AUSTIN, TX - It appears the secret is out. New census numbers show by the end of summer, 6,000 more people will call Austin home.
It is a never ending supply of boxes for mover Felix Castillo.
"This is our second job," said Castillo. "We have another job after this, so we're doing three jobs today."
Tuesday's move brought Bam Soe's family to Austin from Chicago because of a job transfer.
"We like warm weather," said Soe. "We don't like cold, especially snow."
When his company offered a handful of cities for him to choose from, Soe did not waste any time moving to Austin. What sold the Soe's and other families on Austin is the price. Their new home boasts an additional 1,000 square feet of space than their Chicago town home, and it only came at half the price.
A Business First study of census data projects 6,000 people will move to Austin this July and August.
"Austin has such a great quality of life and character to it; it's part of why people move here," said economist Steve Vierck with Angelou Economics.
Vierck says that is why Austin's population growth is two-and-a-half times the national average.
"There are a lot of goods and services connected to somebody moving to an area for the first time," said Vierck.
Stores and services of all types profit from newcomers, which leads to new jobs.
Currently, the population in the Austin city limits is 790,000. If the city grows at the same rate it did the past decade, even with the recession, the population should reach 1,022,000 by 2025.
Young businesses such as Vosco Moving Company showcase Austin's strong entrepreneur base and keeps movers enjoying the sweat of success.
"The boss is going to see if you can handle it," said Castillo. "If you feel like you can handle it, then he'll give you all the opportunities you need."
For Castillo, more moving jobs mean more opportunities for everyone.
Despite the consistent growth of Austin's population, the city still falls in the middle of the pack for metropolitan areas in the country. Austin ranks 35th, right behind Indianapolis and just ahead of Virginia Beach.
Do you think Austin will be able to keep up with the estimated influx of newcommers? Let us know on Facebook on The KVUE Insider, or you can call or text our soundoff hotline at 512-522-8025.
