The Gardner Group Blog

from the Austin Business Journal 

Austin is the best city in America to get a fresh start, according to a new report from Relocation.com.

The online moving service company ranked Austin No. 1 on its list of the best cities to start over and seek out new economic opportunities.

Relocation.com used the following elements to create its list: city "popularity" based on consumer requests for moving quotes to move to that city; economic-growth prospects; home affordability; and the strength of a community as reflected by volunteerism rates.

The top cities following Austin, in order, are Dallas; Charlotte, N.C.; Denver; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; and Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and a three-way tie for 10th place between Houston, Seattle and Las Vegas.

"Studies have shown that many people don't like where they live," said Sharon Asher, chairman and founder of Relocation.com. "At the same time, a lot of people are looking for work, whether they're unemployed now or fearing layoffs. It's a scary time, but for some it might be a good time to think about starting over."

The full list and more details are available on the company's Web site.