As others pointed out, people are moving into California faster than moving out, so although people may be leaving, it is still a net gain.Even in my little city we get people moving from Minneapolis or Chicago to enjoy lower cost of living here.

I left Minneapolis for similar reasons, oh and I don't love the 8 month winters.

Now to freak you out a bit if in Minneapolis market, ever heard of that law where the city can confiscate real estate if it is a rental and there is drug activity?

I lived in Minneapolis for 10 years and they aren't far behind Seattle.

Minneapolis, MN area.

I stepped up my fitness game and joined a CrossFit gym in Minneapolis, which I love!

from pic above, there's no affordability problem if you live in Minneapolis or Ohio.There could be affordability issue if you live in most CA/NY/FL/WA city only BUTeven from the vicinity of bay area, one could still purchase condo for 300k only, MH for 200k only, condo in San Francisco for 350k only and house for 400k.You just need to lower your standard to be able to affordable a house LOLSo the issue with affordability is only in the most expensive 10 cities only.

I've visited the market that I invest in (Minneapolis - St Paul) frequently and am starting to get a real good sense of where to invest in the submarket and where not to invest. 

My properties are about 1,100 miles away from where I live (Cambridge, MA to Minneapolis/St.

Minneapolis mowing, weed whipping and leaf blowing runs me about $25-$35 per yard depending on size.