Top 10 Moving Destinations for 2013

Warm weather, favorable housing conditions and unique culture link the most popular cities to move to in 2013.

Is it time for you to make a move?

If so, you’re not alone: U.S. Census findings indicate that about 36 million others were in the same situation in 2012.

So where are all these Americans moving? Based on online truck rental reservation data, Penske Truck Rental ranked the most popular U.S. cities people are choosing to call home.

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What ties these popular moving destinations together? Warm weather, favorable housing conditions and unique culture seem to attract newcomers to these great cities. Will these be the top destinations for a move this year, as well?

10. Sarasota, FL
If the ocean waves are calling you, Sarasota may be your next preferred destination, as well. While not all apartments in Sarasota feature beach views, of course, residents in this town enjoy easy access to recreation options, including boating, swimming, sunbathing, and golf.

9. Charlotte, NC
The second largest financial center behind New York City, Charlotte offers a wealth of job opportunities for those in the financial services industry. The city is home to several Fortune 500 power players, including Lowe’s, Goodrich, Sonic Automotive and Family Dollar. And when it’s time to clock out, residents enjoy proximity to more than forty area golf courses.

8. Seattle, WA
While Seattle may not be known for sun, this northwestern mecca does offer something for everyone. You can’t beat sightseeing in this seaside town, which is home to pristine mountain ranges, professional sports teams, trendy shopping and dining, as well as more than two hundred galleries and five art museums. All these attractions means there’s plenty of jobs available in this city.

7. Denver, CO
The Mile High City attracts residents who want to enjoy the best in outdoor sports: skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking and biking in the temperate months. Denver also offers plenty to do in the way of indoor activities, and it’s known for having some of the best microbreweries in the country!

6. Houston, TX
What would you say to 60- and 70-degree temperatures all year long — with a healthy dose of cowboy-sized attitude — in a city where job options are plentiful? If that sounds agreeable, then Houston might be a contender for your next home city.

5. Chicago, IL
Offering the best in dining, entertainment, sports, shopping and nightlife, Chicago tempts many movers each year. Even the weather in the Windy City doesn’t deter movers from finding a home in this world-class city.

4. Orlando, FL
You don’t have to love Mickey Mouse to move to Orlando. Orlando is a popular city to live in thanks to balmy weather, affordable housing, access to outdoor recreation and a thriving golf culture.

3. Phoenix, AZ
It isn’t hard to see why a place nicknamed the “Valley of the Sun” landed on the list of top moving destinations. Phoenix offers more than 300 days a year of sunshine, though temperatures can reach 100+ in the summer. Still, a steady job market — and plenty of mountains for climbing, hiking and sightseeing — make Phoenix a great place to move.

2. Dallas, TX
Dallas offers big-city amenities combined with old-fashioned southwestern charm. A popular moving destination thanks to reasonable housing prices, plentiful job opportunities and pleasant weather, Dallas offers renters one of the best dining scenes in the country. The city’s been noted for having the most restaurants and shopping districts per capita of any city in the United States.

1. Atlanta, GA
Topping the list of most popular cities for interstate moves, Atlanta offers residents a healthy dose of southern hospitality. With restaurants, shopping and attractions similar to those you’d find in much bigger cities like Chicago or New York, living in the birthplace of Coca-Cola comes with a lower price tag — and warmer weather!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Stephen Finn