10 Things You Should Know Before You Move to California

California just might be the epitome of the American Dream: endless sunshine, stardom, beaches, Silicone Valley… You name it, California probably has it! If you’re tempted to move to the Golden State, there are some things you’ll probably want to know as you dig deeper into the pros and cons of life in Cali. 

The Moving & Storage Pros have been in business in California for years, so we know all about moving here. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the most important things you should know about California before you decide to move:

1. California is big. The state of California is 163,696 square miles, making it the third-largest state. That means you’ll probably need a car to get around and see the endless sights the state has to offer. From the Northern California mountains to the Southern California deserts, there are so many attractions, landmarks, and other things to see that you’ll want to explore them all.
2. Higher education is excellent. Chances are, you’ve probably heard of one (or lots) of California’s colleges and universities. Many new college students move to California for its prestigious schools like Stanford, Cal Tech, or UCLA, as well as its great art schools. Parents sometimes consider moving to the state to take advantage of the in-state tuition as well, making it an exciting move for the whole family. 
3. The economic opportunity is boundless. With huge industry hubs like Silicone Valley and Hollywood, California is a popular choice for those looking to chase their dreams. People move to California for various reasons, but one of the most popular is for a specific job, and it’s no wonder why. California has not only the biggest economy in the country but also the fifth largest in the world. 
4. The cost of living is high. It’s no secret that California does have a very high cost of living. The average cost of living, according to Zillow, is $609,757 which is more than a b it steep for most people, but it is important to remember that when calculating the overall average, that also includes celebrity multi-million dollar homes. Other costs like groceries, utilities, and transportation are also more expensive than other parts of the country.
5. Nature lovers will love it. California has something for everyone in terms of nature. Not a fan of the snow? Los Angeles rarely falls below 45 degrees and is almost always sunny. On the other hand, San Francisco and its surrounding areas offer a much cooler climate. California is home to nine national parks of different climates, including:
   • Channel Islands National Park
   • Death Valley National Park
   • Joshua Tree National Park
   • Kings Canyon National Park
   • Lassen Volcanic National Park
   • Pinnacles National Park
   • Redwood National Park
   • Sequoia National Park
   • Yosemite National Park
6. The weather is beautiful. For most of the year, most of California is typically warm and dry. Because of the size of the state, though, the Northernmost regions are usually colder, while the Southernmost areas tend to be very hot. The exception to the mildness of the state, as most of the residents will tell you, is San Francisco, which seems to have odd weather due to the mix of the cold ocean current mixed with the heat of the Central Valley. This mix creates its infamous fog and keeps the city chilly.
7. California is diverse. People from all around the world call California their home. The state is muti-lingual, with the top three languages being English, Spanish, and Chinese. Because the state used to be part of Mexico, many of its residents speak Spanish, so it may be useful to brush up on your Spanish! Many of the major cities have other bustling cultural hubs too, like San Francisco’s Chinatown and Oakland’s African-American history. 
8. There are so many beaches. Of course, California is known for its beaches. With its entire western border against the Pacific Ocean, it’s no wonder that there are seemingly endless public and private beaches. The sunshine, surf, and sand make California very attractive for those seeking the beach life. 
9. The food and wine are incredible. Because of its diverse population, residents can find nearly every kind of food. Whether it’s a burger from California’s famous In-n-Out or a farm-to-table fresh salad from an independent restaurant, California is sure to be able to satisfy your cravings. With over a thousand wineries, the state also has an incredible selection of reds, whites, rosés, and everything in between. Most American wine is produced in California, so why not visit California’s wine country?
10. There are some risks. Life in California is not always glamorous, unfortunately. Living in the Golden State brings with it some high risks: wildfires, drought, mudslides, and earthquakes are possible. Luckily, despite the media coverage they get, these scary events aren’t as frequent as they seem. These risks could potentially increase the cost of your homeowner’s insurance, though, so keep that in mind.

How Can We Help You?

If you’re thinking of moving to the Golden State, The Moving & Storage of Southern California can help. Whether it’s a long-distance move or a short move, we can help you pack up and transport all your belongings safely to your new office or residence. A full-service move will include packing services, loading services, unloading services, storage services, and unpacking services. No need to worry about grabbing tools or packing supplies; we bring everything to you. Our goal is to make sure your move is stress- and hassle-free. Call the Pros of Southern California today at 213-267-5585 or visit our contact page and let us know what services we can provide you.