This study investigated unintended consequences of policies that restrict where sex offenders can live. Results indicted decreased housing availability, increased homelessness and transience, and financial hardship. Residence restrictions forced registrants to live farther away from employment opportunities, treatment services, and public transportation. Younger registrants were particularly impacted. Low risk and high risk registrants were equally affected. Implications of these and other findings are discussed, including potential for these laws to create psychosocial stressors that increase rather than lower recidivism, and potential to interfere with effective monitoring and supervision of sex offenders. Alternative community protection strategies are recommended.