California is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse culture. But not everything is perfect in the Golden State. Some towns are facing serious challenges such as high crime rates, natural disasters, pollution, and affordability issues.

These factors have led many residents to pack their bags and move elsewhere. Here are seven California towns people are fleeing as soon as possible.

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most iconic and popular cities in California, but also one of the most expensive. The median home price in San Francisco is a whopping $1.4 million, and the median rent is $3,100 per month. Many people cannot afford to live in the city, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit the tourism and hospitality industries hard.

San Francisco also has a serious homelessness problem, with more than 8,000 people living on the streets. The city has seen a 35% increase in the number of people moving out in 2020 compared to 2019.

2. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is another famous and attractive city in California, but also another expensive and crowded one. The median home price in Los Angeles is $950,000, and the median rent is $2,500 per month.

The city is notorious for its traffic congestion, air pollution, and smog. Los Angeles also faces a high risk of earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts. The city has seen a 25% increase in the number of people moving out in 2020 compared to 2019.

3. Bakersfield

Bakersfield is a city in the Central Valley of California, known for its oil and agriculture industries. However, the city also suffers from high unemployment, poverty, and crime rates. The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 10.5%, the poverty rate is 20.5%, and the violent crime rate is 5.3 per 1,000 residents.

Bakersfield also has the worst air quality in the nation, according to the American Lung Association. The city has seen a 16% increase in the number of people moving out in 2020 compared to 2019.

4. Stockton

Stockton is another city in the Central Valley of California, known for its port and waterways. However, the city also struggles with high unemployment, poverty, and crime rates. The unemployment rate in Stockton is 11.1%, the poverty rate is 23.4%, and the violent crime rate is 7.4 per 1,000 residents.

Stockton also has poor air quality, ranking as the eighth most polluted city in the nation. The city has seen a 12% increase in the number of people moving out in 2020 compared to 2019.

5. Fresno

Fresno is the largest city in the Central Valley of California, known for its agricultural and cultural diversity. However, the city also faces high unemployment, poverty, and crime rates.

The unemployment rate in Fresno is 10.2%, the poverty rate is 26.6%, and the violent crime rate is 6.1 per 1,000 residents. Fresno also has poor air quality, ranking as the fourth most polluted city in the nation. The city has seen a 9% increase in the number of people moving out in 2020 compared to 2019.

6. Modesto

Modesto is a city in the Central Valley of California, known for its wine and dairy industries. However, the city also suffers from high unemployment, poverty, and crime rates.

The unemployment rate in Modesto is 9.6%, the poverty rate is 18.3%, and the violent crime rate is 6.8 per 1,000 residents. Modesto also has poor air quality, ranking as the fifth most polluted city in the nation. The city has seen a 7% increase in the number of people moving out in 2020 compared to 2019.

7. Salinas

Salinas is a city in the Central Coast of California, known for its agriculture and literature. However, the city also deals with high unemployment, poverty, and crime rates.

The unemployment rate in Salinas is 9.4%, the poverty rate is 15.8%, and the violent crime rate is 6.7 per 1,000 residents. Salinas also has poor air quality, ranking as the 15th most polluted city in the nation. The city has seen a 6% increase in the number of people moving out in 2020 compared to 2019.

Conclusion

California is a beautiful and diverse state, but it also has its share of problems. Some towns are facing high costs of living, low quality of life, and environmental hazards. These factors have led many people to leave these towns and look for better opportunities elsewhere. While some people may still find these towns appealing, others may want to avoid them as much as possible.