More folks moving into California than moving out

At least that's according to Allied Van Lines, which does an annual compilation of its moving van activity. But it was close: Allied handled 6,574 inbound moves in 2011, and 6,227 outbound moves. Perhaps more significant: California was the seventh most popular moving destination. From the OC Register:

Texas was the top destination, by Allied metrics: It had 1,556 more inbound moves than outbound -- but that's down from 1,640 in 2010. Florida was second with a net gain of 809 moves; followed by South Carolina, Colorado and Oregon. Illinois had the most net outbound losses followed by Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.

Keep in mind that not everyone uses a moving company, especially at the lower-income level. Still, it's interesting. Linda Oakley, vice president of Atlas Transfer and Storage, told the Register: "We've had customers that we've moved out of state that have called us back to say, 'I want to come home,'"