The exodus of Hollywood workers from Los Angeles continues, driven by California’s high cost of living and doing business. The Los Angeles Times writes that the allure of the city’s film and TV industry is fading as rising housing costs and shrinking job opportunities push many to leave. The pandemic and last summer’s double labor strikes by writers and actors have rocked the industry, leading to significant job losses. The slowing of the streaming boom has further exacerbated the problem, with companies cutting back on programming and shedding jobs.

The sad truth is that California is becoming increasingly unaffordable for everyone. 

As rents and home prices in Los Angeles hit record highs—up 6% from last year—many in the entertainment industry find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

Cities like Atlanta and Albuquerque have become attractive alternatives, offering generous tax incentives that have lured productions away from L.A. Some workers have transitioned to entirely new careers outside the entertainment industry. Whether out of choice or necessity, these Hollywood workers face financial and emotional challenges as they adapt to life away from the city that once symbolized their dreams.

It is not just the entertainment industry; parents now fear their children will be worse off than they are. A generation no longer believes they can afford a home, and more young people live with their parents. This exodus of Hollywood workers highlights the broader issues affecting California’s sustainability and underscores the urgent need for solutions to make the state livable for all its residents.