According to the latest 2024 Moving Trends report by PODS, seven of the top 20 U.S. metro areas with the most outbound moves are right here in California—including Los Angeles (#1), San Francisco Bay Area (#2), San Diego (#5), Santa Barbara (#11), Stockton-Modesto (#13), Fresno (#17), and Bakersfield (#19). No other state even comes close.
So why are so many homeowners packing up?
1. Affordability & Equity Cash-Out
California’s median home price is over $830,000, and in the San Fernando Valley, it’s well above $1 million. Compared to the national median of around $400,000, many homeowners are choosing to cash out, relocate, and buy larger or newer homes—often with no mortgage—in states like Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Even those with low interest rates from the pandemic era are feeling the pinch from rising costs of utilities, maintenance, and property taxes—especially in expensive metro areas like L.A. and San Diego.
2. Insurance Woes & Climate Risk
Wildfire danger and climate-related risks have led to State Farm and Allstate halting new homeowner policies in California. Many are forced onto the more limited California FAIR Plan, with premiums skyrocketing—some over $10,000 annually for homes in high-risk areas.
This makes owning here riskier and more expensive, particularly in hillside and coastal zones.
3. Taxes & Retirement Reality
California’s top income tax rate is 13.3%, the highest in the nation. Add in 10.25% sales tax, parcel taxes, Mello-Roos, and HOA dues, and it’s no wonder retirees are heading to no-income-tax states like Nevada and Florida.
Between 2020 and 2023, California lost over 750,000 residents, with a large share being longtime homeowners nearing retirement.
4. Quality of Life Considerations
Concerns over crime, traffic, homelessness, school quality, and overcrowding are pushing some to rethink staying. Even with people leaving, traffic hasn’t improved, and the cost of living continues to rise. Meanwhile, remote work has made relocating easier than ever.
Where Are They Going?
According to PODS, Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington, NC top the inbound list. Also popular: Boise, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orlando, and Tampa. Locally, many L.A. homeowners are heading to San Bernardino and Riverside Counties for more space and affordability.
What It Means for You
Despite these trends, demand remains strong for updated, move-in-ready homes—especially those with ADU potential or single-level layouts. Inventory in L.A. County is up over 45% year-over-year, so smart pricing and presentation matter more than ever.
If you’re thinking of selling in the next 1–3 years, this could be your window.
Want to explore your equity, timing, or selling strategy? Reach out anytime.
— Scott Himelstein, Los Angeles Realtor | The Scott Himelstein Group
???? Let’s talk about your next move.
