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Here Are the Top Destinations if You’re Moving Out of San Francisco

Posted in City Guides on May 13, 2022

Many people are moving out of San Francisco and considering relocating to other destinations that offer better housing costs and more affordable utilities, food, and transportation. But the core reason why many residents are trying to leave is the pandemic. Before the coronavirus, locals usually commuted an hour to work and paid astronomical taxes and rent. But with the arrival of remote work, many saw an opportunity to flee to more affordable places. If you are looking for a perfect destination, we might be able to help you.

So, are people moving out of San Francisco? According to the University of California report, the number of citizens relocating from the so-called Golden City increased to 21% during the first six months of the pandemic. With the median house value at 1,5 million dollars and the median rent at 1,900 dollars, this Bay Area city is one of the most expensive cities in the US. Higher prices are the main reasons to move to another place. Before you start preparing your home for sale and organizing moving essentials, learn about the best places you can move to. With our guide, your move will be stress-free.

Where Are San Francisco Residents Relocating to?

Since many have been leaving San Francisco, it would be wise to know where many individuals have chosen to move during coronavirus. What might be surprising to some is that citizens of the Golden City didn’t venture very far. The first idea when researching San Francisco move-out would be that individuals found cheaper alternatives in states like Florida and Texas. Instead, most of the residents fleeing the city went to other Bay Area or Californian counties. These destinations include Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, San Mateo, San Diego, and Alameda.

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What Should You Consider When Moving Out of San Francisco?

When moving across the country, it would be best to take out a moving binder and list all the characteristics of a particular town that are important to you. By making a checklist, you will know what to look out for. Here are some aspects you should consider:

  • Available business opportunities in the town,
  • The crime rate,
  • The housing costs,
  • The proximity of essential amenities,
  • The school district, if you are relocating with kids,
  • Access to the public transportation system,
  • Living expenses such as food, utilities, and transportation.

When researching potential destinations, pay attention to the data available online. You want to make sure that you double-check every piece of information since there are instances when you cannot know if the data is correct. It would be best to consult a website such as Niche and read comments from locals. That way, you’ll get authentic descriptions of a particular place.

San Francisco landscape picture
If you are one of the people moving out of San Francisco, research important aspects of other towns you want to relocate to

If You’re a Young Professional, Relocate to Providence, Rhode Island

You might wonder – is SF losing population? Since higher living costs are forcing individuals to leave the town, Providence might be a place to go. Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and the most populous city with a population of almost 180,000. It was founded by Roger Williams in 1636, making it one of the oldest cities in the US. It is known for its cultural diversity, fantastic food scene, and top-rated colleges. Young professionals and students would have an array of universities to choose from since there are as many as eight colleges and universities in Providence. Here you will find Brown University, one of the best colleges in the Providence Area, Rhode Island School of Design, and Providence College.

There are many museums, theaters, unique boutiques, and historic neighborhoods. The food scene is one-of-a-kind because the world’s largest cooking school is situated right here in Providence – Johnson & Wales University. The Italian influence can be recognized in the impressive dishes in more than 100 restaurants and different food markets. Those interested in historic neighborhoods should explore the East Side, where you can see astounding 18th and 19th-century homes, flickering street lamps, and cobblestone streets. At Providence Performing Arts Center, you can enjoy many great Broadway acts.

What is the Cost of Living in Providence?

In case you are relocating to another state alone, you should know what kind of expenses can you expect. What is excellent about Providence is that it is almost 60 percent more affordable than the Golden City. The median home value is below the national average, estimated at 200,000 dollars. Rent prices are considerably lower than in the Golden City. For a one-bedroom apartment downtown, you will have to pay about 1,800 dollars and for the same apartment outside the center 1,700 dollars. Restaurant and grocery prices are about 25 percent lower than in San Francisco.

Here is a video on all the things one can experience in Providence.

