California is a dream come true and heaven on earth. The weather is mostly gorgeous, and with 360 days of sunshine, you can enjoy your wine al fresco on your sunlit patio or chill with a book at the beach.
As an experienced local distance moving company, we understand why California makes people tingle and why the Golden state can be so appealing. However, there are several factors that you need to consider before moving to California. ( Read here for more information on long-distance moving).
Here is a list of 7 things you need to know before you arrive in the Golden State to make your transition smoother.
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You Will Need A Car
California is a big state, and given that most towns and cities are not heavily populated, your options for public transit are not too many. Unless you live in Los Angeles and San Francisco, you will need a car to move around. Chances are you already have a car, so that shouldn’t be a big problem. But be warned, traffic can be a nuisance that you will have to deal with on a daily basis.
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California Is All About Nature
California’s nature is majestic, and there is something to please every nature-lover enthusiast. There is an abundance of national and state parks where you can hike mountains and marvel at nature’s beauty and changing colors with each season. In addition, you can ski, surf, camp, and swim.
If you happen to love wine, and not only nature, there are several stunning vineyards with breathtaking views to visit, and source some high-quality wine while you are at it!
No wonder that California ranks number one on outdoor recreational activities. There is something for every nature aficionado and every budget and wallet.
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Housing Is A Big Issue
Ah! Housing in California can be a big issue. In some cities, housing is ridiculously expensive, and even upper-middle-class Californians cannot afford it. Moreover, local zoning rules keep the supply of houses low and, coupled with the increasing demand, skyrockets housing prices even more.
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The Cost Of Living Is High(er)
California is gorgeous, but the Golden State does not come cheap. Be prepared to pay more on utilities, groceries, entertainment, gas, and so on, when compared to other states. The prices are higher, but so are the wages, so it balances your budget a bit. But if you do not expect this discrepancy in the cost of living, you might be shocked when you discover it first hand. So it is best to prepare, mentally at least, beforehand.
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There Are Lots Of Economic Opportunities
The cost of living might be higher, but California more than makes up for it by offering ample economic opportunities to its new residents. So do not let the increased prices discourage you from moving. There are many things you can do to earn a decent living to afford the California lifestyle.
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California Is Diverse
California is diverse, and each part is distinctly different from another. Northern and Southern California have different cultures, and there is some “amicable” rivalry between the residents of each. So in choosing sides, you will also need to consider which part you like most. Are you a San Diego person or a San Francisco one? Please note that even though California is one state, the weather conditions between each side vastly differ.
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California Is A High Tax State
Unfortunately, there is no way to sugar-coat this. California is a high-tax state when it comes to your income. But, of course, property taxes are below average, making the high-income tax easier to swallow.
Bonus Thing To Know: Ah! Those Beaches!
Nothing tops California beaches. With more than 1000 miles of beaches to explore, you never get bored of swimming and feeling the soft sand on your feet. The stunning California coastline offers a respite from your daily routine and is the best way to begin or even end your day.
Californians are amongst the happiest of US residents and not without good reason. So how can you stay gloomy, with such beautiful beaches and the sound of calming waves as the splash on the shore?
Being one of the most sought-after moving companies in California, we know firsthand that increasingly more and more people choose the Golden State to spend the rest of their lives.
Whether you are choosing an interstate move or moving across the border, there is a lot of stress involved. So, make sure you know these seven things before moving to California!
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.