Thousands of Minnesotans Flock to California for Ideal Weather and Opportunities

Brian Dalton, a 72-year-old former resident of Minnesota, has joined the growing number of Minnesotans making the move to California. After spending most of his life in Minnesota, Dalton wanted to escape the freezing winters and live on the coast. He got the opportunity to temporarily relocate to California after retiring, and after a few months, he knew he had to make the move permanent.

Dalton cited the high cost of living in California, but he ultimately prioritized the sunny climate and abundance of amenities. Since moving, he spends his time hiking with his dogs, watching sports games, and helping his son with his business.

The US Census Bureau recently released data revealing that 5,143 people moved from Minnesota to California between 2021 and 2022. Comparatively, 6,900 people made the move from California to Minnesota during the same period. Additionally, nearly 131,000 people left Minnesota overall, while 117,000 moved in. In California, a staggering 818,000 individuals left the state, while 475,800 migrated in during the same timeframe.

Migrants from various states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, have consistently stated that the reasons for moving to California include the climate, business opportunities, healthcare resources, and infrastructure.

Dalton, who started a family in Minnesota after his service in the Army, worked as a laboratory manager and bartender for several decades in Minneapolis. When planning for retirement, he recalled his teenage years when he drove to California with no credit card and a hunger for concerts. Having visited his children in San Diego over the past 12 years, Dalton desired to join them on the West Coast, despite concerns about expenses.

Dalton settled in Escondido, a city in San Diego County, where he found a senior complex for $1,700 a month. Although this was more costly than his previous accommodations, he couldn’t resist the allure of California’s mountains, diverse flora, and general beauty.