Where To Move

AFTER LEAVING THE BAY AREA

For many people, the day will come when they want to pull up stakes and head out for greener pastures.  Explore the very best destinations for Bay Area residents, in-state, out-of-state, and abroad.

Thinking About Moving From the Bay Area?

Thinking about relocating from the Bay Area? You’re not alone. With rising costs, crowded commutes, and shifting lifestyle priorities, many residents are exploring new places that offer more space, better affordability, and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or just a change of scenery, now is the perfect time to consider your next chapter. From vibrant cities to charming suburbs across the country, there are plenty of places where your dollar—and your quality of life—can go a whole lot further.

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Top Metro Areas in California

Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CA – Southern California remains a top draw for Californians relocating, including many former Bay Area residents. 

Sacramento–Roseville–Arden‑Arcade, CA – A commuter haven for those priced out of the Bay Area—about 47% of CA-based migrants land here. 

San Diego–Chula Vista–Carlsbad, CA – Lower cost, coastal lifestyle, ideal for families and retirees. 

Santa Barbara-Carpinteria-Goleta, CA – Mild climate, less congestion, coastal beauty, and a strong community feel.

Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario, CA (Inland Empire) – Rapidly growing due to affordability and space

Top International Relocation Destinations from the Bay Area

Portugal is incredibly popular among Bay Area retirees for its safety, affordability, and welcoming vibe. English is widely spoken, and the public and private healthcare systems are excellent. Cities like Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve offer stunning scenery and a warm, Mediterranean lifestyle.

Mexico continues to be a top pick thanks to its close proximity to California, rich culture, and affordable living. Towns like San Miguel de Allende, Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, and Mérida are especially appealing, and many retirees appreciate the ability to drive back to the U.S. if needed.

Costa Rica draws retirees looking for a nature-based lifestyle, great weather, and a slower pace. With quality healthcare, friendly locals, and plenty of English speakers, areas like the Central Valley or the Guanacaste coast are particularly popular.

Spain is another standout, offering world-class healthcare, walkable cities, and the allure of a Mediterranean way of life. Valencia, Alicante, Granada, and Malaga attract those who want beauty, culture, and affordability.

Panama is attractive for its use of the U.S. dollar, retiree discounts through the Pensionado program, and solid infrastructure. Panama City, Boquete, and Coronado offer urban and rural options, and private healthcare is both excellent and inexpensive.

Italy appeals to those seeking history, food, and countryside charm. Less expensive regions like Le Marche, Abruzzo, and Sicily allow retirees to enjoy the Italian lifestyle at a manageable cost. With the Elective Residency Visa, settling here is within reach for many.

Ecuador is favored for its extremely low cost of living and diverse climates. Cuenca and Vilcabamba are favorite destinations, and the country’s healthcare system is well-regarded by expats.

Thailand offers a tropical climate, excellent hospitals, and a low cost of living. Cities like Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Phuket attract retirees with their ease of living, established expat communities, and vibrant culture.

France remains a dream for many, offering fine wine, history, art, and pastoral beauty. Areas like Provence, Dordogne, and Brittany are popular among retirees looking for an enriching lifestyle and top-tier healthcare.

Colombia is a rising star, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle at a fraction of U.S. costs. Cities like Medellín and Santa Marta boast great weather, modern amenities, and top-notch private healthcare, making it an appealing—if slightly more adventurous—option.

Top Domestic Metro Moves from the Bay Area
Outside of California

Dallas–Fort Worth, TX — Texas leads the exodus. From 2018 to 2022, ~102,400 Californians (many from the Bay Area) moved to Texas, particularly DFW, drawn by more affordable housing and booming job markets. 

Houston, TX — Another major Texas magnet, benefiting from low cost of living and strong economic growth. 

Austin–Round Rock–Georgetown, TX — Known for its tech-friendly ecosystem and vibrant culture, one of the top inbound metros for Bay Area transplants. 

Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler, AZ — A top Sun Belt destination due to affordability, warm climate, and suburban appeal. 

Las Vegas–Henderson–Paradise, NV — Rapid growth draws Bay Area movers thanks to low taxes and housing costs. 

Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro, OR — Attracts migration with its cultural vibe and lower living costs. 

Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA — A natural West Coast alternative, offering tech jobs without California prices or taxes. 

Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach, FL — Popular for Bay Area movers thanks to warm weather, vibrant city life, and tax advantages. 

Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, FL — Sunshine, family-friendly neighborhoods, and affordability draw Greta Bay Area families. 

Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater, FL — Coastal lifestyle and reasonable costs make Tampa a Sunshine State choice. 

Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta, GA — A major Sun Belt hub with strong employment and housing value. 

Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia, NC — Ranked among the top inbound metros in 2024, thanks to finance centers and Southern living. 

Raleigh–Durham-Chapel Hill, NC — A rising tech scene and educated workforce make it a top choice for transplants. 

Greenville–Mauldin–Easley, SC — One of South Carolina’s fastest-growing metros, attracting relocators seeking affordability and charm. 

Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN — A vibrant, growing metro in the Piedmont Atlantic region drawing Bay Area migrants. 

Boulder-Erie-Broomfield, CO - fantastic fast-growing suburbs north of Denver.

Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO — Outdoor lifestyle and a growing remote-work community make Denver a popular destination. 

Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI — A notable non‑West Coast option; Chicago ranks among popular outbound destinations. 

Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH — A key Northeast metro with appeal for tech workers and education-seekers. 

New York City–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ–PA — A primary East Coast destination and frequent relocation target. 

Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV — Another East Coast hub that attracts relocating professionals. 

Reno, NV - a very popular location due to its proximity to the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, and fast-growing economy.

Boise, ID - People are flocking from the Bay Area to Boise primarily for the drastically lower cost of living, especially for housing, which allows for a higher quality of life and better access to outdoor activities in a more relaxed environment. 

Top Themes Behind These Moves 

Sun Belt Appeal: Texas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina — these states offer warmer climates, affordable housing, and often zero income tax.

West Coast Tech Hubs: Seattle and Portland stand out for offering tech careers and West Coast lifestyle without the Bay Area’s extreme costs.

Major National Centers: East Coast metros (NYC, Boston, DC, Chicago) remain attractive for Bay Area residents seeking career growth or lifestyle change, even with higher costs.

Final Take

If you’re leaving the Bay Area, you’re most likely heading to the Sun Belt or other major economic hubs. These 20 metro areas reflect where your peers are landing—offering a mix of affordability, opportunity, and quality of life beyond California.

Dive Deep

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular places people move to after leaving the Bay Area?
In general, Bay Area movers cluster into three buckets: (1) other California metros like Sacramento, San Diego, and Southern California; (2) “Sun Belt” states like Texas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas; and (3) other major job centers like Seattle, Denver, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington DC. The right choice depends on whether you’re optimizing for affordability, weather, proximity to family, or career opportunities.
What’s the best place to move if I want lower housing costs but still want a strong economy?
If you want a strong job market without Bay Area housing costs, many movers look at places like Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, Raleigh–Durham, Denver, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Seattle. Each has a different tradeoff between climate, taxes, housing inventory, and lifestyle—so “best” depends on what you value most day-to-day.
Where do Bay Area downsizers move if they want to stay in California?
Many downsizers who want to stay in-state focus on Sacramento (more home for the money), San Diego (coastal lifestyle), parts of Southern California, and smaller coastal communities where the pace is slower than Silicon Valley. Staying in California can also keep you closer to friends, family, and familiar healthcare networks.
Why do so many Bay Area homeowners move to the Sun Belt?
The Sun Belt appeal is usually a mix of warmer weather, more space, and a lower overall cost structure—sometimes combined with favorable state tax treatment. For many long-time Bay Area homeowners, the move can turn home equity into a simpler lifestyle with fewer maintenance headaches and a more comfortable monthly budget.
If I’m retiring, what should I prioritize when choosing a destination?
Start with the things that affect your daily life: access to quality healthcare, ease of getting around, climate comfort, proximity to family, and whether the housing stock fits “low-maintenance” living (single-level, newer construction, or a well-run HOA). Then evaluate the financial layer: taxes, insurance, and long-term affordability—not just the purchase price.
Is it smarter to sell my Bay Area home or keep it as a rental when I move?
It depends on your goals. Selling can simplify life and free up cash for your next home, while keeping it as a rental can preserve long-term Bay Area upside and generate income. The deciding factors are usually: your tolerance for being a landlord (or paying a manager), your tax situation, your need for liquidity, and whether you want a clean break or optionality.
What are the biggest surprises Bay Area homeowners run into when they relocate?
Two common surprises: (1) the “total cost of living” isn’t just home prices—property taxes, insurance, utilities, and healthcare can swing the math; and (2) the lifestyle shift is real. Weather, driving culture, walkability, and access to airports and family can matter more than people expect once the honeymoon phase wears off.
How do I coordinate buying out of state while selling in the Bay Area?
The cleanest approach is to build a timeline that gives you control: understand your likely net proceeds, decide whether you need a rent-back or temporary housing, and line up a trusted agent in the destination market before you list. Many downsizers prefer a plan that reduces “pressure decisions,” even if it means using a short-term rental between homes.
What if I want to move abroad—where do Bay Area retirees commonly go?
Popular international choices often include places like Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, Panama, Italy, Ecuador, and Thailand. The big decision points are residency rules, healthcare access, cost of living, language comfort, and how easy it is to visit family back in the U.S.
How do I figure out which destination is right for me?
Work backward from your “non-negotiables”: climate, healthcare, proximity to family, and the kind of home you want to live in (single-level, lock-and-leave, planned community, etc.). Then run a side-by-side comparison of housing costs, taxes, insurance, and lifestyle fit. The goal is not just to move—it’s to land somewhere you’ll still love two years after the move.

Work With Sebastian

"I help Long-Time Bay Area Homeowners make their next move their best one yet."
-Seb Frey, REALTOR®

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