Best California to West Virginia Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CA to WV Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another marks the beginning of an exciting life adventure, filled with new opportunities and experiences. You're embarking on a journey from the Golden State, known for its sun-kissed beaches and bustling tech hubs, to the Mountain State, where rich history and breathtaking landscapes await. Understanding the significance of this transition, we emphasize the importance of choosing trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure a smooth and stress-free move across the country.

California iconArrow iconWest Virginia icon

Best California to West Virginia 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
Best California Movers9.52A+Authorized For HHGContact
Country Roads Moving LLC9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Abates Moving Services LLC8.53NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from West Virginia to California guide.

6 Best CA to WV 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
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
4
Country Roads Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.26/10
based on 714+ data points

About Country Roads Moving LLC

Country Roads Moving is a Morgantown-based moving company that serves the greater North Central West Virginia area. It is licensed, insured,...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

3094022 / 73556

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved210,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
A
Fabulous8.53/10
based on 347+ data points

About Abates Moving Services LLC

With Abates Moving Services LLC, you can expect your relocation to be stress-free and quick without feeling hurried at all. This local Morga...Read More >>

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Short-term and long-term storage options

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3679007 / 1278788

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (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 West Virginia

Making a major move can be daunting. This guide aims to realistically weigh the attributes of relocating from California to West Virginia, laying out the factors that play into such a decision. Our charts compare the pros and cons of moving from California to West Virginia , aiming to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad elements of this transition.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Wildfire risks
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • Lush green landscapes
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • More rural
  • Limited dining options
  • No beaches
California iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Beach access

When you move from California's bustling cities to the serene hills of West Virginia, you transition from a lifestyle known for its vibrant city life, diverse cuisine, and access to beautiful beaches to one that's more laid-back, with lush green landscapes and less congestion. West Virginia might offer fewer dining options, but places like Pies & Pints in Charleston and Black Bear Burritos in Morgantown serve up unique, local flavors that more than make up for the variety. Although you'll swap beach days for mountain hikes, areas like the Monongahela National Forest offer breathtaking natural beauty. This move is not just a change of scenery but a complete lifestyle shift, embracing outdoor adventures over urban expeditions.

California vs. West Virginia Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & West Virginia, providing a snapshot of what your meals might look like after you move. Food deeply enriches local culture, so understanding the culinary scene is key to feeling at home.

CaliforniaWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BBQCountry Ham
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastMorel Mushrooms
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • n/naka
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Country Club Bakery
  • Pat & Marion’s Country Kitchen
  • Tudor’s Biscuit World
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In California, the food scene is as diverse as its population, with an abundance of fresh, farm-to-table options and a strong emphasis on health and wellness. You'll find iconic eateries like Chez Panisse in Berkeley, which has championed local and organic food for decades, and In-N-Out Burger, a fast-food chain with a cult following. On the other hand, West Virginia offers a more traditional American comfort food scene, with the pepperoni roll standing as its most iconic food item. Locals cherish spots like Country Club Bakery, where this unique snack was originated. Whether you're craving an upscale dining experience or a quick, delicious bite, both states offer unique culinary delights that reflect their cultural heritage.

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Ready to start your move?

California vs. West Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your relocation experience, making it crucial to understand how housing options in California and West Virginia compare. This comparison will inform your decision, highlighting differences in cost, style, and lifestyle.

ComparisonCaliforniaWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleModern, Spanish RevivalColonial, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to the beach, solar panelsMountain views, large land plots

When you consider moving from California to West Virginia, the drastic change in the median home prices and rents stand out as perhaps the most enticing financial incentive. In West Virginia, the affordability extends beyond housing costs to a generally lower cost of living, allowing for a larger living space or property with scenic mountain views, a popular feature in local listings. However, this move might mean adjusting to a more suburban or rural lifestyle, with less emphasis on walkability and bikeability compared to some Californian cities. Architectural preferences also shift, with West Virginia homes often featuring traditional American styles that reflect its rich history and natural surroundings.

California vs. West Virginia Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the environmental changes is crucial. Comparing the weather patterns between California and West Virginia highlights significant differences and prepares you for adaptation. This chart aims to outline how the climate, air quality, and potential for natural disasters will change from what you're accustomed to.

