Talent Relocation Trends

(From Globe Newswire) -- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., the leadership advisory firm providing executive search and leadership consulting services worldwide, conducted a trend survey polling more than 50 of our U.S. search consultants to better understand the most and least desirable cities attracting executive talent today. Consultants were polled in 2010 and 2012 with each set of results consistent.

The participating consultants have an average of fifteen years of search experience and represent a cross section of industry and functional practices across the U.S. Each speaks with several hundred candidates annually with regular discussions about location preferences. We reviewed and compiled demographic information with regard to cost of living, diversity, business infrastructure, population, weather and transportation.

In addition, we also asked about three specific regions where many companies have moved -- the South, Southeast and the Mountain West.

We found that four cities have all of the qualities necessary to make them attractive both from a professional standpoint as well as quality of life. The "best in class" to recruit top talent include:

• Atlanta is perceived as the city where it is easiest to recruit people to - with 70 percent of the vote due to its strong business infrastructure, affordability and quality of life.
• Chicago also was viewed as a highly recruitable city with a strong culture, ethnic diversity, moderate cost of living and public transportation.
• Denver is attractive for the active adult and outdoor lifestyle.
• Dallas has several Fortune 500 companies and affordable living.

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