Where are Californians moving to? is the question. Californians are leaving their once-paradise and moving to four other cities across the country. While puzzling for many researchers, the answers come down to variables concerning income and home affordability – among several other factors.
Economic opportunities appear to be changing in California as more workers spend more time commuting. Transportation statistics in the United States show that four California cities are among the top ten urban areas with the highest rate of people commuting more than 90 minutes to work. So, where are Californians moving to?
“More than 653,000 Californians moved to another state in 2019, while about 480,000 people moved here from elsewhere in the country, according to data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. (The 2020 numbers aren’t available, but analyses of other 2020 data sets have yielded similar results.),” The New York Times.
Commute and housing affordability are concerns for many Californians looking to relocate.
Based on our 2021 Migration Data Study, the following statistics further speak to the migration from California:
- In 2021, California was the second-highest leaving the state. 66% of moves in California were departing.
- California has been in the top 10 sending states for the past five years, being
- Los Angeles the fifth largest outbound city.
The question remains: Where and why are Californians moving?
Four Cities Have Become Californian’s Destination
Many Californians in big cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and San Diego choose places that align with their jobs, quality of life, and economic needs. In these four cities, Californians are on the move in search of a better quality of life, lower housing costs, and a sense of community.
Here are the top four cities that Californians are moving to:
- Dallas, TX
- Seattle, WA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Houston, TX
“For many Californians, the high cost of living makes staying here nearly impossible, experts say. In Texas, the median home price is $329,000, less than half of what it is in the Golden State, according to Redfin, a real estate brokerage,” said the Times.
Moving takes a lot of time and energy; this requires some previous preparations. Moreover, preparing to relocate to another city or state is a bit more complex than moving inside the same city. Therefore, analyze the different angles to prepare for your relocation; you should start organizing months prior.
Here are some tips that may help you organize your relocation.
- Do your research. Visit the city’s website and state you want to move in. Check the School districts, community programs, local and state taxes, and crime rates.
- Go and visit. If there’s a possibility, visit your future city. Organize a tour with your family and go to the city you’ll live. Visit the city hold; usually, cities have a lot of information for newcomers. Explore the activities for kids and the elderly.
- Secure your job. If you are moving your business because of the high California taxes, check with your new state for possible entrepreneur incentives. If you are relocating because of a new job, you are set, but if you work remotely, ensure you have quality access to the internet.
- Prepare to embrace the new culture. Some costumes are slightly different. Nationwide, Californians tend to have the stereotype of super-chill, “hang loose” people who don’t have responsibilities and hang out at the beach and tan. In addition, remember that a California license plate calls the attention of the law enforcers in any state. So, no “California roll,” and don’t speed up.
Why Does Texas Attract The Californias?
One of the critical indicators influencing the choice of residence of almost every person, whether she is an average office worker or a wealthy and successful businessman, is the cost of living. Texas has become one of the state where Californians are moving to.
Costs of living are the primary reason why Californians are moving to Texas; This concept includes prices for rent and purchase of housing, food, entertainment, transport, utilities, and taxes. The cost of living in California has been the highest nationwide. Housing prices in cities like San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the County of Orange are unfordable for office workers and those without a high education degree.
Texas has become an attractive ground not only for families but also for California industries. Texas has no income taxes. The overall taxes rates allow employers to keep more money in their pockets than California’s tax regulations.
During the last decade, hundreds of companies from different sectors have moved to taxes-friendly Texas, where they have found the opportunity to grow and develop.
A Public Policy Institute of California survey found that 37% of Californians have considered moving out of the state. Texas is the number one destination for Californians.
Dallas, Houston, And Austin
Dallas is the primary destination for Californians in Texas. The city has almost 1.3 million inhabitants, nine in the United States. The average home price is in the low four hundred. Houston is the second destination, and then Austin. Other Texan cities, like San Antonio and El Paso, also received immigrants from California in 2021 and 2022.
Californians that had established in Dallas claim they felt attracted by the city because of Dallas’ economy, including banking and financial services, information technology, telecommunications, transportation, manufacturing, wholesale trade, and more. In addition, tourists from near and far flock to see some of the historical sites, natural attractions, museums, botanical gardens, and artistic wonders. So, the Dallas potential is enormous.
Housing: The average home price in Dallas and Houston is 420,000. Contrary to the average California home price, which reaches 834,000 dollars.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Los Angeles, CA, is 45% higher than in Dallas and 53% higher than in Houston, TX.
A person can live a decent Dallas lifestyle by earning $60,000 annually. In Los Angeles, the same person must earn $86,955 to maintain his current standard of living. In San Francisco, Ca. The cost of living is 91% higher than in Dallas, TX.
