Long Time Los Angeles Residents Are Leaving... Where Are They Going?
Dana Ehrlich
Los Angeles Homeselling Specialist · eXp Realty
It is a conversation happening in coffee shops across Studio City, driveways in Burbank, and neighborhood gatherings in Sherman Oaks. Long-time residents are quietly packing up and moving on. But if they are leaving Los Angeles, where exactly are they going?
The Shift in the Los Angeles Market
Over the past few years, the real estate landscape in Southern California has shifted. Homeowners who bought their properties decades ago are sitting on significant equity. For many, a large home in the Hollywood Hills or a spacious property in West Hollywood no longer fits their current lifestyle. The kids have moved out, the maintenance feels like a chore, and the idea of a fresh start becomes appealing.
This is not a mass exodus driven by panic. Instead, it is a calculated transition. Residents are rightsizing their lives, cashing in their equity, and looking for communities that better match their next chapter.
Considering a move? Check out our Home Selling Guide to understand your options in today's market.
Top Destinations for LA Locals
When residents leave the immediate Los Angeles area, they tend to follow a few common paths based on their goals.
1. The Out-of-State Relocation
States like Nevada, Arizona, and Texas remain incredibly popular. The draw is straightforward: your Los Angeles equity goes significantly further. A homeowner selling in Sherman Oaks can often purchase a comparable or newer home outright in these states, with funds left over for retirement or investments. (Check recent migration data sources here).
2. The Coastal or Desert Shift
Not everyone wants to leave California. Many choose to stay within a few hours' drive to remain close to family. We see strong movement toward the desert communities like Palm Springs or coastal areas further south or north. It offers a change of pace without completely severing ties to the state.
3. Local Rightsizing
Some residents do not leave the area at all. Instead, they sell their large family home in Studio City and purchase a low-maintenance condo or townhome nearby. This allows them to keep their doctors, favorite restaurants, and social circles intact while shedding the burden of a large property.
How to Plan Your Own Transition
If you are considering a move, the logistics can feel overwhelming. Selling a home while trying to buy another—especially out of state—requires careful coordination.
- Understand your home's current value: The market changes quickly. A personalized home value assessment is your first step.
- Explore flexible selling options: Programs like Buy Before You Sell can remove the pressure of timing a concurrent close.
- Leverage a national network: Working with an agent at a brokerage like eXp Realty means you have connections to verified, experienced agents in your destination city.
Making a move after years in the same home is a major life event. It requires a strategy tailored to your specific timeline and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are people moving out of Los Angeles?
Many residents choose to relocate for lifestyle changes, retirement, different cost of living options, or to be closer to family. Downsizing or rightsizing is a common reason for long-time homeowners in areas like Burbank and Sherman Oaks.
Where are Los Angeles residents moving to?
Popular destinations include neighboring states like Nevada, Arizona, and Texas, as well as other parts of California that offer different paces of life or housing options.
How do I coordinate selling my LA home and buying out of state?
Working with an agent connected to a national network, like eXp Realty, allows you to coordinate timelines. Options include negotiating a rent-back agreement, exploring buy-before-you-sell programs, or timing a traditional concurrent close.
Thinking About Your Next Move?
Whether you are staying in Los Angeles or heading out of state, let's build a timeline and strategy that works for you. No pressure, just a helpful conversation.