The housing crisis is contributing to major changes in our national lifestyle, especially a decline in mobility. According to the latest census data, only 11.9 percent of Americans changed residences between 2007 and 2008, the smallest share since the government began tracking this trend in the late 1940s.

Analysts say the long-term decline has occurred because the U.S. population is getting older. Another brake on moving is the rise of two-career couples, which makes it more difficult to coordinate a relocation.

The current economic downturn has led to a further decline in migration, because jobs are typically one of the key reasons that people move.  Another factor may be that falling property values are forcing many families to forego moves for fear they cannot sell their homes.

A new Pew Social & Demographic Trends survey found that most Americans have moved to a new community at least once in their lives, although nearly four-in-ten have never left the place they were born. 

Most “movers” cite the pull of economic opportunity and the most popular reason they choose a new community, selected by a 44% plurality, is job or business opportunities.