Top Places for Californias to Relocate 2025
California is a state that is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and natural beauty, with a longstanding reputation of being a magnet for many individuals with diverse backgrounds. However, with the recent devastation of the California fires, many have no other option than to leave The Golden State to different states. The migration might be massive, leaving many curious about the destinations of the relocatees.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most-mentioned states to move to from California.
Great States for Californians to Relocate To
From a financial standpoint, those who have lost their homes to the fires rampaging in the state of California are looking to relocate to areas that are similar to The Golden State for various reasons, the top being similar finances.
1. Texas
Texas is a large state in the US that provides prospective residents with mountainous views or access to the beach, depending on what end of the state you wind up on. Apart from the impressive views, Texas has no state income tax, which is a great perk in significant savings for high-income earners. Texas prides itself on a low cost of living, especially when compared to California. However, for those relocating to Texas after losing their home in a fire, Texas does not have a much higher property tax than California and is the 7th highest in the nation.
2. Nevada
Nevada closely resembles much of California, with a desert-like climate on the one hand, plenty of urban amenities, and a vibrant nightlife that keeps tourists busy all year long. Apart from an abundance of recreational activities, both outdoors and indoors, for prospective residents to busy themselves with year-round, Nevada also has no state income tax. Combine this with a low cost of living, and Californians moving in will find themselves able to build up savings in no time. The proximity to California and the Bay Area makes it a favorite among Californians looking to sell and move out of state in the wake of the fires. Another perk of living in Nevada? The low property taxes!
3. Arizona
For those Californians who love the year-round warm weather and sunshine, Arizona is a great state to look into. The state features plenty of desert-like climates, similar to those found in California, as well as plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy beautiful hikes and swimming in luxury resort-style swimming pools. Apart from the glaringly attractive state and all its amenities, Arizona has a lower cost of living than California, paired with a warmer climate and lower housing costs. The property taxes in Arizona average around 0.5% per year. The rising temperatures in Arizona can pose difficulty for Bay Area residents looking to relocate, the mountainous areas of Arizona are just as enticing.
4. Oregon
While seeming a bit on the nose, Oregon is close enough to California for those who have family or friends staying behind to still be close enough to maintain connections. Despite not having as nearly as nice weather year-round as California, Oregon is still just as nice a state, featuring the bustling city of Portland as its focal point for those who enjoy the business of city living and all the amenities that come along with it, or beautiful mountainous beaches that provide slow-living while still being close enough to the city as not to leave behind the convenience of having such amenities nearby. While Oregon does have a state income tax, the cost of living is significantly lower than that of living in California. Oregon has a thriving tech industry, which can also help provide jobs to those Californians who lost their home to the fires. Oregon does have a lower property tax than California.
5. Washington
Washington is a thriving state that is similar to its neighbor, Oregon, in its weather. Despite being nowhere as sunny as California and coming with more rain than a Californian is ready to take on, there are great aspects of calling Washington home. From the bustling city of Seattle posing as a tech hub, providing plenty of potential jobs for those out of one after losing their home in the fires in California to mountainous charming small towns and seaside coastal towns, the scenery is breathtaking and green, something Californians might not be used to. Washington does have a high state income tax paired with a lower cost of living compared to California. However, property in Seattle is not any cheaper than living in the Bay Area, and the property tax rate is higher, averaging 0.95%.
Bottom Line
Leaving California behind is a decision that should be carefully made. If you have lost your home to the fires in California and The Golden State has lost its lackluster in your eyes, your choice to move will depend solely on your needs and preferences. The above-mentioned places will provide Californians with much-needed affordability, attractiveness, and thriving communities to call home. Do your research, weigh the options, and visit potential locations before making the final decision. Happy house hunting!