Best California to Massachusetts Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CA to MA Moving Specialists

Embarking on a state-to-state move is an exhilarating leap towards a fresh chapter in your life. Leaving behind California's sunny beaches and laid-back lifestyle for Massachusetts' historic charm and vibrant seasons offers a unique blend of experiences. It's crucial to ensure this transition is smooth by choosing trusted, reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best in the business, using our unbiased ranking algorithm to eliminate the guesswork and bring you peace of mind.

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Best California to Massachusetts Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Paradise Moving & Storage9.70A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Stairhopper Movers9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.63NRAuthorized 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 Massachusetts to California guide.

6 Best CA to MA Moving Companies

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

Paradise Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.70/10
based on 1,118+ data points

About Paradise Moving & Storage

Paradise Moving & Storage is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in Massachusetts, with locations in Framingham, Boston, and A...Read More >>

Services

  • Affordable insured local and long distance movers
  • Hourly Charges only with no hidden fees
  • Furniture wrapping

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3619865 / 1236088

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved81,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Stairhopper Movers Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 9,261+ data points

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1696867 / 623045

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers22
Total Annual Miles Moved261,200 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
4
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
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 Massachusetts

Moving from one state to another is a major decision imbued with the possibilities of new beginnings and challenges. In this guide, we'll provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to Massachusetts to help you weigh your decision. Through comparative charts, we aim to highlight the nuanced changes you might encounter in lifestyle, climate, and culture.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Intense traffic
  • Frequent wildfires
  • Earthquake risk
  • Water scarcity
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Lower housing costs
  • Efficient public transit
  • Seasonal weather
  • Historic landmarks
  • Abundant green spaces
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Cold, snowy winters
  • Far from ocean
  • Smaller entertainment scene
  • More traditional cuisines
  • Less tech-centric
California iconCalifornia
  • Mild winters
  • Beaches
  • Entertainment industry
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Innovative tech scene

Choosing between California's sunny beaches and Massachusetts's historic charm can be difficult. In California, places like Venice Beach offer an unparalleled coastal lifestyle, whereas Massachusetts counters with the intellectual and cultural hub of cities like Boston, home to the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park. Moreover, California's Silicon Valley is a tech mecca, but Massachusetts boasts a robust education sector, including world-renowned institutions like MIT and Harvard. Both states offer unique culinary delights, from California's fusion foods found in locales such as Los Angeles's Grand Central Market to Massachusetts's famous seafood, particularly clam chowder served at iconic spots like Legal Sea Foods. Ultimately, the choice between California’s ever-sunny climate and Massachusetts’s picturesque autumn and snow-covered winters is a personal preference that weighs heavily on individual lifestyle desires.

California vs. Massachusetts Food Guide

When considering the move from California to Massachusetts, it's essential to explore how local cuisine reflects each area's culture. This comparison of the local cuisine between California & Massachusetts provides a taste of what culinary delights await, helping you feel more at home in your new surroundings.

CaliforniaMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemAvocado ToastClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishTri-tipRoad Roast
Most popular street food itemFood TacosLobster Rolls
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladVegetable Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

While California is known for its health-conscious cuisine like avocado toast and an impressive food truck scene epitomized by its taco trucks, Massachusetts prides itself on its rich history reflected in its food, notably through its clam chowder and lobster rolls. California offers a variety of vegan options with restaurants like Café Gratitude, while Massachusetts presents hearty traditional foods served at places like the historic Union Oyster House. Whether it's dining at the beachfront in California or enjoying a meal in one of Boston's historical neighborhoods, each state presents its unique flavor palate that contributes to its distinct cultural fabric.

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California vs. Massachusetts Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's crucial to weigh how real estate compares between California and Massachusetts . This comparison will guide you in understanding the nuances of housing costs, styles, and lifestyle in these two diverse states.

ComparisonCaliforniaMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleModern and SpanishColonial and Cape Cod
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingPool, GarageEnergy Efficiency, Hardwood Floors

In comparing the two states, California stands out for its higher median home price and rent, as well as its penchant for modern and Spanish architecture, reflecting its coastal and sunny disposition. Massachusetts, on the other hand, offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a touch of historical charm, as seen in its preference for Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes. The state scores higher in terms of walkability and bikeability, suggesting a more compact and accessible urban layout, particularly in cities like Boston. Furthermore, Massachusetts listings often highlight energy efficiency and hardwood floors, indicating a focus on sustainability and classic aesthetics in housing.

California vs. Massachusetts Weather Considerations

Moving between states can mean adjusting to new weather patterns. To ease your transition from California to Massachusetts, it's crucial to understand the differences you might experience. This comparison will highlight how the weather varies greatly between California and Massachusetts, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your new environment.

