Research from Halifax shows that seaside towns and coastal countryside have experienced the highest levels of net internal migration between 1997 and 2007.
Some 80% of local authorities experiencing a growth of incomers are located on the coast and it is London that has seen the biggest drop in internal migration.
'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 near the sea,' said Martin Ellis, Halifax economist.
'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,' he added.
The research suggests that whilst city living still proves popular, many only stay for a limited number of years. Birmingham recorded both the highest internal inflow, 315,600, of people and the highest outflow of people, 403,600, between 1997 and 2007.
As city living wears thin, 19 of the 20 local authorities that saw the largest net fall in internal migration are located within cities.
Nine of the 10 local authorities that experienced the biggest net drop in internal migration in England and Wales are in London. Overall, however, London's population increased over the period due to high levels of net international migration and natural change, that is an excess of births over deaths.
