March 24, 2022 Posted in City Guides
Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

Moving Out of San Francisco – Why Do People Leave the Bay Area

Most recent data have shown that the migration from SF and Bay Area to other US cities is still popular. In fact, the trend of moving out of San Francisco is even more popular than it was before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic changed the city’s structure, and the lockdown period affected the people’s points of view. As a result, many SF residents are looking to leave it and find another place to live.

San Francisco Traffic overlay
Check why SF migration is more than popular nowadays

Americans are relocating all the time, and one of the main reasons is finding a better place to live and new job opportunities. According to the relocation statistics, SF residents have been leaving it for years now. However, the important migration was noticed since the COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, the US postal service‘s data shows that the Bay Area was the most impacted by migration during the pandemic. The disease is certainly one of the main reasons why more people from San Francisco move out today than they did during the pre-pandemic period.

Is California Dream Dead and Why Are People Moving Out of San Francisco?

If you’re wondering, “Is SF losing population?” know that a large number of its residents hired long-distance movers to move them to some other place. It’s because living in SF has become more difficult, and other cities look like much better options. However, don’t think that the Golden City is the only one affected by this move-out trend. The whole CA is having trouble with people moving out of the state and even out of the US. There is an increase in Californians moving to Mexico.

So, if you’re exploring your possibilities, you probably started researching a reliable cross-country moving company that could help you with the whole relocation process. One of the biggest relocation mistakes is not getting everything you might need, including professional help like packing services. And although you might feel anxious about the move, it doesn’t mean you should give up searching for better life quality and other factors that SF maybe can’t give you anymore.

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High Cost of Living Is One of the Most Common Reasons Why People Are Leaving San Francisco

Being in a place where the cost of living is more than 60% higher than the national average must be challenging. It’s no wonder why many residents are searching for a long-distance moving company that will help with the relocation to the Midwest or any other place where you won’t have to spend a fortune on everyday expenses.

If you count how much money is needed for food and gas, relocating to another state probably seems more attractive than staying in SF. Not only do you need $12 for a simple avocado toast, but your monthly expenses will be around $3,500, and that’s if you’re alone. Considering all the costs, rethinking your perspective and relocating to a more affordable city is surely a normal thing to do.

The High Cost of Living Caused Many From the Bay Area to Organize a San Francisco Move-Out and Search for Cheaper Options Elsewhere

Although relocation is probably one of the most stressful events, sometimes reasons to move are too obvious, and you can’t look on the other side. Some of us are hiring cross-country movers because relocating to suburbs is our long-wanted wish. But, some of the most important reasons more SF residents leave this once popular place are the high rental and home buying rates.

That’s how nowadays you’ll need to make around $300,000 in order to afford a home here. And according to the California Association of Realtors, only 15% of SF households can meet the required annual income (the median home price is around $1.6 million). This fact shouldn’t surprise you since the housing market is quite competitive no matter the high-paying jobs in this place.

Coronavirus Changed Many Aspects of the Way You Want to Live

Relocating during coronavirus made the process of relocation a bit more complicated. But that hasn’t stopped SF residents from relocating from the West Coast to East Coast in search of a better quality of life. Also, many would agree that the pandemic showed numerous issues this metropolis couldn’t deal with. So, it’s pretty understandable why Californians use cross-country moving services probably more than other US residents.

Although it’s quite possible that without Coronavirus, the CalExodus would probably be postponed and wouldn’t reach this stage in more years from now, it surely doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen at all. On the contrary, it would surely happen, just a bit later.

The Possibility of Work Remotely Pushed Many to Get Long-Distance Moving Services Move Elsewhere

When you know about all the negative things COVID-19 has brought, surely thinking about the positive sides is tacky. However, there is one good thing, and it’s the possibility to work remotely full time. This means if you want to move, relocating a business to another state is often out of the question. Instead, you can keep working for the same company, just from another more affordable place. In that case, all you need to do is arm yourself with some house hunting tips and look for a place without the stress of finding a job in another state.

Many Opt for Long-Distance Moving Due to Noticeably Increased Homeless Cases and Other Social Issues

Moving cross country could seem like a pretty good idea when you realize all the social issues the Golden City and the whole Bay Area have. Many streets are filled with homeless people, and the fact that no one is doing anything about it is quite discouraging. The whole situation is certainly not motivating you to stay in SF.

Unfortunately, this is the reality you’ll have to face in almost every bigger place, and the only thing you can do about it is either stay or move. Because the homelessness crisis in SF has become even worse since the pandemic hit, many just decided to leave. In the video below, you can see more details about it.

