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 MĂ©rida 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 MedellĂn 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.
