The Golden State, long synonymous with sunshine, beaches, and the promise of a better life, has been experiencing an unexpected exodus.
In 2022 alone, a staggering 341,866 more people left California than moved in, according to the U.S. Census.1
This mass departure has left many scratching their heads. What’s causing residents to trade in their California dreams for greener pastures elsewhere?
1. Working from Anywhere
With more jobs allowing people to work from home, Californians are realizing they don’t need to live in expensive cities to have good jobs. They can move to places with lower costs and more space.(ref)
2. Wildfires Are Rampant
California has been facing more extreme weather events. The state experiences a lot of wildfires, especially in the dry season. These fires can be very dangerous and destroy homes, which makes people fearful and want to live somewhere safer.(ref)
3. Homes Are Too Expensive
The cost of buying or renting a house in California is very high. This makes it hard for people to afford a place to live, especially for families. In fall 2022, the typical single-family home in California cost $843,340, according to data from the California Association of Realtors.(ref)
4. Not Enough Good Schools
Some people feel that California’s public schools aren’t good enough for their children. A recent study by Scholaroo ranked California’s public schools 40th out of 50 states, indicating poor performance in both student safety and overall school quality.(ref)
5. High Taxes
California has some of the highest taxes in the United States. This means people have to pay more money to the government, leaving them with less money to spend on themselves. The highest income earners in California face a 13.3% state income tax on their earnings.(ref)
6. Too Much Traffic
While California has a vast network of highways crisscrossing the state, with well-known routes like the 5, the 405, the 101, and the 580, the state also has an abundance of cars. This means there’s always traffic, which makes it hard to get around and wastes a lot of people’s time.
7. A Big Problem with Homelessness
Sadly, California has a large number of people who don’t have homes. This can make some areas feel unsafe or uncomfortable. A recent estimate suggests that San Francisco has over 8,300 homeless individuals, and unfortunately, only about half of them have access to shelter.(ref)
8. Expensive Gas
The price of gas in California is usually higher than in other states. This makes driving more expensive, which can be a problem for people who need to drive a lot. As per AAA, California currently has the priciest regular gasoline in the US, averaging approximately $4.70 per gallon.(ref)
9. Not Much Change in Weather
The major coastal cities of California, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, experience a Mediterranean climate characterized by two main seasons: wet winters and dry summers.
Some people prefer to live in places with more distinct seasons, like having snow in the winter or colorful leaves in the fall.
10. Gray Skies & Damp Air
Some parts of California, especially near the coast, often have fog and a dampness in the air called the “marine layer.” This can make it feel cold and gloomy, even in the summer.
For example, in Sacramento, tule fog in winter can reduce visibility, leading to dangerous multi-car accidents.(ref)
11. Worry about a Huge Earthquake
People in California know that a big earthquake, called “The Big One,” could happen anytime. This makes some people nervous and they might want to live somewhere with less earthquake risk.
According to the California Earthquake Authority, 67% of the entire country’s earthquake risk is concentrated in California.(ref)
12. Companies are Moving Away
Some businesses are choosing to leave California because of high costs and taxes. A study by the Hoover Institution found that between the beginning of 2018 and mid-2021, a total of 265 company headquarters moved out of California.(ref)
While the allure of California remains, it continues to grapple with challenges that are prompting many residents to reconsider their future within the Golden State.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.