Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Santa Ana to Phoenix Movers

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ is an exciting opportunity to embrace new experiences and a fresh lifestyle. As you transition from the "Downtown Orange County" vibes of Santa Ana to the "Valley of the Sun" in Phoenix, you'll be leaving behind coastal breezes for a desert oasis. To ensure a smooth and successful long-distance move, it’s crucial to hire trusted and reliable professional movers, and at Great Guys Moving, we help you find the best in the business.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Phoenix to Santa Ana guide.

5 Best Santa Ana to Phoenix Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

#1
Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 2,279+ data points

Phoenix, AZ
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3006713 Verify

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in phoenix 2023 sterling interstate llc image
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#2
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,688+ data points

Santa Monica, CA
Residential moving, Commercial moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3207734 Verify

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in santa ana 2023 pure movers santa monica image
top 3 ranked movers in santa monica 2022 pure movers santa monica image
#3
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,308+ data points

Lake Forest, CA
Local Move, Interstate Move, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 649215 Verify

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

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#4
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional

based on 991+ data points

Peoria, AZ
Long Distance Moves, Local Moves, Business Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT: 3656946 Verify

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>

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#5
Safe-Way Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,724+ data points

Foothill Ranch, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT: 1677218 Verify

About Safe-Way Moving, Inc.

As a family-owned and operated moving company, Safe-Way Moving, Inc. has served all of Orange County since 2007. It offers both residential ...Read More >>

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Relocating from Santa Ana to Phoenix Neighborhood Guide

Moving from one city to another can be a challenge, especially when you're unfamiliar with the new location. To help you get acquainted with Phoenix, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Santa Ana, CA & Phoenix, AZ. This guide will use your knowledge of Santa Ana's popular neighborhoods to highlight the most similar areas in Phoenix.

Santa AnaPhoenix
Floral ParkArcadia

Upscale, historic homes

West Floral ParkNorth Central

Lush, suburban feel

Park SantiagoEncanto-Palmcroft

Historic homes, tree-lined streets

Santa Ana TriangleRoosevelt

Diverse community, urban vibe

French Park Historic DistrictWillo Historic District

Vintage charm, cultural significance

EastsideCoronado

Artistic community, bungalow homes

Meredith ParkwoodMoon Valley

Family-friendly, good schools

South Coast MetroBiltmore Area

Shopping, commercial hub

LacyMelrose District

Trendy, vibrant nightlife

Downtown Santa AnaDowntown Phoenix

Cultural, entertainment center

If you appreciate the upscale, historic homes of Floral Park, you'll find a similar charm in Arcadia, Phoenix, with its mix of classic architecture and upscale amenities. For those who enjoy the lush, suburban feel of West Floral Park, North Central Phoenix offers a similar environment with beautiful, tree-lined streets and family-friendly parks. The vibrant, artistic community of Santa Ana's Eastside finds a counterpart in Phoenix's Coronado neighborhood, renowned for its bungalow homes and creative vibe. Lastly, Downtown Santa Ana's cultural and entertainment hub matches well with Downtown Phoenix, where arts, music, and dining experiences abound.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix

Considering a move from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ? This comparison will give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Santa Ana to Phoenix , so you can make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • High Cost of Living
  • Traffic Congestion
  • Cooler Climate
  • Smaller Housing Options
  • Coastal Fog
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Better Traffic Flow
  • Sunshine Year-Round
  • Spacious Housing
  • Clear Skies
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • No Beach Access
  • Extreme Heat
  • Less Diversity
  • Developing Infrastructure
  • Varied School Quality
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Beach Proximity
  • Mild Summers
  • Diverse Culture
  • Well-Established Amenities
  • Award-Winning Schools

Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. While Phoenix offers a lower cost of living and better traffic conditions, you might miss Santa Ana's coastal attractions and mild summers. Phoenix boasts sunshine year-round, great for outdoor enthusiasts who can enjoy spots like South Mountain Park. However, the extreme heat can be a drawback. On the upside, you'll find spacious housing in neighborhoods such as Arcadia with clear skies and no coastal fog to contend with. While Santa Ana's cultural diversity and proximity to the beach are definite pluses, Phoenix is rapidly developing its own vibrant community, with numerous restaurants and sights to explore.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix

Food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. We'll compare the local cuisine between Santa Ana and Phoenix so you can be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.

Santa AnaPhoenix

Most iconic local food item

Street TacosMargaritas

Most popular meat dish

Carne AsadaBarbecue Brisket

Most popular street food item

TamalesSonoran Hot Dog

Most popular vegan food

Vegan BurritoAcai Bowl

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • La Vida Cantina
  • Chapter One: the modern local
  • Crave
  • Clever Koi
  • Phoenix City Grille
  • Pizzeria Bianco

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)

78

Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)

87

Foodie Scene (out of 10)

89

Vegan Friendly (out of 10)

68

Moving to Phoenix, you'll find a thriving food scene that includes delicacies like the Sonoran Hot Dog, primarily found in neighborhoods like Downtown and Roosevelt Row. Restaurants such as Clever Koi and Phoenix City Grille offer iconic local flavors. Phoenix is also known for its health-conscious food scene, with plenty of vegan options like Acai Bowls readily available at eateries throughout the city. If food trucks excite you, you won't be disappointed either; Phoenix boasts a diverse selection of mobile culinary delights.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone who appreciates a good meal, exploring new eateries is crucial when settling into a new city. This comparison guide aims to help you find your new favorite restaurants by using your current experiences in Santa Ana and matching them with similar places to love in Phoenix .

