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Tampa to Santa Ana Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from Tampa's sun-kissed shores to Santa Ana's vibrant streets marks an adventurous shift in your life's journey. You're trading the laid-back "Cigar City" vibe for the dynamic pulses of the "Golden City", embracing new flavors, neighborhoods, and faces. To navigate this long-distance transition smoothly, securing the support of trusted and reliable movers is crucial; that's where we, at Great Guys Moving, come in, offering an unbiased list of the best professionals tailored for your journey.

5 Best Movers for Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana

#1
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 5/23/2024)

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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#2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,308+ data points

Lake Forest, CA
Local Move, Interstate Move, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 649215 Verify

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

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#3
Let's Get Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,825+ data points

St. Petersburg, FL
Commercial moving services, Residential moving services, Local moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 2270761 Verify

About Let's Get Moving

This locally-owned moving company has been serving the St. Petersburg, FL, area since 2004. Let's Get Moving is a well-known Florida moving ...Read More >>

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#4
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Exceptional

based on 5,201+ data points

New Port Richey, FL
Local moving, Junk removal, Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT: 3207889 Verify

About Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck is a full-service, national moving company in Florida with over 35 years of experience. With a comprehensive range of se...Read More >>

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#5
Hello Movers Logo
Very Good

based on 808+ data points

Land O' Lakes, FL
Local Moving, Packing & Unpacking, Long Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3338540 Verify

About Hello Movers

For Tampa Bay’s top-rated movers, look no further than Hello Movers. This team has years of field experience and can handle any job, from re...Read More >>

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Relocating from Tampa to Santa Ana Neighborhood Guide

Moving from one city to another can be a daunting experience, especially when you're not familiar with your new home's neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Tampa, FL & Santa Ana, CA, so you can find a new community that feels like home, using what you already know as a baseline.

TampaSanta Ana
Hyde ParkFloral Park

Historic homes, trendy shops

Seminole HeightsWest Floral Park

Vibrant community, artistic vibe

South TampaWilshire Square

Affluent, family-friendly

Ybor CityDowntown Santa Ana

Rich history, nightlife

Channel DistrictArts District

Modern lofts, cultural attractions

Palma CeiaHeninger Park

Peaceful, upscale living

WestshorePortola Park

Business-centric, modern amenities

Davis IslandsFairhaven

Exclusive, waterfront properties

Forest HillsRiverview West

Quiet, family-oriented

CarrollwoodWashington Square

Suburban feel, community-focused

If the historic charm and trendy eateries of Hyde Park are what you love about Tampa, you'll find a similar ambiance in Santa Ana's Floral Park, known for its well-preserved historic homes and quaint shopping districts like those around Main Street Santa Ana. For those drawn to the vibrant nightlife and rich cultural tapestry of Ybor City, Downtown Santa Ana offers an equally enthralling experience with its lively Fourth Street Market and eclectic art scene. Meanwhile, Davis Islands' sense of exclusivity and scenic waterfronts can be mirrored in Santa Ana's Fairhaven, where luxury meets the serenity of the Pacific coastline. Each of these neighborhoods provides a unique blend of community, culture, and convenience, making your transition as smooth as possible.

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Things to Do in Santa Ana

  • Explore the Santa Ana Public Library
  • Visit Discovery Cube Orange County
  • Stroll through Santiago Park Nature
  • Enjoy art at Bowers Museum
  • Shop at 4th Street Market
  • See a show at The Yost Theater
  • Join a class at Downtown Santa Ana

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana

Moving from Tampa, FL to Santa Ana, CA entails weighing various factors that will impact your lifestyle. This comparison provides an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make an informed decision by contrasting the advantages and disadvantages directly related to climate, cost of living, and local amenities.

CONs
PROs
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • Humidity
  • Hurricane risk
  • Higher humidity
  • Limited cultural diversity
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Dryer climate
  • No hurricanes
  • Mild temperatures
  • Greater cultural diversity
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Farther from beaches
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less greenery
  • Less boating culture
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • Beaches
  • Lower cost of living
  • Lush landscapes
  • Better for boating

Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana offers a significant climate change, transitioning from high humidity and hurricane risks to a dryer, mild climate without the threat of hurricanes. This shift may impact your outdoor activities and overall comfort. Santa Ana boasts greater cultural diversity, inviting a rich tapestry of experiences from the Bowers Museum to the vibrant scenes in the Downtown Santa Ana Arts District. While Santa Ana might be farther from the beach than Tampa, the city compensates with numerous parks like Santiago Park. It's also worth noting that although Santa Ana has a higher cost of living, the quality of life, including access to diverse restaurants and sights like Discovery Cube Orange County, presents a compelling reason for the move.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Tampa, FL & Santa Ana, CA. Understanding the food culture of a place is key to appreciating its lifestyle. Let's delve into the culinary scenes of both cities, providing you with insights into what your palate can expect after moving.

