Philadelphia chimes in at No. 8 among the U-Haul Top 10 U.S. Destination Cities for 2016, maintaining its 2015 ranking, according to the latest U-Haul migration trends report.
The City of Brotherly Love enjoyed a 2.8 percent increase in year-over-year U-Haul arrivals.
U-Haul Destination Cities are ranked according to the total number of arriving one-way U-Haul truck rentals to a city in the past calendar year. Destination Cities do not account for departing traffic and thus do not necessarily reflect growth like U-Haul Growth Cities. Destination Cities reflect the volume and regularity of do-it-yourself movers coming into a community.
“Philly hasn’t always had the best reputation, but the word is out that it is truly a destination,” said Gerald Solarski, U-Haul Company of North Philadelphia president. “Businesses are moving into the city. Furthermore, I have firsthand experience seeing the business growth. Five years ago, you wouldn’t even think about moving into the city, but now we have several new U-Haul facilities. Wherever the jobs go, the people will follow.”
There are 14 Company-owned stores and 37 independent neighborhood dealers in Philadelphia. Find U-Haul truck and trailer sharing locations in Philadelphia at uhaul.com/locations.
Philadelphia is also one of many markets where U-Haul is putting its adaptive reuse initiatives to use. The former Tastykake Baking Company plant is being repurposed for a modern self-storage facility, while U-Haul also renovated the historic Pennsylvania Railroad Company cold-storage warehouse in South Philly.
Philly Vibe on the Rise
“There’s a vibrancy in Philadelphia today,” said Meryl Levitz, President/CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “You see it in people rallying around big happenings – the regattas, the marathon, concerts and big openings – or just enjoying each other at a beer garden or the latest exhibit. You feel it in the neighborhoods and the restaurants, whether you’re going back to your favorite spot or trying the newest chef. There are so many indications of this new energy, including being on the U-Haul ‘moving in’ list.”
U-Haul is the authority on migration trends thanks to its expansive network that blankets 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The geographical coverage from more than 21,000 U-Haul locations provides a comprehensive overview of where people are moving like no one else in the industry.
Follow the Top 10 U.S. Destination Cities daily countdown through May 26 on Twitter @uhaul. View all migration trends reports, including the U-Haul 2016 U.S. Growth Cities and Growth States, at myuhaulstory.com.
What They are Saying about Philadelphia
“A strong residential community and a vibrant business climate have been longstanding hallmarks of Philadelphia in general, and Northeast Philadelphia, in particular. Over the past 10 years, the city has seen a dramatic influx of new residents mainly in the communities surrounding Center City. This is in response to new jobs, residential developments, recreational improvements, nightlife and entertainment. Philadelphia’s ranking in the Top 10 is reflective of the positive developments in the city and the region.” — Pam Henshall, President, Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
U-Haul Top 10 U.S. Destination Cities for 2016
10. Charlotte
9. Kansas City
8. Philadelphia
