UK residents have been moving out of cities and to coastal areas, according to the latest research from Halifax. From 1997 to 2007, 80 percent of the areas in the country that saw the highest increases in internal migration – those who moved from one part of the England and Wales to another – are along the coast. Additionally, 95 percent of the areas that have the largest drop in internal migration are in the cities.
These numbers do not reflect immigration from other countries to the UK. Those who come to the UK from abroad largely look to settle in the cities of the country, and London’s population has soared as a result of this. In contrast, UK citizens and residents have moved out of the cities to areas along the coast, and London has experienced a significant outflow. Nine of the top ten local authorities that saw the biggest drops in net internal migration come from London.
“There have been significant population movements across England and Wales during recent years. Coastal areas have proved to be popular destinations for people to move to as many people have sought to take advantage of the benefits of living near the sea,” said Martin Ellis, Halifax economist.
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