Moving to California guide

So, you’re moving to one of the most popular and beloved destinations in the United States? Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, California is home to many young professionals who are coming to this state for its growing business opportunities, diverse culture, and amazing cities to live in. Before you dive into The Golden State’s gems, you need to make sure you have expert assistance during your relocation. Finding compatible movers for a long-distance relocation is difficult because it requires picking the best out of countless companies. Luckily, you don’t have to look further – Best Long Distance Movers is perfect for a job like this. Contact us and we will make sure you get the best help possible in your area. And since moving to another state as California calls for some research, we’ve prepared this guide for moving to California to help you prepare.

Quick facts you should know before moving to California

Known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, and Hollywood, California is a place many people around the world would love to call their home. Before making the move, let’s go over some quick facts to get to know California a bit better:

• California is home to 39,78 million people
• According to Niche.com, the median household income is $75,235
• Two major languages spoken in California are English and Spanish
• California has among the highest taxes in the country – state tax rates go from 1% to 12.3%, depending on your income
• The state capital of California is Sacramento
• The cost of one pint of beer is $6
• Aside from ‘The Golden State’ California has many nicknames: “the Land of Milk and Honey”, “the El Dorado State”, “the Sunshine State”, “the Grape State”, and “the Golden West”

What to expect when moving to the Sunshine State

As with every decision in life – some you win and some you lose. But, if you love having lots of sunshine, breathtaking nature, and gorgeous beaches – there’s going to be a lot more gain in California. Before you hurry to find the best long distance movers in California, let’s go over some of the things you can expect from living in the Sunshine State.

Thriving job scene

One of the most important things to consider when moving to CA is the job market. And California doesn’t disappoint. It is a state with a successful economy powered by tech, tourism, and agriculture. The unemployment rate isn’t bad, as it dropped to 7.5%. The current minimum wage is $14 per hour for all employers with 26 or more employees. This minimum wage is among the highest in the country, but the cost of living is also very high. California is home to some of the biggest companies in the world like Google, Apple, Facebook, Disney, and Chevron. If job opportunities are an important factor affecting which city you will choose in California, San Diego could be an ideal option. It may be known for its beaches and warmth, but it is also a very good place to work. Forbes has even named San Diego the best city in the country to begin a start-up company. If you decide on this city, look for the best long distance movers in San Diego to handle your relocation professionally.

High-quality education for which students from all over are moving to California

California is home to some of the most internationally renowned universities like Stanford, USC, and UCLA. Also, the state has the biggest public university system in the United States, with affordable in-state tuition. Many students from all over the world think about moving to California for high-quality education. One of the best cities for students is Los Angeles. It’s a relatively young place with a median age of 35.6 years, with many people in their 20s and 30s. This makes it ideal for students looking to meet new people and find new friends in their new college city. Plus, Los Angeles has a 24-hour entertainment culture – clubs, pubs, restaurants, cafes, you name it. If this sounds like something you’re looking for, find the best long distance movers in Los Angeles and settle in this amazing city.

Expensive housing and cost of living

While moving to California is incredibly rewarding with beautiful weather, amazing beaches, and delicious food, it comes at a price. It has one of the highest costs of living in the United States and is ranked as the third most expensive state to live in the country. The most expensive cities are San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Beverly Hills, and Malibu. Moreover, San Francisco and the Silicon Valley area have some of the highest real estate prices in the country. Housing costs are high for both homeowners and renters. The median home value in California has risen an unbelievable 21.9% over the past year and is now at $708,936. When it comes to renting an apartment, the story doesn’t get prettier. In Los Angeles, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,150/month., and in San Francisco residents are paying about $3,442/month.

You’ll need a car and get ready for traffic before moving to California

Be prepared to drive to get where you need to go if you’re moving to California. Having a car is an absolute necessity. Public transportation is improving in the state, but the biggest cities were built with cars in mind. A massive population and dense inner cities create California’s infamously slow traffic scene. Aside from frustrating traffic and long commutes, the cost of gas and insurance are very high – one of the highest in the country.

The Bottom Line

Having some disadvantages, like any other place, California is a fantastic place to live. Especially for all nature lovers – for you, moving to California will be a dream come true. The Golden State has it all – from beautiful beaches to redwood forests and mountain ranges. No matter the reason you’ve decided on California, the benefits of living in this amazing state outweigh the negatives. Just be clever, rely on the help of Best Long Distance Movers to find the fittest long distance moving company and enjoy the perfect moving experience.