Summer icon
85/58

California

80/60

Massachusetts

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68/48

California

37/22

Massachusetts

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

47

Massachusetts

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0 - Varies greatly by region

California

43.8

Massachusetts

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaMassachusetts
Air QualityVaries widely, generally moderateGenerally good, urban areas may vary
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresSnowstorms, Hurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both states enjoy relatively warm summers, the major differences lie in the winter temperatures and snowfall, with Massachusetts experiencing harsher winters and significantly more snow. Notably, Massachusetts sees fewer days of sunshine than California, which could impact your daily life and mood. Furthermore, the types of natural disasters common in each state vary, meaning you'll need to prepare for different emergency situations. Whether it's adjusting to more considerable humidity and snow in Massachusetts or navigating California's unique climate zones, understanding these differences can help ensure a smoother transition.

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

Moving from one location to another necessitates a thorough understanding of how the cost of living, income, and taxes in California and Massachusetts will compare. This comparison will help you align your financial expectations with reality, ensuring a smoother transition.

ComparisonCaliforniaMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$91,551$94,488
Cost of Living Index136.4121.55
State Income Tax1 - 13.35
Avg. Property Tax0.771.22
Avg. Sales Tax8.566.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, EntertainmentTechnology, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceHighVery High
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighModerate

When comparing the financial landscapes between California and Massachusetts, it's clear there are discernible differences that could impact your decision-making process. While the average household income is slightly higher in Massachusetts, enabling a possibly higher quality of life due to its lower cost of living index, the uniform state income tax rate offers simplicity versus California's progressive tax system. Massachusetts' higher property tax might influence your decision on home ownership. Furthermore, the top industries in each state hint at potential job opportunities relevant to your career. Understanding these nuances is essential for a financially sound relocation.

California vs. Massachusetts Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one state to another offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse cultural and social environment. This comparison aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents between California & Massachusetts, helping you understand the landscape of your new home.

CaliforniaMassachusetts
Political Make-upLiberal/Democratic-leaningLiberal/Democratic-leaning
Local PoliticsProgressive urban centers, conservative rural areasLiberal with notable progressive enclaves around Cambridge and Boston
ReligionDiverse religious landscapeHistorically Catholic with increasing diversity

Both California and Massachusetts are known for their liberal and Democratic-leaning political makeup, offering a welcoming environment for progressive ideas and policies. However, the local politics of each state reflect their unique landscapes and histories. In California, there's a noticeable divide between the progressive urban centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles and its more conservative rural areas. Massachusetts, on the other hand, maintains a strong liberal streak, particularly in cities such as Boston and Cambridge, which are hubs for education and innovation. The religious landscape in both states is evolving, with Massachusetts historically rooted in Catholicism but becoming increasingly diverse, much like California's broad religious mosaic. This diversity enriches the cultural fabric of both states, making them vibrant places to live, work, and play.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Massachusetts

Moving across states can be a daunting process, particularly when it comes to ensuring a seamless transition for your child's education. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options from California to Massachusetts, from elementary through high school. Whether you're considering public, private, or specialized schools, this guide provides a snapshot to assist you in making informed decisions for your family's educational journey.

CaliforniaMassachusetts

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of California
Stanford University
California State University
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Orion Alternative (Redwood City)
Point Vicente (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Westwood Charter (Los Angeles)
Joseph E. Fiske (Wellesley)
Edward Brooke Charter (Boston)
Bowman (Lexington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Canyon Charter (Santa Monica)
William Hopkins (Fremont)
Richard Henry Dana (Hawthorne)
William Diamond (Lexington)
Heath (Brookline)
Thomas Prince (Princeton)

Top 3 High Schools

Henry M. Gunn (Palo Alto)
Lowell (San Francisco)
Troy (Fullerton)
Boston Latin (Boston)
Lexington (Lexington)
Sturgis Charter Public (Hyannis)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake (Studio City)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Milton Academy (Milton)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Webb Schools (Claremont)
Harvard-Westlake (Studio City)
Chadwick School (Palos Verdes Peninsula)
Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge)
Noble and Greenough School (Dedham)
The Winsor School (Boston)

Top 3 School Districts

San Francisco Unified
Palo Alto Unified
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High
Weston
Lexington
Wellesley

In both California and Massachusetts, the commitment to providing high-quality education is evident through their top-ranked institutions and school districts. For example, schools like Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto and Boston Latin School in Massachusetts are nationally acclaimed for their robust academic programs and successful college preparatory outcomes. Furthermore, both states boast impressive higher education institutions that draw students globally, including world-renowned campuses like Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The diversity in educational options—from public to private, and elementary through collegiate levels—ensures that families can find the perfect fit for their children's needs and aspirations, regardless of the coast they choose to call home.

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