Nearly 23,000 small businesses moved into the country's largest 60 metropolitan regions from elsewhere within the same state. For companies hoping to move, here is some hard-won wisdom from firms that have managed to relocate successfully. Deciding Factors For Mr. King, the main reason for the move was the scarcity of labor in Santa Barbara, where rising costs have displaced the blue-collar workers he needs. It's a problem he shares with many entrepreneurs. N.J. For Mr. King, local incentives were another important attraction.
Most companies look at infrastructure costs and the quality of life.
A surprising amount of detailed relocation information is available on the Web. Commercial real-estate agents and local utility companies also can be good sources for preliminary screening. Of course, state and local chambers of commerce or economic-development agencies also can provide detailed information. But Mr. Donovan, the relocation consultant, says it's best to approach these groups after you have already identified your top choices. He says that such groups are most helpful in the final stages of your search, when you need a detailed understanding of any available incentives.