Moving to the Golden State is worth it
Moving to the most populated state in the USA will be an adventure on its own. There are so many things you will love about California. From its sunny beaches and beautiful nature to warm energy and great weather, the state is considered one of the best to live in the US. With a population of over 39.81 million as of January 1, 2018, California is steadily approaching the 40 million mark and is expected to become the home of over 41 million people by 2020.
In contrast to Arizona, the Golden State has a more diverse population and culture, even though the two states are so close to one another. Since both Arizona and California are very spread out, their climate varies a lot from one region to another within each state. Arizona has mainly desert climate with mild winters and hot summers, with temperatures that sometimes exceed 125 °F. In California, most parts of the state have a Mediterranean climate that ranges from polar to subtropical.
Economy and employment
In June 2018, the state of California surpassed the United Kingdom and moved one position up from the sixth place, becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy after the United States, China, Japan, and Germany. Its $2.75 trillion economy, thanks to the recent boom in financial services and real estate, is the largest in the US.
California is very expensive. The state is also infamous for its high-income taxes. On the bright side, you’ll find plenty of job positions in finance, real estate, farming, construction, the entertainment industry, government, scientific and technical business services, and IT. If you are looking for business opportunities, California is also the right place for you.
Housing and Living Costs
After Hawaii, California has the most expensive cost of living in the nation. Its housing costs are also some of the most expensive in the US. On the other hand, if you buy a house in California, the property taxes are below the national average.
If you haven’t yet decided where in California to settle – Northern part or Southern part, make sure you pick one as soon as you can. Both are very different from each other in terms of climate, culture, and overall atmosphere. That is why you should decide ahead which part fits you best. San Francisco, Berkeley, Irvine, San Jose, Fresno, Santa Barbara, San Mateo County, and Sacramento are some of the best places to live in California.
How to pass your free time in California?
Where should we start? The home of Hollywood, Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley Vineyards, and Beverly Hills is so much more than these usual touristy spots. Sure, you will have to put up with all the traffic jams from time to time, or almost every day if you’re unlucky. But no matter where you’ll live in California, be ready to have the time of your life.
Thanks to its spectacular weather, you will be able to do a lot of outdoor activities, visit all your favorite places, and walk your dog more often than you’re used to in Arizona or any other state. And when the summer time comes, you will see the true face of this multicultural state full of positive vibes.
Moving to California with a car
Having a car in California is very important. As we’ve mentioned in the beginning, the state is quite spread out. Hence, moving to California with a car will make your life easier in different ways. Keep in mind though, that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has very strict rules about car registration and driver’s license, especially for new residents.
Once you move to California, you will have 20 days to register your car and 10 days to obtain a California driver’s license. Visit California DMW online to find a more information on car registration and driver’s license in California.