The latest Halifax survey on internal migration in England and Wales highlights the enduring popularity of seaside locations.
A massive 80 per cent of local authorities (LAs) with the largest rises in net migration between 1997 and 2007 were in coastal areas.
East Riding of Yorkshire, whose seaside resorts include Bridlington and Withernsea, saw the biggest increase in net migration (immigration minus emigration within England and Wales).
Almost 36 per cent more people moved into the LA area than moved out over the decade, equivalent to 11 per cent of its total population in 2007.
Second placed Tendring in the East had a 22.3 per cent rise in net migration, closely followed by East Lindsey (East Midlands) at 21.6 per cent and Arun (South East ) at 21.1 per cent.
City Life
The Halifax survey also notes that 19 out of the 20 LAs with the highest net fall in internal migration were located within cities, suggesting that the city lifestyle is only appealing for so long.
Birmingham recorded both the biggest internal inflow (315,600 people) and outflow (403,600) of any LA in England and Wales over the ten-year period, a pattern that was repeated in seven out of the ten LAs with the most incomers and leavers.
The city of Birmingham also recorded the highest net internal migration figure of -88,000.
London, too, suffered from a mass exodus: nine out of the ten local authorities with the largest declines in internal net migration were located in the Capital.
Overall, however, population in London increased over the decade due to international migration and 'natural change' – more births than deaths.
Commenting on the findings, Martin Ellis, Halifax economist, said: "There have been significant population movements across England and Wales during recent years.
"Coastal areas have proved to be popular destinations for people to move to as many people have sought to take advantage of the benefits of living by the sea.
"The figures also highlight the transient nature of the population in many of our major cities.
"Birmingham, for example, recorded both the highest level of internal immigration and emigration in England and Wales."
