Moving From California to New York
It can be both exciting and a little scary to relocate clear across the country from California to New York. Perhaps you are lured by the completely different culture, the vibrant nightlife, access to Broadway shows, or the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. Whatever the reason, the best way to ease the transition is to educate yourself about your new home state. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know about New York, suggestions for the best cities to live in, the approximate cost of your cross-country move, and how to go about relocating.
Benefits of Moving from California to New York
One of the biggest draws to New York is its thriving job market. In recent years there has been a significant increase in job opportunities related to education, health services, and business. It also comes as no surprise that New York is your destination if you are pursuing a career in fashion, finance, or the arts. When we think of New York, most of us immediately think of the Big Apple and all of its excitement. However, the state has much more to offer than simply the hustle and bustle of New York City. Just north of Syracuse and Albany are the some of the most well-loved outdoor places in the state. The beautiful Adirondack mountains, Lake Placid, and sprawling wilderness draw thousands of visitors a year. Here you will find opportunities for skiing, boating, fishing, sailing, and hiking through the Appalachian Trail. New York is also ideal for those who enjoy a change of weather. Residents get to experience four distinct seasons and the activities that go along with each. New Yorkers love living in the state because there is no shortage of things to do. It is an ideal location for those who love art, culture, and entertainment.
Cost of Living
Generally speaking, the cost of living in New York is pretty high. However, this varies depending on what part of the state you live in. For example, New York City is much more expensive than Los Angeles. Rent, utilities, gas, and groceries are definitely more expensive in NYC. That said, upstate New York has plenty of towns and cities with lower real estate costs and an overall lower cost of living. Some of these locations include Syracuse, Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo.
Transportation
For most people living in California it is essential to have their own car because their public transportation is not efficient enough to serve the growing needs of its residents. New York City, however, has a great public transportation system and this highly efficient system allows NYC residents living in Manhattan to get by without owning a car. Public transportation is not a necessity in upstate New York cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany. Most people in these cities own their car and you will notice much less traffic compared to California.
Weather
California is known for its warm weather and sunshine which can be quite the opposite of New York. Nonetheless, anyone moving to New York is expecting a different climate. While New Yorkers might not experience the same seasonal temperatures year round, they are treated to four distinct seasons which can be a nice treat for those moving from sunny California. New residents from California will be treated to gorgeous fall foliage and snow of course! Winter in New York also means trying out different winter activities such as ice skating, hockey, and sledding!
Things To Do
One thing is certain...people living in New York never run out of things to do! New York City is packed with many of the country’s most popular attractions including Times Square, Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, and the list goes on. Aside from the excitement of the Big Apple, New York state has endless amounts of treasures to discover. Enjoy an afternoon horseback riding along the Long Island shoreline. Experience the exhilaration of white water rafting in the Adirondacks. Take a hike through the serene forests and mountain scenery of the Catskills or take in breathtaking views of Letchworth State Park. From the peaceful setting of the outdoors to the excitement of the “city that never sleeps,” there are plenty of amazing activities to behold in New York.
Cost of Moving from California to New York
Cross-country moves can be expensive and the average cost to move a typical 3-bedroom home from San Francisco to Brooklyn can cost around $6k. The average linehaul moving cost from California to New York with Allied is $4,200.
There are many variables that go into determining the cost of your move including the exact distance of the move, the number of rooms you are moving, and the weight of the load. The best way to get the most accurate price it to use our Instaquote listed above.
Most Popular Cities in New York
New York City
New York City is one of the country’s most iconic cities and is the largest metro area, home to nearly 21 million people. You’ve seen it in movies, heard about it in songs, and now it’s time to discover for yourself what makes New York so special. Although the cost of living is high, residents of the city get to enjoy some of the world’s best theaters, restaurants, parks, and museums. New York is home to a variety of industries including tech, fashion, finance, acting, and more fortune 500 companies than any other city. The city is truly a melting pot of diversity with people of all different cultures and backgrounds. NYC is known for its exciting nightlife and round the clock entertainment which helped it earn the nickname “the city that never sleeps.” People come to New York to pursue their dreams, experience the bustling lifestyle and entertainment, and discover a different and exciting pace of life.
Buffalo
Buffalo is considered one of the best places to live in New York for two main reasons: the cost of living is one of the lowest in the state and it has some of the best public schools in the state. The median home price average is $111,200 in Buffalo. Compare that with a whopping $687,700 in Los Angeles. New York can actually be more affordable than you thought!
Queens
The northwest section of Queens is known as Jackson Heights. This is one of the best places for families to live in New York. Thanks to its great schools, easy access to public transportation, top-notch medical facilities, and short distance from Manhattan, this area is highly popular among those with children.
Rochester
For the 3rd largest city in New York, people might be surprised by just how close-knit this community feels. Meeting new people is easy in this friendly small town. Forbes has also ranked Rochester as one of the best cities to find a job so this is a great place for those looking for new job opportunities. It is home to several large employers such as the University of Rochester, Wegmans Food Market, and the Rochester General Health System. Combine these great job opportunities with affordability and it’s easy to see why Rochester provides a great value for residents.
Syracuse
Syracuse has consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in New York. Its low cost of living, high quality of life, and low crime rates make it a popular choice for families and retirees. It also boasts a stable job market, convenient commutes, and plenty of things to do including outdoor activities and museums and attractions.
New Rochelle
New Rochelle is a suburb of New York City and considered one of the best places to live in the state. Residents get to experience the urban feel of the big city while owning their own home. It is a popular destination for young professionals and families thanks to its highly rated public schools and abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
How to Move from California to New York
Moving across the country is a big job and should only be left to experienced professionals. Allied has been moving customers for over 90 years and is fully equipped to handle long-distance moves. Take some of the stress out of your move by hiring the trusted professionals at Allied to assist you with your move from California to New York.
Call today to find out how we help you select the moving services that are right for you or fill out our Instaquote above.