Source: North Atlanta’s Business Post

Metro Atlanta was named the best for relocating singles by Relocation industry group Worldwide ERC and Primary Relocation at its yearly Global Workforce Symposium.

Atlanta joined New Haven, Conn., Madison, Wis., and Nassau, N.Y., as the BEst Cities for Relocating Singles among U.S. metropolitan areas.

Using statistical profiles of the largest 100 U.S. metro areas, focusing on criteria most relevant to singles, the rankings reflect the probability of a smooth transition and a successful relocation.

For a fourth year, ERC and Primacy have joined Sperling’s BestPlaces to identify the cities with the most to offer relocating singles. Using statistical profiles of the largest 100 U.S. metro areas, focusing on criteria most relevant to singles, the rankings reflect the probability of a smooth transition and a successful relocation.

Unique among numerous quality-of-life city rankings, ERC/Primacy Best Cities surveys measure factors that impact a newcomer’s experience during the months immediately after a transfer.

This year’s report incorporates U.S. Census Bureau data and reflects an increased emphasis on rent costs and job growth. New categories this year include: A robust cost-of-living index; adventure and outdoor recreation opportunities; and violent crime and property crime rates.

“HR professionals will use our findings in forecasting success rates for their employee transfers,” said Michelle Vallejo, president of Primacy Relocation’s Americas business unit. “They find it relevant factors like nightlife and sports, and pit them directly against everyday concerns, like rent, to identify places where the quality of life is both exciting and sustainable.”

“In a trend that has been developing over the past few years, organizations have been relocating an increasing percentage of renters, a group that is largely comprised of singles,” said Cris Collie, CAE, executive vice president of Worldwide ERC. “Information that shows where employees can assimilate more rapidly into a community might also support a shorter ‘downtime’ and higher productivity when starting a worker in a new location.”

Statistics Used in Ranking the Best Cities for Relocating Singles:
Population Criteria:

  • Local percentage and growth trends of unmarried residents aged 25-34
  • Male-female rations
  • The number of newcomers to the area
  • Diversity and density

Economic Criteria:

  • Job growth vs. unemployment rates
  • Apartment rental costs
  • Fee and occupancy rates for temporary housing and mini-storage
  • Higher education costs, including in-state and out-of-state tuition requirements
  • Vehicle tax rates and quality of service from utility providers

Quality-of-Life Criteria:

  • Level of volunteering, per capita
  • Quality and quantity of collegiate and professional sports with fun, fan-friendly venues
  • Number of Starbucks and other coffee shops
  • Quality or popularity of restaurants, health clubs, and online dating
  • Moderate climates with sustainable water supplies

Worldwide ERC is the membership association for choice for corporate and government relocation managers, real estate companies, good movers, and a range of service firms and individuals from industries relocation-related workforce issues. Global workforce mobility trends information are at their site.

Sperling’s BestPlaces puts facts about cities and living in the hands of the public, so they can make better decision about best places to live, work, retire, play, or relocate.