People Move to Boise, Idaho, Because It Is the Next Silicon Valley

With a population of about 226,000, Boise is the capital of Idaho. It is one of the most booming and growing cities in the US, and many believe that it will soon become the next Silicon Valley. There are many business opportunities in this town since some of the major companies like Lamb Weston, Clearwater Analytics, and Boise Cascade LLC are located right here. If you are anxious about how to get a job in a new city, don’t worry. The tech industry is booming in Boise, with many businesses choosing it as their headquarters. These include ClickBank, Hewlett Packard, and MarkMonitor.

Also, the greenery and natural scenery are outstanding in this town, and in many aspects, it is similar to the Bay Area. Boise River Greenbelt just might be the most known stretch of parks and trails that run through the downtown. Nearby, you will find many hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Compared to San Francisco, residing in Boise is considerably less expensive. The median house value is just 250,000 dollars, and the rent price of a one-bedroom apartment in downtown is 1,500 dollars. Consumer prices are as much as 40 percent lower than in San Francisco. Childcare, groceries, and restaurant prices are also lower in Boise.

What is There to Do in Boise, Idaho?

If you are searching for some benefits of relocating to Boise, bear in mind that this town has some amazing places. Discovery Center of Idaho is one of them. An interactive science center on West Myrtle Street has almost 200 exhibits for individuals interested in technology, math, and science. Children can also have fun in this center since there are many classes on Sundays, a program such as Young Discoverers, and camps for kids during summer.

Another interesting place is the Capital City Public Market. Here newcomers can enjoy fresh local produce from almost 150 vendors – fish, fruit, baked goods, and vegetables. On the other hand, the Boise Trolley Tours is for history enthusiasts who want to go on guided tours through the town. On these tours, you can visit the Basque Block, Hyde Park, the Idaho State Capitol, and the mansions of Warm Springs.

Anyone Looking for an Exciting Arts Scene Should Move to Minneapolis, Minnesota

Located in Hennepin County, Minneapolis is known for its natural beauty and unique arts scene. Once a timber and flour milling capital of the world, Minneapolis boasts numerous wetlands, thirteen lakes, creeks, waterfalls, and the Mississippi River. With a population of 430,000, the town is the most populous urban area in the state of Minnesota. Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and the nearby area go by the name of Twin Cities.

In case you are trying to find an urban place with an eclectic atmosphere, you’ve found the right place. Before sitting down to make a household inventory list, research the most important landmarks in Minneapolis – Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. With a collection of more than 13,000 artworks, Walker Art Center has everything from books, sculptures, and paintings to photographs. Established in the 1980s, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the largest sculpture park in the country. You will find 75 art installations in the park, and the sculpture named Spoonbridge and Cherry particularly attracts many visitors.

If you don’t have a clue how to get a job before you move to a new place, there’s no need to worry. You should not have any problems finding a job in Minneapolis. Many Fortune 500 companies have headquarters in this town, such as Best Buy, United Healthcare, 3M, General Mills, and Target.

What Living Expenses Should You Expect When Relocating Across Country?

If you are planning a move to another city, you should be aware of the consumer prices in that location. The prices in Minneapolis are reasonable and more affordable than in the Golden City – almost 30 percent lower. The average home value is 251,000 dollars, whereas the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city’s center is 1,300 dollars which is almost 60 percent lower than in the Golden City.

Bridge and buildings in Minneapolis
San Francisco's higher consumer costs are causing some to relocate to Minneapolis

Another Top Destination Is Knoxville, Tennessee

The largest town in the East Tennessee Grand Division, Knoxville offers a suburban atmosphere to all of its citizens. With 186,000 inhabitants, it is the state’s third largest town after Memphis and Nashville. Everyone can enjoy the beauty of rolling hills and plenty of recreational activities such as biking, fishing, and hiking. The young professionals and students would find living in this area convenient because of the University of Tennessee. Also, there is a well-known Forensic Anthropology Center.

