California was a top destination for Americans looking to improve their lives. However, according to a recent poll, as many as 4 out of 10 Californians are mulling over moving out of the state. Here are some of the top reasons why this is happening.

On significant reason many people are moving out of California is the state’s high tax burdens. All taxes, including income tax, property tax, and sales tax have all reached new heights in recent years, making living in the state much less affordable than it used to be and a lot more expensive compared to many other parts of the country.

Reports claim that the high cost of living in California is the main reason people are moving away, and experts agree. The average cost of living in the state is reportedly 1.32 times more expensive than the average across the country.

Many have accused California of not being effective in lowering the cost of living primarily because there are simply not enough homes being built. There are now too many people lobbying for the sparse availability of homes causing prices to skyrocket. As things stand, the state’s economy risks sinking into crisis.

California is famous for being car-centric. During peak hours, 87% of California’s urban Interstate highways are assumed to be congested. While there have been attempts to widen some of the roads to ease traffic, some people have objected, talking about the possibility of causing more environmental damage.

It used to be one of the most well-thought-out states in America, but California’s infrastructure is now diminishing, according to the Hoover Institution. In 2016, it was reported that the state would need an additional investment of $5.7 billion to meet basic road and transportation maintenance.

California has been known for extreme weather occurrences for many years. In January last year, at least 19 people lost their lives in a series of storms that left huge areas flooded. Meanwhile, climate change is thought to have increased the risk of wildfires by around 25%.

A lot of California’s residents are not happy with the political climate in the state as it is rife with many experimental policies that have not been observed in other parts of the country. This has made citizens feel like guinea pigs.

California’s public education system used to be the envy of the whole country. But due to many issues including a lack of public funding, strikes and overcrowded classrooms, the system is looking grim and ineffective. In 2012, the Center for Cities and Schools at UC Berkeley revealed that a whopping $117 billion was needed to invest in state school facilities.

California’s government has placed strict compliance obligations on individuals and businesses alike. This is the result of policies regarding a range of issues from business practices to the environment. This has ultimately resulted in entrepreneurial endeavors being stifled, leaving many ambitious residents frustrated

In 2022, California’s annual report on crime revealed that violent crime increased by 6.1% in the previous year. There were also increases in property crime and robberies. The residents are concerned about this and have been very vocal in crying out for change. That has not been forthcoming, leading many to up and leave for safer areas.

California is home to countless natural beauty spots, which attracts millions of visitors every year. But environmental damage has wreaked havoc along the state’s coastlines. In 2023, huge waves along northern California resulted in mudslides, sinkholes, and flooding that washed away walls of people’s homes. The risk to property has forced many people to consider moving away.

Years ago, California had the highest jobless rate in the country. This was partially because of the state’s slow return from the COVID-era. It’s been years since then but California’s job growth continues to lag behind most states, forcing people to look elsewhere for opportunities.