Here are seven California towns that residents are swiftly departing, based on the most recent census data and other reliable sources.
| Town | Median Home Value | Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Air Quality Index |
| San Francisco | $1.4 million | 64.6 | 38 |
| Los Angeles | $752,500 | 25.1 | 97 |
| Bakersfield | $258,500 | 44.8 | 158 |
| Stockton | $320,900 | 64.8 | 97 |
| Fresno | $258,500 | 51.3 | 158 |
| Modesto | $327,700 | 51.5 | 97 |
| Merced | $243,800 | 56.9 | 97 |
San Francisco
San Francisco, located in the Bay Area, is renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and Alcatraz Island. Nevertheless, it stands out as one of the priciest and challenging-to-live-in cities in the United States, boasting a median home value of $1.4 million, a median rent of $3,102, and a staggering cost of living index at 269.6.
The city also grapples with issues such as a notable homelessness rate, a diminished quality of life, and a high crime rate, rendering it an unappealing place of residence for many.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, situated in Southern California, is renowned for its entertainment sector, sunny climate, and diverse population. Nevertheless, it stands out as one of the most traffic-congested and polluted cities in the United States.
The average commute time is 29.4 minutes, with an air quality index of 97 and a traffic index of 255.8. Additionally, the city boasts a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $752,500 and a median rent of $2,375.
Bakersfield
Bakersfield, situated in Kern County within the Central Valley of California, is renowned for its contributions to oil and agriculture, along with a vibrant country music scene.
However, it is noteworthy that Bakersfield faces significant challenges. It ranks among the most polluted and less healthy cities in the United States, with an air quality index of 158, a water quality index of 55, and a healthcare index of 55.8.
The city grapples with a high unemployment rate of 10.5%, a modest educational attainment rate of 17.4%, and an elevated crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000 residents.
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Stockton
Stockton, situated in San Joaquin County in the northern part of California’s Central Valley, is recognized for its waterfront locale, diverse population, and rich history.
Nevertheless, Stockton faces challenges, being among the most financially strained and unsafe cities in the United States. It carries a debt per capita of $1,998, a poverty rate of 23.7%, and a crime rate of 64.8 per 1,000 residents.
The city also exhibits a lower quality of life, marked by a median home value of $320,900, median rent of $1,295, and a cost of living index of 118.9.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Healthiest Place to Live in Arkansas
Fresno
Fresno, situated in Fresno County in the southern part of California’s Central Valley, is renowned for its agricultural output, particularly in grapes, raisins, and almonds.
Nevertheless, Fresno stands out as one of the least affluent and most segregated cities in the United States, boasting a median household income of $49,813, a median home value of $258,500, and a Gini coefficient of 0.48.
The city also grapples with elevated crime rates, registering 51.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, a low educational attainment rate of 22.5%, and a substantial unemployment rate of 9.2%.
Modesto
Modesto, situated in Stanislaus County in the northern part of California’s Central Valley, is renowned for its wine industry, cultural events, and as the hometown of George Lucas.
Nevertheless, Modesto faces challenges, being among the most unhappy and meth-affected cities in the US. It holds a happiness index of 28.8, a drug overdose death rate of 19.6 per 100,000 residents, and a meth lab incident rate of 8.6 per 100,000 residents.
The city also grapples with a high cost of living, featuring a median home value of $327,700, a median rent of $1,295, and a cost of living index of 121.9.
Merced
Merced, situated in Merced County in the central part of California’s Central Valley, is recognized for its proximity to Yosemite National Park, its university campus, and its agricultural history.
However, it is important to note that Merced faces significant challenges, ranking as one of the most economically distressed and crime-ridden cities in the United States.
The city has a depression rate of 23.3%, a suicide rate of 15.1 per 100,000 residents, and a crime rate of 56.9 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, Merced grapples with a high poverty rate of 35.1%, a relatively low median household income of $43,945, and a modest median home value of $243,800.
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Final Words
People are leaving certain California towns promptly due to factors like crime, poverty, unemployment, high cost of living, or limited opportunities. Despite potential positive aspects like historical or cultural significance, these towns are perceived as unappealing and unsustainable for many residents because of predominant negative factors.
