The California-to-Texas migration has been well documented over the past several years as Golden State residents flock to cheaper markets. But did you know that Arizona is also one of the top migration destinations for Californians?
According to moveBuddha, Californians made up nearly a quarter of all migrants into Phoenix between 2016 and 2020, as well as 20.3% in Tucson. The American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that approximately 64,000 Californians moved to Arizona each year during that same time frame. Washington, Arizona’s second-highest filter state, only sent about 17,000 new residents annually.
Furthermore, Arizona ranks No. 5 in the country when it comes to Californians’ ‘moving interest’ — measured by nationwide internet searches from individuals who were planning on moving during the first six months of the year. Nearly 5% of all potential movers out of California were interested in moving to Arizona during that time, indicating that migration into Arizona won’t be slowing down any time soon.
Overall, Californians are still most interested in moving to Texas, followed by Florida, New York and Washington.