Best California to DC Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CA to DC Moving Specialists

Embarking on an interstate move is an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. Leaving behind the Golden State's endless summers for DC’s monumental heart, you're trading in the laid-back West Coast vibes for the East Coast's bustling corridors of power. Understandably, to navigate this substantial shift smoothly, securing the assistance of trusted professional movers is crucial, ensuring your journey from coast to capital is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

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Best California to DC Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.63NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Mic's Moving9.59NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best California Movers9.52A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from DC to California guide.

6 Best CA to DC Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,645+ data points

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
4
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
5
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to DC

Moving across the country is no small feat, and doing so from California to Washington D.C. presents its own unique set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection highlighting the contrast between California and DC through carefully curated charts, ensuring you have a clear view of what to expect from such a relocation.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Wildfire risks
  • Water scarcity
DC iconDC
  • More affordable housing
  • Efficient public transit
  • No natural disaster threats
  • Ample water resources
DC iconDC
  • Fewer natural landscapes
  • Harsh winters
  • More indoor living
  • Narrower cultural scope
California iconCalifornia
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Mild winters
  • Outdoor lifestyle
  • Diverse culture

When comparing the lifestyle of California with that of DC, certain aspects stand out. In California, the ability to visit places like Venice Beach or hiking in Runyon Canyon Park virtually year-round promotes a dynamic outdoor lifestyle, which might be missed upon moving. However, DC counters with its own charms, such as the historical significance and beauty of landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the vibrant energy of neighborhoods like Georgetown, renowned for its boutique shops and waterfront dining. Furthermore, DC’s public transportation system is heralded for its efficiency, a big leap from California's infamous traffic jams. The Smithsonian museums, omnipresent green spaces like Rock Creek Park, and the bustling streets of Adams Morgan with eclectic restaurants such as Tail Up Goat add richness to everyday living in the nation's capital.

California vs. DC Food Guide

When considering a move, it's not just the scenery and job opportunities that change, but also the culinary landscape. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & DC , aimed at giving you a taste of the food scene in your new home so you can immerse yourself in the local culture through its flavors.

CaliforniaDC
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishTri-tip SteakMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemTacosJumbo Slice
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastVegetable Curry
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • n/naka
  • The French Laundry
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In California, the food scene is as diverse as its landscape, featuring everything from fresh seafood to pioneering vegan cuisine. The streets of Los Angeles and San Francisco are bursting with food trucks offering a wide range of tacos, showcasing the state's strong Mexican influence. High-end dining experiences can be found in restaurants like Chez Panisse in Berkeley, which emphasizes farm-to-table dining, or The French Laundry in Yountville, known for its French cuisine. On the other hand, DC is famed for its historical eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, which offers a taste of the city's unique culinary staple, the Half-Smoke. The food truck scene around areas like Capitol Hill and Dupont Circle offers an eclectic mix of international flavors, reflecting the city's diverse population.

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California vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate differences between California and DC is crucial. These insights can significantly impact your decision, especially when considering aspects such as housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle. Let's delve into how these two locations compare to assist you in making an informed choice.

ComparisonCaliforniaDC
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishFederal, Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor space, Ocean viewHistoric details, Proximity to metro

In comparing the real estate landscapes of California and DC, the variance in architecture and urban lifestyle becomes apparent. California's housing market often emphasizes modern and Spanish architectural styles, along with the luxury of outdoor spaces and ocean views. This reflects the state's diverse cultural background and its natural beauty. In contrast, DC's real estate boasts historical significance, with Federal and Victorian styles dominating the scene, highlighting the city's rich history. The higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores in DC underscore its compact, efficient layout, which contrasts with California's more sprawling urban spaces. The slight difference in median home prices and rents also illustrates the premium placed on living in these sought-after locations, making these factors crucial in your decision-making process.

California vs. DC Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one location to another, understanding how the weather compares between California and DC is essential. This comparison will give you a clear idea of what to expect and how the change might affect your daily life and seasonal preparations.

