Best California to New York Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CA to NY Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state marks an exciting chapter in your life, brimming with new possibilities and adventures. You're leaving behind California's sun-kissed beaches and laid-back vibe for New York's bustling streets, iconic skyline, and vibrant energy, a transition as thrilling as it is significant. It's essential to entrust your journey to professional movers who are not only trusted but reliable, ensuring your move is smooth and stress-free. With our carefully curated list of top movers, we help you navigate this major life change with ease and confidence.

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Best California to New York Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
JP Urban Moving9.85A+Authorized For HHGContact
Metropolis Moving9.72A+Authorized For Property, 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 New York to California guide.

6 Best CA to NY Moving Companies

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

JP Urban Moving Logo
Exceptional9.85/10
based on 4,145+ data points

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to give you the best custo...Read More >>

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Metropolis Moving Logo
Exceptional9.72/10
based on 2,535+ data points

About Metropolis Moving

Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2781573 / 926286

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved96,000 (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 12/5/2024)

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 12/5/2024)

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 12/5/2024)

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 12/6/2024)

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 New York

Moving from California to New York is a significant life event that warrants a close examination of both the benefits and drawbacks. This comparison will highlight the distinct contrasts and advantages, offering an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, involving the sunny beaches of California and the bustling streets of New York. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your new life.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Drought issues
  • Wildfire risks
New York iconNew York
  • Diverse culture
  • Public transportation
  • Seasonal weather
  • Rich history
New York iconNew York
  • Colder winters
  • Higher taxes
  • Faster pace
  • Smaller living spaces
California iconCalifornia
  • Sunny weather
  • Outdoor lifestyle
  • Tech job hub
  • Beach access

While the move from California's sunny shores to New York's lively neighborhoods may come with its set of challenges, such as adapting to colder winters and potentially higher taxes, the unique opportunities available in the Empire State make it an exhilarating prospect. Imagine trading the vast, open beaches for Central Park's sprawling greenery, or Silicon Valley's tech hub for Wall Street's fast-paced financial district. New York's rich tapestry of neighborhoods, from the historical charm of Greenwich Village to the culinary delights of Brooklyn's Williamsburg, offers an unprecedented diversity of experiences. Whether it's exploring the latest exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or catching a Broadway show, the transition from California to New York promises a vibrant new chapter filled with cultural enrichment and endless explorations.

California vs. New York Food Guide

Food plays a significant role in understanding the culture and lifestyle of a place. In this guide, we'll delve deep into a comparison of the local cuisine between California & New York. This comparison will serve to better inform you about the diverse and rich food scenes awaiting you in these states.

CaliforniaNew York
Most iconic local food itemAvocado ToastBagel with Lox
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BBQBuffalo Wings
Most popular street food itemTacosPizza Slices
Most popular vegan foodSmoothie BowlsVegan Bagels
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The French Laundry
  • n/naka
  • Chez Panisse
  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Peter Luger Steak House
  • Dominique Ansel Bakery
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In California, the food scene is as diverse as its landscape. For example, smoothie bowls, very popular among the health-conscious crowd, can be found in beachfront cafes from San Diego to Santa Monica. Similarly, the streets of Los Angeles and San Francisco are famous for their gourmet food trucks offering everything from Korean-Mexican fusion tacos to artisan coffee. Moving up north, The French Laundry in Napa Valley represents the pinnacle of California's farm-to-table movement, showcasing local wines and produce. Meanwhile, in New York, the culinary landscape is dotted by historic establishments like Katz's Delicatessen in Lower East Side, known for its quintessential pastrami sandwiches, and the legendary cheesecakes of Junior's in Brooklyn. New York's vegan scene is also thriving, with neighborhoods like Williamsburg and the East Village offering a plethora of plant-based dining options. These examples only scratch the surface of what you'll discover in these vibrant culinary scenes.

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California vs. New York Real Estate & Living Facts

Understanding the real estate landscape is crucial when moving from one state to another. This comparison aims to shed light on the housing aspects between California and New York, encompassing cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Knowing these distinctions will help you make an informed decision on where to plant your roots.

ComparisonCaliforniaNew York
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Revival, ModernColonial, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean views, outdoor spaceClose to public transit, historic details

When comparing California's vibrant outdoor lifestyle with New York's bustling urban landscape, there's a notable contrast in living experiences. In California, the premium is on spacious homes often featuring Spanish Revival architecture and coveted ocean views, aligning with its higher median home price but slightly lower rent compared to New York. New York's appeal, however, lies in its unparalleled walkability and public transit access, a dream for those who thrive in vibrant urban centers. The state's historical architecture adds a unique charm to its real estate market, making it an enticing option for those drawn to vibrant city life and rich cultural heritage. Understanding these nuances offers a clearer picture of what life might look like in each state, beyond just the numbers.

