“San Diego was definitely our first choice for a place to live. However, the prices are just out of control,” remarked Andrew Rowley.
SAN DIEGO — It’s common knowledge that living in California comes with a hefty price tag.
A recent report reveals the extent of the exodus from the state and the preferred destinations for those relocating. Although the study didn’t delve into the reasons behind these moves, interviews with residents from CBS 8 indicated that the cost of living played a major role in their decisions.
“It wasn’t an easy choice, but we were ready to embrace this new adventure,” shared Andrew Rowley.
This new journey commenced two months ago when Andrew, his wife Lauren, their young daughter, and their dog made the move from Chula Vista to a suburb roughly 30 minutes from Denver, Colorado.
“We both have excellent jobs right now and thought, why not buy a home? We truly wanted to stay in San Diego, but the costs are simply outrageous,” Andrew stated.
The couple, who grew up in Southern California, explained that their budget in San Diego was around $700,000, which left them with limited and unsatisfactory options.
Because they both work remotely, they began considering locations they’d enjoyed visiting in the past. With the help of a realtor who provided virtual home showings, they ended up purchasing a house they had never visited in person for under $600,000.
The new home features four bedrooms and a spacious yard—exactly what they desired but didn’t think they could afford in California.
“All our friends understood our decision. We’ve witnessed others leaving California, and some are even contemplating the move,” Lauren commented.
The financial technology company Smart Asset analyzed IRS data and found that between 2021 and 2022, California gained 254,935 new residents while losing 399,138 to other states.
The majority of those who left moved to Texas, followed by Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Florida.
“I would’ve been the last person you’d assume would leave,” said Jessica Duarte.
Duarte, a San Diego native, recently relocated to Alvaton, Kentucky, where she purchased a brand new three-bedroom home after selling her one-bedroom condo in Rancho Bernardo.
“I used the profits from selling my condo to buy this house outright, so I don’t have a mortgage,” Duarte explained.
She discovered her new neighborhood after her parents moved there from Poway for retirement in 2020.
They also sought to maximize their savings.
In addition to lower housing prices, Duarte noted that other living expenses are significantly cheaper as well.
“Gas is about half the cost, groceries too. My utility expenses for the entire month, while using air conditioning in a three-bedroom house, totaled just $75,” Duarte said.
However, moving away from San Diego has its challenges, such as leaving behind loved ones, the beach, and the pleasant climate.
Both Duarte and the Rowleys express that while they are currently enjoying their new locations, returning to California is still a possibility for the future.
“Naturally, I feel a bit nostalgic. I miss my California burritos and all that, but I’m also ready to embrace new experiences,” Andrew concluded.
