It’s no secret that some states seem like they’re losing folks left and right. But what’s going on? It’s not simply because of the weather or the job scene, as some states have a number of problems. Here are 25 states that Americans are running away from and some of the reasons why.
California Dreamin’ No More
California’s got the vibes and the beaches, but it’s also got its fair share of problems. The sky-high rent and living costs are forcing some locals to say goodbye to the Golden State and hello to somewhere a little cheaper. But can you blame them? After all, the data shows that California has one of the highest cost of living rates in the whole US.
New York State of Mind
Ah, New York. It has the city that never sleeps and has so much more than the Big Apple, too. Yet lots of people are trading in their NY plates for somewhere else, mostly because the high cost of living and tiny living spaces aren’t exactly sustainable. They’re looking to get more bang for their buck elsewhere.
Blown Away
Illinois is known for its Windy City, and it seems that it’s blowing the residents away. The biggest issue here is the taxes, as the state has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Locals want to keep more in their own pockets, and they’re not afraid to move to tax-friendly states to do it.
Turnpike Trouble
New Jersey’s pretty close to New York City, but that isn’t always a good thing. Here, the high property taxes and living costs are forcing people to move to cheaper places. They’re also looking for a better quality of life without the constant financial problems that come from being so close to the Big Apple.
Connecticut’s Challenges
In Connecticut, there’s plenty of history and beautiful autumn scenery, but there are also plenty of problems. The locals are having to deal with high living costs and issues in the job market, which is making some of them reconsider their time in the Nutmeg. It’s not exactly an easy decision, but some of them have to do it to make ends meet.
Migrating from Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the home of history and higher education, but maybe we should add migration to that list. Sure, it looks charming, but the Bay State’s high housing costs and living expenses have some people looking elsewhere to call home. After all, even the best clam chowder can’t keep you warm at night.
Moving from Maryland
In Maryland, the taste of fresh crabs and views of the Atlantic aren’t enough to anchor everyone down, as the high living expenses and taxes are driving people to look for places where their dollars stretch further. It’s not exactly easy to enjoy Chesapeake Bay when you’re sweating over bills. According to one report, most Marylanders end up going to Sarasota, Florida.
Outside Ohio
Ohio’s a little more wallet-friendly than some other states, but affordability isn’t the only important factor. Some Ohioans are struggling to find good jobs, and this is making them move to other states. They’re looking for places where professional growth is a promise, not just a possibility.
Packing Up Pennsylvania
Even with all the history and beautiful scenery, Pennsylvania also has a huge problem with keeping people in the state. Like in some other states, people are looking for better job opportunities with higher pay and a lower cost of living. Yes, the state has the Liberty Bell and Poconos, but that can’t compare to the sight of doing better economically.
Losing Louisiana
Louisiana is best known for its jazz and Mardi Gras celebrations, yet some residents are thinking about moving. The economy is a big reason, but people are also trying to escape the threat of natural disasters, which have cost the state around $1 billion each. Louisianans are looking for a safer place to live.
Missing from Michigan
Michigan’s definitely a beautiful state, mostly because of its Great Lakes, and its car-making industry used to keep things afloat. Sadly, changes in manufacturing jobs have created issues in the local economy, pushing residents to think about opportunities beyond state lines. It might be beautiful, but that’s not enough to put food on the table.
Au Revoir, Alaska
There’s a lot of adventure in Alaska, that’s for sure, but living on the Last Frontier has its challenges. If it’s not the isolation, then it’s the extreme weather that’s raising the cost of living and forcing a sense of determination that not everyone can follow. After all, do you really want to live in a state where just buying groceries means you need to take out a loan?
Hello and Goodbye, Hawaii
Hawaii’s easily one of the most beautiful states in America, but the reality of sky-high living costs and a tight job market aren’t so dreamy. Paradise doesn’t look so appealing when the cost of living in it means you’re constantly under financial stress. Lots of islanders are moving towards the mainland so they don’t have to worry about making ends meet.
Going West from West Virginia
While West Virginia’s mountains and coal mining legacy are pretty clear, the locals are facing the music because it’s getting tougher to find good work in those hills. People are proud of their roots, but they’re looking toward a future that doesn’t include coal. They’re ready to pack up for a place with more jobs and a steady future.
Moving From Mississippi
Mississippi has a lot of soul, but let’s face it, finding a decent job that pays well is like looking for a needle in a haystack. People are realizing they might need to go elsewhere if they want opportunities that match their dreams. They’re chasing their dream to a state where they could become a reality.
Leaving Arkansas
There’s no doubt that Arkansas is a stunning state, and the cost of living isn’t too bad either. So why are people leaving? When it comes to climbing the career ladder, the rungs feel few and far between. Some Arkansans are wondering if the grass is greener on the other side, where jobs are much easier to get.
Weighing the Options in Oklahoma
If you ever visit Oklahoma, you’ll definitely see how the community feels like a family. Sadly, these ties aren’t enough to keep people in the state because Oklahomans have a lot to worry about. The natural disasters are bad enough, but they’re also causing major issues for the economy, so locals are thinking twice about sticking around.
New Pastures Outside Kentucky
Kentucky has plenty of iconic traditions, like derby days and fine bourbon, although maybe migrating out of the state should be one of those. After all, economic stability and job variety are more important than a good mint julep, so people are looking for other states. Kentuckians want a place where they can stretch their dollars further.
Tennessee’s New Rhythm
Looking for somewhere with lots of music and gorgeous scenery? Then perhaps Tennessee’s the one for you and moving there might help to balance the number of people moving out. Tennesseans are looking for places with a better job market and economic opportunities because their home state doesn’t have them.
Onward, Alabama
There’s so much history in Alabama that it’s hard to believe this state is also struggling. People are feeling trapped by the state’s limited job and educational opportunities, so they’re looking to go elsewhere. After all, the number of people in full-time work was only 57% in October 2023 compared to the national average of 62.7%.
Ignoring Indiana
Indianans have a die-hard love for basketball, but the locals are looking for more than simple sports glory. The job scene’s a little too restrictive, and it’s pushing Hoosiers to move to places where their professional growth doesn’t feel like a competition. Even the Indy 500 isn’t enough to save the state.
Moving From Missouri
As Missourians’ dreams grow, so does their curiosity about what lies beyond their state’s borders. They want to explore places with greater job opportunities but also with a community spirit that’s just as strong. The state has a nice mix of urban and rural charm, although that won’t keep people from moving.
Steady Ground in North Dakota
It’s easy to see why some people want to move to North Dakota, given it has some of the most beautiful open skies around. But the unpredictability of the energy market is making some move elsewhere for a more consistent career. The goal? To plant their roots in places where tomorrow’s chances are as clear as the Dakota sky.
Searching for South Dakota
The Dakotas just can’t catch a break, as even the South Dakotans are leaving their state. Like their Northern counterpart, they’re looking for a place to live where job opportunities don’t change with the seasons. Yes, there are lots of people moving into the state, but lots of them are moving out, too.
Whatever Wyoming
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