Though the City of Brotherly Love is often associated with Philadelphia, there was some serious sibling sentiment between the Amerige kin who founded Fullerton.
Brothers George and Edward made their way to California from Massachusetts, turning from grain merchants to railroad entrepreneurs in 1887. More than 125 years later, many historic sites line the streets of Fullerton, giving present day life a hint of history.
Known as the Education Community, Fullerton touts excellent schooling and employment, making the municipality a great place for children and adults alike. If you have ever considered moving to Fullerton, get a feel for the town by reading this guide that offers information on the region's climate, cost of living, culture and more.
Fullerton Climate
With an average of 283 sunny days a year in Fullerton, locals look forward to a quite comfortable climate in the community. It is never too hot, with average summer temperatures reaching a high of 84 degrees in August, and it is never too cold with typical winter temperature dropping to a low of 47 in January. Only a little more than 11-inches of rain falls a year, with February as the wettest month with almost 3-inches of precipitation, and of course, no snow falls in the Southern Californian region.
Fullerton Neighborhoods
Some of the most popular places to live in town are off South Brookhurst Road, on Orangethorpe Avenue and along North Gilbert Street. As popular, but a bit more pricey areas to reside in are Sunny Hills and City Center. Downtown Fullerton also features upscale living with expensive apartments for rent in the rustic region that has up to 70 historic buildings in its borders. Cafes, restaurants and shops are right outside the front door of residents who live in the area that is always busy with the hustle and bustle of business and pleasure.
Registering Your Car
Once you move to the state, you have 10 days to maintain a license from the California Division of Motor Vehicles. You are considered a state resident if you register to vote, pay school tuition or file property taxes. To get a license, you must provide proof of name, address and birth date, as well as a Security Card to get a California license. If you do not have out of state license to turn in, you will have to take a knowledge, road and vision test. The cost of a state license it $39. Registering your car and receiving California plates is easy and must be done within 20 days of relocating to the region. Proof of insurance is needed for vehicle registration that costs $46 dollars.
Fullerton Schools
There are two school systems that educate area children, the Fullerton School District and the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. Seventeen elementary and three junior high schools make up the elementary school system and eight schools make up the high school district. There are plenty of private schools in Fullerton with Arborland Montessori Children's Academy, West Fullerton Christian School and Rosary High School among the top three. California State University, Fullerton, CSUF, is the most popular four-year post-secondary school in the city with almost 40,000 students enrolled on campus. It is the largest school in the statewide CSU system. If students are looking for a two-year education, Fullerton College is a community school many young adults attend.
Fullerton Employment
Between the colleges and secondary school systems, education leads the economy in the area with more than 7,000 employees, according to the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Healthcare is right behind, with St. Jude Medical Center alone employing almost 3,000 staff members. Downtown Fullerton is also a popular place to work with many restaurants and bars employing area residents in the food and alcohol business. As of March 2013, the unemployment rate was 7.1 percent, down from the national average and the job growth was up 2.10 percent. Very involved the area's economic development, the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for business owners, who benefit from member-to-member discounts, workshops and workforce development.
Living Costs in the City
Finding a job Fullerton may not be hard, but keeping your finances in check may be a bit challenging since the region's cost of living is quite high. With a 20.8 percent greater rate than the California average and 58.5 percent greater rate than the national average, it is important to keep a tight budget within the city's borders. The median family income averages $73,835 and the median home price comes in at $370,000.
Fullerton Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Fullerton, whether you’re moving from out of state or from another county in California. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Fullerton Transportation
Three major freeways intersect through Fullerton, making it convenient for motorists to get around town. Between State Routes 91 and 57 and Interstate 5 there is no reason to be late from origin to destination if you plan accordingly. For those that choose to use public transportation, Orange County Transportation Authority runs buses throughout the city, offering locals plenty of places to be picked up and dropped off. The Southwest Chief and Pacific Surfliner passenger trains take residents out of town to Los Angeles and San Diego, and if locals are looking to go even further they fly out of the John Wayne Airport, the nearest major landing strip is located in nearby Santa Ana.
Culture & Contemporary Life
With more than 50 parks in the province, locals can always be found on a trail, at a picnic or playing a game of ball. Along with so many other outdoor activities, residents in the region stay fit and healthy as they frolic in Mother Nature. One of locals' favorite open-air hangouts is the Fullerton Arboretum, which is filled with gorgeous gardens and exquisite exhibitions.
When they are not moving forward with fitness, locals are stepping back in time at either the Fox Theater Complex, Elephant Packing House or the Old Spaghetti Factory. These are but a few historical places among many others in the area including the Santa Fe Depot and Heritage House. For a more modern time, Downtown Fullerton is where to find fun, with so many bars and restaurants available in the area.
Fullerton Relocation Tips
- With so many fine places to live in Fullerton, it may be hard to pick a neighborhood to settle in. However, a little research and a visit to a few vicinities will let you know where the best place to call home is.
- Preparing to move with your pets does not have to be an added stress. By following a few suggested tips, your four-legged and finned friends can have a safe and comfortable ride to your new residence.
- If your new place is simply not as large as your last, you may have to rent some space for your stuff. With many important questions to ask a storage facility, make sure you inquire about security, access and maintenance.