Californians who relocated to Texas seeking lower costs of living and a more conservative political landscape are now reconsidering their new homes, with many eyeing Florida and other traditionally red states. This shift in migration patterns follows a recent election in Texas that some residents interpreted as a significant political change within the state. The evolving motivations highlight the complex interplay between economic factors and political alignment in interstate relocation decisions.
"I just don’t trust the motives, and I understand all politicians have some corruption in them, but when I pay for it — like that bullet train and high gas prices and all of that in California — it directly hits my wallet. So that’s a big deal to me." Marie Bailey, Realtor and Migration Group Administrator
Marie Bailey, 44, a realtor and administrator of a prominent Facebook group dedicated to helping people move from California to Texas, is among those now planning a new move. Bailey, who grew up in El Segundo, California, has managed the group for years, facilitating moves for numerous Californians. She told The California Post that she was "shocked" by what she described as recent election results in Texas, particularly the reported defeat of the incumbent governor. These outcomes have led her to plan a personal move to Florida.
"There’s a lot of people who I believe are going to change course to Florida," Bailey stated, adding, "Florida is actually where I am going." She noted a significant cooling of interest in Texas within her group, with enthusiasm falling "quite a bit" since the vote. Bailey's caution regarding Democratic political influence stems from her experiences in California. "I just don’t trust the motives, and I understand all politicians have some corruption in them, but when I pay for it — like that bullet train and high gas prices and all of that in California — it directly hits my wallet," she explained. "So that’s a big deal to me."
Other members of Bailey’s group echoed similar sentiments. One individual posted, "I am literally closing on a house in Texas next week! I am so pissed." Another pondered, "If I have to tolerate blue I might as well have good weather so maybe back to CA? Or give FL a try?" Breana Janel, a California native, described herself as "heartbroken" by the perceived political trajectory of Texas. She expressed concerns that Texas might not "flip back" politically, fearing that "Now that they have control, I don’t think they’ll let go." Janel is now looking at Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Georgia, states where, according to the source, Democrats also secured several key victories. She characterized staying in Texas as a "lateral move" if it were to increasingly resemble California.
The migration of Californians to Texas has been a well-documented trend, driven primarily by economic factors. Joshua Blank, research director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, noted that most of these movers "tend to be moderate to conservative in their views." However, Blank emphasized that financial considerations, rather than ballots, initiated the majority of this migration. Bailey confirmed this, stating, "Ninety-nine percent of our clientele are people moving from California," and identifying "No. 1 [reason] is cost of living and No. 2 is politics."
Housing costs represent a significant component of this economic disparity. A 2025 analysis by RAND, a California-based policy research institute, projected the cost of building multifamily housing in California to be more than 2.3 times that of Texas. This stark difference has allowed many movers to significantly upgrade their living situations. One couple featured on Bailey’s website recounted selling a two-bedroom, one-bathroom house in Orange County, California, to purchase a five-bedroom, four-bathroom home in Texas. They described their experience as, "Our enthusiasm for Texas is real, our abundance is overflowing, and we are grateful, y’all." Another family, the Gomezes, moved after the pandemic severely impacted their business, pushing them "within an inch of total financial ruin." They found immediate relief and opportunity in Texas, writing at the time, "If you’re on the fence, this is your sign. Take the leap. The weight has lifted and we’re beyond blessed to be in Texas."
Despite the renewed concerns, Blank offered a perspective for those considering another move. "They don’t have to move back," he advised, adding, "And if they do, I’m gonna tell them they’re silly. It’s not a good way to make decisions." The ongoing reevaluation by these migrants underscores a broader quest among individuals to find states that best align with their financial goals and political values, demonstrating the dynamic nature of population shifts across the United States.
