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California Dreamin’ or California Leavin’: Poll Reveals 40% Contemplating Exodus, Citing Cost of Living and Political Discontent

ByAlki David

Jun 24, 2023

California has long been regarded as a land of dreams and opportunities, attracting people from all walks of life to its golden shores. However, a recent poll conducted in the state has shed light on a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction and contemplation among its residents. According to the survey published by the LA Times, a staggering 40% of Californians are seriously considering leaving the state, raising concerns about the future of the Golden State.

While approximately 70% of respondents expressed their happiness with living in California, citing the state’s diversity, economic prospects, and overall quality of life, the underlying sentiment of discontent cannot be ignored. The poll reveals a striking contrast between the state’s allure and the increasing number of individuals contemplating an exit strategy.

One of the primary factors driving this consideration to pack up and leave is the exorbitant cost of living in California. A significant 61% of those contemplating a departure pointed directly to the financial burden imposed by the state’s high cost of living. This sentiment was particularly pronounced among people of color, with around 71% of Black or Asian/Pacific Islander respondents citing the expense as a determining factor.

Moreover, a substantial portion of respondents, nearly 30%, expressed that their potential departure is driven by a misalignment between the state’s policies and their political views. This highlights the deep polarization experienced not only in California but across the nation. Conservatives, in particular, were more likely to identify the state’s politics as a driving force behind their contemplation to relocate.

The poll results paint a complex picture of a state at a crossroads. California’s allure remains strong, as evidenced by the majority who express their happiness with living there. The diversity, economic opportunities, and enjoyable lifestyle continue to be draws for many. However, the concerns over the rising cost of living and the ideological divide within the state’s political landscape are causing a significant portion of residents to reevaluate their future within California’s borders.

The findings of this poll should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and leaders in California. It is crucial to address the concerns raised by residents and find ways to alleviate the financial strain caused by the high cost of living. Additionally, efforts to bridge the political divide and foster a more inclusive and accommodating environment for differing viewpoints should be pursued.

In conclusion, California’s reputation as a dream destination is facing an uncertain future as a substantial number of residents contemplate leaving the state. The poll highlights the pressing issues of the high cost of living and political discontent as the primary reasons behind this sentiment. It is imperative for California to address these concerns in order to retain its appeal and ensure a prosperous future for all its residents.

By Alki David

Alki David — Publisher, Media Architect, SIN Network Creator - live, direct-to-public communication, media infrastructure, accountability journalism, and independent distribution. Born in Lagos, Nigeria; educated in the United Kingdom and Switzerland; attended the Royal College of Art. Early internet broadcaster — participated in real-time public coverage during the 1997 Mars landing era using experimental online transmission from Beverly Hills. Founder of FilmOn, one of the earliest global internet television networks offering live and on-demand broadcasting outside legacy gatekeepers. Publisher of SHOCKYA — reporting since 2010 on systemic corruption inside the entertainment business and its expansion into law, finance, and regulation. Creator of the SIN Network (ShockYA Integrated Network), a federated media and civic-information infrastructure spanning investigative journalism, live TV, documentary, and court-record reporting. Lived and worked for over 40 years inside global media hubs including Malibu, Beverly Hills, London, Hong Kong and Gstaad. Early encounter with Julian Assange during the first Hologram USA operations proved a formative turning point — exposing the realities of lawfare, information suppression, and concentrated media power. Principal complainant and driving force behind what court filings describe as the largest consolidated media–legal accountability action on record, now before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Relocated to Antigua & Barbuda and entered sustained legal, civic, and informational confrontation over media power, safeguarding, and accountability at Commonwealth scale.