Californians Move East to Southern Cities

As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on and regulations are just now being lifted in California, the residents of the Golden State are moving east to places with more space, less people, lower COVID-19 numbers, and fewer restrictions. Not only are Californians attempting to flee the very high numbers of the virus, they are looking for a new environment. The atmosphere in California hasn’t been great and a lot of people have had enough of it. They are fleeing the state to a variety of new places, including eclectic and up-and-coming cities in the South.

Austin

Perhaps the number one place that Californians are moving to is Austin, Texas. There are many reasons that Californians are moving to the city, but mainly the un-Texan capital is enticing to Californians because it is affordable. It is also an eclectic, artistic, and diverse city where creatives and businesses alike go to find a new home.

Everyone from Joe Rogan to Elon Musk have moved to Austin. It will likely become the biggest boomtown of the 2020s. In addition to the culture of the city, there is no income tax in Texas. Austin is quite affordable, housing is available, and the job market is thriving. Tech companies are relocating to the state of Texas in droves to take advantage of the favorable business environment.

Nashville

A similar city Californians are finding enticing is Nashville. With a great dining and drinking scene, Music City is home to musicians, artists, and artisans from all over. Nashville is the largest city for miles around and a lot of people from the surrounding Southern areas go there to follow their dreams. It is favorable for many reasons. Whether you want to make it big in the music scene or start a business, Nashville is an amazing option for anyone. Music City has become so enticing, 82 people move there every day.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a large city where you can find just what you’re looking for. It is an up-and-coming city where so much is available to you. The weather is great, with four mild seasons. The economy in Atlanta is growing—Fortune 500 companies relocating to the city and Forbes named it one of the top five tech cities for start-ups. It is much easier to find a good job in Atlanta than it is in California.

In addition to affordable housing, there are a variety of unique neighborhoods to choose from where you can find your own spot to make your own world. The food and drink scene is famous in Atlanta and there are some great colleges. The number of reasons to move to Atlanta are endless. You can even find the fully furnished apartments Atlanta has to offer.

Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina has a great small town atmosphere with a good attitude. It has become a center for artisanal products and fine dining. With a relaxed atmosphere, little traffic, and beautiful Southern architecture, Charleston is where you go to find a slower pace of life and fewer people. Here you will find true Southern hospitality. The people are friendly. It is beautiful and it will change your mindset.

Marfa, Texas

Marfa may be a small town in West Texas, but it is known for being the place where artists and bohemians go. It is another option for when Californians want to move to an open-minded culture with the fewer regulations of a red state like Texas. Again, there is no income tax in Texas and the COVID-19 atmosphere is less stressful. Marfa, like Austin, has the best of both worlds when it comes to culture and regulation.

Californians are growing sick and tired of the politics, atmosphere, inconsistent COVID-19 restrictions, and other problems like homelessness. The taxes and cost of living are sky high. It’s no surprise that the residents of California are moving out of the state to find a new place with less people, virus rates, taxes, restrictions, traffic, and stress.

Whether it’s Austin, Nashville, or Marfa, there are plenty of options to spread out and find an easier place to live. COVID-19 is changing a lot and with so many people working remotely, Californians are leaving the state in stunning numbers. If you’re thinking about moving, you have quite a few options to choose from where you can find a new home.

Ryan Beitler is a writer, journalist, and travel blogger who has written for a variety of publications including Paste Magazine, The Slovenia Times, and much more.