Real Estate
Top 10 Cities Everyone's Moving to in 2017
Get ready, Sunshine State. This is where homeowners are headed in the new year, according to Trulia.

There are tons of reasons for moving — job changes, family additions and upgraded housing offerings are just a few that top the list. No matter the motivation, millions of Americans will be putting up a "for sale" sign in 2017. Curious where they're going? We were, too.
Every year, the real estate pros at Trulia compile a list of the hottest housing markets to watch out for in the coming year. For 2017, they pin-pointed which cities will be attracting buyers based on five key metrics: affordability, job growth, low vacancy rates, home searches on Trulia, and, due to the 2016 election's outcome, a large population of Republicans.
So if you're considering moving, get ready for some great reasons to consider Florida. And if you're set on staying put? Find out if your city is about to be flooded with new folks in the coming months.
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1. Jacksonville, Florida
The draw: Jobs and a great location
This large city nestled up next to Georgia in northeastern Florida has serious job opportunities for folks looking for new work in 2017. According to Trulia, Jacksonville posted a 3.8% job growth rate in 2016, which makes it one of the healthiest markets for employment opportunities in the state. Whether it's the jobs or the weather, the area has a very high ratio of inbound home searches on Trulia by out-of-towners. Bottom line: people are going to Jacksonville and not many are leaving.
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2. Cape Coral–Fort Myers, Florida
The draw: A booming economy in the spring
Major league baseball players move into Fort Myers every spring for training, and with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins comes a guaranteed annual boost for the area's economy. Don't care much about the MLB? Cape Coral-Fort Myers has the fourth highest job growth in the nation, many stemming from the hospitality industry and real estate. And if even that doesn't do it for you, the 80-degree weather just may.
3. Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach, Florida
The draw: Stellar weather
This spot on the Sunshine State's east coast ranked third on Trulia's list because of a high ratio of inbound-to-outbound home searches on Trulia and strong job growth. But the locals will tell you the influx of people coming to the Daytona Beach area is all about the weather. Even in January, the coolest month of the year, the average high is 68 degrees, and the rest of the year you can expect an abundance of 80-degree days.
4. Grand Rapids, Michigan
The draw: A growing economy
Grand Rapids topped last year's list of top real estate predictions, and people haven't stopped settling into the area thanks to steady economic growth and a job growth increase of 2.7% over the last year. Career opportunities range from the medical industry to manufacturing to education, making the area an increasingly diverse place to live.
5. Tampa–St. Petersburg, Florida
The draw: Job growth in the Big Guava
Looking for job opportunities? This Florida metro region boasts the University of South Florida and University of Tampa which attract education professionals from all over the country. And thanks to new developments downtown, more jobs will be created in the coming year. Projects like the Vinik-Cascade development is focused on bringing "wholesome dining, outdoor green space and noise control" to Tampa's most bustling area, so you can bet the quality of living will also be on the rise in 2017.
6. Colorado Springs, Colorado
The draw: The best of all four seasons
If you prefer skiing to laying on the beach, Colorado Springs comes in at No. 6 just for you. The area boasts a mild climate year round creating tons for outdoor activity options, and the city's affordable housing and high job growth is why it's on Trulia's list. U.S. News & World Report also named Colorado Springs the fifth-best place to live in 2016.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
The draw: High affordability
Charleston is consistently named a top city to live in the U.S. by travel mag readers according to Trulia, and there are lots of reasons. Big companies like Boeing and Volvo have brought tons of employment opportunities to this southern coastal town, and thanks to low interest rates, homes in the area are still affordable. Known as "Chucktown" to young locals, downtown Charleston is booming with restaurants and bars. Add a rich history and beaches, and it's no wonder why people packing up to come here.
8. San Antonio, Texas
The draw: A low cost of living
While real estate agents in San Antonio can count on a steady supply and demand for homes thanks to the high number of military family's that call this Texas town home, buyers can count on affordable house prices and a low cost of living. Jobs are also on the rise with industry leaders such as USAA and Toyota parking in this part of Texas.
9. Phoenix, Arizona
The draw: Affordability and easy living
Unique geography, hiking and biking attract visitors from all over to Phoenix, but the thing that attracts house hunters to the country's eighth-largest city is its affordability. There is a diverse range of home for sale in every budget. Plus, despite Phoenix being such a big city, the traffic and congestion are super low, according to locals.
10. North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton, Florida
The draw: The glorious Gulf Coast
Last but not least is one more city in the sunniest part of the country. Located in the Gulf Coast region of the state, the Sarasota area is more than just a beach town for snow birds. "Unlike other Florida markets, this area is a full-time community, meaning that it's not a transient- or vacation-driven community,” says Robert Anderson, the top agent for RE/MAX in Sarasota. "Not only does it deliver on the natural beauty of its beaches and weather, but it also has the critical infrastructure — the arts, great schools, small to medium-size companies, small universities — that [is] critical to making a great community."
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