14 Places Californians Are Moving To After They Leave the Golden State
There’s no question that California is a beautiful state. Its natural beauty, diverse populations, sports and celebrity culture, abundance of activities, and culinary delights are just a few of the Golden State’s attributes.
Despite California’s appeal, a number of its residents are moving to other states for various reasons, including job opportunities and a lower cost of living. The states they’re migrating to may surprise you.
1. Texas
In 2022 alone, 102,442 Californians moved to Texas, the highest number of people relocating there from California. Two major reasons for the move are that the Lone Star state doesn’t have individual taxes and is a thriving hub for energy and tech jobs.
Energy jobs can be found anywhere in the state, but the biggest tech hubs are in cities like Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Plano. The combination of good-paying tech jobs and a lower cost of living is a huge draw.
2. Virginia
If you’ve ever spent time in Virginia, you understand why Californians are flocking to the state. The scenic views, history, and proximity to the nation’s capital are just a few of the state’s qualities.
California natives who love the beach will find Virginia has plenty of beachfront to choose from.
Other natural wonders in the state include Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail.
3. Arizona
A border state that’s seeing its population increase is Arizona. Its proximity to California makes it a prime relocation spot, but Arizona has much more to offer besides a lower cost of living and fewer natural disasters.
Arizona has mostly dry weather year-round, with hot temperatures during the day and cooler nights, especially in areas like Flagstaff. There are also stunning natural attractions like the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
4. Illinois
Illinois is a terrific state in a prime location for visiting surrounding states like Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Iowa. California sports fans can switch their allegiance to the Chicago Bulls, White Sox, Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks.
The state has a strong economy, powered by companies like Caterpillar, Sara Lee, and General Mills. Illinois offers the best of both worlds: quiet rural areas and dazzling, busy cities like Chicago.
5. Florida
On the surface, it seems odd that people would choose to move from sunny California to sunny Florida. A closer look indicates why Californians move from the West to the East Coast.
Florida is cheaper than the two states regarding healthcare costs, taxes, food, and home prices. The Sunshine State doesn’t have a state income tax for individuals, which is a huge draw for people who balk at California taxes.
6. Tennessee
It’s no secret that many Californians who leave the state are looking for areas with a significantly lower cost of living. Tennessee is one ideal place to live since most of the state has quite affordable regions.
Besides its charming small towns, its cities are dynamic with many entertainment-related attractions. Nashville is the heart and soul of country music, Memphis is the home of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s estate, and Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge.
7. Washington
In 2022, nearly 50,000 Californians made their way north and settled in Washington state. The reasons for relocation are familiar: lower cost of living, more affordable housing, and a reduced tax burden.
Several major tech companies, including Cisco, Amazon, and Google, have offices in Washington, which greatly appeals to job seekers. The city’s natural beauty doesn’t hurt, either.
8. North Carolina
Californians looking to move to an East Coast state with a temperate climate, Southern hospitality, and a strong sports culture can find it all in North Carolina. Its natural beauty is also a sight to behold.
North Carolina is home to prestigious schools like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and Duke University. It also boasts several historically Black colleges and universities.
9. Nevada
Nevada is another state bordering California that has seen an uptick in new residents, especially from its West Coast neighbors. Since 2020, almost 158,000 Californians have moved to The Silver State.
By relocating to Nevada, they not only enjoy a lower cost of living and better quality of life, but they also have the pleasure of being in the same state where gaming centers like Reno and Las Vegas are located.
10. Oregon
When most people hear the name Oregon, they automatically think of Portland. It may be the state’s most famous city, but it has so much more to offer. Oregon is a bike-friendly state, due to its bikeable cities and winters that aren’t too cold.
Oregon has a strong economy, thanks to Nike and tech companies. The state also has natural attractions like Crater Lake National Park and Mount Hood. Plus, shoppers will appreciate the fact that the state has no sales tax.
11. Idaho
Idaho seems like an unlikely state for people to move to, especially Californians. It’s not an understatement to say their way of life is quite different from that of Idaho, but that’s exactly the point.
Idaho doesn’t have the congested traffic found in many areas of California and isn’t as heavily populated. Californians looking for a bit of breathing room and a more relaxed pace of life can find that in Idaho.
12. Georgia
The Peach State is a hot spot to relocate for Americans across the country, including California residents. If the Golden State is rightfully known for its increasingly expensive housing, then Georgia is justifiably known for its reasonable housing costs.
Foodies will love the different types of cuisine found in Georgia, including its world-famous peaches. The historical sites in the state will appeal to any transplant with an interest in US history, while Atlanta is the state’s music and artistic center.
13. Colorado
If you’ve ever wondered why someone would move to Colorado, just look at a photo of any of its landscapes. The state is breathtakingly beautiful year-round. That goes double in the winter when it looks like a real-life snow globe.
California has snow-capped mountains, but they don’t even begin to compare with those in Colorado. Workers new to the state will be relieved to hear that average salaries are high and that prospective homeowners will like property taxes to be low.
14. New York
Why relocate to New York? Why not? The Empire State is a state with so much in its favor. It may not have California’s balmy weather all year long, but New York has an incredible amount of diversity in its people, food, careers, and attractions.
Central Park and Times Square alone are reasons to relocate. The state also has a unique vibe and energy that no other place in the world can duplicate, with a cool blend of regular people and celebrities coexisting.
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