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Posted in Moving Essentials, Moving Tips&Tricks on October 27, 2022
Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

Everything You Need to Know About Moving to the West Coast

When you think of the West Coast, what comes to mind? The ocean? The Golden Gate Bridge? Sunny weather and a laid-back lifestyle? If that’s what you’re looking for in a relocation, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about moving to the West Coast. We’ll cover the cost of living, job opportunities, and where to find the best beaches and hiking trails. So if you’re thinking about making a life change, keep reading!

No matter what your reasons for moving are, you need to know all about the place you are relocating to. That way, your relocation will be without stress and surprises. To have a successful and efficient move, you need to start your preparations on time, and in order to do so, you need to do a bit of research. And if your goal is West Coast moving, then we have done the research for you.

Let’s Start With the Simple Question – Why Do People Move to the West Coast?

People move to the West Coast for a variety of reasons. Some people move for the weather, some for the lifestyle, and others for the job market. The weather on the West Coast is often milder than in other parts of the country, which can be a big perk for those who don’t like extreme temperatures. No matter if you relocate to a small town or some big urban city on the West Coast, you will find a variety of cultures, people, and lifestyles. So before you decide where to live, maybe you could do the “where should I move” quiz first so you can find a place that will fit your taste the best. West Coast diversity is what makes it intriguing and desirable as a place to live. The possibilities are endless when you add it to bigger homes and less expensive rent.

San Diego, California
From big metropoles to small towns, you can find everything on the West Coast

When Moving to the West Coast, Get Ready for Some Sunny Weather

Moving to the West Coast means you will have to get used to more sunny days, especially if you are relocating from East Coast to West Coast. Many people in New York and those from other eastern states seem unable to give up the snowy winters and chilly springtime, but adjusting to warmer temperatures is simpler than it might first appear. Once you’re used to it, you’ll consider the weather in the eastern part of the country to be dangerous. So when packing clothing, make sure you pack light jackets and a lot of summer dresses if you are relocating in the summertime.

To Avoid Risks of Heat Stroke, Move to the West Coast in Winter

Moving during the winter is seen as an out-of-season move. Between April and September, white glove movers often operate at maximum capacity, and this also raises the cost of moving. If we had any advice for those hiring long-distance movers, it would be to try to move during the winter and to take white glove moving services for a much lower price. Your efforts will be appreciated in sunny California, where winter temperatures rarely fall below 50°F, despite the fact that it may be challenging due to the cold in the eastern regions.

Asking your preferred white glove moving company first if they would advise a winter move is a smart idea, although it’s unlikely that they would advise against it. And last but not least, your unpacking after a move will be much more comfortable during the wintertime on West Coast.

California beach
Forget about cold winters and enjoy sunshine all year round

Housing Options Might Leave You Speechless

It is no secret that house hunting is much easier on West Coast than on East Coast. Not only are the prices lower, but you will not have to relocate from house to apartment. Instead, you will get the big house you always wanted. According to Numbeo, if you rent a three-bedroom apartment in the city center of NYC, you will pay $7,600, while the same apartment in the city center of LA would be $4,500. Which is, you will agree, significantly lower.

Aside from that, landlords are more relaxed in cities like LA. While there are requirements that every renter must meet, in the NY region, you would need a ton of documentation to rent a shoebox-sized apartment for $2,300 per month, that isn’t necessarily the case in CA or even OR. In addition, California has lower taxes. Even though Golden State has high taxes, the 11% tax rate is an improvement over the 12,7% in New York.

Woman moving large box
You will have space for all your belongings

West Coast Will Bring the Chill Vibe Out of You

You might experience adjustment insomnia if you move from the East Coast to the West Coast, but that won’t likely be the only thing keeping you up at night. For the first month or two, you’ll be perplexed by how everyone is so laid-back and relaxed, while, at that precise moment, someone back home would probably be experiencing their third mental breakdown of the day.

Moving away from an environment where everyone harbors unreleased anger and anxiety can be quite healthy. Sure, you might bring your New Yorker mindset to the most laid-back place on Earth and become irritated by how slowly, leisurely, and flexible everything is with time. However, as you spend more time in this setting, you’ll start to care less about some things.

