California Moving Companies – Get Moving Quotes from CA Moving Companies

Moving to California?

Since the California Gold Rush in 1849, Americans have been moving to California in search of a new start, and sometimes, in search of fame, fortune and everything else that can be found on the golden coast and the star-paved streets of Hollywood.

There are many different reasons to move to California, from its bustling entertainment scene, to the various different industries spread out over the vast state from top to bottom. Many people would say that Silicon Valley, located outside San Francisco, is at the heart of our nation’s technological development, while southern California has a world famous wine region that is home to some of the best vineyards in the country.

If you’re moving to California, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.

Things to Know When Moving to California

California Climate

• Being that California is the third largest state in the country in land mass, the state has a several different climate zones. The state spans a majority of the west coast and the climate difference between the southern portion of the state near San Diego and the very northernmost point is substantial. Most of the state has a Mediterranean climate, meaning that it is mostly cool in the winter, with the temperature rarely dropping below 40, and dry and warm in the summer. California has a little bit of everything, ranging from snowy mountains in the Sierra Nevada range in the western portion of the state, to the dry desert conditions of the Mojave in the southwest portion, to the cool, breezy oceanfront climate that comprises much of the coastal region. (Helpful Link: California Weather)

Moving Specifics

• Registering your Car: In the state of California, your car is required to have a smog check upon registration. Also, upon your arrival in California after moving, you have 20 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered in the state before you may be required to pay a penalty. (Helpful Link: California DMV)

• Obtaining a California Driver’s License: A California Driver’s License can be obtained at any California DMV location. The state requires new California residents to update their license from their previous state to a California driver’s license within 10 days of moving.

• Real Estate: The average listing price for homes in California is $593,031, while the median sales price is just over $452,000. The California Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of California and their member page can be found here: (http://members1.car.org/CAR_UMS/loadSearchScreen.do?searchType=member&siteid=1 )

• Moving and Storage: If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything, you should check to make sure the company is registered with the California Public Utilities Commission. (Helpful Link: California State Moving Resource Page)

Schools

• Although the public primary school systems throughout much of the state have had recent problems with funding, there is a state amendment that ensures a certain amount of funding per year for all schools grades K-12. California public schools are ranked among the lowest in the country, but there is room for growth. When it comes to secondary education, the state is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country, such as Stanford University in Palo Alto, the California Institute of Technology, Claremont College, Pepperdine University and the University of Southern California. The state college system in California is two-tiered, meaning that it contains both junior colleges and four-year universities. (Helpful Link: California Schools)

Crime Rankings

As of 2011, California was ranked 35th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of 35 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.

Economy of California

Industries

The major players in the California economy when it comes to industry are computers and technology, with a large portion of computer component manufacturing occurring in California. The headquarters of tech companies like Apple, Google and Facebook are located in California, among many others. Also, tourism brings in lots of revenue, as does the film industry and the millions of visitors that flock to Hollywood every year.

Employment Statistics

• In 2011, the state of California had the third highest unemployment rate in the nation at 10.9 percent. Over 57% of male Californians age 16 or over, and 55% of females age 16 or over are employed in the labor force. (Helpful Link: California Labor and Workforce Department)

Average Income

The median household income in the state of California is $47,493, while the average per capita income for the state is $22,711.

Important Locations in California

• State Capital: Sacramento

• Largest Cities:
  1. Los Angeles
  2. San Diego
  3. San Jose
  4. San Francisco
  5. Sacramento

• Major landmarks and attractions: Disneyland, Anaheim; Hollywood; Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco; Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

• National Parks:
  1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
  2. Joshua Tree National Park
  3. Lassen National Park
  4. Lava Beds National Monument
  5. Pinnacles National Monument
  6. Redwood National Park
  7. Yosemite National Park

• State park System: California has a vast system of state parks that span the state from the northern region to the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and are comprised of everything from lush forests and desert landscapes to oceanfront vistas and nature preserves.

• Major Airports:
  1. Los Angeles International Airport
  2. San Francisco International Airport
  3. San Diego International Airport
  4. Sacramento International Airport
  5. San Jose International Airport
  6. Long Beach International Airport
  7. John Wayne International Airport-Orange County

Helpful Links

• State of California Official Website – Moving to CA
• California Homebuyers Resource Page
• Los Angeles International Airport
• California Department of Transportation
• California Department of Education
• California Traffic Updates and Traffic Cameras