Poll: Nearly Half the residents in California mega region wants to move away from it

The primary reason cited for wanting to leave remains consistent: the high cost of housing.Photo byCharlie LedereronUnsplash

A recent poll conducted by the Bay Area News Group and Joint Venture Silicon Valley has found that nearly half of Bay Area residents have contemplated leaving the region. Specifically, 47 percent of those surveyed expressed a desire to move away in the next few years, marking a decline from previous years' sentiments.

In 2022, the percentage of residents wishing to leave the Bay Area reached 56 percent, while that figure dropped to 52 percent last year. This year's poll indicates a slight but noteworthy improvement in residents' outlook, suggesting that fewer people are currently considering relocation.

The primary reason cited for wanting to leave remains consistent: the high cost of housing. Many residents are struggling with the steep prices associated with renting or buying a home in the region, which has long been known for its exorbitant living expenses.