California vs. New York Weather Considerations

If you're contemplating a move from one coast to the other, it's crucial to grasp how your daily life might be impacted by the weather. This comparison serves to highlight the differences in weather between California and New York , ensuring you know what to expect and how to prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
85°F/60°F

California

85°F/66°F

New York

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F/48°F

California

42°F/26°F

New York

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

42

New York

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0-200 (varies greatly by region)

California

25-75 (varies by region)

New York

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaNew York
Air QualityVaries widely, some areas poorGenerally moderate but can vary
Natural DisastersWildfires, EarthquakesSnowstorms, Hurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both California and New York offer a vibrant lifestyle, the transition between these two could involve significant adjustments, especially when it comes to weather. California boasts more days of sunshine and mild winters which can be a stark contrast to New York's snowy winters and humid summers. Furthermore, the threat of natural disasters changes drastically; you might exchange earthquakes and wildfires for snowstorms and hurricanes. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for seasonal activities and ensure your home is equipped for the local climate.

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

If you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This comparison will help highlight the financial implications of moving between California and New York, from average incomes to taxation and the cost of living.

ComparisonCaliforniaNew York
Avg. Household Income$91,551$79,557
Cost of Living Index136.4102.8
State Income Tax1% - 13.3%4% - 8.82%
Avg. Property Tax0.73%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax8.56%8.52%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, EntertainmentFinance, Healthcare, Professional Services
AffluenceHighModerate to high
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessHighModerate to high

While both California and New York are known for their high cost of living, there are noticeable differences in their financial landscapes. For instance, California's average household income is higher, which somewhat mitigates its marginally higher cost of living index and sales tax. However, New York's state income tax rates are more favorable for higher earners, despite the state's noticeably higher average property tax rate. Another key contrast lies in the industries that drive each state's economy, from technology and entertainment in California to finance and healthcare in New York. Understanding these nuances can aid in better financial planning and adjustment as you transition from one state to the other.

California vs. New York Political & Religious Comparison

This quick snapshot offers a comparison of the politics between California & New York, aiming to provide you with an understanding of the political and religious makeup of the respective populations as you consider your move.

CaliforniaNew York
Political Make-upLiberal/Democratic majorityLiberal/Democratic majority with notable conservative regions
Local PoliticsMixed, with strong progressive movements in urban areasLiberal in urban areas, more conservative in rural upstate
ReligionDiverse, with significant numbers of Christians, non-religious, and other faithsPrimarily Christian, but highly diverse in urban areas with many other faiths present

In both states, you'll find a liberal/Democratic majority, but New York has notably conservative regions, especially in rural upstate areas, contrasting with California's progressive strongholds. While California's local politics are distinctly marked by their progressiveness, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, New York displays a liberal front in places like New York City, with a more conservative tilt in its rural landscapes. Religion in both states reflects their multicultural and diverse populations, with Christianity being prominent, yet both states showcase a rich mosaic of faiths, particularly in their bustling urban centers.

Education Guide When Moving from California to New York

Moving across the country can often lead to questions about the quality of essential services, like education. This guide aims to help you compare the differences in school options between California and New York, ensuring you make an informed decision about where your children can receive the best education to meet their needs.

CaliforniaNew York

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford University
Columbia University
New York University
Cornell University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Oxford Academy
Cypress / Montague Charter Academy
Pacoima / Hawthorne Elementary
Beverly Hills
Success Academy Charter School
Bronx / Anderson School PS 334
New York / NEST+m
New York

Top 3 Middle Schools

Preuss School
San Diego / Elaine Wynn Elementary
Las Vegas / Mill Valley Middle
Mill Valley
East Side Middle School
New York / Baccalaureate School for Global Education
Queens / I.S. 187 The Christa McAuliffe School
Brooklyn

Top 3 High Schools

California Academy of Mathematics and Science
Carson / Oxford Academy
Cypress / Whitney High School
Cerritos
Stuyvesant High School
New York / Bronx Science
Bronx / Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake School
Los Angeles / The Thacher School
Ojai / Cate School
Carpinteria
Horace Mann School
Bronx / The Spence School
New York / Collegiate School
New York

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Webb Schools
Claremont / Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica / Viewpoint School
Calabasas
Brearley School
New York / Chapin School
New York / Trinity School
New York

Top 3 School Districts

San Marino Unified School District / Palo Alto Unified School District / Arcadia Unified School DistrictGreat Neck Public Schools / Jericho Union Free School District / Scarsdale Union Free School District

When examining the top educational institutions in both California and New York, it's evident that both states offer highly reputable options, though their focuses and cultures might differ. California is renowned for its strong STEM-oriented programs at schools like the California Academy of Mathematics and Science in Carson. The state's climate and lifestyle also influence the education environment, often fostering outdoor and innovative learning opportunities. On the other hand, New York's prestigious institutions like Stuyvesant High School and Horace Mann School emphasize a diverse and rigorous educational experience, deeply rooted in a vibrant city culture that offers unparalleled access to arts, history, and global cultures. Students and parents looking for rich educational experiences will find unique opportunities in each state that cater to a wide range of interests and aspirations.

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