Southern Advantage
Americans are migrating south from the Northeast and the Midwest. According to LendingTree, a loan information source, Florida is the winning destination with Texas and the Carolinas not far behind.
Jobs
Job availability is a big reason. As industry and manufacturing contract in the Midwest, many workers head for high-tech employment elsewhere. The south is seeing a combination of a boom in the technology and creative marketing industry, as well as a growing want for outdoor activity and green space.
Weather
Many Americans are also tired of fighting cold weather and snow. The south offers a much nicer climate with fewer interruptions due to weather delays. People can be outside and active during the winter months and enjoy the beach and water activities during the summer.
Lower Cost of Living
In addition to jobs, greater space, and warmer temperatures, lower cost of living is also a significant factor for increased migrations to the south.
Fast Growing Areas in the U.S.
Inc. Magazine Surge Cities
In 2020, Inc. Magazine released their Surge Cities. These are the 50 most startup-friendly cities in America. Almost 50% of these cities were in the south. Saint Stanislaus is located right in the middle of this dynamic economic growth.
| Cities | Surge Score | Miles from St. Stanislaus |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | #1 | 546 miles |
| Raleigh, NC | #3 | 820 miles |
| Nashville, TN | #4 | 503 miles |
| Orlando, FL | #9 | 589 miles |
| Miami, FL | #13 | 810 miles |
| Jacksonville, FL | #14 | 493 miles |
| Dallas, TX | #17 | 541 miles |
| Atlanta, GA | #18 | 416 miles |
| Charlotte, NC | #22 | 660 miles |
| Tampa, FL | #24 | 600 miles |
| San Antonio, TX | #30 | 578 miles |
| Houston, TX | #32 | 578 miles |
| Birmingham, AL | #37 | 314 miles |
| New Orleans, LA | #41 | 60 miles |
| Memphis, TN | #47 | 377 miles |
New Orleans – Silicon Valley of the South
New Orleans is remaking itself into a bona fide tech hub. Since 2006, the city has lured more than 45 high-tech startups or subsidiaries. The result is the creation of more than 20,000 jobs. According to Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc’s CEO. “We’re a low-cost, high-culture city,” Hecht says. “We’re San Francisco, but at half the cost – and with nicer people.” Mild winters and the network of city-based universities – Tulane, Loyola, and the University of New Orleans, among them – has become a prime feature of the city’s tech attraction.
- Travel & Leisure 2022 rankings: #2 in best cities for history, delicious food and drink, and attractions for the family.
- Inc Magazine 2020 rankings: #41 in best place in America to start a business