Summer icon
85/60

California

88/71

DC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60/45

California

47/29

DC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

40.8

DC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0-100+ (varies widely by region)

California

15.4

DC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaDC
Air QualityVaries widelyModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresBlizzards, Hurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from the sunshine-laden landscapes of California to the distinct seasons of DC can bring noticeable changes to your wardrobe and leisure activities. California offers more sunny days and milder winters, which makes outdoor activities feasible year-round. On the other hand, DC experiences a higher number of cloudy days, significantly colder winters, and a greater variation in humidity, affecting everything from outdoor sports to how you might manage seasonal allergies. Adjusting to the higher annual rainfall and experiencing snowfall in DC will also be a change, potentially requiring new routines and preparations.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to DC

When contemplating a move, especially from California to DC, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might shift. This comparison aims to simplify the financial transitions you'll face, outlining the differences in living costs, taxes, and more, so you can plan accordingly.

ComparisonCaliforniaDC
Avg. Household Income$91,551$101,027
Cost of Living Index136.4140.1
State Income Tax1 - 13.34 - 8.95
Avg. Property Tax0.730.56
Avg. Sales Tax8.826
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, EntertainmentGovernment, Professional Services, Tourism
AffluenceHighVery High
PovertyNoticeableLower
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

While both California and DC have reputations for high living costs, certain nuances differentiate them. DC's average household income is notably higher, which can be partly attributed to the prominence of high-paying government and professional service jobs. However, the cost of living index is also higher in DC, indicating that these higher incomes are somewhat offset by the cost of housing, goods, and services. Income tax rates vary significantly, with California's progressive system peaking at 13.3% for the highest earners, whereas DC caps out at 8.95%. This can impact your disposable income based on your earnings bracket. Sales tax in DC is noticeably lower, potentially making everyday purchases a bit more budget-friendly. Understanding these financial nuances can help you better prepare for the transition between these two dynamic locations.

California vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from California to DC, it’s essential to understand how the two places differ in terms of the politics between California & DC and their residents' beliefs. This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious landscape you're transitioning into.

CaliforniaDC
Political Make-upMajority DemocraticOverwhelmingly Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberal on social issuesVery progressive on social issues
ReligionMixed, with a significant number of non-religious residentsHighly diverse, but with a strong presence of non-religious individuals

In both California and DC, you'll find a liberal and progressive stance on many social issues, though DC tends to lean even more to the left than California, reflecting in its local politics and legislation. The political engagement in DC is high, partly due to its status as the nation's capital and the concentration of politically active individuals. On the religious front, both regions host a diverse range of beliefs but share a significant proportion of residents identifying as non-religious. This similarity suggests that regardless of your faith, or lack thereof, you're likely to find a community where your beliefs or perspectives are shared or, at the very least, welcomed.

Education Guide When Moving from California to DC

Moving from California to DC offers you a new landscape of educational opportunities for your family. To help you navigate this transition, we've created a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and DC . This guide will give you a clearer insight into the educational landscape, ensuring you make informed decisions for your children's future.

CaliforniaDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Millbrook Elementary (San Jose)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
Janney Elementary (Washington)
Lafayette Elementary (Washington)
Mann Elementary (Washington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Miller Middle (San Jose)
Carmel Valley Middle (San Diego)
Diablo Vista Middle (Danville)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
Eliot-Hine Middle School (Washington)

Top 3 High School Schools

California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Oxford Academy (Cypress)
Whitney High School (Cerritos)
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School (Washington)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
McKinley Technology High School (Washington)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The College Preparatory School (Oakland)
Georgetown Preparatory School (North Bethesda)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Maret School (Washington)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The Webb Schools (Claremont)
St. Albans School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)

Top 3 School Districts

San Marino Unified School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
Arcadia Unified School District
DC Public Schools (only one district in DC)

Examining the chart above, you'll notice significant differences between the educational systems of California and DC. For instance, the most notable distinction lies in their top-ranking high schools, where California's options like the California Academy of Mathematics and Science focus on specific educational focuses compared to DC's broader academic offerings like Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. Additionally, while California provides a wide array of highly-rated school districts, DC operates within a singular, unified district, which might offer a more cohesive educational approach but with fewer options. This contrast underlines the importance of understanding each area's educational landscape to find the best fit for your family's needs.

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