Moving from California to New Mexico?

6 Best CA to NM Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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CA to NM Moving Specialists

Moving from California to New Mexico isn't just a change of address; it's a thrilling leap into a new adventure. You’re trading the Golden State's endless coastlines and bustling city life for the Land of Enchantment's rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking desert landscapes. Given the distance and logistics involved in such a move, the importance of entrusting your journey to professional, reliable movers cannot be overstated. We at Great Guys Moving ensure you get the best service by using an unbiased algorithm to identify the top movers for your California to New Mexico move.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from New Mexico to California guide.

6 Best California to New Mexico Movers

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

#1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,273+ data points

El Sobrante, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2597230 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in san francisco 2023 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in oakland 2022 ocd moving services llc image
#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
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,645+ data points

Chico, CA
Local & Long Distance Moving, Residential Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3421940 Verify

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 >>

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top 3 ranked movers in chico 2023 murdocks moving hauling inc image
top ranked movers in chico 2022 murdocks moving hauling inc image
#4
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,003+ data points

Glendale, CA
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3489907 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in palmdale 2023 best california movers image
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#5
JP Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,097+ data points

Rio Rancho, NM
Local Moving, Residential Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3585744 Verify

About JP Moving

JP Moving is a licensed and insured moving company based in Rio Rancho, NM. It provides residential and commercial moving services to custom...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in albuquerque 2023 jp moving image
top 10 ranked movers in albuquerque 2022 jp moving image
#6
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Fabulous

based on 158+ data points

Mesilla, NM
Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/13/2024)

USDOT: 2907535 Verify

About Two Men and a Truck

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a national moving company that has been serving customers for over 35 years. Based in Lansing, MI, it operates over 3...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from California to New Mexico

Moving between states is a significant decision that requires weighing the benefits and challenges. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to New Mexico. Through comparative charts between California and New Mexico, you'll gain insights into what changes to expect, helping to make your transition as smooth as possible.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High living costs
  • Dense traffic
  • State income tax
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Lower living costs
  • Less congestion
  • Lower taxes
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Smaller cities
  • Less diversity
  • No beaches
California iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant cities
  • Diverse culture
  • Beach access

While transitioning from California's vibrant, bustling cities to New Mexico's quieter, more serene environment might seem daunting, many find the change refreshing. New Mexico offers a unique blend of cultural influence, evident in cities like Santa Fe, where you can explore historic sites like the Palace of the Governors. Albuquerque, known for its annual International Balloon Fiesta, hosts a variety of local eateries and breweries that cater to diverse tastes, such as La Cumbre Brewing Company. You may miss California's beaches, but New Mexico compensates with breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities in places like White Sands National Monument and Taos. The state’s lower cost of living allows for a quality life with more space and less fiscal stress, making it an appealing option for many.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from California to New Mexico

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & New Mexico, delving into the vibrant food scenes that significantly contribute to the local culture and living experience in these states. This will help you better understand what culinary delights await as you consider your move.

CaliforniaNew Mexico

Most iconic local food item

Sourdough BreadNew Mexico Green Chile

Most popular meat dish

Tri-tip steakCarne Adovada

Most popular street food item

Fish TacosBreakfast Burrito

Most popular vegan food

Acai BowlBlue Corn Blueberry Pancakes

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • The French Laundry
  • Spago
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • El Modelo Mexican Foods
  • Frontier Restaurant

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

96

Foodie Scene

108

Vegan Friendly

97

In California, the diverse culinary landscape spans from the innovative kitchens of the Bay Area to the health-focused cafes of Los Angeles, including the iconic In-N-Out Burger that’s a must-try. Meanwhile, New Mexico's cuisine is deeply rooted in both Native American and Hispanic influences, offering unique flavors like that of the New Mexico Green Chile which can be enjoyed in traditional dishes at local favorites such as Sadie's of New Mexico. Notably, both states offer an array of vegan and health-conscious options, but California, with its higher health and foodie scene scores, might offer a bit more variety, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from California to New Mexico

Real estate plays a crucial role in the decision-making process when moving. Understanding how California's and New Mexico's real estate markets compare can help guide your move. This comparison aims to shed light on the housing landscape, including cost, architecture, and lifestyle features between these two diverse states.

When comparing the real estate landscape between California and New Mexico, the contrasts are stark. California's housing market is characterized by its high cost of living, with median home prices far exceeding those in New Mexico. This difference is also reflected in the median monthly rent. The typical architecture in California often includes Modern and Spanish styles, contrasting with New Mexico's Pueblo and Territorial influences. Despite a lower walkability score, New Mexico offers scenic views and cultural richness mentioned often in real estate listings, attracting those who appreciate a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, California's higher urban lifestyle score caters to those seeking proximity to tech hubs and luxury amenities, including ocean views.

