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Fort Lauderdale to San Diego Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from the sun-soaked beaches of Fort Lauderdale, FL, to the vibrant city vibes of San Diego, CA, marks the beginning of an exciting adventure and a significant life change. You're trading the "Venice of America" with its winding waterways for "America's Finest City," swapping humid afternoons for mild, sunny days by the Pacific. Given the vast distance and the life transition ahead, it's crucial to ensure you're supported by trusted and reliable professional movers. We pride ourselves on connecting you with the best, thanks to our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving, guaranteeing a smooth journey to your new beginning.

5 Best Movers for Moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego

#1
Easy Florida Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional
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based on 1,064+ data points

Hallandale Beach, FL
Long Distance Relocation, Local Moving, Long Distance Moving (in State) See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3064335 Verify

About Easy Florida Moving LLC

Easy Florida Moving LLC is a licensed and insured full-service moving company based in South Florida. Established in 2017, the company provi...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in vero beach 2023 easy florida moving llc image
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#2
Our Family Moving and Storage LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,112+ data points

Hollywood, FL
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Local Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3374772 Verify

About Our Family Moving and Storage LLC

Based in Hollywood, FL, Our Family Moving and Storage is a local and family-owned moving business specializing in local and long-distance mo...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in miami 2022 our family moving and storage llc image
#3
Dixie Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,045+ data points

Hallandale Beach, FL
Local moving services, Long distance moving services, Commercial moving services
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 3080327 Verify

About Dixie Movers

When it was founded in 2015, Dixie Movers handpicked all of the good things about the moving industry and left out all of the bad. It runs i...Read More >>

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#4
The Rock Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,305+ data points

San Diego, CA
Local Residential, Furniture Moving, Full Packing Service See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3653432 Verify

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance ...Read More >>

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#5
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 477+ data points

San Diego, CA
Local Moves, Long-Distance Moves, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3177184 Verify

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill, the compan...Read More >>

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Relocating from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego Neighborhood Guide

Relocating can be a challenging experience, especially when moving to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've put together a comparison of local neighborhoods between Fort Lauderdale, FL & San Diego, CA . This guide is designed to help you find a similar neighborhood vibe in your new city, using Fort Lauderdale as a baseline for comparison.

Fort LauderdaleSan Diego
Las Olas IslesCoronado

Affluent island living, luxurious homes

Victoria ParkHillcrest

Diverse, vibrant nightlife and culture

Rio VistaPoint Loma

Historic homes, strong community feel

Harbor BeachLa Jolla

Exclusive, beachfront properties

Flagler VillageNorth Park

Artistic, hip with craft breweries

Colee HammockSouth Park

Quaint, with historic charm

Tarpon RiverOcean Beach

Laidback, bohemian beach vibe

Sailboat BendLittle Italy

Bustling, food-centric with a historic touch

Imperial PointDel Mar Heights

Family-friendly, quiet suburban feel

Poinsettia HeightsUniversity Heights

Progressive, with a cozy community vibe

For those drawn to the luxurious island lifestyle of Las Olas Isles, Coronado in San Diego offers a similar affluent ambiance with picturesque beaches and upscale living. If the arts and culture scene of Flagler Village captivates you, North Park's vibrant street art, indie music, and craft beer scene in San Diego may just feel like home. The historic charm found in Colee Hammock is mirrored in San Diego's South Park, where quaint boutiques and local eateries line its streets, offering a cozy, community-centric atmosphere. Not to overlook the laidback, bohemian lifestyle of Tarpon River—Ocean Beach in San Diego shares this casual beach vibe, known for its iconic pier, surf spots, and dog-friendly beaches. Whether you're savoring the peace of Imperial Point or the progressive spirit of Poinsettia Heights, Del Mar Heights and University Heights in San Diego provide the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and community engagement, making your transition as smooth as possible.

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Things to Do in San Diego

  • Visit the San Diego Zoo
  • Explore Balboa Park
  • Relax at Coronado Beach
  • Dine in Little Italy
  • Experience SeaWorld San Diego
  • Play golf at Torrey Pines

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego

Moving can be a daunting yet thrilling experience, especially when it involves relocating from Fort Lauderdale, FL to San Diego, CA. This comprehensive comparison charts aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of such a move, helping you weigh your options meticulously.

