People Are Leaving Pennsylvania for These Cities
It’s a new year, and sometimes, that means it might be a good time to pick up your life and start fresh somewhere else. That might sound a bit drastic….
Getty Images / Deagreez
Getty Images / DeagreezIt's a new year, and sometimes, that means it might be a good time to pick up your life and start fresh somewhere else. That might sound a bit drastic. But, I've had a few friends mark a new year by moving. So, where should you move? Well, Americans are flocking to some cities and moving away from others. As it turns out, people are leaving Pennsylvania for a bunch of other cities.
The new study comes from U-Haul. In it, they've released their U-Haul Growth Index, featuring top growth cities for 2023. They note that, "U-Haul is the authority on migration trends thanks to its expansive network that blankets all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The geographical coverage from 23,000 U-Haul truck- and trailer-sharing locations provides a broad overview of where people are moving like no one else in the industry." It's true that when it comes to moving, U-Haul really knows their stuff.
Let's get into it. The city that the most Americans are moving to right now is Palm Bay-Melbourne, Florida. Actually, the U-Haul Growth Index marked seven Florida markets among the top 25 growth cities in 2023. So, people are still moving to the Sunshine state, likely for retirement. The No. 2 city is also from Florida with Ocala. Actually, Ocala was No. 1 in 2022, so it slipped a little this year. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina, is No. 3 on the list. No. 4 is Sarasota-Bradenton, and No. 5 is Austin, Texas.
Not one Pennsylvania city appears in the top 25, which is disheartening. I think more people should move here. U-Haul does add that, "While U-Haul migration trends do not correlate directly to population or economic growth, the U-Haul Growth Index is an effective gauge of how well states and cities are attracting and maintaining residents." Find the full list of the cities that Americans are moving to here.
It's almost a New Year, and that means it's time to make those New Year's Resolutions and start looking to the future. It's also time to look at what new laws will be going into effect in Pennsylvania. Now, it's worth noting that not all new laws always go into effect on Jan. 1. Throughout the year, plenty of new laws have snuck their way into our lives. But, most major new laws do seem to roll out on Jan. 1, and this year is no exception.
There's one law that isn't changing this year, which I'm going to address, because people often ask about it. The minimum wage will remain at its rate of $7.25 in Pennsylvania, as no change from 2023 has been announced. According to Paycor.com, "While some states are on a schedule for annual increases to eventually reach $15 an hour, others still adhere to the federal minimum. Although the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 has not budged since 2009, more than 20 states have provided additional increases in 2024." Meanwhile, more than 20 states have announced minimum wage increases for 2024. In the majority of these states, the minimum wage is scheduled to increase on Jan. 1, 2024.
Two nearby states have actually passed legislation to reach a $15 minimum wage between 2025 and 2026. Those states are Delaware (2025) and New Jersey (2024). Other states that have passed legislation for a $15 minimum wage include Florida (2026), Illinois (2025), Maryland (2025), New York state (2025) and Rhode Island (2025). Also, according to Paycor.com, "The state with the highest minimum wage in 2024 is Washington, at $16.28. If Washington, D.C. were a state, it would have the highest minimum wage at $17.00."
Enough about the minimum wage. Let's get to the laws that are changing in Pennsylvania in 2024. We have five of them. Depending on your lifestyle, these could directly impact you, so read on to ensure you're staying legal.
Pennsylvania Laws Going Into Effect on January 1, 2024:
Preferred Organic Program Trademark
I love a good local farm, especially when it comes to their fresh food. This bill helps farmers identify which items are from them grocery stores. Items that have the PA Preferred Organic brand "will give consumers confidence they are getting a quality product that meets the high standards they expect."
Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force
Ever been in a flood? This bill is for you. Well, if you have a future flood, at least. This bill will help homeowners obtain flood insurance, which is mandatory by the state.
Enforcement of Failure to Stop for School Bus With Flashing Red Lights, Imposing a Penalty and Editorial Change
Keep those kiddies safe. This bill will "extend and revamp the school bus stop arm automated enforcement program." It's all in an effort for increased safety.
Military Personnel - Residency Status for Students
This one helps our beloved military. This bill gives limited residency to people stationed at a military outpost in Pennsylvania.
Dog Law - Omnibus Amendments
Dog lovers, unite. This bill changes to the state dog law. For those who want a dog, this new bill alters how licenses are issued, kennel rules and penalties against violators. Keep those dogs safe.
