5 California Towns People Are Fleeing as Soon as Possible

California, with its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse culture, is a state that attracts many. However, not all towns within the state offer an equally appealing living experience. Some face significant challenges, including high crime rates, natural disasters, pollution, and affordability issues. These challenges have prompted numerous residents to relocate. Here are five California towns experiencing an exodus.

San Francisco

San Francisco, an iconic and popular city, is also one of the most expensive. With a staggering median home price of $1.4 million and a median rent of $3,100 per month, many find it financially challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted tourism and hospitality. The city grapples with a serious homelessness problem, with over 8,000 people living on the streets. In 2020, there was a 35% increase in the number of people moving out compared to 2019.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, another renowned city, is both expensive and crowded. The median home price is $950,000, and the median rent is $2,500 per month. Known for traffic congestion, air pollution, and smog, the city also faces a high risk of earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts. In 2020, there was a 25% increase in the number of people moving out compared to 2019.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield, situated in the Central Valley and recognized for its oil and agriculture industries, contends with high unemployment, poverty, and crime rates. The unemployment rate is 10.5%, the poverty rate is 20.5%, and the violent crime rate is 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Bakersfield also claims the dubious distinction of having the nation’s worst air quality, according to the American Lung Association. In 2020, there was a 16% increase in the number of people moving out compared to 2019.

Stockton

Stockton, another Central Valley city known for its port and waterways, faces challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, and crime rates. With an unemployment rate of 11.1%, a poverty rate of 23.4%, and a violent crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents, the city grapples with poor air quality, ranking as the eighth most polluted city in the nation. In 2020, there was a 12% increase in the number of people moving out compared to 2019.

Fresno

Fresno, the largest city in the Central Valley known for its agricultural and cultural diversity, also confronts high unemployment, poverty, and crime rates. The unemployment rate is 10.2%, the poverty rate is 26.6%, and the violent crime rate is 6.1 per 1,000 residents. Fresno, ranking as the fourth most polluted city in the nation, has witnessed a 10% increase in the number of people moving out in 2020 compared to 2019.

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