Although transportation has slowed in the past few years, many people are still on the move. A report by Redfin identified the top 10 cities where residents are leaving and where they are going.
To calculate the net outflow for each city, the company looked at the number of users seeking to move to a new metro area and subtracted the number of those who searched for homes in their current metro area between August and October 2022.
Telecommuting opportunities and the rising cost of living since the pandemic have been driving factors for relocation. If you live in any of these cities, you may understand why so many people want to leave.
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10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia had a net outflow of 1,500. Most residents were moving to Salisbury, Maryland. This comes as no surprise since Maryland is a close neighbor that makes a good home for many retirees.
Salisbury is a popular place to retire. The city is home to many 55+ communities and is known for its friendly neighborhoods, but it still has plenty of things for retirees to do.
It makes sense that Philadelphians would look to this destination once they leave the workforce.
9. Seattle, Washington
With a net influx of 1,600, Seattle has seen many residents leave. Most of them are moving out of state and heading to Phoenix, Arizona. Safety and housing remain a concern for Seattle residents as parts of the city have high crime rates and a large homeless population.
Phoenix offers a generally low cost of living, including affordable housing. The city also sees less traffic with shorter commute times than many other state capitals. But it’s the overall low crime rates that likely make the city so attractive to Seattle residents.
8. Denver, Colorado
Denver’s net inflow was more than double that of Seattle’s at 3,400. Cost-of-living factors and an increase in the number of people working remotely were the top reasons they left Denver. Without having to commute to work, residents are free to live away from their jobs.
Most of the residents were looking for homes in Chicago. It is a big city where people can access entertainment and enjoy convenient transportation while still offering an affordable lifestyle.
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7. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s net flow was 4,200, but the city’s population has been declining for decades. Many people left Michigan for an affordable lifestyle. Whether it’s retirement or telecommuting, the dollar runs further in cities with a lower cost of living.
Cleveland has become a transportation destination for Detroit residents. Cleveland offers a low cost of living and access to a quality education. There are many activities for residents to engage in, and its location next to Lake Erie makes it an even more desirable city.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Although Denver residents may have moved to Chicago, the Windy City still had an outflow of 7,300. Most of the people who moved from Chicago landed in Milwaukee. These cities have a lot in common.
Milwaukee and Chicago are economically connected and considered by some to be one big area. Moving to Milwaukee is attractive to those who want to make a change without missing out on the opportunities that the bigger cities offer.
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston saw a slightly higher net inflow than Chicago at 7,800. Retirement is likely the main reason for the population shift, considering most residents choose Portland, Maine as their new home.
Portland is a retirement destination for people in neighboring states. The city is known for its quality healthcare and desirable communities, making it an ideal location for seniors leaving the workforce.
Maine is also a good state to live in if you want to save money on auto insurance since it offers some of the cheapest rates in the country.
4. Washington, D.C
Washington, D.C., had a whopping net influx of 18,100. Much of the demographic shift has been attributed to the increase in remote opportunities resulting from the pandemic.
Retirement probably also plays a factor, considering most D.C. residents move to Salisbury, Maryland.
This is the same East Shore city that Philadelphians are choosing as their new home. Salisbury is located close to the DC area, but offers small town life and good beaches a short drive away.
3. New York, New York
New York City’s net influx was 22,400. Most of these northern residents were moving to warmer climates. Miami is the most popular place to move for New Yorkers. Aside from the harsh winters, the Empire State’s high cost of living has caused residents to leave.
Miami is another big city, but there is no income tax in the Sunshine State, which makes it a great choice for people still in the workforce.
Florida is also a popular destination for retirees in general, which is another likely contributing factor to relocations from New York.
2. Los Angeles, California
Many Los Angeles residents decided to leave the area. The net population influx into the city was 34,100. Housing prices and overcrowding in cities were among the biggest reasons for resettlement.
Those who choose to remain in California are moving to San Diego. Commute times in the city are generally shorter than in Los Angeles, although home prices are still high in San Diego.
Other Californians move to Las Vegas, which offers an affordable lifestyle without sacrificing entertainment opportunities.
1. San Francisco, California
San Francisco had the largest net outflow of 35,800. People leave this city for the same reasons as many others on this list. The high cost of living in the area has left people looking for cities that offer lower total costs.
Some reside in California, moving to Sacramento, while others have chosen Seattle as their new home. Seattle is not known for its low cost of living, but it is still cheaper than San Francisco.
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Although many of these cities have experienced population declines for several years, high inflation rates and changes in the workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic have made them more acute.
Living in an affordable city can have many financial benefits, including helping you crush your debt. It can also help you increase your savings and provide a better quality of life.
Moving out of state is a big decision that requires planning, but can offer great rewards if you choose the right city.
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This article originally appeared on FinanceBuzz for 10 Cities Homeowners Flee (And Where To Go).