People Leaving San Francisco Are Looking to Move to These 10 Cities

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Updated on March 15th, 2024

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San Francisco, CA, is by no means a small city, with a whopping 875,000 people living in the city. Locals never run out of entertainment options here with so many attractions and unique neighborhoods to explore. In San Francisco, you’ll find a plethora of delicious cuisines, dozens of art exhibits and museums, and an incredibly proud sports fan base. 

Even though many enjoy living in San Francisco, 25% of local homebuyers are searching to live in another city. If you’re thinking about moving and wondering where to move from San Francisco, Redfin has the top 10 cities people leaving San Francisco are considering relocating to.

1) Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, CA, was the most popular destination for San Francisco area residents looking to relocate. With a median sale price of $482,500, compared to $1,300,000 in San Francisco, there are 24,465 people searching to move to Sacramento.

Sacramento is a city with a rich history dating back to the 1849 Gold Rush when it served as a supply center for prospectors from all over the world. Today, Sacramento is the capital of California and is widely known as the City of Trees for its abundance of parks and tree-lined streets. Home to 503,500 residents, it’s also considered one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in America.

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2) Los Angeles, CA

Coming in second is Los Angeles, CA, with 12,116 residents looking to move out of San Francisco for sunny LA. The median home sale price in Los Angeles is $975,000, which is less than the median home sale price in San Francisco.

Home to 4 million residents, Los Angeles is one of the most recognized cities in the United States. The City of Angels boasts world-class restaurants, beautiful beaches, fantastic job opportunities, and so much more.

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3) Seattle, WA

7,495 San Francisco-area residents are looking to leave the beautiful Bay Area for Seattle, WA, where the median home sale price is $840,000.

The Emerald City exudes charm and offers the best of big-city living. Located on Puget Sound, Seattle is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains, water, and lush forests. From its booming industries to its beautiful natural landscape, it’s no wonder that 741,500 people proudly call Seattle home.

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san diego neighborhood along ocean

4) San Diego, CA

For San Francisco residents, the fourth most popular destination locals are considering moving to is San Diego, CA. 4,808 San Francisco homebuyers searched to relocate to this area, where the median home sale price is $850,000.

Home to 1.4 million residents, San Diego is a beautiful city with a great climate, lovely beaches, and amazing attractions. It’s a big city with world-class dining, professional sports, and a plethora of entertainment options, but it also has a strong sense of community. San Diego also offers many opportunities to enjoy amazing sea activities, such as whale watching, sailing, and snorkeling. The city’s white sand beaches, spacious parks, and rugged mountain peaks make it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

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5) Portland, OR

People leaving San Francisco are also considering Portland, OR as their new home. With a median sale price of $549,000, there are 2,186 San Francisco locals looking to make the move here. 

The city of Portland is known for its natural beauty and eco-friendly atmosphere. Portland is perfect for nature lovers with thousands of acres of public parks and extensive biking and hiking trails. The city is also home to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Portland Timbers, and the Portland Winterhawks, making it a great place for sports fans. In addition to its many parks and sports teams, Portland also has museums, art galleries, and the oldest public library on the West Coast. The city is currently home to 650,500 residents and offers the best of city living with a small-town, friendly atmosphere.

Homes for sale in Portland, OR
Apartments for rent in Portland, OR

row of townhomes

6) Salinas, CA

If you’ve considered calling Salinas, CA home, you’re not alone. 2,823 San Francisco residents have searched to move to the Salinas, CA area too, where the median home sale price is $661,500.

The city of Salinas is a thriving community with an agricultural industry that provides 80% of the lettuce grown in the nation. Home to 156,000 residents, the city also boasts an emerging art scene that provides residents with plenty of options for entertainment and cultural enrichment.

Homes for sale in Salinas, CA
Apartments for rent in Salinas, CA

7) Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV is another popular destination for San Francisco area residents looking to relocate. With a median sale price of $400,000, 2,755 people are considering moving to the thriving city of Las Vegas.

Home to 645,000 people, Las Vegas offers residents a unique blend of suburban living and big-city entertainment. World-class restaurants, beautiful parks, and endless recreation options are all available to residents.

Homes for sale in Las Vegas, NV
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austin apartment complex city views with pool

8) Austin, TX

With a median sale price of $577,500, Austin, TX is the eighth most popular destination for San Franciscans looking to relocate, with 2,684 people searching to move here.

Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State and is located in Central Texas. Home to 966,000 people, the city is vibrant, boasting endless entertainment opportunities, inspiring cuisine, and stunning outdoor experiences. Austin has become a major tech hub and is known for being the live music capital of the world.

Homes for sale in Austin, TX
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9) Fresno, CA

Coming in at number 9 on the list is Fresno, CA. With a median sale price of $365,000, significantly less than the median sale price in SF, 2,661 people moving out of San Francisco are considering moving here.

With 526,000 residents living in Fresno, it’s one of the largest cities in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley. The valley is defined by agriculture, and Fresno is no exception. However, the area offers more than just farming. It attracts residents with a diverse job market, affordable housing, and a variety of cultural attractions.

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view of new york city

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10) New York, NY

People leaving San Francisco are considering relocating to New York, NY. As a city with a median home sale price of $820,000, there are 2,186 San Francisco locals looking to make the move here.

Home to 8.4 million residents, New York City is an iconic location that many people dream of moving to. Despite its reputation for being tough, the city offers plenty of job opportunities and lots of things to do. You can find great restaurants, bars, music, art galleries, and museums. Additionally, the public transport system makes it easy to get around. Whether it’s strolling through Central Park or taking in the view from the top of the Empire State Building, it’s easy to see why New York City is one of the most popular places to live in the world.

Homes for sale in New York, NY
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Methodology: Median home sale price from Redfin Housing Market data and migration figures from San Francisco Migration & Relocation Trends, October 2022.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Carlos Barrientos | Redfin Real Estate Agent

Carlos Barrientos | Redfin Real Estate Agent

Serving homebuyers and sellers in the San Francisco area, Carlos Barrientos is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater San Francisco area, Carlos Barrientos possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.

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