The state is seeing an outmigration of residents moving to more affordable places, but it isn’t just wealthy retirees leaving the Golden State.
"California homeowners are cashing out, picking up, and moving inland, pushing up prices in other states as they look for more affordable places to live and to retire," writes Patrick Sisson. Many retired baby boomers are heading to low-tax states like Arizona and Nevada. Boise, Idaho, is another popular destination, and housing trends there reflect the influx of new residents.
"A lot of the new construction [Phil Mount is] seeing around towns like Eagle and East Boise could best be described as nice single-level homes—with a few added touches, including low-threshold doors that are easier for owners who are disabled, spacious hallways, wide showers, and maintenance-free features. These are easy-to-live-in homes in neighborhoods with clubhouses and walkable access to stores. They are perfect places for older, wealthier retirees to spend their golden years," says Sisson
But the perception that wealthy California baby boomers are the only ones moving to these places is too simple a picture, notes Sisson. For example, younger workers are moving to Boise as well as people from other parts of the country. And the high cost of housing in California is also pushing middle-class workers and retirees to seek greener pastures.
FULL STORY: Who’s really leaving California, and why does that matter?
Post-Recession Migration Patterns of Younger and Older Americans
New census data shows that millennials and seniors are migrating less, a result of the Great Recession and its economic impacts. For those who are moving, cities in the Sun Belt have been primary destinations.
Californians Are Leaving the State for More Affordable, Greener Pastures
Skyrocketing housing costs in California are pushing people out to other parts of the country.
Boise Faces Growing Pains From West Coast Migration
As more people head to Idaho to escape cities they cannot afford, Boise is encouraging growth and also grappling with the consequences.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
Connecticut Just Cause Eviction Bill Dies in State House
The bill would have protected tenants from unfair evictions by requiring landlords to provide a reason for ending a lease.
San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.
Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions