Moving to the Best State in the USA: California a Local Guide to Your Move

This article is written by a California lover to help you familiarize yourself with the different areas and costs of living. CA is huge and there is so much to explore.

We give you our pro tips and most importantly our restaurant recommendations to get you started on the right foot.

Welcome to California, also known as the Golden State! From its stunning beaches and majestic mountains to its vibrant cities and diverse cultures, California offers something for everyone.

If you’re planning a move to this iconic state, here’s a comprehensive local guide to help you navigate your transition and make the most of your new home.

When checking out an awesome state like CA, it’s important to connect via your belly. From upscale dining for the rich and famous to hidden gems from street vendors, the Golden State offers a great mix of culinary experiences.

Here’s a guide to some of our favorite and best food spots across California:

1. Kogi BBQ: A food truck that revolutionized the fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisine with its famous Korean BBQ tacos. This Jem is not to be missed in LA. What a combo of flavors. 
2. Guelaguetza: Famous for its Oaxacan Mexican cuisine, they have a delicious mole and Tlayudas. This spot has been published all around in food guides for its authentic flavors and fun atmosphere. Also an LA Jem.
3. House of Prime Rib: If you are in San Francisco then don’t miss this classic spot for prime rib lovers, offering huge portions and a traditional English setting.
4. Lucha Libre Taco Shop: Famous for its vibrant decor and gourmet tacos in San Diego. The Surfin’ California Burrito is a local favorite and I can tell you I have eaten way too many of these.
5. Hodad’s: A beloved burger joint in San Diego with oversized, mouthwatering burgers and a laid-back vibe. The “Hodad” burger is a must, trust me.
6. Nobu: A world-famous LA restaurant that offers high-end Japanese foods with a focus on fresh seafood and creative dishes. The Black Cod Miso is wow!

Don’t miss the incredible farmer’s markets, and the food trucks lining the beaches and if heading to a restaurant then don’t forget to book a table ahead of time.

Here is our step-by-step tips for moving to CA smarter.

1. Choosing the Right Area

California is large and each area of the state differs widely, so choosing the right area for your style is crucial. Here are some of the major areas:

• Los Angeles: Known for its entertainment industry, famous sightings, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural events. Expect very high living costs and traffic.
• San Francisco: Famous for its tech and gay-friendly scene, historic landmarks, and beautiful scenery. It has a high cost of living and is known for its foggy and cold weather.
• San Diego: Offers a surfer’s laid-back lifestyle with beautiful beaches and a mild climate. It’s more affordable than LA or SF but still has a higher cost of living than many other areas in California. There are two great universities in the area. 
• Santa Barbara: Known for its scenic areas and small-town charm. It’s a great place if you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle for the family with access to beach and mountain activities. As well this city has a high cost of living. 

2. Understanding the Cost of Living

• Housing: Housing in California’s main cities is often the largest expense. Costs vary significantly in to areas:
• High-Cost Areas: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have some of the highest housing costs in the country. That being said there are good and bad parts to each city that correlate with costs.
• Affordable Areas: Places like Sacramento or inland cities can offer more reasonable housing costs.
• Utilities: Utility costs are high, especially for electricity in hotter areas where air conditioning is used year-round.
• Groceries and Dining: Expect higher grocery and dining costs across the state, particularly in major cities.
• Entertaining: The industry here is one of the best in the world but shows and entertainment don’t come cheap.

3. Climate

• Southern California: Generally has a warm climate with mild, wet winters and hot, and dry summers. Beachfront areas have cooler temperatures year-round and the water is cold enough you need a wetsuit even in the summer.
• Northern California: Experiences a range of climates but usually cooler. Coastal areas have a cooler, foggier climate, while inland areas can have more extreme temperatures.
• Mountain Areas: Expect colder winters with snow.

4. Traffic

• Driving: You need a car in almost all areas of California. Traffic can be heavy, especially in major cities. Be prepared and plan your commute accordingly.
• Public Transit: Exists but don’t fully rely on public transportation have your own car if possible.
• Los Angeles: Metro buses and rail lines.
• San Francisco: Muni buses, BART, and ferries.
• San Diego: Trolleys and buses.
• Ridesharing: Uber and Lyft are available and convenient.

5. Education

• Public Schools: California’s public school system is diverse, with quality depending on the district. Research schools in your area and consider private if possible.
• Universities: Home to prestigious universities like Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA.

6. Outdoor Activities and Recreation

• Beaches: Enjoy world-famous beaches like Santa Monica, Malibu, and Huntington Beach. With incredible cliffs and some of the best surf breaks in the world, they don’t disappoint.
• National Parks: Explore Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree for incredible natural beauty. Weekend hikes should be added to the list. Trails and paths are perfect in both urban and rural areas so you can bike or hike.

7. Social Life

• Entertainment: California is a cultural spot with great museums, theaters, and music venues. You can see world-famous concerts here every day.
• Events and Festivals: From film festivals in LA to music festivals in Coachella, there’s always something cool happening.

9. Taxes

• Income Tax: California has one of the highest state income tax rates in the U.S. Come prepared.
• Sales Tax: Sales tax rates vary by county and city but tend to be higher than in many other states.
• Property Tax: Property taxes are relatively high.

10. Lifestyle

• Diverse Population: California is known for its cultural diversity. You will see many signs in Spanish and hear multiple languages as you walk down the street. Embrace the multicultural environment and engage with various communities. Enjoy the great food scene.
• Sustainability: The state is a leader in environmental sustainability, with many initiatives. Don’t expect to see plastic straws here.

Welcome to California! Whether you’re here for the career opportunities, the landscapes, or the vibrant culture, or like me all you care about is the food, there’s a lot to look forward to in the Golden State.

Take time to explore and get to know your new community, enjoy the focus on sustainability, explore your new area, and enjoy the great coffee. Start planning your move well in advance and book with iMoving. Enjoy your new adventure and embrace everything this amazing state has to offer!