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If you spend much time online, you’ve probably noticed the headlines and hashtags showing a Bay Area exodus. It’s hard to imagine why people would leave the Bay Area. It’s beautiful. You’re always a short distance from the ocean and the mountains. The people are friendly and educated, and the weather is about as close to perfection as it gets. But moving away, they are. Here’s what the Santa Cruz Sentinel has to say about it:
That’s according to data released this month by the state Department of Finance, which found California grew just 0.35 percent between July 2018 and July 2019. That’s the lowest rate since 1900. The five-county Bay Area’s population grew 0.42 percent, the lowest since 2005 when population growth was flat. The declining growth is driven in large part by an exodus from the region, with 3,106 more people leaving the Bay Area than moving here. The net growth of new residents has come largely from babies born here and they don’t take up a lot of space — yet.
How do you know if it’s time for you to leave the Bay Area, or if you are just in need of a vacation?
You Can No Longer Afford It
A survey last year showed that 44 percent of Bay Area residents were thinking of leaving, and the primary reason was housing cost. If you are making a good income, but still living paycheck to paycheck, perhaps it’s time to seek more affordable pastures. Keep in mind, though, that salaries are higher in the Bay Area, but for many, not high enough.
The Commute
If you are sitting in traffic a good four hours a day, which is not uncommon, it might be a good idea to move to a smaller city, or at least closer to work. The Bay Area is amazing, but when you don’t have time to enjoy it, it’s hardly worth it.
You Hate It
We get it. Sometimes you hate where you live for reasons others might not see. Perhaps you’re reminded of an ex everywhere you look. Maybe you’re a dress up and party all night kind of person, and you find the Bay Area a bit too casual and that it “closes” a bit too early.
You’re Having a Family
It’s one thing to live in a semi-dumpy apartment when you’re single, or even when you’re married, but when you have children, it’s time to upgrade your digs. Putting your kids through school can be very pricey in the Bay Area. You might have to find yourself moving to a better, and more expensive school district, or you’ll have to shell out private school tuition.
When Not to Move
If you are unsure whether the grass is truly greener away from the Bay Area, we suggest subletting or renting your current home, at least until you know you will stay away. With current housing costs, it’s awfully hard to buy into the area, at least unless you kept all the profits you made from the sale of your home.
Featured image via Pixabay.
