California residents flee to Alabama primarily to escape the state’s crushing high cost of living, traffic congestion, and housing crisis that makes homeownership nearly impossible for many families. Alabama offers dramatically lower living costs, affordable housing, and tasty southern comfort food culture that provides authentic regional experiences. The state features rich history and bountiful recreational opportunities without California’s natural disaster threats like wildfires and earthquakes. Alabama’s top-notch college football culture and slower pace of life appeal to those exhausted by California’s fast-paced, high-stress environment. The absence of California’s heavy tax burden allows residents to stretch their income much further while enjoying southern hospitality and traditional American values in small-town settings.
