Moving From Chicago to California

Chicago, Illinois is a great city with a lot to offer its residents but it’s tough to beat the temperate climate, incredible scenery, and laid back lifestyle of the Golden State. If you have decided to trade in Midwest living for the California coast, you won’t be disappointed. From the Hollywood Hills and the progressive culture in Silicon Valley to the rolling hills of Napa Valley and miles of pristine coastline, California is one of the most desirable and livable places in America. Here’s everything you need to know about relocating from Chicago to California.

Benefits of Moving from Chicago to California

California is one of the most beautiful states in the country and it has something that Americans just can’t resist. The incredible weather, stunning beauty, access to beaches and mountains, and world-class cities draw people from all over the country. Outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, and tech gurus can all find what they are looking for in California. There is truly something for everyone and that’s what makes the Golden State a great place to call home. Here are just a few of the benefits of living in California.

The Weather

California is known for its gorgeous weather. While temperatures will vary in certain areas of the state, the overall climate is mild and temperate year-round and there is plenty of sunshine. Coming from Chicago, this will be quite a treat. You can say goodbye to those brutally cold and windy days and get ready to enjoy a warmer climate. The incredible weather makes it a perfect fit for outdoor lovers.

Incredible Scenery

California is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and spectacular sights of any place in the country. It’s unique landscape provides residents with gorgeous views of the ocean and the mountains all in one place! Residents can take in stunning views of the waterfalls in Yosemite, enjoy a drive along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway, marvel at the giant Redwood and Sequoia trees in northern California, gaze at the incredible cliffs overlooking the Pacific coastline, or watch the sunset over the state’s majestic mountains. With so many incredible sights, it’s hard not to be in constant awe of California’s beauty.

Tech Jobs

Some of the most cutting edge industries in the world got their start in Silicon Valley, located in the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay area. Today, Silicon Valley is home to the largest technology corporations in the U.S. including Apple, Facebook, Google, and Netflix among many others.

Diversity

California’s close proximity to Mexico and its vast coastline has made it a popular destination for people from all over the world and has made California one of the most diverse states. In addition to its cultural diversity, California is known for being accepting and welcoming of people no matter their religion, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.  Californians are known to love life and celebrate it with all people.

Great Education

California provides residents with great educational opportunities which is one reason why people living in California tend to be more educated than other parts of the country. The state is full of fantastic private and public colleges and universities which attract people from all over the world. Among these great schools are Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Berkeley, and University of Southern California.

So Much to Do

California’s incredible landscape makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The coastline is ideal for swimming, surfing, boating, and fishing while the national parks and mountains are ideal for hiking, climbing, skiing, and even hang gliding. There are also loads of attractions in California including Hollywood, Disneyland, the Golden Gate Bridge, countless beaches, professional sports teams, and plenty of incredible restaurants.

Most Popular Cities in California

Los Angeles

It’s ideal location between the coast and the mountains makes for a perfect climate in Los Angeles. This means residents have plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the sunshine. L.A. is a unique city because it is truly a melting pot of diversity and gives people the chance to explore other cultures without leaving the country! L.A. is also home to some of the state’s top-ranked colleges, incredible sports teams, world-class restaurants, and a vibrant and exciting nightlife.

San Francisco

Although the cost of living is quite high in the Bay Area, San Francisco has plenty to offer its residents. The booming economy and thriving tech scene in the area provides plenty of job opportunities, most of which pay more than any other place in the country. The city is also a haven for outdoor lovers thanks to its idea location close to beaches, mountains, and plenty of national parks. The beautiful weather, incredible culinary scene, famed arts & culture scene, and scenic views are just a few of the other reasons why San Franciscans love calling the Bay Area their home.

San Diego

When you dream about the perfect weather, San Diego should come to mind because it has a near perfect climate year round. The sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, abundant parks, and impressive views are just a few of the things that await you in San Diego. The city is also home to world-class dining, professional sports teams, and ample entertainment options. Although this large metro city has lots of big city amenities, it still has a strong community feel and quaint neighborhoods.

Sacramento

The capital city of California is also considered one of the best places to live in the state. While this inland city is often overshadowed by its coastal neighbors, Sacramento is filled with gorgeous tree-lined streets, a fantastic culinary scene, and a more affordable housing market than many other cities in the state. While the city might not be located right on the coast, residents still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy water activities thanks to the abundance of rivers in Sacramento. Rafting, boating, kayaking, and swimming are all popular recreational activities in the area. Sacramento is also surrounded by farms which means residents get to enjoy farm to fork eating. The city is not as large as some of its neighbors, but the smaller size makes public transportation much easier and gives residents the luxury of big city amenities with a small town feel.

Cost of Moving from Chicago to California

Moving can be costly, especially when it involves a long-distance like Chicago to California. Many people are conscious of their moving budget and that’s why Allied strives to provide affordable moving services for our clients. The average cost to move from Chicago to California is around $3000 and the average cost to move with Allied is $3,864.41. Of course there are many factors that go into determining the exact cost of a move including the exact distance of the move, the number of items being moved, and additional moving services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Instaquote listed above.

How to Move from Chicago to California

There is no question that moving from Chicago to California is an exciting adventure, but moving a long distance can still be quite a challenge. In order to ensure your belongings arrive safely in your new home with minimal stress it is best to enlist the help of professional movers. Allied has over 90 years of experience and our team of professionals knows exactly what it takes to handle an interstate move. Starting with our free Instaquote, Allied can help you every step of the way from budgeting your move to packing the last items.

Call today to find out how Allied can assist you with your relocation from Chicago to California!