It’s no secret that Californians are fleeing their state, invading neighboring states and sometimes driving up the cost of real estate substantially.
While greener pastures are great for fleeing Californians, living around California transplants can have pros and cons. While many bring diverse perspectives and experiences, some may bring changes that affect the local culture, housing market, and lifestyle. If you’re looking to avoid areas heavily populated by California transplants, there are certain states you might want to steer clear of.
Here are some states where you’re more likely to encounter an influx of California transplants.
Oregon
Oregon has long been a magnet for Californians seeking a change of scenery. With its picturesque landscapes, eclectic cities like Portland, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to California, it’s no wonder many Californians have moved north.
However, all of these Californian transplants have led to rising housing prices and increased competition for jobs, particularly in the tech sector. Cities like Portland have seen significant gentrification, with some locals feeling displaced by the influx of Californians driving up property values and changing the character of once-affordable neighborhoods. If you want to avoid living around California transplants, Oregon may not be the best choice.
Washington
Like Oregon, Washington state has recently experienced a significant influx of California transplants. The Seattle metropolitan area, particularly, has attracted many Californians drawn to its booming tech industry, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty.
However, this influx has led to skyrocketing housing prices and increased traffic congestion, making it challenging for longtime residents and newcomers to find affordable housing and navigate the city’s infrastructure. Additionally, some locals have expressed concerns about the impact of California transplants on Seattle’s unique culture and sense of community, fearing that an influx of outsiders may dilute the city’s character.
Arizona
Arizona has long been a popular destination for retirees seeking warm weather and affordable living. In recent years, it has also become increasingly attractive to California transplants looking to escape the high cost of living in the Golden State.
Cities like Phoenix and Tucson have seen a surge in population growth fueled partly by an influx of Californians drawn to Arizona’s sunny climate, outdoor recreational opportunities, and relatively low housing prices. However, this influx has put pressure on Arizona’s infrastructure, leading to issues such as traffic congestion, overcrowded schools, and strains on public services.
Colorado
Colorado has seen a significant influx of California transplants in recent years, drawn to its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and thriving economy. Cities like Denver and Boulder have become particularly popular destinations for Californians seeking a more active lifestyle and a change of pace.
This inrush has led to rising housing prices and job competition, particularly in industries like tech and healthcare. Some locals worry that the inflow of Californians may change Colorado’s unique culture and character, while others welcome the diversity and energy transplants bring to the state.
Texas
Texas has long been a magnet for out-of-state transplants seeking a lower cost of living and abundant job opportunities, and Californians are no exception. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston have seen a surge in population growth fueled partly by an influx of Californians drawn to Texas’s strong economy, affordable housing, and warm climate.
Unfortunately, this increase has led to issues such as traffic congestion, strains on infrastructure, and rising housing costs in some areas. While many Texans welcome the diversity and innovation that Californians bring to the state, others worry that the influx of transplants may change Texas’s traditional way of life.
Nevada
Nevada, particularly the Las Vegas metropolitan area, has become increasingly popular among California transplants looking for a more affordable cost of living and a change of scenery. The allure of Las Vegas’s entertainment industry and Nevada’s lack of state income tax have attracted many Californians seeking to stretch their dollars further.
This. has pressured Nevada’s housing market, increasing prices and competition for homes. Some locals worry that the influx of Californians may change Nevada’s culture and way of life. In contrast, others welcome the diversity and economic growth transplants bring to the state.
Florida
Florida has long been a popular destination for retirees and snowbirds seeking warm weather and affordable living. It has recently become increasingly attractive to California transplants looking for a change of scenery. Cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa have seen a surge in population growth fueled partly by an influx of Californians drawn to Florida’s sunny climate, vibrant culture, and diverse job market.
This huge population increase has led to issues such as traffic congestion, strains on infrastructure, and rising housing costs in some areas. While many Floridians welcome the diversity and energy that Californians bring to the state, others worry that the influx of transplants may change Florida’s unique identity and way of life.
North Carolina
North Carolina has seen a significant inflow of California transplants in recent years, drawn to its growing tech sector, affordable cost of living, and scenic landscapes. Cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Asheville have become particularly popular destinations for Californians seeking a more affordable alternative to the high cost of living in the Golden State.
And this has led to rising housing prices and increased competition for jobs, particularly in the tech industry. Some locals worry that the influx of Californians may change North Carolina’s culture and way of life.
Tennessee
Tennessee, particularly cities like Nashville and Memphis, has become increasingly popular among California transplants seeking a lower cost of living, energetic music scene, and southern charm. The allure of Tennessee’s affordable housing market and no state income tax has attracted many Californians looking to stretch their dollars further.
The population increase has pressured Tennessee’s infrastructure, leading to traffic congestion and public service strains. Some Tennesseans welcome the diversity and energy that Californians bring to the state, while others worry that Californians may change Tennessee’s traditional way of life.
Utah
Utah has seen a significant influx of California transplants in recent years, drawn to its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and growing tech sector. Cities like Salt Lake City and Provo have become particularly popular destinations for Californians seeking a more affordable cost of living and a change of pace.
However, this increase in population has led to rising housing prices and increased competition for jobs, particularly in the tech industry. Some locals worry that the influx of Californians may change Utah’s culture and way of life. In contrast, others welcome the diversity and innovation transplants bring to the state.