Are you contemplating moving to the West Coast? The great weather, laid back lifestyle, delicious food, and beautiful parks sound enticing. We would definitely give you thumbs up for such a move. As a next step though, you have to pick the place to settle. Considering the diverse options that the West Coast offers, it can be a tough choice. In this article, we will explore a few places that are worth considering as your next home.
The best West Coast cities
California tops the list of the West Coast states with the most desirable cities to live in. Two of its major cities, which usually come first to mind, are Los Angeles and San Francisco. These cities are quite important and have become the hubs of the movie industry and technological innovation. No wonder that their population has been increasing during the last years. Yet, there are other great alternatives within CA.
San Diego, CA
If you are a sun-seeker and like coastal cities, San Diego is a perfect place for you. The Coronado Beach and the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve are among the many beautiful scenic views the city offers. This is not all though.
With a population of around 3.3 million people, San Diego is a busy metropolitan city. A wide range of museums, outdoor activities, festivals, and entertainment events are present throughout the city all year round. For example, you can visit the National History Museum, the Museum of Photographic Arts, surf at the Coronado beach, and then pay a visit to the Ocean Beach farmers market. This is a joyful market that offers a wide range of activities such as yoga classes, dance and music performances, and juggling shows among others.
San Diego has also been considered as the 36th best place to live in the US, according to U.S. News analysts. It offers an average annual salary of $56,410 and has a relatively low unemployment rate: only 3.3%. The traffic is manageable, as the average commuting time does not exceed 30 minutes.
If you will be moving to San Diego with a car, keep in mind that you will need to register it within 20 days and get a Californian driver’s license within 10 days.
Considering the lively activity of the city as well as the good employment opportunities, the real estate prices have been increasing. Nevertheless, San Diego is affordable and offers a good standard of living, which makes the higher-than-average rent prices justifiable.
Santa Barbara, CA
This fascinating city is surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. You may have seen it in the top most popular tourist destinations. Thus, you may naturally wonder: is this city also a good place to live all year round?
The answer could be yes, considering several factors such as high employability, a median household income of $66,107, a well-developed education system, and an overall good quality of life. Santa Barbara has a developing tech-industry and does well in health care, education, and agriculture. Moreover, as a bonus, you get to enjoy fantastic weather all year-round. And as Silicon Valley is becoming more crowded, Santa Barbara is a nice and more affordable alternative.
An interesting fact about Santa Barbara is its curious sign ordinance. The city is so beautiful, that in order not to obscure that beauty, the signs are kept at a low-profile. You will need the assistance of Google maps in the beginning, until you learn where all your most important destinations within the city are.
Sacramento, CA
The capital of California is one of the most affordable major cities in CA. Its unemployment rate is lower than 3.7%, and the median annual salary is above $50,000. Despite being geographically positioned inland, it is just an hour’s drive from the nearest coastline: the San Pablo Bay.
One interesting fact about Sacramento is its duality. It represents two cities, one over the ground that we all see, and another one – under the ground. There’s a whole network of tunnels underneath the city, which was abandoned due to flood damage. Sacramento, indeed, is a city with a rich history. For example, the Crocker, a local art museum, is the oldest one on the West Coast.
There will be no lack of entertainment events in the city, such as the annual jazz festival, the California Musical Theatre among others. Not to mention all the restaurants, bars, and lively nightlife. You will immediately feel like home once you move there, as it is quite easy to adapt to its diverse lifestyle.
What about the other West Coast states?
Other states on the West Coast may be good candidates for your next home. It all depends on your preferences. For example, would you like to live in a quieter place, or do you prefer hustle and bustle of big cities?
Seattle, WA
Seattle, located between the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges, as well as the shores of Lake Washington and Puget Sound, is characterized by its natural beauty. The city has a reputation for continuous rainfalls, yet its cool summers are quite pleasant.
Another advantage to living in Seattle: there are no state income taxes. This is great news, especially if you are coming from the East Coast. Because of its lower living expenses, the population in The Emerald City has been increasing in the last years. So, don’t think that you will be the only one moving to Seattle.
The population growth has led to heavier traffic in the city. Sometimes, you may end up stuck in traffic for more than one hour. However, the good news is that public transportation in Seattle has been gradually improving, allowing to manage your daily activities better.
Portland, OR
Portland is not only one of the most liveable cities in Oregon but its major center. With a population of 653,000 people, Portland is increasingly resembling a metropolitan city.
Despite not having the same level of attention as the above-mentioned Californian cities, Portland has a lot to offer from a lifestyle and entertainment point of view. In the winter, you can explore the Cascade Mountain Range, go snowboarding, skiing, and then enjoy good wine at the Willamette Valley wineries. The Oregon Coast is a good option for the summer, where you can surf or enjoy the sunny beaches. The annual Rose Festival adds more to the entertaining mix, as you can watch the parades, the fireworks, and try the amusement rides.
Portland is one of those cities where you will feel welcome right away. The people are very friendly and will not hesitate to approach you and make you feel at home.
Also, the fast industrial development, the low energy cost, marine shipping facilities, and the interconnected infrastructure, have created economic advantages, which ultimately translate into a low unemployment rate of 3.9 percent.
Transportation? You do not need to worry much. Portland has a good railway system and also many bike routes, which allow you to get around the city efficiently. However, if you are so used to your car and cannot live without driving, then bringing your vehicle to Portland will be a feasible option.
Shipping your car to the West Coast
Shipping a car to the West Coast is simple with Corsia Logistics, as we have the necessary expertise to ship all types of vehicles. For more information on how auto transport works, we invite you to browse our website.
If you prefer a human touch you can connect with our logistics experts via online chat or call us at (818) 850-5258. We are here to help you relocate your vehicle and make your moving process smoother. Thank you!
