Hottest Markets for Population Growth Rates in 2008

Thanks to the hard work at the US Census Bureau, we now have the latest data on the highest growth rates in the US.

Where are they?
Take a look at the chart to see the top 15 Metros with 1 million or more that have the highest percentage increase of growth from July 07- July 08.

But the bigger question is why are they? What makes these cities so inviting to our nation's inhabitants?

Let's try to determine what they have in common first?

Location seems pretty random: SE, SW, West, NW and Rocky Mountain. We can at least determine that Great Plains, Great Lakes, and NE are lacking representation on our chart. Texas seems to make up 40% of the top 10.
Size tells us something. Notice approximately 10 of the MSA are between 1 and 2 Million in population. This could mean that people are looking for a smaller city with affordability and quality of life, but not wanting to give up the amenities that large Metropolitan areas have to offer. ie... International Airports, Employment Opportunities, Entertainment Franchises or Venues, etc...
Tax Leniency also may be a factor. 5 cities on our list have absolutely no income tax. 1 has income tax on stock and bond dividends only. 2 others have a low flat income tax. And one other has no sales tax.
Job Growth rates. Except for New Orleans, the same cities in this top 15 are also frequent players of high ranking metros for job growth percentages in previous years. For example Raliegh, NC, has consistently been on the top spot of many job growth lists since 2005. Therefore it is not surprising for it to be #1 on this list. What's most impressive though, is the 4.3% growth rate

The more money people can keep in their pocket combined with lower costs of living (including housing) and the ability to obtain and retain employment, are the real drivers to the population rates.

for the press release from US Census: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013426.html

What Do You Get For Nothing?

Normally, you get what you pay for right?
No effort, no return. No pain, no gain. No risk, no reward.
Okay, no more cliche' analogies...
But, there are some investment opportunities where you can literally, put nothing down, and still have gain for little invested.
Yes, It's Real Estate. Nice Real Estate. With Tenants. Nice Professionally Managed Tenants. Not some college town 5 hours away from the nearest airport. A real populated desirable cosmopolitan metro.

Take a look at a low down, high return investment in one of the nations largest and fastest growing areas.

The State of California's Real Estate Market

Many market conditions point to a healthy return of the housing market in California. Although, prices may not rebound at rates they did in the early 2000's, they also may stop falling any lower than they are now. That is only one reason to buy now.
Other reasons to buy now: Shrinking Inventory, Congress Driven Low Interest Rates, Cash Flow for investors, Homes are selling below the cost it takes to rebuild, etc...

Take a peek at this recorded webinar for a market update, and some great sample REO opportunities.