Local Family Oriented Residents Are Looking for Better Surroundings for Their Little Ones

Thinking about one of the best cities to raise a family? Know that SF probably isn’t the greatest place for you. Although you can find some of the top-rated high schools here, there are other factors you need to keep in mind as well. For example, pollution, drug abuse, and unsafe streets are the biggest concern for future and current parents. And if you’re thinking about relocating to the suburb, know that housing prices don’t change much.

So, the move seems like the easiest and safest solution for parents and their children. There are many other places that are perfect for kids, with super safe neighborhoods and school proximity, which are one of the essential factors when relocating with kids.

Many Parents Searching for Available In-Person Schools Before Moving Cross-Country

This could be a bit strange to some, but many parents are searching for places with schools that have in-person classes. Organizing a move, looking for trustworthy long-distance moving services, and eventually relocating to a new place just so your kid could physically go to school. Yes! And the good news is that things are slowly coming back to normal. However, parents are still concerned about their children getting better education and not having to be home all the time.

kids in classroom overlay
Many parents prefer in-person education for their children

Years of Overcrowding Caused a Lot of Pollution

Silicon Valley is surely the most innovative place in the world of technology, and numerous entrepreneurs come precisely here from across the globe. Since this trend has become more than just popular for many years, the region has not only become the most successful part of the world but one of the most overcrowded ones, too.

So, if you consider all the benefits of relocating, keep in mind that you have great alternatives where overcrowding isn’t a problem. The good news is that you have amazing opportunities. And this should be one of the factors to count in when relocating for the first time. It will mean no traffic jams and less pollution. In fact, the pollution in SF is a great problem because of so many emissions from vehicles, and don’t forget the emissions from wood smoke.

Bad Transportation System Is One More Reason for San Francisco Moving Out

When it comes to San Francisco, moving out might be one of the greatest solutions for those who are using public transportation. No matter if it’s getting to work or just simply running some errands, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is probably the worst transportation system in the country. This is mainly due to the following reasons:

  • It’s running late,
  • There are constant delays,
  • It’s pretty dirty,
  • There’s no security,
  • It’s overcrowded.

Where Are San Francisco Residents Moving to?

Leaving your home can be quite stressful – especially if you’re planning to move across the world and you have to adjust to a new country. But, if you prefer staying in the US and just relocating to another state, know that Coronavirus forced many to think about that idea and move to other states with lower costs of living and with better life qualities. So, what are the most popular destinations SF residents choose for their new homes? According to the latest data, Arizona and Texas are the most desirable states.

Before Hiring Cross-Country Movers, Check the Most Popular Destinations You Could Move to

If you’re wondering where Californians are relocating to, know that there are several great alternatives. And given the fact that this question is becoming increasingly popular now more than ever before, here are some of the most popular states and cities you should check:

  • Charlotte, North Carolina – amazing weather, beautiful landscapes, and low cost of living draw many to live in Queen City.
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota – it’s affordable with an excellent education system and a dozen Fortune 500 companies.
  • Phoenix, Arizonabenefits of relocating from California to Arizona are many, but the greatest one is the booming economy.
  • Austin, Texasrelocating to Texas means not only affordable housing (the average house price is about $380,000), but it also means no individual income tax.

Are People Still Coming to SF?

Why are so many people moving to San Francisco? Even though relocating to California means dealing with pricier housing and higher everyday expenses, it doesn’t change the fact that SF is close to Silicon Valley. So, yes, people are still coming to SF because of the job opportunities and overall experience of living in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Also, keep in mind that not everyone minds some of the things we mentioned before. SF is a dream come true to many with its diverse culture and vibrant everyday life. So, having to overcome some of the obstacles that come with this place could be just a piece of cake for those who want to settle in SF

Golden Gate overlay
The SF metro area has a population of around 3,320,000, with many relocating here each year

Consider All Good and Bad Sides of Relocation if You’re Thinking About Changing Homes

If settling somewhere else than SF will bring you more positive things than negative, then considering the possible move is definitely something you should work on. However, this doesn’t mean you should move right away. Take your time and think about it thoroughly, and be sure you’re in love with the new home before relocating.

FAQ

How Do I Prepare for a Move Out of San Francisco?

