Adrian Berlutti
Across the U.S., more people are packing up and leaving states that once felt like home. High taxes, natural disasters, and lackluster opportunities are just the beginning. Wondering if your region is one of them? It’s time to look at these 20 states where residents don’t want to live anymore and the reasons behind this shift.
New Jersey
Are you drowning in property taxes? You are not alone. New Jersey’s average property tax rate tops 2.23% — the highest in the nation. Since 2010, the state has lost nearly 45,000 residents every year to states like Florida and the Carolinas. The exodus continues, with retirees and young professionals leading the charge.
Illinois
Outmigration in Illinois hit 87,311 people in 2022 alone, which can be blamed on skyrocketing taxes and an approximately $143.7 billion pension debt that keeps growing. Residents, especially in Cook County, are seeking economic stability elsewhere. You would also want to leave a state that keeps charging but rarely delivers.
California
California’s paradox burns bright as wildfires and blackouts persist, while $1 million starter homes become the norm. Between 2020 and 2023, 412,000 people left the state despite a thriving economy. Families point to increasing disaster risks and a lack of affordable housing.
New York
Between 2020 and 2023, over 630,000 New Yorkers packed their bags because affordability became impossible. Manhattan rents average $4,871 monthly, while state income taxes bite deep. Many head south to Florida for savings and sanity. Even Wall Street firms have started pulling anchor.
Connecticut
Steep taxes and aging infrastructure push Connecticut residents away. With gas taxes among the highest and a median home price of over $415,300, many escape to friendlier states. The post-pandemic shift to remote work amplified exits from Hartford and New Haven. Why stay where your paycheck vanishes?
Louisiana
Hurricane Ida in 2021 marked a breaking point. In Louisiana, natural disasters often hit and come with a heavy financial toll. Paired with rising tax policies and slow job growth, the economic outlook feels unpromising. By 2022, approximately 26,000 residents had moved on to chase stability and peace of mind.
Michigan
When growth slows and prospects dim, people don’t wait; they relocate. Once the heart of American industry, Michigan wrestles with population decline and economic stagnation. Detroit’s recovery is slow, and jobs have shifted elsewhere. The state even lost a congressional seat in 2020.
Pennsylvania
Did you know Pennsylvania has the fifth-oldest population in the U.S.? With more retirees and free working-age residents, the strain on public services keeps growing. Cities like Pittsburgh have struggled to retain talent as many head for livelier tech-driven cities. For some, the future feels like it’s happening somewhere else.
Mississippi
Education gaps drive families out of Mississippi. The state has chronic teacher shortages and underfunded schools, which leads to limited STEM opportunities. Many parents relocate to states with stronger school systems and better academic outcomes. This means a better future, and families will not compromise.
North Dakota
Oil booms brought jobs to North Dakota, but when the industry slowed down, it left lasting damage. The economy rises and falls quickly, and the harsh winters don’t help. Even with high wages during fracking surges, basic services and infrastructure often fall behind. In the end, many leave in search of stability over spikes.
Ohio
Ohio’s workforce is shrinking, with many workers heading south or west for brighter economic opportunities. Job growth in sectors like manufacturing has stagnated, and declining population numbers have hit cities like Cleveland and Dayton. If you cannot find an opportunity at home, you look elsewhere.
Missouri
Quality of life takes a hit when essential services are unavailable where you need them most. Though Missouri’s cost of living is low, the state’s healthcare system is a significant concern. Residents are moving away due to inadequate access to care in rural areas and understaffed hospitals.
Nevada
Growth in Nevada’s cities has been explosive, but with rapid development comes challenges. Housing prices are soaring in places like Las Vegas, displacing longtime residents. Meanwhile, water scarcity remains a significant issue as the state faces a drying up of its vital resources. The future will depend on how well the state adapts.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s rural nature does not work for everyone. While it offers lower costs and wide-open spaces, it also presents a limited job market and fewer entertainment options. Young professionals, especially those in tech and media, are seeking the buzz and better paychecks of nearby states like Colorado.
Alaska
Alaska’s appeal is undeniable until winter hits. As the days grow darker and job options remain scarce for months, the high cost of living causes many to leave the state. Though outdoor enthusiasts flock there for adventure, the reality of daily life often forces residents to seek more practical living conditions.
Rhode Island
Small but expensive, Rhode Island has one of the highest housing costs in the nation. So, people are flocking to Massachusetts, where the economy is recovering from the 2008 recession and the job market is sluggish. For many, the price of staying simply outweighs the cost of leaving.
Georgia
Atlanta’s traffic congestion is a notorious problem, with the city consistently ranking among the worst for commuters. The combination of rising rent and exhausting commutes makes daily life overwhelming. Add in worsening air quality, and it is no surprise people are heading for calmer places like Tennessee or the Carolinas.
Indiana
Despite its rich agricultural history, Indiana faces significant economic challenges. The state struggles with stagnating wages and limited career advancement, prompting workers to seek growth opportunities elsewhere. As the Midwest’s economy shifts, residents are increasingly heading to states that offer more.
Arkansas
The cost of living in Arkansas is one of the most affordable in the country, but that doesn’t always translate to satisfaction. Many residents leave for better economic prospects and greater educational opportunities, particularly in cities like Little Rock, where infrastructure and job opportunities are limited.
West Virginia
West Virginia’s population is slowly declining, struggling with poverty and a shrinking workforce. The state’s economy has yet to recover from the loss of coal jobs, and many residents are relocating to neighboring states that offer more diverse opportunities. So, leaving becomes less of a choice and more of a necessity.
