December 19, 2022 Posted in Moving Tips

How to Move to a New City Along the West Coast

Are you thinking of moving to a new city? Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery or want to be closer to family and friends, there are a few things you should keep in mind when making the big move. Here are some tips on how to move to a new city successfully.

Bixby Canyon, California
Sunny beaches are not the only thing the West Coast has to offer

Relocating from the East Coast to San Diego or anywhere else on the West Coast will not only be complicated in terms of adjusting to a completely different lifestyle, but it will involve a lot of planning and hard work. But don’t worry; with our long-distance relocation tips, you will be able to go through the whole process without any hiccups.

How to Move to a New City – First Decide Where You Should Move

The first step in moving to a big or small city is deciding where to live. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as job prospects, cost of living, and quality of life. Do your research before making the big move. Decide what kind of environment you want to live in and what amenities are important to you. Once you have a general idea of the type of place you’re looking for, you can begin narrowing down your search.

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Size of the City

Size does matter, especially if you are relocating alone – you would want to relocate to a place that will feel comfortable and to which you can easily adjust. Of course, there can be many reasons for moving, and not everybody can choose their next destination. But if you have the option to choose, then consider this step carefully. Your experience of a city will be greatly influenced by its size.

Large cities can be interesting and fascinating to some people. Others discover them to be overpowering and frustrating. Smaller cities are no different. What one person considers to be a “quaint tiny town” is another person’s “boring middle of nowhere.”

When considering your commute and general transportation options, the physical scale of the city is very crucial – relocating to Tacoma will not be the same as relocating to New York. You can use public transportation to travel to practically any place in a large city like New York. Also, if you relocate to LA, the main means of transportation will be a car. This means you will have to consider taking car shipping services aside from regular long-distance moving services.

Connections to the City

Living on your own may be a dream for many people. On the other hand, some people will find this to be too hard. But no matter what type of person you are, you would want to relocate to the city where you can see some familiar faces. It can be exhilarating, difficult, and lonely to relocate to another state where you don’t know anyone. While moving somewhere without knowing anyone is OK, having a few local contacts might be beneficial. Finding a place to live and employment can be facilitated by knowing someone who lives in the city. Finding both may take longer without these relationships.

Friends sitting and laughing
Having connections in a new city can only be beneficial

Colder or Warmer Weather Which One Do You Prefer

Relocation in winter in California is nothing special, but doing so in Boston will make you consider your choices. The climate is huge and probably the most important factor that will influence your everyday life. So if you plan to relocate to Everett, be prepared to have harsh winters and hot summers. Many individuals don’t think about the local weather when deciding where to relocate, although it greatly affects how you live your life. The weather has an impact on your mood as well as the types of activities you can engage in throughout the year and the clothing you’ll require.

So be sure to take into account both your preferred climate as well as the climate in the places you are considering. It could not be a suitable fit for the city if these two don’t coincide.

Woman in the rain with an umbrella
Weather can affect your mental stage

Consider the Job Market

One of the benefits of relocating is that you get to change your job and maybe even the whole career path. But before you book your movers in California and Seattle and set off on this new adventure, do some good research about the job market. As you can see, finding employment in the tech industry will be much easier in San Jose, San Francisco, or LA than in Seattle. However, Seattle has lower unemployment rates and lower competition, so you may find jobs easier there than in California. Search the employment market for opportunities that fit your unique interests and skills. Look up the biggest industries in a location to get a feel for the labor market there. To discover how many positions that interest you are posted, you can also browse job boards.

People sitting at the conference table
Maybe you can change your entire career

Cost of Living

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving to a new city is that they don’t include the overall cost of living they will have in the new city. Sometimes, the cost of living doesn’t only mean you will have to relocate from a house to an apartment, but it can affect your life completely. Your daily life is greatly impacted by the expense of living. It establishes your place of residence and your hobbies. Even the longer-term effects, like your ability to retire and your potential family size, are affected. Go on Numbeo and check the costs of living in your new city of choice. If cost reduction only means you will have to find a smaller house, then you should move. But if you see that this will greatly affect your lifestyle, consider relocating to suburban parts near that city of choice.

