Recent trends show that people are leaving certain regions and moving to others in large numbers. Let’s look at where they’re fleeing and where they’re going!
Regional Moves
Thezebra.com reports that people in the United States are leaving California and the Northeast and heading South.
Top States People are Leaving
Forbes reports that the following states are experiencing the biggest exodus.
- California
- New York
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts
Where Are They Going?
The top states people are moving to are:
- Texas
- Florida
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Georgia
What are the Reasons?
Let’s see if we can pinpoint the reasons for these trends.
Cost of Living is Rising
Real estate and rents in major cities such as Los Angeles and New York have motivated many people to seek places where their dollars go further. Of course, as more affluent people move into regions with lower costs of living, they often cause a spike in real estate values -otherwise known as gentrification. This is actually occurring on a global scale as well, as local residents in places from Bali to Portugal complain about ex-pats driving up costs.
They Don’t Like the Local Politics
Some people move because they don’t like the political leadership in their home state. In particular, many conservatives are leaving “red” states and moving to “blue” ones. Of course, not everyone who moves fits this model. Conservatives often complain that liberals are moving into “their” states and turning them blue (e.g. Texas used to be entirely “red” but is now much closer to 50-50).
Seeking Better Weather
If you look at the list of states where people are moving, one thing that stands out is warm weather. Of course, weather isn’t everything or California wouldn’t be experiencing such a rapid decline in population. However, it does seem to be a factor.
The Population is Aging
Americans are getting older. As more Baby Boomers and Gen Xrers reach and approach retirement age, they often seek a change. This ties in with the weather factor, as retirees typically head to warmer climates. Florida, of course, has long been a retirement haven.
Fleeing Crime and Homelessness
Many people want to get away from cities with high crime and rampant homelessness. There are debates over whether crime is really getting worse. The fact remains, though, that even the perception of rising crime rates motivates some people to move.
That’s why so many people are leaving cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in large numbers. These cities have also seen a spike in homelessness since the pandemic. It’s worth noting, though, that these problems are also present in some of the regions people are moving to, especially cities in Texas such as Austin.
Some Americans Are Leaving the Country
While some people move to another state, others leave altogether. This can be done on a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent basis, depending on the amount of paperwork you’re willing to fill out and, in some cases, if you’re financially able to change citizenship.
As American Citizen Abroad points out, it’s hard to find exact statistics on Americans who leave their home country. Nevertheless, the number of resources such as blogs, YouTube videos, and websites providing information on the topic suggests the number is sizable.
The reasons for becoming an ex-pat (or digital nomad, which often involves moving around a lot as visas expire) are actually quite similar to those for leaving your home state -seeking a lower cost of living, better weather, or a safer environment. Ironically, when it comes to politics, people from both sides of the spectrum are fleeing -conservatives who are worried about social unrest and liberals who fear fascism, as the New Republic points out.
People Have Always Been Peripatetic
Humans have always been a nomadic species that constantly looks for new horizons. While today you’re not likely to find uncharted territories, there’s always a “grass is greener” tendency to look to another state, region, or country. In some cases, the perception might be true. But it’s best to do thorough research before packing up and, when possible, to avoid burning bridges in case you change your mind.