Best Cities to Move to in 2017

Recently Trulia came out with a comprehensive 2017 housing report, which named 10 cities that are best poised for growth this year.

Their housing markets exhibit strength in four key areas:

• Strong job growth over the past year
• Low vacancy rates
• High affordability
• More inbound home searches than outbound

So, without further ado, let’s check out the 10 best cities to pack up and move to this year:

Jacksonville, FL

Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures

This sunny Florida city saw a 3.8 percent increase in job growth from 2015 to 2016, making it a perfect place for those looking to land a new career. Here, the average person spends just 20 percent of their income on housing. Last year, the amount of vacant homes decreased by an astounding 12 percent. Jacksonville also has many museums and cultural attractions, so residents and visitors alike have plenty to explore.

Cape Coral – Fort Myers, FL

Photo Credit: Pro Liability Insurance Direct

More than twice the number of people want to move here than want to move out. The ratio of searches is apparently 2.5 to 1. Job growth increased 4.1 percent from 2015 to 2016, while the number of vacant homes dropped by 12 percent. It's a picturesque place with beautiful Florida beaches and spectacular views.

Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL

Photo Credit: Nautilus Inn

With a 2.8 ratio of those looking to come here rather than leave, the buzzing Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach area is seeing exponential growth. A 4.1 percent increase in jobs last year has helped to set the table for those deciding where to move in Florida.

Grand Rapids, MI

Photo Credit: Robert Half

Grand Rapids saw a job growth of 2.7 percent last year, as home vacancies fell a nice 9 percent. Known for many breweries dotting this beautiful town on the Grand River, residents have plenty of craft beers to sample on their weekends.  

Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL

Photo Credit: Travel Thru History

This famous Florida location saw its vacancy rate drop 8.4 percent from 2015 to 2016, a true testament to the number of newcomers heading here and willing to call it "home." Just 20 percent of an individual’s average income is spent on housing, so residents have plenty left over so they can enjoy the many amenities and activities that Tampa and the surrounding area has to offer.

Colorado Springs, CO

Photo Credit: WikiTravel

If you’re ready to live that healthy, outdoor lifestyle, Colorado Springs might just be your dream city. With a 2.4 percent job growth from 2015 to 2016 and a vacancy rate drop of 11 percent, it’s no surprise that twice as many people want to move to this beautiful town than leave it. And with plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding picture-perfect mountains, it doesn’t get any prettier to experience nature firsthand.

Charleston, SC

Photo Credit: Charleston CVB

Founded way back in 1670, this charming Southern port city is known for its cobblestone streets and tits pastel-painted French Quarter that rivals New Orleans. Jobs grew by nearly 3 percent this past year and home vacancies dropped by 8 percent.

San Antonio, TX

Photo Credit: CHCP.edu

Known for its famous River Walk, San Antonio has a buzzing culinary scene and, of course, The Alamo. This welcoming city is no stranger to new residents. Its job market grew 2.4 percent from 2015 to 2016. It's affordable too. Only 18 percent of an individual’s average income is spent on a median home mortgage. No wonder this Texas town is moving up in the ranks of the best American cities to move to!

Phoenix, AZ

Photo Credit: Kimpton Hotels

This Arizona city is booming, experiencing a whopping 17 percent decrease in home vacancies this past year. With countless sunny days, typically dry weather and high-end resorts, it’s no surprise that Phoenix has continued to grow. It's reasonably affordable, too, because an individual only spends about 21 percent of their average income on housing!

North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL

Photo Credit: YouTube

With a lively arts scene and miles and miles of pristine beaches nearby, the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton area is undoubtedly a beautiful, perfectly located Florida metropolitan destination. It saw a job growth of 2.6 percent from 2015 to 2016 and an 8.5 percent vacancy drop in housing. Clearly, new residents are coming, and staying, in droves.