GREENVILLE, North Carolina (December 29, 2020) – As many larger cities saw a reduction of residents this year, some smaller cities saw an increase in new residents. According to data compiled by moving app and software company Updater and reported by the Triangle Business Journal, Greenville, North Carolina experienced the most inbound growth year-round in 2020.
Relocations were felt nationwide over the past year as large cities saw an exodus and small cities, like Greenville, saw an influx. The city, with a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) of 180,000, ranks first in top 20 list provided by Updater.
“Many industries were negatively affected by the pandemic in 2020,” said Jenna Weinerman, vice president of marketing at Updater.
In a press release, she explained that the moving industry was also impacted during COVID-19.
"Moving during a shelter-in-place order was perceived to be extremely dangerous in early spring," said Weinerman. "However, as late spring and summer hit, many of America’s largest, most-populated cities experienced unprecedented resident loss, while smaller markets experienced unprecedented resident gains."
Indexed and relative to their population size, these are the top 20 cities that have gained the most residents:
Greenville, North Carolina
Las Vegas, Nevada
Tallahassee, Florida
Denver, Colorado
Spokane, Washington
Nashville, Tennessee
Raleigh, North Carolina
Dallas, Texas
Phoenix, Arizona
Wilmington, North Carolina
West Palm Beach, Florida
Reno, Nevada
Austin, Texas
Charlotte
Tampa, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Charleston, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Knoxville, Tennessee
Fort Myers, Florida
Updater, analyzed a random sampling of 1.5 million household moves across the United States that took place from January through November 2020. The study was designed to fairly reflect the increase or decrease in a city’s residents based on each city’s population.
“While we’re not surprised by this high ranking, we are excited to see our area included and discussed in a national and regional spotlight,” said Greenville – ENC Alliance president and CEO Steve Weathers. “Greenville, North Carolina is a city that offers countless benefits to industries, employees, and the community. This includes the quality of life which is vibrant, yet affordable.”
When it comes to doing business and relocating to the Greenville – Pitt County area, companies will find nation’s lowest corporate income tax rate and a competitive incentives program.
“Greenville is a great place for industries and companies to do business while their employees live an enjoyable life,” said Weathers. “The city’s talent pool allows companies to market their ideas, products, and services with skill and efficiency. Plus, the education opportunities available at East Carolina University and Pitt Community College allow companies to hire a skilled workforce.”
The region’s median age of 32.9 is more than five years younger than the national average and nearly six years younger than the North Carolina state average. For employees, the cost of living in the Greenville is well below the North Carolina average and the national index which is attributed to lower housing costs and competitive utility rates.
“I’ll also point out a handful of cities in North Carolina. Relative to their population size, cities like Greenville, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Charlotte saw tremendous growth. They all saw almost no residents leave during the pandemic, but a huge number of new residents moving in,” said Updater founder and CEO David Greenberg. “Residents of America’s largest cities are looking for more space, but they also want to live where the restrictions to manage the pandemic may be less burdensome in their daily lives. Additionally, there’s been widespread acceptance of remote work. For many Americans, this is an unprecedented opportunity to live wherever they want.”
Greenberg talked with Fox News’ Stuart Varney on Fox Business on November 16, 2020 about a previous study which ranked Greenville as the top city for population gains during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Media Relations Contact: Maria Satira Director of Marketing and Communications Greenville - Eastern North Carolina Alliance satira@encalliance.com 252-414-2875
