Traffic, Water Shortages, And Housing Costs Push Californians To Move Elsewhere

California’s housing shortage is causing higher rents and home prices, especially in the major metros along the coast. Residents are starting to consider moving to another state.

The Los Angeles Times asked readers to share their stories about why they left California.

People cited traffic, water shortages, high mortgage payments, high income taxes, and weak wage growth.

Not everyone is moving, of course. The population of California, as well as Los Angeles and Orange counties in particular, is still growing. And moves out of L.A. and Orange counties also remain far below levels seen during last decade’s housing bubble.

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