Wilmington is one of the top 10 cities people are looking to move to, study says
A recent moveBuddha study shows that Wilmington was ranked as one of the top 10 cities to move to nationwide.
By looking at places with the highest inflow to outflow ratio, Wilmington placed top 10 among other small to mid-sized cities like Franklin, Tennessee, St. Augustine, Florida, and Dillon, Colorado.
The study found that the number of people moving increased after the onset of the pandemic, and more than three years later, people are continuing the trend.
According to the study, areas with a lower cost of living, a steady climate, and better access to outdoor activities are seeing the most growth. More expensive areas will continue to see people leave as the cost of living becomes more expensive.
While Wilmington housing costs are not always considered the most affordable, affordable housing initiatives like the Sterling Reserve and Canopy Pointe, are in the works.
For Wilmington, the study draws particular attention to downtown’s large historic district, waterfront and proximity to the ocean as main reasons it made it to the top 10 list.
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Local real estate professionals agree that Wilmington’s outdoor offerings are a big draw.
“With 4 distinct seasons and very little, if any, snow and some of the most beautiful waters and beaches in the country, the attraction to this area won’t fade any time soon,” said Realtor Melanie Cameron when asked why Wilmington is such a hotspot.
Referencing nature and affordability as primary reasons for people moving, the study found that interest in moving to North Carolina has outpaced moves from 2020 to 2023. North Carolina was also one of the most searched states with at least 10,000 mover inquiries, attracting the highest proportions of move-ins versus move-outs.
The study says that states like North Carolina continue to attract more moves in than out in part due to their relative affordability and milder weather than their southern neighbors.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington, NC, makes moveBuddha list of cities people want to move to