Taco MaríaBarrio Queen

High-end Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist

PlaygroundThe Vig

Innovative gastropub fare with a laid-back vibe

4th Street MarketThe Yard

A collection of food stands with diverse options

BenchmarkThe Little Woody

Cozy pub environment with a vast beer selection

Mix Mix Kitchen BarKai

Fusion dining with a strong emphasis on local flavors

Golden Road BrewingWren House Brewing

Eclectic brewery with unique beer flavors

El Mercado Modern CuisineCRUjiente Tacos

Modern Mexican dishes with inventive twists

Aki SushiHana Haru Sushi

Fresh and innovative sushi creations

MOD PizzaFired Pie

Custom, fast-casual pizzas made to order

Crave RestaurantCafe Pino

Eclectic menu blending casual and gourmet offerings

Taco María sets a high bar for Mexican-inspired fine dining, a standard matched by Barrio Queen, where you'll revel in contemporary and upscale Mexican dishes. If you crave a relaxed atmosphere with innovative eats akin to what you'd find at Playground, The Vig in Phoenix offers a similar gastropub experience. For those who enjoy the variety and vibrancy of 4th Street Market, The Yard presents an eclectic array of food stalls, ideal for diverse palates. Meanwhile, fans of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar will appreciate the unique local ingredient focus found at Kai. This transition means you'll never be far from an exciting and comforting dining experience.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to know
how the housing markets of Santa Ana and Phoenix compare in terms of cost,
architecture, walkability, and lifestyle.

In terms of housing costs, you'll find that homes and rent are more affordable in Phoenix compared to Santa Ana. Architecture in Phoenix leans towards the ranch style , whereas Santa Ana is known for its Spanish Colonial buildings. While Santa Ana boasts a high walkability score, making everyday errands much easier without a car, Phoenix offers better bikeability and large, spacious yards, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Each city offers a unique living experience, so it's important to weigh these aspects based on your personal preferences and daily lifestyle.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ

1. Midtown Phoenix: Known for its walkable streets and numerous pet-friendly patios, your furry friends will love the welcoming atmosphere and Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub for a bite where pets are happily seen on the patio.

2. Arcadia: This neighborhood is a paradise for pets with spacious backyards and close proximity to Camelback Mountain for adventurous walks and hikes, making it perfect for active dogs.

3. Roosevelt Row: This artsy district not only welcomes pets in many galleries and cafes but also hosts pet-centric events like the annual Phoestivus market, making it an incredibly fun and engaging community for pet lovers.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix

If you're moving from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ, it's important to understand how the weather will compare to what you are used to. This comparison will help you prepare for the changes and make your transition smoother by illuminating the differences in temperature, air quality, and other significant weather factors.

Summer icon
83/63

Santa Ana, CA

106/81

Phoenix, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68/45

Santa Ana, CA

68/45

Phoenix, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
13.5

Santa Ana, CA

8.2

Phoenix, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Santa Ana, CA

0

Phoenix, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix, you'll notice significantly hotter summers in Phoenix, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, which is more than Santa Ana. However, the air in Phoenix is much drier, with an average humidity of 36% compared to Santa Ana's 60%. Additionally, while Santa Ana primarily faces the risk of earthquakes, Phoenix is more prone to extreme heat waves. Adjusting to these changes will be crucial for your comfort and well-being in your new home.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix

When you are moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix , understanding the differences in cost of living is crucial. This comparison will help you get a clearer picture of how your finances might be affected by the move from Santa Ana to Phoenix , covering key financial aspects in both cities.

When moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix, you will find differences in state taxes and the cost of living index. Arizona's state tax ranges from 2.59% to 4.5%, which is generally lower compared to California’s higher tax range of 1% to 13.3%. Additionally, the cost of living index is significantly lower in Phoenix at 103.7 versus Santa Ana's 146.8, translating to cheaper living expenses overall. However, one notable difference is that the average sales tax is higher in Phoenix, standing at 8.6% compared to Santa Ana’s 7.75%. This can affect your day-to-day shopping and spending. Additionally, the average household income in Santa Ana is higher than that in Phoenix, which could influence your budget planning and savings. Both cities share similar economic characteristics, such as being moderate in affluence and having noticeable homelessness, indicating comparable social challenges in both environments.

Political & Religious Comparison between Santa Ana, CA and Phoenix, AZ

This section provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, particularly comparing the politics between Santa Ana & Phoenix . This comparison aims to help you better understand the communities you’re moving between, ensuring a smoother transition.

Santa AnaPhoenix

Political Make-up

Democratic leaningRepublican leaning

Local Politics

City-focused, Progressive policiesMetropolitan-focused, Conservative policies

Religion

Predominantly CatholicDiverse, including Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical

When moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix, you will notice a distinct shift in political makeup, with Santa Ana leaning more Democratic and Phoenix more Republican. Additionally, Santa Ana's local politics often emphasize progressive policies focused on city issues, as seen in various city-level initiatives. On the other hand, Phoenix, with its metropolitan focus, tends to lean towards conservative policies, addressing broader regional concerns. In terms of religion, Santa Ana is predominantly Catholic, whereas Phoenix offers a more diverse religious landscape that includes Catholicism, Protestantism, and Evangelical Christianity, reflecting its larger and more varied population.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Santa Ana to Phoenix

To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like, this is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Santa Ana & Phoenix.

Santa AnaPhoenix
2625

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

75

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

68

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

PossiblyMore Likely

Can you get by without car?

In Santa Ana, traffic congestion can be moderately challenging, with a score of 7 out of 10. However, the availability of public transit, scoring 6 out of 10, means you have some alternatives to driving. Phoenix, on the other hand, offers better public transit options with an 8 out of 10 score, and its traffic congestion is lower at 5 out of 10. This makes Phoenix a more car-optional city compared to Santa Ana. Whether you're considering commuting by car or alternative means, Phoenix provides more flexibility and potentially less daily stress.

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