Summer icon
85/58

California

85/62

West Virginia

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68/48

California

41/26

West Virginia

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

45

West Virginia

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
7

California

33

West Virginia

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaWest Virginia
Air QualityVaries by region; generally moderateGenerally good
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresFloods, Landslides
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from California to West Virginia, you'll find distinct differences in weather patterns. While both states enjoy similar summer temperatures, West Virginia's winters are significantly colder with greater snowfall - a factor to consider for your winter wardrobe and commuting plans. The increase in annual rainfall and humidity in West Virginia compared to California may also affect outdoor activities and lifestyle choices, not to mention the adjustment to fewer days of sunshine. Understanding these climatic differences will help you prepare for your new home in West Virginia.

Ready to start your move?

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

When contemplating a move from one state to another, assessing how your finances will be affected is crucial. This comparison aims to elucidate the monetary distinctions between California and West Virginia, focusing on factors such as income, taxation, and living costs. Understanding these variances can significantly impact your transition and daily life in your new home.

ComparisonCaliforniaWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$91,551$54,329
Cost of Living Index136.495
State Income Tax1-13.33-6.5
Avg. Property Tax0.770.59
Avg. Sales Tax8.566.50
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureEnergy (Coal), Chemicals, Tourism
AffluenceHigherLower
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessHigherLower

Moving from California to West Virginia presents a significant shift in financial landscape due to the disparity in household income, cost of living, and taxation. While California boasts higher average incomes and a bustling economy across sectors like technology and entertainment, it also comes with a higher cost of living and taxation rates. On the other hand, West Virginia, with its focus on energy and tourism, offers a more affordable lifestyle but has lower average incomes. This stark difference can affect everything from your day-to-day expenses to long-term financial planning. Consider these financial aspects carefully to make the most informed decision about your relocation.

California vs. West Virginia Political & Religious Comparison

This guide offers a quick snapshot of the differences in the political makeup between California & West Virginia, and the religious backdrop you might encounter when moving. This comparison aims to give you a better understanding of the community fabric in each state.

CaliforniaWest Virginia
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticPrimarily Republican
Local PoliticsDiverse and progressive policiesConservative and traditional policies
ReligionMixed, with a higher percentage of non-religious individualsMajority Christian, with traditional values

When moving from California to West Virginia, you'll notice a significant shift in the political and religious landscape. California's political environment is characterized by its diversity and progressive policies, reflecting a broad spectrum of views among its residents. Conversely, West Virginia has a more homogenized political scene, with conservative and traditional policies at its core. The religious makeup also shifts from a more mixed and less religiously affiliated population in California, to a predominantly Christian community in West Virginia, underlining the importance of traditional values. This cultural shift is something to consider as you plan your move.

Education Guide When Moving from California to West Virginia

The purpose of this chart is to help you compare schools and education options between California and West Virginia, providing a clearer understanding of what educational opportunities await in both states.

CaliforniaWest Virginia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford University
West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia Wesleyan College

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Point Vicente Elementary
Ranch Hills Elementary
Vista del Mar Elementary
North Elementary
Culloden Elementary
Suncrest Primary

Top 3 Middle Schools

Mill Valley Middle
Sierra Canyon School
Carmel Valley Middle School
Winfield Middle
Mountaineer Middle
Suncrest Middle

Top 3 High School Schools

California Academy of Mathematics and Science
Henry Gunn High School
Troy High School
George Washington High School
Bridgeport High School
Morgantown High School

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake School
The Thacher School
Phillips Academy
The Linsly School
Greenbrier Episcopal School
Wheeling Country Day School

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Nueva School
Crossroads School
Brentwood School
Charleston Catholic High School
St. Joseph Central Catholic High School
Notre Dame High School

Top 3 School Districts

Palo Alto Unified School District
San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Irvine Unified School District
Monongalia County Schools
Ohio County Schools
Harrison County Schools

In comparing educational opportunities between California and West Virginia, it's clear both states offer admirable options tailored to diverse needs. For example, California boasts prestigious universities such as UCLA and Stanford University, drawing in students nationally for higher education. In contrast, West Virginia's top colleges like West Virginia University provide a more intimate learning environment with strong community ties. Elementary to high school education also shows differences in geographical focuses, with top schools like Point Vicente Elementary in California offering coastal settings, whereas West Virginia's North Elementary offers a more mountainous backdrop. These distinctions highlight the varying educational landscapes and opportunities available across the states.

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