Figure Out What Are the Best Cities to Live In on the West Coast

Some of the best outdoor activities, strong employment markets, incredible restaurants, and gorgeous weather are all can be found on the West Coast. And what is best, you can choose from a moderate Mediterranean climate to Alaska-style weather on the West Coast. From amazing beaches to some of the most beautiful snowy mountains are located here. Take a look at some of the best cities on the West Coast.

Anchorage, Alaska

Maybe not a place that first comes to your mind when you think about the West Coast, but Anchorage is one of the best and largest cities on the West Coast. Anchorage is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise – Chugach State Park and other state and national parks surround the city. Although the summers in Anchorage are gorgeous and have 24 hours of daylight, the weather there is often cooler, making it one of the greatest places to spend the summer. There are many opportunities to experience and learn about the many aboriginal heritages recognized in this area. Numerous annual festivals conducted in Anchorage, like the Fur Rendezvous, a winter festival honoring the pioneering spirit of Alaskans, provide additional chances for development, education, music, and enjoyment.

Eugene, Oregon

If you decide to relocate to Eugene, you are in for a treat. Eugene, the city where the University of Oregon is located, is a picturesque college town on the West Coast with something for everyone. Art lovers can spend time exploring Eugene’s thriving arts and cultural scene, foodies will enjoy perusing the city’s diverse selection of restaurants, and beer fans can choose from the city’s many craft breweries. Of course, Eugene offers additional conveniences as well. For instance, the city is home to a number of well-regarded K–12 public schools, including South Eugene High School and Charlemagne French Immersion School. Eugene is also known as The Emerald City due to its lush, green surroundings and the outstanding outdoor leisure opportunities at adjacent locations, including Spencer Butte, Fern Ridge Reservoir, and Willamette National Forest.

Portland Oregon

Another great Oregon city is Portland, one of the top big cities in the nation. Known as the “Silicon Forest” because of its well-established tech sector, it provides employment chances with businesses like Airbnb, Xerox, Nike, and eBay. The largest city in Oregon is also working very hard to be sustainable. A quarter of the Portland workforce commutes by bicycle, and the bulk of the city’s energy is generated by renewable resources. With 385 miles of bikeways, The City of Roses is actually one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the nation. In addition, the city has several interesting sites to visit, including Forest Park and the Columbia River Gorge.

San Diego, California

San Diego is known as America’s Finest City and it is not surprising it has this nickname given its fantastic beaches, exciting attractions, and reputation as one of the places with the greatest weather all year long. If you enjoy being outside, San Diego also has plenty of opportunities for outdoor leisure, including beaches for surfing, hiking trails, and fishing holes. For anyone pursuing a degree or looking for a career in education, there are excellent possibilities for higher education here.

Thousand Oaks, California

If you are looking for a nice, safe place near LA, then Thousand Oaks is the perfect place for you. It is the second-largest city in Ventura County and one of the safest cities in California – it is one of the best locations to live on the West Coast and a great destination for families. In addition, the community has a number of highly regarded educational institutions. You can access the thrills of the big city while enjoying a tranquil lifestyle with lots of chances for outdoor leisure because Los Angeles is only around 40 miles away. With 150 miles of trails nearby and the seaside only 30 minutes away, there is always room for outdoor recreation.

Last but Not Least – Book Long-Distance Movers on Time

Now that you know what to consider when relocating to a new city, you should also book movers from Seattle to California to assist you with your move. Finding a good reputable long-distance moving company is not easy, and you will have to start this process on time. Book your cross-country movers as soon as you decide where to move. If you are moving from Seattle to California, the best is to find movers in Seattle or California since they will know the area the best. Your cross-country moving company should be booked at least three months in advance, so you have enough time to do all the preparation. But if you have to move in at the last minute, then book movers for packing services as well, as this way, you will have more time to find a place to live.

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Follow Our Tips and Relocate to a New City Efficiently and Without a Fuss

The question “how do I move to a new city” will no longer be part of your thought process. If you follow our tips, you will be able to relocate to a new city in no time and adjust as soon as you relocate. As you can see, if you think in advance about all the things that can happen to you in a new city, you will be much better prepared.

Daisy Wilson

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

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