, I have no cash to move and we have 5 mortgages. We may loose the houses, then I will have to move - I will happily leave FL.
I apologize for the typo: I meant to write, These comments WERE intelligent and enlightening. (I guess I'm not quite awake yet... sorry again)
Relocation
Who's hiring? I would go for an opportunity, but I'm not getting the opportunity.
Drop in relocations
There are a number of reasons I believe: 1) current housing market makes it so that those who want to move can't or can't do it without taking a financial bath. 2)Companies don't pick up the relocation anywhere near the rate and level they used to. 3)Technology and travel make it so that there is less of a requirement to actually relocate to take a new position. 4)People don't take jobs expecting to stay there for 20-30 years anymore. Why move for a job that may only be two-four years in duration?
When you add it all up the drop in relocations makes perfect sense.
why americans aren't moving
we have been trying to sell our house and move for another opportunity for over a year now....we can't sell or rent our house on the SC coast...it definitely is the housing market keeping us here.....
Relocate to Houston
Alot of jobs right now in Houston. Great city, great people, low cost of living, high salaries make a for a great experience for all types of professionals.
Relocating
My husband and I are San Franciscans who have been relocating around the U.S since the 80's to find low cost areas to move. Real Estate fee's have taken a little chunck of our equity..and now were stuck because the market is poor.
Timing
Timing is everything is a relocation. Here in Nashville, NISSAN USA brought their HQ from Los Angeles in 06-07. I'd bet those that left Southern Calif are happy. Those that stayed are likely not so happy.
not relocating
The average age of our population is about 10 years older than the last traditional bear market of '89-91. Harder to move when you're not a 20- something anymore.
adult abuse
how do I report abuse in a assistant living home without exposing myself ASAP. there is fear from a lot of our lovely senior citizens who don't feel safe and secure.
relocating for job opportunity
Hello there Clark Howard,thanks for that thought of relocating, but what are some of the cities you reccomend relocating to?, my husb. and I are in the medical field. We now reside in college park ga. relocated from native home in New York Kew Garden,Queens, I am semi retired but my hus. isn't...
I agree
Right now my husband's in school, when he's done, whether or not we will be able to sell our house, we will move where he can make the most money. It was hard moving 2000 miles away from our family and friends with our kids, but we had to do it to attend school and we know we'll have to do it again. If you want to be financially successful, you have to do what it takes and it may require sacrifices. Also, if you move yourself, it doesn't cost that much money!
relocating
If you live in a community with friends and family, it's really hard to up-root your kids and just move them somewhere else where the job may not last long. Most people are probably looking for work in their own area, even if it pays less. Also companies are not offering as much incentives for people to relocate. Their has to be moving allowances otherwise why take a job where you have to pay $10000 in moving expenses.
relocation
Clark: I think you are very out of touch. People aren't moving because 1. they can't sell their homes 2. companies are stingy on moving allowances, if they give any at all. This makes everything very difficult.
Relocating
One point you are missing is that some families cant sell there homes so they leave spouses and children behind in homes and work out of state renting till home finally if ever sells. Then move to that city.
I did
I relocated for an excellent job, with a reasonable relo package. The HOUSE is the problem. If the existing house can't be sold without taking a huge loss then it won't be worth it. If I had known it would have been this bad, I probably would not have done it.
AIG
I see you have no problem with having AIG as a sponsor even though they are ranked the 3rd worst insurance company. Gotta love capitalism......
relocation
Dear Clark, Where are the good jobs??????????? Why sell your home and relocate your family to an area or job that could be underwater in the blink of an eye? Unless it's really, really bleak you're probably better off staying put.
They're not stupid or lazy, just broke
Americans are cash starved (aka broke), and many companies have drastically scaled back their relocation allowances. You can't move if you have no money to pay for it.
