TLDR:
- Multiple high-profile celebrities and business figures have left California between 2020-2024
- Main reasons cited: rising crime, homelessness, high taxes, and progressive policies
- Florida and Texas are popular destination states, offering no state income tax
- Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies frequently cited as a key factor in departures
- Most recent departure: Jillian Michaels moved to Florida in 2024
Celebrity departures from California have continued into 2024, with fitness guru Jillian Michaels becoming the latest high-profile figure to leave the state. The movement of entertainment and business figures from California to other states shows no signs of slowing, with many citing similar reasons for their relocations.
Jillian Michaels
Michaels, known for her role on “The Biggest Loser,” chose Florida as her new home state in early 2024. She pointed to multiple factors driving her decision, including California’s drought conditions and increasing homeless population. In interviews, Michaels expressed strong criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, stating that progressive policies had led to a decline in the state’s conditions.
Joe Rogan
The trend of celebrity departures gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic, with podcast host Joe Rogan making headlines in 2020 for his move to Texas. Rogan didn’t mince words about his reasons for leaving, describing California as having “gone full communist” and criticizing the state’s approach to law enforcement and crime management.
Elon Musk
Billionaire Elon Musk made perhaps the most impactful move, relocating not just himself but also his companies’ headquarters from California to Texas. Musk’s decision came after California passed the SAFETY Act, which addresses school policies regarding gender identification. He had previously warned Governor Newsom that such legislation could drive away families and businesses.
Scott Baio
“Happy Days” star Scott Baio chose Florida as his destination in 2023 after 45 years in California. Safety concerns topped his list of reasons for leaving. During a television appearance, Baio explained that Los Angeles had become a place “where the victims are the criminals and the criminals are the victims.” He praised Florida’s atmosphere, comparing it to “what America was like 50 years ago.”
Dean Cain
Actor Dean Cain opted for Las Vegas, Nevada, citing financial reasons and disagreement with California’s policies. In media appearances, Cain highlighted Nevada’s lack of state income tax as a major draw. He expressed frustration with California’s tax structure, which he described as affecting “everything: energy, water, gas” along with what he called “the craziest ever sales tax.”
Rob Schneider
Rob Schneider, known for his comedy roles, chose Arizona as his new home state. He described Arizona as a “slightly freer state” compared to California. Like others who left, Schneider pointed to Governor Newsom’s policies as a deciding factor in his departure.
The exodus has particularly affected the Los Angeles area, where many entertainment industry figures previously made their homes. Several departing celebrities mentioned the city’s homeless crisis in their decisions to leave. Baio specifically referenced statistics about homelessness in L.A. County when announcing his move.
Reasons for Leaving
These departures often follow similar patterns, with Florida and Texas emerging as popular destinations. Both states offer no state income tax and generally maintain more conservative policies compared to California. Several departing celebrities praised their new home states for what they describe as better governance and quality of life.
The timing of these moves often correlates with specific policy changes in California. For example, Musk’s departure followed particular legislation, while others left during or after the pandemic period when many began reconsidering their living situations.
Crime rates in California cities have factored into multiple celebrities’ decisions. Both Baio and Cain specifically mentioned safety concerns and what they viewed as lenient crime policies as motivating factors for their relocations.
Tax policy differences between California and other states remain a consistent theme in these moves. Multiple departing celebrities highlighted California’s high tax rates as a key factor in their decisions, with several choosing destinations known for lower tax burdens.
The entertainment industry continues to maintain a strong presence in California, particularly in Los Angeles. However, these high-profile departures have drawn attention to ongoing debates about the state’s policies and their effects on residents.
Governor Newsom’s office has not directly addressed these specific celebrity departures. However, these moves have been referenced in broader discussions about California’s population changes and policy directions.
Most of these celebrities have reported satisfaction with their moves. They often describe their new locations as offering better quality of life, lower costs, and policies more aligned with their personal views.
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