First, make a plan for your move, including a timeline, budget, and a list of tasks to complete. Next, start decluttering and packing early, focusing on items you won’t need before the move. Consider selling or donating items you no longer need, and think about using professional cross-country moving services to ease your move. Lastly, make sure to update your address with important contacts, such as banks and government agencies, and say goodbye to friends and loved ones before leaving.

When Is the Best Time to Move Out of San Francisco?

The best time to move out of SF depends on a variety of factors, including personal preferences and logistical considerations. In general, it’s a good idea to avoid the peak of the relocation season (during the summer months and around holidays). Organizing during the off-season may offer more affordable rates and greater availability of cross-country moving companies. Additionally, consider the weather – spring and fall can be pleasant times to move, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. It’s also important to consider your personal circumstances, such as work and family commitments, and plan accordingly.

What’s the Cost of Moving Out of San Francisco?

The cost of relocating from SF can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the distance of your move, the number of belongings you have, and the services you require from long-distance movers. Other costs to consider include packing supplies, gas and mileage, insurance, and any additional fees. It’s important to get multiple quotes and compare prices from different cross-country moving companies to find the best deal for your specific needs.

 

 

How Do I Find a Reputable Moving Company for My Move Out of San Francisco?

Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or real estate agents. You can also search online for reviews and ratings of moving companies in SF. Look for companies that are licensed and insured, and ask for a written estimate that includes all the costs and services. Avoid any companies that ask for large deposits upfront or have a history of complaints or scams. It’s also a good idea to ask for references and check them before making a final decision. Once you’ve found a few companies that seem trustworthy, schedule in-home estimates to get accurate quotes and see how they conduct themselves. By doing your research and choosing a reputable long-distance moving company, you can have peace of mind during this important transition.

Can I Move My Belongings Out of San Francisco on My Own?

Relocating from SF on your own is possible, but it can be challenging and time-consuming – it requires a lot more effort on your part. You’ll need to pack and load your items yourself, which can be physically demanding, and also drive the truck or container to your new destination. Additionally, traffic and parking in SF can be difficult, so it’s important to plan your route and timing carefully. If you have a lot of heavy or fragile items, it may be better to hire professional cross-country moving company to ensure your belongings are transported safely and efficiently

How Do I Pack and Transport Fragile Items, Such as Artwork and Antiques, When Moving Out of San Francisco?

To ensure these items are protected, it’s important to use high-quality packing materials, such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes. Consider using specialized packaging for valuable and delicate items, such as custom crates or foam inserts. Label each box clearly as “fragile” and take extra care when loading and unloading the items. If possible, consider getting a cross-country moving service and hiring long-distance movers who have experience handling delicate and valuable items. Make sure to also consider insurance options to protect your items during transport.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Moving Out of San Francisco?

Firstly, if you’re moving out of state, you’ll need to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration within a certain timeframe, which varies by state. Additionally, you’ll need to update your address with the United States Postal Service, as well as with your bank, credit card companies, and other important contacts. If you’re renting, you’ll need to provide your landlord with proper notice before terminating your lease, usually at least 30 days in advance.

What Are the Top Destinations People Move to After Leaving San Francisco?

One popular destination is Seattle, Washington, which is known for its tech industry and outdoor recreational activities. Another popular choice is Austin, Texas, which is also a tech hub and offers a lower cost of living compared to San Francisco. Other destinations include Portland, Oregon, with its thriving food and art scenes, and Denver, Colorado, which offers access to skiing and other outdoor activities. Additionally, many people choose to move to nearby cities in California, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento. Ultimately, the best destination for you will depend on your personal preferences and priorities.

Should I Sell or Donate My Furniture Before the Move or Take It With Me?

Deciding whether to sell or donate your furniture before a move or take it with you is a personal choice that depends on several factors. One important consideration is the cost and logistics. If you’re moving cross-country, the cost of transporting your furniture may be high, and you’ll need to factor in the time and effort required to disassemble, pack, and load it. On the other hand, if your furniture has sentimental value or is difficult to replace, it may be worth the cost and effort to bring it with you. Another factor to consider is the condition of your furniture. If it’s old or worn out, it may be better to donate or sell it before the move.

How Can I Make the Transition of Moving Out of San Francisco Easier for Myself and My Family?

One helpful approach is to create a plan that outlines your relocation timeline, budget, and necessary logistics. You can also try to stay organized and declutter your belongings to reduce the number of things you need to move. Additionally, connecting with new communities and resources in your new location can help you and your family adjust to your new surroundings. Finally, taking time to reflect on the reasons for your move and the new opportunities it may bring can help you approach this change with a positive attitude.

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