Americans are taking advantage of their right to relocate when they don't like the policies and tax burdens of their city or state, says the Goldwater Institute.
U.S. Census data from 1995 to 2000 suggests that people exercise their options by moving to states with low tax burdens, favorable business climates and reasonable costs of living:
And while some cost of living factors are unavoidable due to geography (like food prices in Alaska), government policies like "slow growth" development initiatives and local sales taxes can drive up prices and drive residents to other towns and states, says Goldwater. (Source: NCPA)