5 Things to Know About Moving From NYC to California

Nothing’s more daunting than deciding to move from the East Coast to the West Coast. All your experiences in the Big Apple will do little to prepare you for the vast world that lies behind the lofty peaks in the Golden State. Expect major changes and challenges in culture, lifestyle, social interaction, salary, commute, and almost everything else! While New York City is a place unlike any other, so is every city in California. Enjoy San Francisco’s tech opportunities, LA’s world-class entertainment, or San Diego’s idyllic environment. But before you arrive in the Golden State, there are a few things you should know first. Here are five things you need to know before you pack up and hit the road.

1. CA is Not Without Its Problems

Many New Yorkers dream of living life on the gorgeous shores of California, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Nothing’s wrong with that, but do know that The Golden State is far from perfect. Despite its expansive beaches, healthy economy, and endless opportunities, it does have its flaws. Cons of living here include higher living costs (in some places), crime rate, and expensive taxes, to name a few.

Moving to California is a chance to start fresh. Photo courtesy of West Jet Magazine.

2. California is HUGE and Beautiful

With 155,973 square miles of land area, California is the third-largest state by landmass. You can fit three New Yorks (the state) in it! And that’s just the numbers. Geographically speaking, the place has everything from sprawling deserts to thick forests to snow-capped mountains to windy plains covered in grass. There are so many sights to see and things to do. Start with a memorable ride across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, tour Disneyland in Anaheim, or cruise along the winding highways of Big Sur. Want to get closer to nature? You’re in for an adventure in the trails of Yosemite National Park. Enjoy the mountain scenery while kayaking in the turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe. And never miss an opportunity to gawk at the glory of the giant trees in the Redwood Forest. These various attractions will certainly be a nice change of pace from the jungle of concrete in NYC.

From urban to rural, there are tons of attractions in California. Photo courtesy of The Culture Trip.

3. Taxes Are Still High

If you wish to escape the sky-high taxes of NYC, California isn’t the place you’re looking for. In fact, you might not feel the difference at all. According to Smart Asset, the Golden State has a marginal income tax rate of 7.25% – 13.3. The income tax in NYC can be anywhere from 7% – 11.87%. Purchasing goods in Cali can be even more expensive since the sales tax is 7.25% – 10.50% compared to NYC’s 4% – 8.875%. The good news is that Cali’s property taxes are a 0.73% average effective rate while it’s 1.69% in the Big Apple. Nonetheless, the tax rates are still higher than the national average in both places.

4. It’s Finally Time to Buy a Car!

This is something lots of New Yorkers look forward to when moving to California. Gone are the days of refraining from purchasing an automobile because of how congested the Big Apple is. Plus, there’s not much need for a vehicle since the subway system is a far superior mode of transport. But not in California. You can now finally buy a car and cruise along miles and miles of highways across beaches, mountains, and deserts. Just be aware that traffic in major metro areas like Los Angeles can be nightmarish.

5. Beware of Natural Disasters

Since you’re used to NYC’s textbook four seasons, the climate of the Golden State might a welcome change of pace. Although most of coastal California is known for its glorious weather and Mediterranean climate, it comes with a considerable number of risks as well. Brace yourself for earthquakes, mudslides, dust storms, and wildfires. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll experience each one of these natural hazards. But it sure doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Although California is known for its glorious weather, be prepared for its natural disasters. Photo courtesy of The Culture Trip.

Moving from the East Coast to the West Coast

Spanning almost 3,000 miles across eight states, the move from NYC to California is no small undertaking. It’s a big decision that requires careful planning and execution. With that said, it would be best to hire knowledgeable interstate movers that can move anything – one that boasts a proven track record of migrating people from the East to the West and vice versa. Make sure to do your research, ask the right questions, and enjoy the experience. This is your move of a lifetime!