Moving to California?
Since the California Gold Rush in 1849, Americans have been moving to California in search
of a new start, and sometimes, in search of fame, fortune and everything else that can be found on the golden coast and
the star-paved streets of Hollywood.
There are many different reasons to move to California, from its bustling
entertainment scene, to the various different industries spread out over the vast state from top to bottom. Many people
would say that Silicon Valley, located outside San Francisco, is at the heart of our nation’s technological development,
while southern California has a world famous wine region that is home to some of the best vineyards in the country.
If you’re moving to California, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come
to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to California
California Climate
Being that California is the third largest state in the country in land mass, the state has a several different climate
zones. The state spans a majority of the west coast and the climate difference between the southern portion of
the state near San Diego and the very northernmost point is substantial. Most of the state has a Mediterranean
climate, meaning that it is mostly cool in the winter, with the temperature rarely dropping below 40, and dry
and warm in the summer. California has a little bit of everything, ranging from snowy mountains in the Sierra
Nevada range in the western portion of the state, to the dry desert conditions of the Mojave in the southwest
portion, to the cool, breezy oceanfront climate that comprises much of the coastal region.
Registering your Car:
In the state of California, your car is required to have a smog check upon registration.
Also, upon your arrival in California after moving, you have 20 days to update your registration and have your
vehicle registered in the state before you may be required to pay a penalty.
Obtaining a California Driver's License:
A California Driver’s License can be obtained at any California DMV
location. The state requires new California residents to update their license from their previous state to a
California driver’s license within 10 days of moving.
Crime Rankings:
As of 2011, California was ranked 35th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of 35 violent
crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
The major players in the California economy when it comes to industry are computers and technology, with
a large portion of computer component manufacturing occurring in California. The headquarters of tech companies like
Apple, Google and Facebook are located in California, among many others. Also, tourism brings in lots of revenue, as
does the film industry and the millions of visitors that flock to Hollywood every year.
Employment Statistics
In 2011, the state of California had the third highest unemployment rate in the nation at 10.9 percent. Over 57%
of male Californians age 16 or over, and 55% of females age 16 or over are employed in the labor force.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of California is $47,493, while the average per capita income
for the state is $22,711.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the California Public Utilities Commission.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in California is $593,031, while the median sales price is
just over $452,000. The California Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of California.
Major landmarks and attractions
Disneyland, Anaheim; Hollywood; Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco; Golden
Gate Bridge, San Francisco
State Capital: Sacramento
Largest Cities: Los Angeles,San Diego,San Jose,San Francisco,Sacramento
Schools
Although the public primary school systems throughout much of the state have had recent problems with funding, there
is a state amendment that ensures a certain amount of funding per year for all schools grades K-12. California
public schools are ranked among the lowest in the country, but there is room for growth. When it comes to secondary
education, the state is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country, such as Stanford University
in Palo Alto, the California Institute of Technology, Claremont College, Pepperdine University and the University
of Southern California. The state college system in California is two-tiered, meaning that it contains both junior
colleges and four-year universities.
State park System
California has a vast system of state parks that span the state from the northern region to the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and are comprised
of everything from lush forests and desert landscapes to oceanfront vistas and nature preserves.
Major Airports
Los Angeles International Airport
San Francisco International Airport
San Diego International Airport
Sacramento International Airport
San Jose International Airport
Long Beach International Airport
John Wayne International Airport-Orange County