Things You Should Know Before Moving to Vallejo, CA - Movers.com
Home > Moving Guides > Moving to City Guides and Tips > California > Things You Should Know Before Moving to Vallejo, CA

Things You Should Know Before Moving to Vallejo, CA

  4.5/5 based on 4 visitor(s)
views  2,760 Views

Vallejo is vibrant and alive.

Between the education, business and recreation in the region, the Northern California community is committed to providing an excellent quality-of-life to all residents, young and old alike.

If you have ever considered moving to Vallejo, see why the vicinity is so popular among more than 100,000 locals who love to call it home in this guide that gives a plethora of information on the Pacific Coast province.

Vallejo Climate

Locals in the California community see an average of 258 sunny days a year, 53 more days than most American cities. With temperatures reaching the highest in July at around 90 degrees, summer days are hot but eventually cool down with the climate dropping down to a low of 51 degrees.

January is the coldest month of the year with an average high of 55 degrees and typical low of 30 degrees. There is no snow in the San Francisco Bay Area, however approximately 20-inches of rainfall wets the land during 55 days a year, 45 less than most American Cities. Fall and spring are comfortable months with temperatures ranging between 76 and 46 degrees in October and between 72 and 43 degrees in April.

Vallejo Neighborhoods

North, South, West and East Vallejo and Mare Island make up the 30 square mile municipality with unique subdivisions scattered throughout the sector. Including Country Club Crest, North Vallejo is made up of many family-friendly neighborhoods located near Highway 37. Nicknamed "Su Side," South Vallejo is noted for its upscale housing in Glen Cove and boasts Sandy Beach, the first area of the city to be settled. Starr Mansion, a historic bed and breakfast, is also located in the south section of town. Mare Island is a mixture of both new and old homes and holds a lot of history in Coal Shed Artists Studio and Alden and Chapel Park.

Though other areas flaunt age-old architecture, West Vallejo is the oldest section of the city with three historic districts, Saint Vincent's Hill, Vallejo Old City and Bay Terrace. Also popular for the downtown and waterfront areas, West Vallejo is a vicinity of business and pleasure. Lastly, East Vallejo, the densest district, is made up of many manor neighborhoods including Steffan Manor.

Vallejo is a close community implementing Nextdoor, a private social network for subdivisions, in town. Through the system, neighborhoods are made stronger and safer through constant resident communication. The Vallejo Lamplighter, city watch newsletter, is yet another way neighbors stay close and well informed.

Registering Your Car

You have 20 days to register your car after becoming a state resident. To receive a registration you must provide smog and weight certification, your last issued out of state title and proof of insurance. You must pay all taxes and fees, which will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. To complete the registration process, your vehicle must also be inspected by the California Division of Motor Vehicles.

Though you have 20 days to retain a registration after moving to the region, you only have 10 days to acquire a driver's license. To receive a permit you must provide a thumb print, fill out a DL 44 form, have your photo taken, and provide your full name and Social Security number, along with passing a vision exam, traffic laws and signs test.

Vallejo Schools

While the Vallejo Unified School District offers a public education to elementary age students, St. Basil's School presents private schooling to young pupils in the province. With both public and private high schools available, including Vallejo High School and St. Patrick- St. Vincent High School, students can continue either public or private secondary schooling.

There are a few alternative schools in town, HOPE School, Aspire 2 Achieve School and Mare Island Technology Academy, that provide specialized training in several areas. Post-secondary schools students can obtain a two-year or four-year degree in are Solano Community College and California Maritime Academy, one of California State University's 23 campuses.

Vallejo Employment

In April 2013, the city's unemployment rate was at 10 percent, two points higher than the national average. But that higher percent is subject to change soon since the city council adopted the first ever Participatory Budgeting process in the nation. With a $3.4 million budget, locals and merchants are designing and developing project ideas that are sure to help residents procure employment in future franchises.

Top employers that presently keep economic development strong are found in the healthcare, recreation and education fields, with Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Vallejo City Unified School District employing more than 7,000 staff members collectively. Area merchants also help keep the economy prosperous through small business that is constantly growing with the help of the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce.

Living Costs in the City

The cost of living in Vallejo comes in at 30.7 percent higher than the national average, yet 0.3 percent less than the California average. The price of food and utilities account for the elevated price of livelihood. However, the good news is that CNN Money reports the median family income at $73,082 and median home price at $160,777, proving with a good job it is possible to own reasonably priced property in the province.

If you choose to rent rather than own, the average one-bedroom unit begins anywhere between $825 and $1,400 depending on the area of the apartment and the amenities it offers. When all the figures add up, it costs approximately $4,500 a month for a family of three, two parents and one child, to comfortably afford housing, food, taxes, healthcare, childcare, transportation and necessities.

Vallejo Moving Resources

Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Vallejo, 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:

Vallejo Transportation

SolTrans, local public transportation system serving Vallejo and Benicia, keeps it green by transporting locals in hybrid vehicles along with a diesel fueled fleet. With many bus routes around the region and reasonable fares, $1.75 for adults, $1.50 for children and .85 for senior citizens, locals look forward to being picked up and dropped off on time from their origin to destination. For those who prefer to take the driver's seat themselves, Interstate 80 and Highway 37 are two major routes in the region. When flying, locals commute to Oakland International Airport, 35 miles away, to catch a flight out of the country or from state-to-state.

Culture & Contemporary Life

Suffice to say Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, is one of the hottest spots in the city, with adults and children alike always frequenting the fun family-friendly facility. Add a historic waterfront downtown, plethora of parks, music venues, art galleries and theaters and it is easy to understand why Vallejo is a great vicinity to raise a family in. With many recreation programs in place, area children become lifelong friends as they learn and grow together in the city-sponsored courses. When not in town together, residents often take a day trip to San Francisco via the ferry to enjoy the many happenings going on in the major metropolis only 50 minutes away. Also close, Napa Valley wine country offers an array of activities just 15 minutes out of town.

Vallejo Relocation Tips

  • Start your new life off fresh, literally. Check out eco-friendly moving companies and services they provide to help sustain the environment while you settle in your new city.

     

  • There is more than one way to pay your new mortgage. Choosing between a few of the available mortgage payment plans gives you financial options that will help you grow old comfortably in your home sweet home.

     

  • Bring some of your former residence to your new home by creating a new garden with seeds and cuttings from your old one.

Staff Writer  Posted by Staff Writer on June 28, 2013

Rate this guide Things You Should Know Before Moving to Vallejo, CA