California is renowned for its bright weather, rich cultural diversity, and robust economy. But in the Golden State, not everything is as it seems. Serious issues that some communities face include a high cost of living, crime, pollution, traffic, and natural disasters. Many locals are moving elsewhere in search of better prospects and a higher standard of living due to these considerations. Based on statistics from the most recent census and other credible sources, these seven California municipalities are seeing a mass exodus.
1. San Francisco
In addition to being one of the most well-known and famous towns in California, San Francisco is also one of the priciest. In San Francisco, the average cost of a home is more than $1.4 million, and the average monthly rent is more than $3,000. With an estimated 8,000 people living on the streets or in shelters, the city is also experiencing a serious homelessness issue. Many locals are leaving for more reasonably priced and habitable areas because they are tired of the high taxes, traffic, and social issues.
2. Los Angeles
Another well-known and gorgeous city in California is Los Angeles, but it’s also a costly and congested place to live. In Los Angeles, the typical house costs more than $800,000, and the typical monthly rent is more than $2,000. In addition, the city experiences water shortages, earthquakes, smog, wildfires, and air pollution. Drivers in Los Angeles spend an average of 119 hours a year delayed in traffic, making it one of the worst traffic situations in the world. A growing number of Los Angeles citizens are moving to adjacent states like Nevada or Arizona, or smaller, more tranquil cities.
3. Bakersfield
California’s Central Valley is home to the oil and agricultural industries, which are the main industries in Bakersfield. The city is known for being among the most hazardous and filthy areas in the nation, nevertheless. According to the American Lung Association, Bakersfield has the highest short-term particle pollution and the second-worst ozone pollution in the country. With 1,262 violent crimes and 13,277 property crimes per 100,000 population, the city likewise has a high crime rate. In search of safer and healthier surroundings, a large number of Bakersfield locals are relocating.
4. The Stockton
California’s San Joaquin Valley is home to Stockton, a city well-known for its port and agricultural output. But the city has also had societal and economic problems in the past. In 2012, Stockton became the biggest US city to declare bankruptcy as a result of years of excessive spending and poor management. With 23.7% of the population living below the federal poverty line, the city also has a high rate of poverty. With 4,648 property crimes and 1,397 violent crimes per 100,000 population, the city likewise has a high crime rate. A large number of people are moving out of Stockton to more secure and prosperous areas.
5. Fresno
California’s fifth-biggest city overall and the largest in the Central Valley is Fresno. The city serves as a significant center for health services, education, and agriculture. But the city also has to deal with a lot of issues including crime, pollution, and poverty. With 26.6% of the population living below the federal poverty level, Fresno has a high percentage of poverty. The American Lung Association rates the city’s short-term particle pollution as fourth in the country and its ozone pollution as fifth, indicating that the city also has poor air quality. With 3,608 property crimes and 713 violent crimes per 100,000 population, the city likewise has a high crime rate. For greater prospects and a higher standard of living, many Fresno citizens are leaving the city.
6. Modesto
California’s Central Valley is home to Modesto, a city well-known for its dairy and wine sectors. The biggest privately held winery in the world, the Gallo Family Winery, is also located in the city. With a typical family income of $59,926 in 2019, the city’s standard of living is still modest compared to the state average of $75,235. With 9.9% of the labor force unemployed in December 2020, the city has a higher unemployment rate than the state average of 8.8%. With 3,879 property crimes and 622 violent crimes per 100,000 population, the city likewise has a high crime rate. Modesto’s population is dispersing, moving to safer and wealthier areas.
7. The Salinas
California’s Central Coast city of Salinas is well-known for its tourism and agricultural sectors. The city also holds an annual festival in honor of John Steinbeck, the well-known author, who was born there. Nevertheless, with a median house price of $569,900 and a median monthly rent of $1,850, the city also has a high cost of living. With 3,304 property crimes and 757 violent crimes per 100,000 population, the city has a high crime rate as well. A large number of Salinas inhabitants are leaving for less expensive and safer locations.
In summary
California is a stunning, multifaceted state with a wealth of options and attractions. However, some Californian cities are losing a large number of citizens due to major issues. The high cost of living, crime, pollution, traffic, and natural disasters are some of these issues. The towns in question include Bakersfield, Stockton, Fresno, Modesto, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and Salinas. As quickly as possible, people are leaving these areas in search of better opportunities elsewhere.