A mass migration out of California is reshaping America’s population map.

For decades, the Golden State symbolized prosperity and opportunity. Now, record numbers of residents are packing up and leaving — an exodus that’s transforming cities, housing markets, and entire regions of the country. Researchers say it’s not just about money or politics but a complex mix of affordability, safety, and quality-of-life concerns driving the shift.
California’s identity as a dream destination is changing, and the reasons go deeper than most people realize.












