California is known for its sunny weather, diverse culture, and booming economy. But not everything is golden in the Golden State. Some towns are facing serious challenges such as high cost of living, crime, pollution, congestion, or natural disasters. These factors are driving many residents to seek better opportunities and quality of life elsewhere. Here are seven California towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, based on the most recent census data and other reliable sources.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most iconic and popular cities in California, but also one of the most expensive. The median home price in San Francisco is over $1.4 million, and the median rent is over $3,000 per month. The city also has a severe homelessness crisis, with an estimated 8,000 people living on the streets or in shelters. Many residents are fed up with the high taxes, traffic, and social problems, and are moving to more affordable and livable places.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is another famous and attractive city in California, but also another expensive and crowded one. The median home price in Los Angeles is over $800,000, and the median rent is over $2,000 per month. The city also suffers from air pollution, smog, wildfires, earthquakes, and water shortages. The traffic congestion in Los Angeles is among the worst in the world, with drivers spending an average of 119 hours per year stuck in traffic. Many residents are leaving Los Angeles for smaller and quieter towns, or for neighboring states like Nevada or Arizona.
3. Bakersfield
Bakersfield is a city in the Central Valley of California, known for its oil and agriculture industries. However, the city also has a reputation for being one of the most polluted and unhealthy places in the country. Bakersfield ranks first in the nation for short-term particle pollution, and second for ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association. The city also has a high crime rate, with 1,262 violent crimes and 13,277 property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2020. Many residents are moving out of Bakersfield for cleaner and safer environments.
4. Stockton
Stockton is a city in the San Joaquin Valley of California, known for its port and agricultural production. However, the city also has a history of financial and social troubles. Stockton was the largest city in the US to file for bankruptcy in 2012, after years of overspending and mismanagement. The city also has a high poverty rate, with 23.7% of the population living below the federal poverty line in 2019. The city also has a high crime rate, with 1,397 violent crimes and 4,648 property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2020. Many residents are leaving Stockton for more stable and prosperous places.
5. Fresno
Fresno is the largest city in the Central Valley of California, and the fifth-largest city in the state. The city is a major hub for agriculture, education, and health care. However, the city also faces many challenges such as poverty, pollution, and crime. Fresno has a high poverty rate, with 26.6% of the population living below the federal poverty line in 2019. The city also has poor air quality, ranking fourth in the nation for short-term particle pollution, and fifth for ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association. The city also has a high crime rate, with 713 violent crimes and 3,608 property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2020. Many residents are moving out of Fresno for better opportunities and quality of life.
6. Modesto
Modesto is a city in the Central Valley of California, known for its wine and dairy industries. The city is also home to the Gallo Family Winery, the largest privately owned winery in the world. However, the city also has a low standard of living, with a median household income of $59,926 in 2019, below the state average of $75,235. The city also has a high unemployment rate, with 9.9% of the labor force out of work in December 2020, above the state average of 8.8%. The city also has a high crime rate, with 622 violent crimes and 3,879 property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2020. Many residents are leaving Modesto for more prosperous and secure places.
7. Salinas
Salinas is a city in the Central Coast of California, known for its agriculture and tourism industries. The city is also the birthplace of the famous author John Steinbeck, and hosts an annual festival in his honor. However, the city also has a high cost of living, with a median home price of $569,900, and a median rent of $1,850 per month. The city also has a high crime rate, with 757 violent crimes and 3,304 property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2020. Many residents are moving out of Salinas for more affordable and safer places.
Conclusion
California is a beautiful and diverse state, with many attractions and opportunities. However, some towns in California are facing serious problems that are driving many residents away. These problems include high cost of living, crime, pollution, congestion, or natural disasters. These towns are San Francisco, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Stockton, Fresno, Modesto, and Salinas. People are fleeing these towns as soon as possible, and looking for better alternatives elsewhere.