1. Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s exit from California is one of the most high-profile departures in recent years, The New York Times reports. In 2020, the tech billionaire made the bold move to Texas, citing frustration with California’s high taxes and regulatory environment. His decision to leave followed his increasingly vocal dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of business restrictions during the pandemic. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk’s relocation signaled a shift in Silicon Valley’s influence and how entrepreneurs view the state.
Musk’s departure wasn’t just about tax breaks. He also spoke out about the growing cost of living in California and the regulatory burdens facing businesses. His new base of operations in Texas provides him with more flexibility to scale his companies without the same bureaucratic hurdles. By leaving, Musk made it clear that even the tech elite were no longer immune to California’s ongoing issues.
2. Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan, the wildly popular podcast host, made waves when he announced he was moving to Texas in 2020, according to Yahoo Finance. For years, Rogan had lived in Los Angeles, but he decided the high cost of living and the increasing political climate in California weren’t for him. In a conversation on his podcast, Rogan described how California had changed in a way that no longer aligned with his personal or professional goals. The move was symbolic of a broader trend among influencers and creators choosing to leave the Golden State for places with lower taxes and fewer regulations.
Rogan’s departure is significant because he represents the new wave of content creators, many of whom have found that they don’t need California to thrive. With his podcast’s massive success, Rogan proved that you can build a global platform without staying in LA or San Francisco. Rogan’s shift to Austin signified a cultural shift, where the state’s reputation as the go-to spot for creators and entertainers was increasingly being questioned. It’s no wonder many others are following in his footsteps, making Texas a new hotspot for talent.
3. Gavin Newsom
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, once a rising political star, has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, according to the Los Angeles Times. The political backlash surrounding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s ongoing issues with homelessness has led many to question whether Newsom will continue as the face of California’s future. His approval ratings have fluctuated, and some critics have even suggested that Newsom himself is losing faith in his ability to turn things around. The 2021 recall election was a pivotal moment, and while he survived, it left a scar on his political career.
Newsom has often appeared distant from the people he governs, and his own personal controversies haven’t helped his case. His lavish dinners at the French Laundry during the pandemic sparked widespread outrage, making him appear out of touch with the everyday struggles of Californians. With California facing an uncertain future, many have begun to wonder if Newsom himself is growing weary of the constant challenges. The idea that he could step down or leave entirely is becoming less outlandish by the day.
4. The Kardashians
The Kardashians have been synonymous with California for over a decade, but their ties to the state have started to fray in recent years, according to Page Six. Kim Kardashian and her family, known for their reality show and massive influence, have been shifting their focus away from California. Kim made the decision to move her family to Wyoming for a period, seeking a simpler life outside the chaos of LA. Other members of the family, like Kourtney, have also spent considerable time in different locations, even purchasing homes outside of the state.
This exodus is symbolic of a larger shift among celebrities who no longer feel the need to live in California to maintain their status. The Kardashians’ decision reflects a growing desire for privacy and a more peaceful lifestyle, away from the prying eyes of paparazzi. Their departure also ties into the broader trend of celebrities escaping high taxes and seeking more freedom in less congested, more affordable areas. As they pivot towards other states, it’s clear California’s once-untouchable hold on celebrity culture is loosening.
5. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook (now Meta), has been quietly shifting his base of operations outside of California in recent years, according to Forbes. In 2021, it was reported that Zuckerberg and his family had relocated to Hawaii, where they had previously purchased a sprawling property. Zuckerberg’s move reflects the growing trend of tech moguls looking for more peace and privacy, away from the pressures and taxes of California.
Zuckerberg’s departure is notable not only because of his immense wealth but because of his influence in shaping the tech landscape. Facebook’s success is intrinsically linked to Silicon Valley, but Zuckerberg’s personal move suggests that even the most powerful in tech are beginning to see California as less essential for their success. As with many other billionaires, his move raises questions about whether California can retain its status as the epicenter of tech innovation.
6. Tim Cook
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has long called California home, but the tech mogul has made subtle hints that he may no longer view it as the ideal place for business. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple has expanded its presence in states like Texas and North Carolina, highlighting his company’s growing diversification. While Cook still maintains a strong presence in Silicon Valley, he’s increasingly focused on Apple’s global expansion, making it clear that California’s grip on tech innovation may be loosening. Cook’s decision to spread Apple’s footprint beyond California signals the start of a broader trend among Silicon Valley executives.
The departure of Tim Cook from his role as a California-centric business leader would be huge. Cook has benefited from the state’s wealth of talent, but as other states roll out more business-friendly policies, the question becomes whether California is still the best place for tech growth. Tim Cook’s pivot towards other locations reflects the growing reality that tech giants may no longer need California to thrive. If anything, his focus on diversification signals that Silicon Valley’s dominance may be slipping.
7. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, has also been vocal about his feelings toward California. While he previously lived in Los Angeles, Johnson made the move to Florida in 2020. In interviews, he’s discussed the appeal of Florida’s lower taxes and a more laid-back lifestyle compared to the hustle and bustle of California. Johnson’s relocation was also influenced by the desire to focus on his family, making it clear that California’s demanding lifestyle wasn’t for him anymore.
Johnson’s departure underscores a larger trend of high-profile celebrities moving out of California for more relaxed, tax-friendly states. For a man who built his brand in Hollywood, leaving California was a major statement. Florida, with its lack of state income tax, offers an attractive alternative for wealthy individuals like Johnson. His move shows that even the biggest stars are reevaluating whether California is still the best place to build a family or business empire.
8. Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth, best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has also distanced himself from California. While he spent years in Los Angeles pursuing his acting career, Hemsworth made the move back to Australia where he’s from, and where he now resides. For Hemsworth, it wasn’t just about escaping California’s high costs but also about wanting to raise his family in a more grounded, natural environment. His decision to move back home represents a broader trend among actors and celebrities who seek to reconnect with their roots.
Hemsworth’s move to Australia is also indicative of the growing trend of global mobility for Hollywood stars. With the rise of streaming platforms and international filming locations, actors no longer feel the need to be in California to maintain a successful career. Hemsworth’s shift to Australia allows him to maintain his Hollywood status while enjoying a more balanced lifestyle. For many in the entertainment industry, California is no longer the sole place to build a life, and Hemsworth’s relocation reflects this new reality.
9. Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon, known for her roles in movies like Legally Blonde and Wild, has spent most of her career in California. However, in recent years, Witherspoon made the decision to split her time between California and Nashville, Tennessee. She even moved much of her business operations to the South, where her production company, Hello Sunshine, is now headquartered. Witherspoon’s move represents a broader trend of creatives and entrepreneurs finding that they don’t need to be in California to build successful businesses.
For Witherspoon, the move was both personal and professional. While she still maintains a presence in California, her heart and business interests are increasingly focused on the South. By leaving California, she is tapping into a more affordable cost of living and a slower pace of life. This shift reflects a desire to take control of her career and personal life, outside of the distractions and pressures that come with living in California.
10. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey, a long-time California resident, has been increasingly spending more time outside the state in recent years. While she has always been synonymous with California’s celebrity culture, Oprah’s primary residence is now in Montecito, a quieter area compared to the bustling Hollywood scene. Oprah has also invested heavily in properties outside of California, including in places like Maui. Her relocation signals a change in priorities, with a focus on privacy and a more serene lifestyle.
Oprah’s move represents a broader shift away from California’s fast-paced and often chaotic lifestyle. As one of the most influential media moguls in the world, Oprah’s decision to scale back her time in California underscores the state’s changing appeal, even for the rich and famous. Her quieter existence away from the public eye shows that even those with enormous wealth are reconsidering their place in the Golden State. Oprah’s move to quieter, less-taxed locales demonstrates that there are alternatives to California’s high-profile, high-stress way of life.
11. Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, made headlines when he purchased a massive estate on the Hawaiian island of Lanai. His decision to spend less time in California and more in Hawaii reflects a broader trend among Silicon Valley elites seeking privacy and a more relaxed lifestyle. Ellison, known for his business acumen, has stated that his decision to spend more time in Hawaii allows him to escape the crowded, high-pressure environment of California. His real estate investments outside of California further emphasize his growing distance from the state.
Ellison’s move is another reminder that the power of Silicon Valley is no longer tied to California. As Oracle continues to thrive, Ellison’s choice to spend more time in Hawaii signals that even tech moguls are beginning to think beyond the borders of California. The rise of tech hubs in other parts of the country, like Austin and Miami, means that there’s less pressure to remain in the state to be successful. Ellison’s personal shift reflects the changing dynamics of California’s hold on tech power.
12. Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher, the actor turned venture capitalist, has also become part of the exodus from California. While he built his career in Hollywood, Kutcher has become increasingly involved in tech investments and has made moves to relocate to states with more favorable tax conditions. Kutcher’s growing focus on venture capital and his role in multiple successful tech startups made him reconsider his ties to California. He and his wife, Mila Kunis, have expressed a preference for raising their family outside of the pressures and expenses of Los Angeles.
Kutcher’s departure is significant because he represents the new wave of California residents who are actively seeking a more sustainable and manageable lifestyle. His decision to leave Hollywood’s spotlight and focus on his business interests speaks to the shifting priorities of celebrities and entrepreneurs. With his deep involvement in the tech world, Kutcher’s move is symbolic of a wider trend where California is no longer seen as the only place to be successful.
