California: Shedding Residents Faster Than a Golden Retriever After a Bath
California, the land of sunshine, surf, and celebrities who definitely don't use fillers (wink wink), has been making headlines for a surprising reason: people are leaving. Now, before you pack your bags and head for the nearest avocado-toast-free zone, let's dive into the data, shall we?
The Great California Exodus: Myth or Reality?
It's happening, folks. California's population has shrunk for three years in a row, which is about as common as finding a decent parking spot in downtown LA. In 2023, the state lost a cool 75,423 residents, which sounds like a lot, but hey, at least they all won't be competing for that perfect spot on the beach for sunset selfies anymore, right?
But wait, there's more! The good news (for California's traffic, at least) is that the exodus seems to be slowing down. Think of it as a leaky faucet – it's still dripping, but at least it's not a full-on geyser anymore.
So, who's hitting the road?
Well, a lot of fingers are pointing towards the high cost of living, particularly housing. California living might be dreamy, but apparently, that dream comes with a hefty price tag. A recent survey by the PPIC [Public Policy Institute of California] found that a whopping third of Californians have considered moving out because of the cost of housing. That's a lot of people who might be trading their beach cruisers for… well, whatever the mode of transportation is in Nebraska (probably a combine harvester?).
Is California turning into a ghost town?
Hold on to your cowboy hats, partners, because the answer is a resounding no. California still boasts a population of over 38 million, which is more people than the entire state of Canada (sorry aboot that, Canada). While the state might be shrinking a bit, it's still a heavyweight in the population game.
So, what's the takeaway?
California's population might be on a bit of a diet, but it's not starving. The exodus is slowing down, and the state is still a giant. Whether you're looking for a place with endless sunshine or just want to avoid the crowds (because, let's face it, everyone wants to live in California), this shouldn't deter you. Just be prepared to, you know, maybe not buy that beachfront mansion right off the bat.