CONs
PROs
Fort Lauderdale, FL iconFort Lauderdale, FL
  • Higher humidity
  • More hurricanes
  • Cost of living
  • Crowded beaches
  • Less cultural diversity
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Less natural disasters
  • More tech jobs
  • Spacious beaches
  • Greater cultural diversity
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • More traffic
  • Cooler ocean waters
  • State income tax
  • Less greenery
Fort Lauderdale, FL iconFort Lauderdale, FL
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Less traffic
  • Warmer waters
  • No state income tax
  • Lush greenery

The transition from Fort Lauderdale's humid and vibrant atmosphere to San Diego's milder climate and expansive tech job market is noteworthy. While Fort Lauderdale offers warm waters and lively nightlife, San Diego counters with its spacious beaches and rich cultural diversity, showcasing neighborhoods like La Jolla and North Park, filled with unique restaurants and sights. In San Diego, you can enjoy a day out at Balboa Park or a visit to the famous San Diego Zoo. However, be prepared for higher living costs and a different tax landscape. This move could be a refreshing change, offering new opportunities and a different lifestyle, including access to iconic locations such as Gaslamp Quarter and the serene sunset views from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego

As you plan your move, it's important to consider how food reflects the essence of a city's culture and lifestyle. Through this comparison of the local cuisine between Fort Lauderdale & San Diego , you'll gain insight into what dining and culinary experiences await in your new home. This comparison aims to make you more familiar with the food scene in both locations.

Fort LauderdaleSan Diego

Most iconic local food item

Key Lime PieFish Tacos

Most popular meat dish

Stone CrabCarne Asada

Most popular street food item

Cuban SandwichCalifornia Burrito

Most popular vegan food

Jackfruit TacosVegan Sushi

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Casa D'Angelo
  • 3030 Ocean
  • Coconuts
  • George’s at the Cove
  • Las Cuatro Milpas
  • Phil’s BBQ

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

79

Abundance of Food Trucks

68

Foodie Scene

89

Vegan Friendly

79

In San Diego, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by Mexican culture, which is evident in its most iconic food item, the fish taco. Found in various eateries across neighborhoods like La Jolla and Ocean Beach, this dish showcases San Diego's fresh, coastal flavors. The California burrito, another local favorite, combines Mexican fare with Californian ingenuity, typically found in the vibrant food truck scene across the city. For those following a vegan lifestyle, San Diego offers an impressive array of options, including vegan sushi, which can be found in establishments like Sushi 2 in Downtown. The city’s high fitness and health conscientiousness score reflects in its food offerings, making it a haven for foodies looking to enjoy diverse and health-conscious meals.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego

Discovering a new favorite restaurant can turn a new city into home. This comparison of Fort Lauderdale's and San Diego's top restaurants is designed to help you find your culinary match as you move from Fort Lauderdale, FL to San Diego, CA.

Casa D'AngeloBencotto Italian Kitchen

Known for authentic Italian cuisine

Louie Bossi'sBarbusa

Vibrant atmosphere and innovative Italian plates

Johnny VJuniper & Ivy

High-end dining with creative New American dishes

CoconutsMitch's Seafood

Casual dockside dining with local seafood

S3 Sun Surf Sand RestaurantGeorge's at the Cove

Ocean terrace offering a great view and seafood

El CaminoLas Cuatro Milpas

For the best Mexican street food experience

Kaluz RestaurantC Level Lounge

Great views with contemporary cuisine

The Foxy BrownGreat Maple

Modern American eatery known for brunch and pies

Gilbert's 17th Street GrillHodad's

Iconic spot for burgers and shakes

BoatyardIsland Prime

Waterfront dining with impressive city views

Whether you're craving the vibrant Italian flavors you loved at Louie Bossi's in Fort Lauderdale, or the relaxing waterfront ambiance of Coconuts, San Diego has exceptional alternatives ready to welcome you. Barbusa offers not just innovative Italian cuisine, but also a lively atmosphere that echoes what you adored about Louie Bossi's. For those unforgettable seaside dining experiences, Mitch's Seafood prides itself on serving fresh local catches in a laid-back, dockside setting, reminiscent of the casual yet upscale vibe at Coconuts. Each San Diego establishment boasts unique qualities that reflect the spirited atmosphere and culinary excellence you've come to appreciate in Fort Lauderdale.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego

Real estate is a pivotal factor when relocating. Understanding how Fort Lauderdale and San Diego's housing markets compare is crucial for an informed move. This comparison sheds light on cost, walkability, architecture, and lifestyle to aid your decision.