Education: California, with 39.5 million inhabitants, and Texas, with 28.3 million, are two of the four majority and minority states in the United States, the other two being Hawaii and New Mexico. Texas is home to a wide range of top-rated schools for learners at all levels, from elementary and pre-K schools through colleges and graduate programs.
The University of Texas-Austin and Texas A&M—are among the most significant public universities in the country and two of the most popular. Whether you have little ones just getting ready to start their education, or you are a recent graduate or a returning learner looking to further your own, there’s a perfect school waiting for you in Dallas or Houston—or not far away.
Entertainment: Like California, Texas has beautiful beaches to relax and practice water sports. Aquariums and museums. The Uss Lexington, a World War II–era Essex Class aircraft carrier, has earned a second life as a family-friendly museum in Corpus Christy.
You name it; Texas has it. Every month, there are many events held across Lone Star State. In addition, Big-time rodeos, spectacular air shows, food and wine festivals, and musical performances.
Do not forget the famous Texan BBQ. “Barbecue is a weekend activity, the passing down of family traditions, a community celebration, and a whole lot of Texan pride. If you find a Texas town without a barbecue joint, then you have probably crossed into New Mexico by mistake.” Culture Trip.
There is plenty of amenities and benefits for people and, in this case, for Californians moving to Texas.
Other Data
- A UCLA study of emigration trends in California shows that between 2005 and 2019, the state of Texas is the top destination for California immigrants by income. The report also informs that the people headed for another state largely haven’t been the wealthy, educated tech workers who depart for Dallas, Houston, Colorado, Arizona, or Miami.
- The California Department of Finance reported that from 2020 to 2021, 249,239 people left California.
Phoenix, Arizona
You’re not alone if you’re considering moving from California to Arizona. Hundreds of people make the same decision every year, drawn by the promise of a lower cost of living. And it’s true: in Arizona, you’ll find that everyday expenses such as car insurance, gas, and state income tax are all much lower than they are in California.
But the most significant difference is in housing costs. The median home price in Arizona is nearly $250,000 less than in California. And if you’re renting, you’ll find that rents are also much lower, but it’s not just housing costs that are cheaper in Arizona. The state income and sales taxes are also lower, which can add significant savings on everyday purchases.
And your paycheck will go further because there’s no state income tax. So if you’re looking for a place to live where your hard-earned money will go further, Arizona is the place for you.
However, a recent survey conducted by UC San Diego found that the percentage of Californians who plan to leave the state has remained static over the past two years.
Twenty-three percent of California’s voters reported that they were seriously considering leaving California, slightly lower than the 24 percent found in a 2019 survey conducted by UC Berkeley.
Are You Ready To Leave California?
The cost of living and housing affordability are reasons people are considering leaving California. The high cost of living is due to many factors, including high taxes, the cost of housing, and the cost of healthcare. In addition, Californians are facing an increased cost of living due to the state’s climate change policies. As a result, many people are finding it difficult to afford to live in California.
Californians are also dealing with increased traffic, crime, and pollution. As a result, it is not surprising that so many people are considering leaving the state.
Among others, Texas has been the biggest winner of California outmigration.
- Texas 82,235
- Arizona 59,713
- Nevada 47,322
- Washington 46,791
- Oregon 37,927
If you’re planning on leaving California, selling your home is a great way to start fresh in another state. When it comes time to sell your house and leave California, you want to be sure you get the best possible price in the shortest amount of time; this can be a difficult task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the real estate market.
While you could sell your house through a real estate agent, working with an investor may be the best option if you’re looking for a quick sale. Working with an investor may be the best way to sell your home quickly.
Investors typically offer seven-day purchase offers, so you won’t have to wait for a qualified buyer. Selling your home before you leave California will give you peace of mind and fast cash to start fresh in another state.
Whether you sell your home yourself, work with an agent, or contact an investor, being prepared and knowing your options is the key to getting the best possible price.
Some Californians and industries like Tesla are moving due to high taxes, high transportation costs, severe inflation, and unaffordable housing. California is the third most expensive state in the United States after Hawaii and New York. Some California homeowners believe they can’t move to a less expensive state like Texas or Arizona because of their property.
Other homeowners in the same situation could sell their homes and move. They could sell their homes and avoid more headaches by planning and taking the proper measurements.
An experienced real estate agent can help you through the selling process, but if you have no time until buyers appear and get a home loan to close the deal, you can explore selling your home to an investor.
Professional home-buyers always have the cash to pay for properties. They are very competitive and pay top prices. They offer to purchase your home in about seven days. Besides time, other benefits you have when you sell to an investor are that you don’t need to pay for home repairs, closing costs, or an agent’s commission. When you contact an investor, they start working for you immediately, so take your chances and search for the best option.
So good luck if you are moving. Search for a nice neighborhood that offers the best for you and your family.
Where are Californians moving to? By answering this question, we hope the information given in this post is helpful.