If you’re thinking about moving to California, particularly moving to Los Angeles or the surrounding area, you have a lot to consider. Much more goes into moving to this beautiful part of the Golden State than you might realize. While it’s critical to plan ahead, it’s also important to get excited because living in California has so many perks and wonderful qualities. Let’s look at everything you need to know about your upcoming move to California so you can feel prepared, get it done efficiently, and enjoy your new fabulous lifestyle!
Living in California
We’ve compiled 16 essential tips and things to know about moving to California. Let’s dive in!
1. Understand the California Housing Market
There’s no doubt that the housing market in California is competitive. Homes rarely stay on the market for longer than a few days, and many apartment complexes have waiting lists. Because of this high degree of competition, it’s essential to have expert help when searching for where to live.
Check out our market stats here.
2. Learn the Transportation Options
There are many ways to get around in Southern California. Of course, you may choose to own a vehicle, but if you don’t, public transportation can help. The Los Angeles Metro Rail system can get you where you need to go. The rail lines include:
- Metro A Line: Downtown LA to Long Beach
- Metro B Line: Union Station to North Hollywood
- Metro C Line: Norwalk to Redondo Beach
- Metro L Line: Azusa to Union Station to East LA
- Metro D Line: Union Station to Wilshire/Western
- Metro E Line: Downtown LA to Santa Monica
There are also bus lines that can help get you where the rail doesn’t. For the full list, click here.
3. Be Prepared for the California Climate
The climate is one of the best parts of living in California, especially here in the South Bay area. It’s beautiful almost all year round, with very little rain and abundant sunshine and warmth. It’s also warm; even in the winter months, temperatures are usually above 60 degrees. The weather is definitely one of the best parts of moving to California.
4. Finding a Job
The job market in California is very good. There is a wide array of jobs available and industries hiring, from technology to education and much more. What’s more, salaries and wages tend to be much higher than in other parts of the country. The average salary in California is around $91,000, while the average for the United States as a whole was about $52,000 in 2019. Take a look at the Southern California job market on Indeed here.
5. Understand Your Moving Options
The hardest part of your move to California is getting your stuff here. You have three main options: traditional moving companies, storage companies like Pods, and renting your own truck. How you move should depend largely on where you live, so it might be a good idea to secure housing before hitting the road.
6. Plan to Establish Residency Quickly
California doesn’t give you a lot of time to establish residency; you only have 10 days to change your driver’s license and only a few more to change your vehicle registration. That’s another reason why it’s such a good idea to allow a realtor to help you find a place to live that works for you.
7. It’s Big and Spread Out
Southern California is one of the largest urban areas in the world and the largest in the US. It can be overwhelming trying to explore so many suburbs and cities. That’s where a local, experienced realtor can be extremely helpful.
8. It’s a Nature Lover’s Paradise
California is a dream come true for those of us who love the great outdoors. Not only are there multiple state and national parks in the Golden State, but when you move to California, you’ll always be only a short drive from mountains, desert, the coast, world-class surfing, and so much more.
Some of the national parks you can travel to throughout California include:
- Alcatraz Island (San Francisco)
- Joshua Tree National Park (Southern California)
- Lassen Volcanic National Park (Mineral, CA)
- Pinnacles National Park (Paicines, CA)
- Redwood (Del Norte & Humboldt Counties)
- Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front (Richmond, CA)
- San Francisco Maritime
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon (Tulare and Fresno Counties)
- Yosemite (the Sierra Nevada)
9. Fresh Food Galore
Because of the climate, as well as its proximity to some of the finest farmland in North America, California has some of the freshest food in the world. Californians have come to expect only the finest ingredients in their food. When you join us here, you’ll enjoy it, too.
Some of the fresh crops and agriculture we produce in California include:
- Dairy
- Grapes
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Strawberries
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Oranges
10. Education is a Big Priority
Dozens of award-winning colleges and universities are located in California. Not only that, but many of our local school districts are also some of the finest in the country. If good schools are important to you, be sure to speak with a local expert.
11. We Have Everything
Here in California, we’re known to be trendsetters. That means that we have everything you can possibly want or need, from stores to foods, to one of the largest airports in the world, to the world’s most famous amusement park, and so, so much more.
12. Taxes: You Get What You Pay for
Maybe some naysayers have told you about the taxes when you say you’re moving to California. They’re not wrong, but the more important thing to realize about that is in some ways, you get what you pay for. Californians know that we have some of the best public services in the country. What’s more, the perks of living here make it worth extra money.
13. It’s Very Diverse
With at least 185 languages spoken in the city of Los Angeles alone, California is one of the most diverse states in the country. With that comes the benefit of interacting with so many different types of people with diverse backgrounds.
14. We’re Taking the Climate Crisis Seriously
If you’re concerned about climate change, then California is a good place to be, because so are we. With many renewable sources of energy, the state also offers many tax incentives for going green.
15. Food and Wine are a Big Deal
And that means you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best in the world. California has long been celebrated as an ideal wine-growing region, and there are so many cuisines to explore. You’ll be caught up in the local passion, and soon you’ll be a foodie yourself.
16. Make Room for Visitors
When you move to California, you’ll be joining one of the most vibrant and exciting places on earth. That means you should expect a lot of visitors.
Welcome to California!
Most importantly, the move to California is one you won’t regret! With so much to do and see, places to go, and diversity, you’ll never have the same day twice. Need help or have questions? We’re here. Let us help you find the perfect home to suit your new California lifestyle!