Introduction to the California Exodus
Linda Bernardi spent four years building her Malibu dream home, putting the finishing touches on the coastal Sunset Mesa estate late last year. On Jan. 7, she watched it burn to the ground. “I absolutely knew I would never live in L.A. again,” she said. The days and weeks after the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires saw mass migration for displaced residents. Some families fled to hotels or short-term rentals. Others fanned out up and down the coast and into the desert and mountains wanting refuge from the chaos of the city. Others are eyeing a more ambitious getaway.
Factors Driving the Exodus
Citing fires, politics and L.A.’s ongoing housing crisis, a growing number of Angelenos are bidding farewell to California and the United States altogether in exchange for a life abroad. American expats are nothing new; the Assn. of Americans Resident Overseas estimates there are more than 5 million U.S. citizens living abroad. Mexico and Canada are the two most popular destinations — each hosts more than a million Americans as full-time residents — and immigration companies from both countries said there’s always an uptick during election years. But this year, demand has been unusually high.
The Role of Politics
Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, said over the last four months, he received 758 inquiries from Californians looking to move abroad, 25% more than in the same stretch last year. The top 10 destinations include the usual suspects — Mexico and Canada — but also Spain, Thailand, France, the Philippines, Portugal and Italy. A primary factor is President Trump and the vitriolic state of U.S. politics, Permunian said. Trump’s second election has brought even more interest than the first one.
The Impact of Wildfires
Another contributor is the string of wildfires that have torn through California in recent years. For some, the January blazes were a breaking point. “Most of them weren’t even directly affected, but they’re scared it’ll happen sooner or later,” he said. “Someone whose house burned down just contacted me. They’re exploring options, and Italy is one of them.” Pedestrians walk around the Zócalo in the historic center of Mexico City. (Arnulfo Franco / Associated Press)
The Cost of Living
Lastly, Angelenos are exhausted by the rising cost of living — not just inflation but rising rents, high interest rates and home prices that skyrocketed during the pandemic and never fell back down. “People in L.A. are telling me that life in the city is beyond reasonable. The housing market has people concerned,” Permunian said. While $1 million once meant luxury, it now serves as the starting point for many cities and neighborhoods.
Italy as a Destination of Choice
Italy, while always a hot vacation spot, hasn’t historically been as popular for expats; most estimates put the number of Americans living in Italy at around 15,000. But attorney Marco Permunian said now more than ever, Americans, especially Southern Californians, clamor for the historic bustle of Rome or a more relaxed, rustic lifestyle a la “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Former lifeguard Marco Fois dives the 17-metre plunge off the Ponte Cavour into the River Tiber as part of traditional New Year celebrations in Rome on Jan. 1, 2025. (Filippo Monteforte / AFP via Getty Images)
The Appeal of Italian Lifestyle
With the dollar steadily gaining on the euro over the past decade, Americans — and especially Californians, who typically earn higher wages than the national average — have significant buying power in the Italian real estate market. “A standard house in Southern California costs more than a luxury property in Italy,” Permunian said. For a fee — starting at €5,000 and ranging up to €10,000 — Permunian oversees the buying process, helping Americans choose which Italian experience they want: the quiet leisure of a sleepy small town or the frenetic energy of a big city.
Personal Stories of Exodus
Bernardi, a tech executive, sought out Permunian a year ago for help with buying a home in Italy. She planned to live in Malibu and own a second home in Italy, since her husband is Italian by descent. But when firefighters weren’t able to protect her neighborhood in January and her home burned down, her shock and disbelief quickly turned to anger and frustration. “There was a fire hydrant in front of our house that I later found out wasn’t even operable,” she said. “It begs the question of where our tax dollars are going.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the combination of factors such as fires, politics, and the cost of living is driving Californians to seek a new life abroad. Italy, with its rich history, culture, and relatively affordable real estate, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for American expats. As the demand for Italian citizenship and real estate continues to rise, it’s clear that many Californians are seeking a better quality of life and a sense of community that they feel is lacking in their home state.
FAQs
Q: Why are Californians leaving the state in large numbers?
A: Californians are leaving the state due to a combination of factors, including wildfires, politics, and the high cost of living.
Q: What are the most popular destinations for American expats?
A: The most popular destinations for American expats are Mexico, Canada, Spain, Thailand, France, the Philippines, Portugal, and Italy.
Q: How can Americans buy a home in Italy?
A: Americans can buy a home in Italy with the help of a real estate agent or attorney, such as Marco Permunian, who specializes in helping Americans navigate the Italian real estate market.
Q: What are the benefits of living in Italy?
A: The benefits of living in Italy include a lower cost of living, a rich culture and history, and a sense of community.
Q: Can Americans apply for Italian citizenship?
A: Yes, Americans can apply for Italian citizenship if they have Italian ancestry or meet certain residency requirements.
