The Bush Institute’s Cullum Clark shares what he’s learned about California-to-Texas migration.
“Don’t California my Texas” is a common refrain of Texans who don’t want an influx of Californians to influence the traditional Republican values of the state.
The California-to-Texas migration trend is hard to ignore, especially after the pandemic led to a wave of West Coasters exiting for more affordable cities like Dallas.
One out of every 10 people moving to Texas comes from California, according to a recent study by the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University. Companies like Charles Schwab, Tesla and Oracle are just some of the latest to relocate their headquarters from the Golden State to the Lone Star State.
Cullum Clark, director of the Bush Institute-Southern Methodist University Economic Growth Initiative, considers himself a student of what’s driving Texas’ explosive growth.
Clark, 55, worked in the investment industry for 25 years before earning his Ph.D. in economics at SMU with the aim of a second career in economic policy research and engagement, he said.
Shortly after graduating, he joined the Bush Institute to lead a program called “Blueprint for Opportunity,” which focuses on creating “inclusively prosperous, opportunity-rich” regions, cities, towns and neighborhoods, he said.
From his research, Clark has found that Californians are almost exclusively moving to Texas’ four large metro areas — Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. He said that means big-city leaders need to figure out how to make urban communities more livable as they get more crowded.
“I compare Dallas to how Dallas was when I grew up here. It feels a lot bigger,” he said. “Yes, it feels sometimes a little bit more crowded. On the other hand, it’s a whole lot more interesting.”
Clark sat down withThe Dallas Morning Newsto discuss why people are moving from California to Texas and the impact it may have on the state. His answers are edited for brevity and clarity.
Why are people leaving California for Texas in droves?
People are moving to Texas primarily for economic reasons. They want good job opportunities and to be able to afford the type of lifestyle they want to live.
When you look at the West Coast compared to Texas, there’s a gigantic difference in housing prices. And that is by far the biggest driver. But I think people are looking at the whole package when they decide where to live.
If people were single-mindedly focused on cheap real estate, they would go to rural places, maybe in the Rio Grande Valley or the Appalachians. But that’s not where they’re going; they’re leaving those places.
You want to be able to get the job, make the income you’re aspiring to, and afford the lifestyle that you’ve been wanting to achieve. The big metropolitan areas of Texas are offering that package about as well as any place in the United States today.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of migration trends, economic factors, and regional development, I can provide valuable insights into the article from The Dallas Morning News featuring Cullum Clark, the director of the Bush Institute-Southern Methodist University Economic Growth Initiative.
Cullum Clark's role as a former professional in the investment industry for 25 years, coupled with his Ph.D. in economics from SMU, positions him as a credible authority on the economic dynamics driving Texas' explosive growth. His transition from the private sector to leading the "Blueprint for Opportunity" program at the Bush Institute reflects a commitment to understanding and shaping inclusive economic growth.
The article delves into the California-to-Texas migration trend, a phenomenon that has become increasingly noticeable, especially post-pandemic. The Texas Real Estate Research Center's study at Texas A&M University, as cited by Clark, asserts that one in every 10 people moving to Texas comes from California.
Major corporations like Charles Schwab, Tesla, and Oracle relocating their headquarters from California to Texas underscores the economic impact of this migration. This trend has given rise to the phrase "Don't California my Texas," expressing concerns about the influence of newcomers on traditional Republican values in the state.
Clark emphasizes that Californians are predominantly moving to Texas' four major metro areas: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. This insight suggests the need for urban leaders to address the challenges of increasing population density and ensure that these cities remain livable and attractive.
During the interview with The Dallas Morning News, Clark outlines the primary reasons behind the migration wave. He identifies economic factors as the driving force, with individuals seeking good job opportunities and a lifestyle they can afford. Housing prices, significantly lower in Texas compared to the West Coast, emerge as a key factor influencing migration decisions.
Contrary to a narrow focus on cheap real estate, Clark points out that individuals consider the overall package when deciding where to live. Texas' major metropolitan areas, according to him, excel in offering a combination of job opportunities, income potential, and an affordable lifestyle, making them highly attractive compared to other regions in the United States.
In summary, Cullum Clark's expertise, backed by extensive experience and academic qualifications, provides a nuanced understanding of the economic and social dynamics behind the California-to-Texas migration trend. The article sheds light on the motivations of individuals relocating, emphasizing the role of economic factors and the need for urban planning to accommodate the influx.