If you want to move for love of nature and spacious parks, Knoxville has thousands of acres of natural areas, local parks, and open spaces. Mayor Bob Leonard Park has many sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, and greenway trails. You’d love Norris Dam State Park if you are relocating with pets. It sports camping areas, various sports fields, and hiking trails. From this state park, you can easily reach the River Bluss Wild Area. Another beautiful park is Mead’s Quarry Park, where one can find breathtaking views, rock bridges, gorges, and historic cemeteries.

What is Available to Locals in Knoxville, Tennessee?

Known as the “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Knoxville has something for everyone. You’ll move efficiently if you know in advance what the town has to offer. Visit Ijams Nature Center if you want to explore ten miles of hiking trails and education displays about different animals. There are many water sports options, kayaks and canoes to rent, and many outdoor rock climbing sections.

Those who love history and education should visit the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture and East Tennessee History Center. Many exhibits of archeological and historical finds are available for individuals of all ages to see every day. If you are a foodie, you’d be delighted to learn about Knoxville Food Tours. On a three-hour tour, you’ll experience unique restaurants and historic locations where you can taste various specialties.

Looking For the Best Place to Raise a Family? Select Raleigh, North Carolina

Situated in Wake County, Raleigh is the best town to live if you move to North Carolina. With many available amenities and a suburban feel, Raleigh offers both an urban and suburban lifestyle to its citizens. The top-rated schools in this town are Green Hope High School, Raleigh Charter High School and Ravenscroft School.

In Raleigh almost all residents own their homes. The median home value is 250,000 dollars, whereas the average rent is 1,100 dollars. It is considered to be the best place to raise a family since it is a safe town and the school district is also excellent.

If you’ve already prepared a new apartment checklist, don’t worry about having a steady income and buying new furniture for your home. Raleigh is also known as the Silicon Valley of the East since there are many major tech employers here, such as Cisco, IBM, and GlaxoSmithKline. The town has everything to offer, from the great food scene, culture, and art scene to outstanding scenery. Additionally, important landmarks in the town are the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the North Carolina Museum of History.

What is There to Do in Raleigh, North Carolina?

If you’ll be investing in long-distance moving services soon, research all the opportunities Raleigh has to offer. The town is home to more than 9,000 acres of parks where everyone can take part in recreational activities daily, and there is a 180 miles-long greenway system where residents walk, hike, jog, or run. There are also many forests where one can find different wildlife such as wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and wood ducks. For sports lovers, it should be mentioned that there are always hockey games of NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and Atlantic Coast Conference basketball games. If you are seeking arts and culture, listen to the North Carolina Symphony or the North Carolina Opera, or catch outstanding performances at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Landscape of the town of Raleigh
There are plenty of interesting spots to visit in Raleigh

Don’t Move Out of California Without Reliable Long-Distance Movers

When you decide to move out of San Francisco and California, make sure to have a trustworthy relocation company providing you with cross-country moving services. Prepare a relocation budget and get more information on how much movers cost. Phone at least three different companies so you can compare the estimates they give you. Choose the company that best fits your requirements and needs. What is more, read trusted reviews and testimonials from their websites to get a clear picture of what you can expect. If this is still not enough, get your friends and family members to provide you with some recommendations.

Two movers carrying items to the truck
When relocating across country, bear in mind that you require professional and experienced movers

Have You Already Chosen the Destination to Move To?

Before, people always asked – why are so many people moving to San Francisco? But ever since the pandemic, the situation has changed. Remote work has sparked the major SF move-out, and residents are searching for more affordable places to live, work, and raise their families. With our top picks of the best destination to move to, you can make a selection based on your preferences. Don’t forget that the most important part of your move is the relocation company that can give you the best advice if you run into difficulties. All we can do is wish you luck.

Madison Rogers

Born and raised in Houston Madison is a content writer who loves traveling. She has lived in different states and is always eager to share her knowledge with others.

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