> But they are not leaving empty houses - they are selling them for millions as the world's would be movers and shakers move in.

Er, not necessarily:

> Last year more Americans left the county of San Francisco than arrived.

Now, granted, that could be a very specific piece of datum and either of the following could still be true:

1) When you include more than just "Americans" the net influx is still positive

2) Even if they're moving out of SF county, maybe they're just moving to, say, Alameda county

But nonetheless that is an interesting tidbit.

Or they are more likely leaving because of insane rents. I've met quite a few people in that circumstance. And I highly doubt that "movers and shakers" are that prevelant.

"Movers and shakers" are not buying these houses - big company types with very high salaries and good savings habits are buying them.