If the thought of enduring another chilling Kentucky winter somehow terrifies you, you might be considering moving away. California dreaming is a concept as American as apple pie. And Verified Movers have a full guide for you to make it more than just a dream. But, before moving from Kentucky to California, you should know that there are a lot of people living here. The last time someone counted, there were more than 39 million people living there. Well, looks like you’ll have to learn to fight for elbow room here, however, there are many places in the state where you can lead a calm and slower-paced life. Are you tempted yet?
Northern and Southern California have distinct cultures and residents of each like to compete with each other.
Here are 15 things to know about relocating to the Golden State.
1. You’ll need a car after moving from Kentucky to California.
Unless you are relocating to (the very expensive) San Francisco, you should probably consider getting a car in California. It’s a vast state, which means you could use help from interstate movers Kentucky to relocate. Furthermore, most of the towns and cities in the Golden State are low-density communities. Public transit options are very limited. Depending on where in California you want to call home, traffic might also become a huge part of your life. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
2. The higher education in the El Dorado State is top-notch.
If you are moving from Kentucky to California with kids or are thinking about enrolling in a school yourself, this is the state for you. You should consider taking advantage of in-state tuition in California’s state university system. It’s the largest public university system in the whole country. Though the tuition prices have increased in California over the years, they’re still relatively discounted when compared to what non-residents pay. Additionally, they still offer great value at some top-notch schools.
3. Moving from Kentucky to California probably won’t solve all your problems.
There’s a very famous survey that measured happiness differences between California residents and people living in the Midwest. The results of the psychological studies have surprisingly shown that there are no differences. People living in California were no happier than those living in smaller towns in the Midwest. Even the constant sun hasn’t changed their minds. It all comes down to the people you surround yourself with. So by all means, go ahead with hiring one of the top cross country moving companies California can offer, but don’t assume that doing so will magically spawn a radical change in you.
California is the country’s leading producer of wine. So living here could be the inspiration you need to explore the world of wine.
4. Choosing between Northern California vs. Southern California
- After moving from Kentucky to California, you’ll have to choose sides. One of the main factors to consider is the weather. There’s a big difference between what will welcome you in San Francisco and what you can expect to experience in San Diego. Are you looking for a dry and sunny climate or would you welcome the occasional rain shower? Either way, we have a list of the cities and states in the US that have the best climate, so feel free to check it out. Or maybe you prefer atmospheric weather?
- Whatever you choose, there is an abundance of beautiful scenery. The El Dorado State is a great place to be a nature-lover and an outdoor enthusiast. We can recommend you a great number of national and state parks, and mountains with numerous hike trails. Relocate here and you’ll be able to visit beaches, ski, surf, swim, and camp on a daily basis. Especially when you’re on a tight moving budget, getting into the great outdoors for a hike or a walk is just free entertainment in the Golden State.
5. It’ll be easy to maintain a healthy diet after moving from Kentucky to California.
If you want a diet that relies primarily on fresh produce (but you must be able and prepared to afford it), California is the best place for you. If you want fresh juice, don’t worry, it’s everywhere. And if you enjoy eating out but you don’t want meat, sugar, gluten or some other currently disliked ingredient on the menu, you should have an easier time of it in California than in Kentucky. Healthy living is big here and it won’t be a problem for anyone if you are a little choosy about your diet.
6. California is a high-tax state.
Brace yourself, because California income taxes are high. There’s no other way of saying it. If you happen to be a high earner, you’ll have to give a sizable chunk of your earnings to the state government. Naturally, you get a lot of bang for your buck in California. Furthermore, property taxes are below average which can additionally soften the blow.
7. Housing is a hot topic.
Even before you relocate from Kentucky to California, you will quickly learn that housing is a big topic of concern here. In some California cities, housing is out of reach for the upper-middle-class residents! Moreover, local zoning rules keep the housing supply low. Other parts of the Golden State still haven’t recovered from the Great Recession which is what has homeowners underwater on their mortgages. If you’re lucky enough to be a homeowner in California, it means you’re doing well.
If you’re California dreaming, one thing you definitely need to focus on is the high taxes.
Next steps towards your relocation from Kentucky to California
Moving to a new state can sometimes be a big blow to a household’s budget. It’s important to know about all the tax connotations – not just in relation to your income but also on your property taxes and your salary. You should consult with a professional who knows how to explain taxes and make sure you’re set up for financial success. Finally, contact us so that we can connect you with the best movers that will fit into the said budget. We do our best to organize high-quality relocations, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone now!