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Bay Area Exodus: A Season of Discontent Evolves
A new poll reveals Bay Area residents say the quality of life in the region has deteriorated in the last five years, despite a continued economic boom. A survey conducted by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and Bay Area News Group points out the top challenges include high housing prices (83%), cost of living (81%), homelessness (79%) and traffic congestion (76%).
Roughly 44% of respondents indicate they are likely to move out of the Bay Area in the next few years. More telling is the fact that 6% of polled residents have definite plans to leave this year. Among those contemplating a move, 77% say it is because of high housing costs and 76% say it’s the cost of living.
The discontent is shared across party lines and throughout the region’s five counties. The poll of 1,568 registered voters showed just 7% of respondents felt Bay Area life has improved in the past five years, while 23% say it’s about the same.
There was a decline in quality of life felt by two out of three renters, while 64% of homeowners noted worsening conditions, despite the steep increases in property values and personal wealth that have been realized since 2012.
Residents in San Francisco expressed the most displeasure, with 72% indicating their life in the Bay Area has declined in recent years.
For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser
- ◦Economy