Here It Is All About Fresh Meals

Relocating to a new city alone can be a challenging experience for anyone. However, we may figure out how to make friends and get to know the West Coast area with ease – it is through the food. You may not find the best pizza slice here, but other fresh ingredients will be much more available. Opposed to the East, people on the West Coast are keener to try new fresh vegetables and fruits than have a burger or pizza. However, this doesn’t mean you will not be able to find some delicious steak, burgers, or Thai food. Like East Coast, West Coast is rich in culinary diversity, and here, you can try food and go to restaurants from almost every culture in the world. Take a look at this video and see what some of the best LA restaurants have to offer.

YouTube video

West Coast Is a Tech Paradise

No matter if you are relocating without a job or maybe for one, on West Coast, you will find employment in almost any industry with ease. Even though the majority of people prefer to find employment before moving, it appears that in the western states applying for a tech position may be a great place to start your job search. Seattle is still one of the top 10 cities in terms of opportunity and workforce growth. Being the headquarters of companies like Amazon, Boeing, Nintendo, and Microsoft, it’s obviously a wonderful place to start your job search in a new city.

The Bay Area and San Francisco’s Silicon Valley have long dominated the IT sector. Many Fortune 1000 firms were founded there, and there are constantly new start-up enterprises sprouting up all over. There is enough space for everyone to try out, even though it may be a competitive environment.

There Is Also Plenty of Work for Movie and Media Lovers

Many young professionals who decide to relocate to the West Coast do it to seek a career in film, media, or entertainment. Hollywood is still one of the most popular places to seek and start a movie career. Many young adults in LA in their early to late 20s don’t require much of an incentive to begin telling you about their forays into acting. LA is the place to be if you believe a career in film or entertainment is suited for you.

Hollywood sign on the hill
What is a better place to seek an entertainment career than Hollywood

Give Some of the Best Cities on the West Coast a Chance

Probably one of the most important things you need to consider when relocating is where you will settle in. This is something you need to do in advance before you book your white glove moving service. Because aside from the time you will need to organize your move, you will also need time to rent or buy a new place to live. And to do so, you need to research in what city you will build a life. There are plenty of places on the West Coast that can fit almost every need, from big metropolitan areas to more relaxed small towns. Here are some of the choices you can consider.

San Diego, California

Often called “America’s Finest City,” San Diego is known for its great weather and beautiful beaches. It’s also a big city with plenty to do, from exploring the Balboa Park museums to cheering on the Padres at a baseball game. If you’re looking for an urban environment on the West Coast, San Diego is a great option.

Seattle, Washington

The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a vibrant and exciting place to live. There’s plenty to do in this city, from visiting the Space Needle to exploring the Pike Place Market. And, of course, you can’t forget about the coffee – Seattle is home to some of the best coffee shops in the country.

Portland, Oregon

If you’re looking for a West Coast city with a small-town feel, Portland is the place for you. This city is known for its great food and drink, as well as its eclectic atmosphere. There’s always something going on in Portland, from music festivals to art walks.

San Francisco, California

One of the most iconic cities in the world, San Francisco is a must-see for anyone moving to the West Coast. From exploring Chinatown to riding a cable car, there’s plenty to do in this city. And, of course, you can’t forget about the Golden Gate Bridge – one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

Los Angeles, California

The second largest city in the country, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with something for everyone. From Hollywood to Beverly Hills, there’s plenty to see and do in this city. And, of course, you can’t forget about the beach – Los Angeles is home to some of the best beaches in the country.

When You Decide It Is Time to Move, Hire Long Distance Movers and Relocate Without a Fuss

Making the decision to move long-distance is never an easy one. There are so many things to think about and plan for that it can feel overwhelming. One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing long-distance movers who can get you to your new home safely and without any stress. There are a lot of things to consider when you are looking for long-distance moving services. You want to make sure that the company you choose is reputable and has a good track record. Because you will need trustworthy movers by your side when making move this big. With the help of professionals, you will have more time to think about other important things you need to do, such as deciding where to move or finding a place to live.

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