Moving to the Golden State
Getting ready to leave the Yellowhammer State behind and head to California’s sunny beaches? You are not the only one. Every single day, California welcomes newcomers full of dreams, ideas, and positive energy. Compared to Alabama’s population of fewer than 5 million, California is home to 39,77 million people (currently the most populated state in the US). And according to various surveys, California is one of the best states to live in the US.
Since the state is very spread out, its climate ranges from polar to subtropical, depending on which part of California you decide to move to. Compared to the Heart of Dixie, which has a humid subtropical climate, the Golden State has a Mediterranean climate.
Economy and employment
The state of California is known for its rich and diverse economy as well as its recent boom in financial services and real estate. Moreover, the state is also known for its high taxes, expensive housing and living costs, especially for someone moving from Alabama. On the bright side, salaries in California are much higher than the national average. Once you move to the Golden State, you will be able to have a full-time job and a few gigs on the side if you need to earn some extra money.
You can find plenty of job opportunities in finance, real estate, the entertainment industry, government, scientific and technical business services, IT, and so on. Following your dream as an entrepreneur or starting your own business is also possible in California. You just need to be persistent and give your best to succeed in everything that you set your mind to.
Housing and Living Costs
Besides Hawaii, California is one of the states with the most expensive housing and cost of living in the US. If we compare Los Angeles to Huntsville, for example, the cost of living in L.A. is 82% more expensive. Its median home costs are also way more expensive — 350% more expensive to be exact.
Don’t despair though. There are plenty of other cities in California that are not as expensive as Los Angeles. Among the top places to live in California are Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, Santa Barbara, Irvine, San Jose, Fresno, and San Mateo County.
Things to do in California
With such a perfect weather and so many breathtaking landscapes, sunny beaches, as well as yummy food, and diverse culture get ready to have your schedule crazy busy once you move to the Golden State. Among the top things we recommend you to visit, as soon as you have free time, are the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Napa Valley Vineyards, Hollywood hills and Beverly Hills, The Death Valley, Channel Islands, Kings Canyon, and the Redwoods National and State parks.
All nature lovers are welcome. California is perfect for anyone who loves to practice outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, surfing, barbecuing, swimming, and skiing. There is a great number of music festivals and events happening throughout the year as well, so all you need to do is just pick your favorite activities and events, and just enjoy your time and have fun.
Moving to California with a car
Moving to California with a car is already a great start. As the state is very spread out, having one or two cars per family is almost a necessity. Once you become a resident of California, you will have 20 days to get your car registered and 10 days to obtain a California driver’s license. Keep in mind that in order to do so, you need to hold a valid car insurance as well. For more information visit the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles online. Enjoy the new journey!