Living the Life: Moving to California
One word that describes both cause and effect of uprooting oneself from the familiar to a new and strange yet promising place is reinvention. For the 300,000 migrants that defined the California Gold Rush during the 19th century, the lure of a new start represented by the promise of gold to be found was enough reason to uproot themselves and their families and forge a new life in this promising land. Starting from this huge wave of diverse individuals, California was forged into this mixed bag of extremes all to be found in one state. Moving to California, one finds a stimulating diversity both in the different cities and in the individuals that make up the state. As one would notice, Californians have an easy going, laid back attitude that doesn’t quite mask a pioneering and adventurous spirit.
There is something for everyone in California. From the initial reason for moving to the activities one wants to engage in once having settled, one just have to look around and see the myriad benefits in moving to California.
First of all, the diverse mix of the population means that there are a lot of sub-communities or groups one can belong to. Owing to this diversity, Californians are innately open-minded when it comes to divergent backgrounds in politics, sexuality, culture and personal preferences or interests. Basically anyone from any background will definitely find one’s place under the Californian sun.
California’s natural resources also reflect its varied geographical characteristics. It is blessed with mountain ranges, glaciers, wealthy agricultural valleys, rivers, lakes, forests, deserts, and coastlines. Due to this geographical diversity, the climate also varies. One can have the cool winters and dry summers of the Mediterranean in the Central Valley and the coastlines, a temperate climate in the Northwestern part, a mountain climate with snowy winters in the high mountains, or hot dry summers in the deserts of eastern California. One can definitely choose what kind of weather and outdoor activities one wants to experience without having to leave the state!
A study by Kiplinger Finance Magazine on the best cities to live in mentions that indicators of places that have and can maintain good economies and in effect a steady supply of jobs are a majority of industries in the creative fields. These industries stimulate the livability and vitality of any place. From hi-tech Silicon Valley to glitzy LA, there are a profusion of opportunities for creative types in different fields for artists, writers and entertainers to educators, engineers and scientists who want to consider moving to California.
A main deterrent in moving to California is the high cost of living. However, most locals and recent transplants agree that the cost of living is worth it in exchange for the quality of life that can be had once one settles in. California cities consistently make it to the lists of good places to live in. In terms of community and housing design, San Francisco and LA were given citations in a study by Architectural firm RMJM Hillier. In another study by an environmental group, California cities like San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Long Beach, Fresno, and San Diego score high points in environmental sustainability factors such as air quality, tap water quality, city innovation, climate change and energy policies, waste management, city commuting, street and freeway congestion, housing affordability, local food and agriculture, green building, and planning and land use.
Having made the decision of moving to California, one would deal with the practicalities of moving. After doing research and having possible California cities or areas as candidates for one’s future home, it is advisable to take a short trip or “trial move” first to those areas before making preparations to start that big move. During the trip, you would see first hand whatever reason you’ve heard about that Californian city which made you want to move be it the culture, lifestyle, or the weather. One could also check out the business district or future job location, city infrastructure like hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and the transportation system. Even just walking around a potential neighborhood would allay safety and mobility concerns. If the move is due to a job offer, make sure the offer is in writing. If one plans to look for employment once in California, make sure that there is at least six month’s worth of income for living expenses.
Other things to consider in moving to California:
- Most of the better paying jobs are in the Los Angeles or Orange County area while housing costs are lower in the Riverside/San Bernardino area thus a two hour commute is a normal part of the day for the average resident.
- It is better to sell your old car and buy a new one (if you plan to) when in California as California’s DMV deadlines for change of license plate and registration are tight. The state also requires cars to have proper smog devices, which your current car may not have.
- Most of the neighborhoods and communities are managed by associations with rules and regulations one might want to review first.
- Most Californians consider smoking as unacceptable socially. The smoking ban has been in place in bars and restaurants for nearly a decade already.
- There is a new subway system from Hollywood to Downtown LA or to the South Bay. However, navigating the Westside is still by bus and traffic can be quite slow.