Weather Considerations for Moving from California to New Mexico

Moving from one location to another requires an understanding of many variables, especially when considering weather conditions. This comparison between California and New Mexico's weather patterns is crucial for adapting to your new environment smoothly.

Summer icon
85°F / 60°F

California

92°F / 64°F

New Mexico

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 45°F

California

49°F / 23°F

New Mexico

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

14

New Mexico

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
7

California

28

New Mexico

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Considering a move between California and New Mexico, you'll find weather differences that could affect your lifestyle significantly. New Mexico offers more sunny days and a higher UV index, essential for planning your daily sun protection. Interestingly, despite higher average summer temperatures, New Mexico generally experiences lower humidity levels than California, contributing to more comfortable conditions despite the heat. Besides, those moving from California might experience a dramatic shift during the winter, with New Mexico experiencing considerably colder lows and more snowfall, which could affect everything from daily wardrobe choices to driving conditions.

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

When deciding to move from one state to another, a key factor to consider is how your finances will be impacted. This comparison aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect when moving from California to New Mexico. Understanding the differences in aspects such as income, taxes, and overall cost of living between California and New Mexico can help you make an informed decision.

In moving from California to New Mexico, you'll find a stark contrast in the cost of living, with New Mexico being significantly more affordable. This is reflected not only in the general cost of living index but also in the more favorable state income tax rates. However, this comes with a trade-off in average household incomes, which are notably lower in New Mexico. Understanding the economic landscape, including key industries, can also help you gauge job opportunities and financial growth prospects in New Mexico compared to the high-earning and affluent backdrop of California. Keep in mind the socioeconomic factors such as poverty and homelessness rates, which differ between the two states and can impact community services and quality of life.

Political & Religious Comparison between California and New Mexico

When considering moving from California to New Mexico, it's valuable to know not just about the landscape and weather but also about the people you'll be living among. This quick comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between California & New Mexico , helping you understand the community vibe and cultural nuances that await.

CaliforniaNew Mexico

Political Make-up

Liberal-leaningModerately liberal

Local Politics

Democratic stronghold in urban areasBlend of Democrat and Republican, with a notable independent streak

Religion

More secular, diverse religionsHigher Catholic presence

While both California and New Mexico lean liberal on the political spectrum, you'll find that New Mexico has a more pronounced bipartisan mix, especially at the local level, where independent and moderate views frequently emerge. This diverse political environment encourages engagement and collaboration across party lines. Religious composition also differs notably, with New Mexico having a stronger Catholic presence, reflected not only in worship but in community celebrations and local traditions. Embracing these differences can enrich your experience, allowing you to engage with a variety of perspectives and cultural backgrounds.

Education Guide When Moving from California to New Mexico

When considering a move from California to New Mexico, it’s critical to understand how educational opportunities compare. This guide will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and New Mexico , so you can make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.

CaliforniaNew Mexico

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Tech

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Orion Academy (Menlo Park)
Windsor Academy (Los Angeles)
Montecito Union (Santa Barbara)
Double Eagle Elementary (Albuquerque)
Wood Gormley Elementary (Santa Fe)
Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary (Albuquerque)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley)
Redwood Middle (Saratoga)
Hunters Creek Middle (San Francisco)
Desert Ridge Middle (Albuquerque)
Sidney Gutierrez Middle (Roswell)
Eisenhower Middle (Albuquerque)

Top 3 High Schools

California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Whitney High (Cerritos)
Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science
La Cueva High (Albuquerque)
Los Alamos High (Los Alamos)

Top 3 private high schools

The Thacher School (Ojai)
Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles)
Webb Schools (Claremont)
Albuquerque Academy
Bosque School (Albuquerque)
Santa Fe Prep (Santa Fe)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Harker School (San Jose)
Polytechnic School (Pasadena)
Crystal Springs Uplands School (Hillsborough)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Rio Grande School (Santa Fe)
Menaul School (Albuquerque)

Top 3 School Districts

San Francisco Unified
Palo Alto Unified
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
Los Alamos Public Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools

California offers some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country, including top-tier universities like UCLA and Stanford, favorable for residents looking into higher education for their seniors. In the contrast, New Mexico's educational landscape shines through institutions such as the University of New Mexico and New Mexico Tech, offering strong local options for higher education. When it comes to K-12 education, both states boast highly rated public and private schools. California's Harker School and Polytechnic School are matched by New Mexico's Sandia Preparatory School and Rio Grande School in providing excellent K-12 education. Additionally, California's school districts such as Palo Alto Unified are known for their high standards, similar to the prestige of Los Alamos Public Schools in New Mexico. Each state offers unique educational advantages, tailored to meet various academic needs and preferences.

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