Moving out: “It’s just a matter of time before Washington looks like California Jr.”
We have received a lot of comment and reaction to the blog I wrote recently on U-Haul reporting the number of one-way moves out of Washington to other states. Over the last year, Washington fell from the 5th most desirable state down to 36th. California is at the bottom at number 50.
(See “U-Haul’s yearly move-out report shows surge of people leaving Washington state,”
Below is message, typos and all, that one of our researchers received recently. It is typical of comments we hear from people who have left Washington or who are thinking of leaving:
Hi __________. Just thought I would drop you a note. Thanks for all your hard work on the rising taxes in snohomish county. But after the last election we figured Washington is a lost cause. High taxes. No law and order. And no end of either in sight. My wife and I moved to [state]. Sure the pay is half of what I made up there. But the taxes are half. And what we pay for makes sense.
I like the [WPC] article on u-haul. But they should also poll atlas and mayflower [movers]. I bet the numbers of those leaving are a lot higher then [sic] what is reported. With Boeing where they are. Manufacturing is dead in Washington. They don’t know it yet. But wait and see. It’s just a matter time before Washington looks like California jr.
I wish you well. Keep up the great work _______.
Gradual population shifts tend to happen below the notice of elected leaders (people seldom share their moving plans with the government), but over time various indicators reveal a trend. Like California, Washington is earning a negative reputation.
The years-long push to impose an unpopular state income tax isn’t helping, and Washington’s high sales and property taxes, plus tight regulation of practically everything, discourage investment, innovation, business formation and jobs.
Right now much of the harm created by harsh state tax and economic policies is hidden by health rules and lock-downs, but once the economy returns to normal we may find that Washington is no longer viewed as the great place to live, raise a family and run a business that it once was.