In comparing the real estate scenes between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, you'll find notable differences that could influence your decision. Homes in San Diego tend to be significantly pricier, reflecting the city's high demand and desirability, particularly for properties with ocean views or sustainable features like solar panels. Despite this, San Diego offers a more enticing urban lifestyle, with better walkability and bikeability, catering to those seeking an active, outdoorsy lifestyle amidst a thriving city atmosphere. This contrasts with Fort Lauderdale, where the real estate highlights waterfront properties and dock access, appealing to boating enthusiasts and water lovers. These distinctive characteristics define each city’s unique appeal in the real estate market.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA

1. Ocean Beach: Known for its laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach features Dog Beach, where your furry friends can play off-leash in the surf and sand.

2. North Park: A neighborhood that embraces pet owners, North Park offers several pet-friendly dining options and the Morley Field Dog Park for off-leash fun.

3. Little Italy: This vibrant neighborhood not only has multiple pet-friendly patios for dining but also hosts the annual Little Italy Doggie Street Festival, celebrating pets and their families.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego

When relocating, understanding the weather you're moving into is crucial. Compare the climate differences between Fort Lauderdale, FL and San Diego, CA to prepare for your new environment. Familiarizing yourself with the seasonal changes, air quality, and natural disasters specific to each location can help ease your transition.

Summer icon
89/75

Fort Lauderdale, FL

76/64

San Diego, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
76/59

Fort Lauderdale, FL

66/49

San Diego, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
63

Fort Lauderdale, FL

10

San Diego, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Fort Lauderdale, FL

0

San Diego, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Weather differences between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego are significant, notably in summers where Fort Lauderdale sees higher temperatures and more humidity. In contrast, San Diego enjoys a milder, more temperate climate year-round, leading to its famed comfortable weather which attracts many new residents. While both locations have good air quality, the types of natural disasters they face differ, with hurricanes being more common in Fort Lauderdale and wildfires and earthquakes in San Diego. Lastly, San Diego's lower annual rainfall is a central aspect of its dryer climate compared to the more humid conditions in Fort Lauderdale.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego

When considering a move from one location to another, understanding how your finances may be affected is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the financial differences between Fort Lauderdale, FL and San Diego, CA . Whether it's the cost of living, tax rates, or average incomes, knowing these details can help you plan your move more effectively.

While both Fort Lauderdale and San Diego offer attractive amenities and lifestyles, the financial landscape between the two cities varies considerably. For instance, the absence of state income tax in Florida can make Fort Lauderdale an appealing option for many. However, San Diego boasts a higher average household income which may offset the higher cost of living indexed at 160.1. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when comparing the real estate market; despite San Diego's higher cost of living, its average property tax rate is surprisingly lower than Fort Lauderdale's. Moreover, each city's leading industries suggest diverse employment opportunities, possibly affecting your job prospects following the move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Fort Lauderdale, FL and San Diego, CA

When planning your move from Fort Lauderdale, FL to San Diego, CA, understanding the local demographics can be key to a smooth transition. This guide offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in Fort Lauderdale & San Diego, helping you to get a feel for the community you're moving into.

Fort LauderdaleSan Diego

Political Make-up

Liberal-leaningLiberal-leaning

Local Politics

Diverse city councilDiverse city council with progressive policies

Religion

Multidenominational, with a variety of Christian churchesMultidenominational, notable for both Christian and Jewish communities

Despite both cities leaning liberal politically, the local politics of San Diego are known for their progressive policies, which might be an aspect to consider depending on your personal values. The religious landscape in both cities is quite diverse, offering places of worship and spiritual communities for a multitude of denominations. San Diego, in particular, is noteworthy for its vibrant Jewish community alongside a diverse Christian populace. This comparison should give you a clearer understanding of the community vibe as you transition from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego

This guide aims to provide you with a clearer perspective on the daily commute and traffic by comparing transportation options between Fort Lauderdale & San Diego. Understanding these differences will help you navigate your new city with ease.

Fort LauderdaleSan Diego
25.424.7

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

67

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

46

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

NoYes, with efforts

Can you get by without car?

Facing daily commutes in either city, you'll notice differences primarily in how you can navigate without a car. In Fort Lauderdale, the reliance on a car is more pronounced due to limited public transit options, rated lower than San Diego's. On the other hand, San Diego provides a more supportive network for public transportation, making it relatively easier to get by without a car—though it still requires some planning. Traffic congestion is slightly higher in San Diego, which can impact your commute times, especially during peak hours. Understanding these dynamics will help you adjust your daily routines and explore alternative commuting solutions.

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