Moving from Washington State to California
California has a way of drawing people in because there is so much about the Golden State that Americans just can’t resist. From the incredible weather and gorgeous scenery to the laid back lifestyle and loads of things to do, California is a great place to live. If you have decided to move from Washington State to California, you are in for an adventure. Though the cost of living can be slightly higher in some parts of California, it will be worth it to trade in rain and clouds for warmth and sunshine. From the Hollywood Hills and miles of beaches to the Napa Valley Vineyards and majestic mountain views, it won’t take long to discover why California is one of the most desirable places to live in America.
Benefits of Moving from Washington State to California
Beautiful Weather
You might be moving just one state away, but the weather in California is drastically different than Washington State. California is known for having a warm, sunny climate year-round. Though the temperatures can certainly vary from the northern part of the state to the southern tier, sunshine is ample throughout the state and many areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures around 70 degrees for much of the year. When you move to California, you can forget about shoveling snow out of your driveway and living through months of rain and clouds. Rather, prepare for more than 300 days of sunshine per year and beautiful weather that makes it hard to stay inside.
Employment Opportunities
California has an endless variety of job opportunities for residents that span across a variety of industries. Some of the state's biggest industries include trade, agriculture, and tourism. In southern California, primarily Los Angeles, entertainment is a major industry which includes movie, television, and music production. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its cutting edge tech jobs in Silicon Valley. The area is home to tech giants including Apple, Google, and Facebook along with a host of smaller companies and startups. The median household income in California is also among the highest, and you’re going to need it to offset the higher cost of living.
Cultural Diversity
As one of the largest states in America, California is also home to one of the most diverse populations. With Mexico to the south and a large, inviting coastline to the west, California has long attracted people from all over the world. You will see the Spanish influence throughout cities like Los Angeles and San Diego in the cuisine, language, and festivals that take place in the city. Not only are there a large number of Spanish speaking residents in these cities, but the Spanish culture is present in the incredible cuisine in southern California. No matter where you live in California, you will find a wide range of people, languages, traditions, art, and music.
The Food Scene
Washington State reigns as the king of coffee but California is the place to be for foodies. Its ideal climate makes California one of the leading producers of fruits, nuts, and vegetables in the country so residents can enjoy true farm to table cuisine. California’s wine country has also earned global respect thanks to the large varieties of wines produced in the state. Aside from fresh produce and great wine, California has one of the best food truck scenes in the country and cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are home to world-class dining and incredible eateries.
Opportunities for Adventure
Whether you prefer hang gliding over the Pacific Ocean, rock climbing, hiking, skiing, or surfing, there are plenty of opportunities for adrenaline junkies in California. Its diverse landscape makes it possible to enjoy beaches, mountains, deserts, and forests all in the same state. California is also a great place for those who enjoy a nice weekend getaway. No matter where you are in the state, you are just a short drive from incredible cities, coastal beauty, and exciting attractions.
So Much to See and Do
No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone in California. California is home to some of the most well-known attractions in the U.S. including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Disneyland just to name a few. Outdoor enthusiasts can’t get enough of the abundant outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, surfing, fishing, kayaking, skiing, sailing, and relaxing on the beach. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the thrill of cheering on the state’s host of professional or college sports teams. Finally, California is home to some of the best dining and shopping anywhere in the country.
Most Popular Cities to Live in California
Los Angeles is the largest city in California and home to the most prominent SoCal culture. The city is packed with people of all backgrounds and cultures and boasts a vibrant nightlife, great restaurants, and yoga studios on almost every corner. Though it’s most notorious for being home to the movie and entertainment industry, the rising tech industry in the city has brought lots of new job opportunities and helped the city see a steady climb in its job market. Los Angeles residents also get to enjoy some of the most incredible weather in the country, access to beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle.
If you love beautiful scenery, great coffee, and awesome weather then you are sure to love San Francisco . Not only is San Francisco one of the most popular cities for visitors, but the Bay Area is also one of the most desirable places to live. This beautiful region is filled with iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, hilly streets, and cable cars and has always been an inclusive city that is home to a diverse population. As a transplant from Washington, you will be used to your fair share of fog and clouds so the occasional gloom of San Francisco shouldn’t bother you. The city draws a variety of people, from innovative entrepreneurs to students and retirees. Silicon Valley is located just south of the Bay Area and has become the home to some of the largest tech companies in the world including Apple, Google, Tesla, and eBay. The presence of these tech giants has led to a boom in the city’s economy and an even bigger hike in the cost of living in the area. Despite these high prices, many residents will still tell you they can’t imagine living anywhere else.
California certainly has a reputation for being expensive but Sacramento is surprisingly affordable compared to other parts of the state. It also has more of a community feel since it's not nearly as large as other metropolises like Los Angeles. Although it is not located directly on the beach and doesn’t get as much attention as its coastal cousins, Sacramento still has plenty to offer outdoor lovers with its abundant lakes, rivers, and close proximity to the mountains.
Located in the southern tier of the state, San Diego is known for having some of the best weather and most beautiful beaches in the world. It is one of the most beautiful cities in California with sprawling green parks, incredible coastal views, and pristine beaches. San Diego is unique in that it offers residents beach living, urban living, or suburban living. It has ample job opportunities with the largest industries in the area being technology, military, tourism, health care, research, and education. Its close proximity to the Mexican border also makes it a culturally diverse city with a unique Spanish influence. San Diego is also home to world-class dining, professional sports, and loads of entertainment options.
Cost of Moving from Washington State to California
An interstate move can be costly and that’s why it’s important to work with a moving company that is both professional and affordable. Allied understands that it’s important to budget these moving expenses and that is why we offer upfront pricing and competitive rates. The average line haul cost to move from Washington State to California with Allied is $3,000. Of course there are many variables that will determine the actual cost such as exact distance of the move, the number of items being moved, and additional 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 Washington State to California
Although moving to a new state can be an exciting adventure, long distance moves can also be challenging. With more than 80 years of moving experience, Allied knows exactly what it takes to handle and execute a seamless long distance move. We are here to help you every step of the way with convenient services such as providing all packing supplies, loading and unloading your belongings, furniture disassembly, wrapping of fragile items and furniture, and safe and efficient transport of your belongings. We want to make the moving process as easy and hassle-free as possible so you can focus on the excitement awaits in sunny California!
Call Allied today for more information about our moving services and let us help with all of your relocation needs!