🏙️ 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.
Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario, CA (Inland Empire) – Rapidly growing due to affordability and space
🏙️ Top 20 Non-California Metro Moves
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–Cary, 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.
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.
🔍 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.
đź’ˇ 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.