TampaSanta Ana

Most iconic local food item

Cuban SandwichMexican Seafood

Most popular meat dish

Deviled CrabCarnitas

Most popular street food item

EmpanadasTacos

Most popular vegan food

Vegan Cuban SandwichVegan Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

    1. Columbia Restaurant
    2. Bern's Steak House
    3. Ulele
    1. Playground
    2. 4th Street Market
    3. Taqueria Tapatia

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

69

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

89

In Tampa, you'll find a vibrant Cuban influence with the iconic Cuban Sandwich at the forefront, available in spots like Columbia Restaurant. Meanwhile, Santa Ana offers a diverse Mexican culinary scene, where restaurants like Playground take traditional ingredients to innovate on classic dishes. Both cities have a thriving food truck and street food culture, but Santa Ana, with its higher abundance of food trucks, particularly shines in offering a variety of Mexican street foods like tacos. Vegans won't feel left out either, as both locations offer fantastic vegan versions of their iconic dishes, such as Vegan Cuban Sandwiches in Tampa and Vegan Tacos in Santa Ana.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana

When relocating from Tampa, FL to Santa Ana, CA, finding your new go-to restaurants is crucial for feeling at home. This comparison will guide you through Tampa's best eateries to their Santa Ana counterparts, ensuring you discover your next favorite spot with ease.

Bern's Steak HouseThe Ranch Restaurant & Saloon

Both offer an upscale dining experience with premium steaks.

UlelePlayground

Both focus on innovative, chef-driven menus with local ingredients.

Columbia RestaurantFelix Continental Café

Both provide an authentic ethnic food experience with a rich history.

La Terrazza RestaurantAntonello Ristorante

Both offer classic Italian dining in an elegant setting.

Ella's Americana Folk Art CaféChapter One: the modern local

Both have a unique vibe with eclectic menus and live music.

DatzCrave

Both are popular for their comfort food with a gourmet twist and craft beer selection.

Oxford Exchange4th Street Market

Both serve as a foodie destination with multiple food vendors and coffee shops.

Edison: Food+Drink LabAnepalco

Both are known for their innovative and creative approach to cuisine.

Rooster & the TillTaco María

While the cuisines differ, both are acclaimed for their fresh, farm-to-table approach.

Armature WorksMcFadden Public Market

Both places offer a collective eatery space with diverse food options.

In Tampa, Bern's Steak House is a landmark for steak enthusiasts, much like The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Santa Ana, where the focus on premium meats and an extensive wine list promises an unmatched dining experience. For those craving a fusion of flavors, Ulele's innovative dishes in Tampa find a counterpart in Playground's chef-driven menu in Santa Ana, showcasing the city's dedication to culinary creativity. Meanwhile, Columbia Restaurant's rich history and authentic cuisine are mirrored by Felix Continental Café, offering a slice of culture with every meal. Each of these pairings not only promises to satisfy your culinary cravings but also facilitates a smooth transition by connecting you with venues that echo the essence of your Tampa favorites, right in the heart of Santa Ana.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana

Real estate is a crucial component of relocating. Understanding how Tampa, FL compares to Santa Ana, CA in terms of housing can significantly influence your moving decision.

The difference in median home prices and rent between Tampa, FL, and Santa Ana, CA, highlights the higher cost of living in Santa Ana. While Tampa's housing market offers a blend of Mediterranean and Bungalow-style homes, Santa Ana leans towards Spanish Colonial and Modern architectures, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Santa Ana also rates higher in walkability and bikeability, suggesting a more urban and connected lifestyle. Interestingly, water features such as waterfront properties and pools are common selling points in Tampa, reflecting its coastal location. In contrast, Santa Ana listings frequently emphasize proximity to beaches and the exclusivity of gated communities, indicating a preference for security and accessibility to natural landscapes. These comparisons provide a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of housing and lifestyle in both cities.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Santa Ana, CA

1. Park Santiago: Known for its tranquil atmosphere and lush green spaces, you'll find Santiago Park perfect for walks with your furry friends.

2. Floral Park: This neighborhood boasts beautiful, walkable streets and a strong community vibe, with Floral Park Neighborhood Association even hosting pet-friendly events.

3. French Park: Highlighted by its historic homes and close proximity to French Park, it offers ample space and a friendly atmosphere for pet owners.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana

Moving between cities means adapting to new climates, so it's crucial to compare the weather you're accustomed to with your future home's climate. This comparison between Tampa, FL, and Santa Ana, CA, highlights the weather differences to help you prepare for your relocation.

Summer icon
90/76

Tampa, FL

83/64

Santa Ana, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
70/52

Tampa, FL

70/48

Santa Ana, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50.3

Tampa, FL

13.4

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Tampa, FL

0

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When moving from Tampa to Santa Ana, you'll notice a shift towards drier, sunnier conditions with less humidity and fewer rainy days. Although both cities enjoy temperate winters and warm summers, Santa Ana offers more days of sunshine and significantly less annual rainfall. However, be prepared for a different mix of natural hazards, with Santa Ana's risk of earthquakes and wildfires contrasting Tampa's hurricane and thunderstorm threats. Air quality and seasonal allergies are also factors worth considering, as these can notably impact your day-to-day comfort and health.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana

When preparing for a move from Tampa, Florida, to Santa Ana, California, it's crucial to understand the differences in cost of living and financial aspects you'll encounter. This comparison aims to clarify how your expenses and income opportunities might adjust in your new city.

While both Tampa and Santa Ana offer unique economic landscapes, the higher overall cost of living in Santa Ana is a key factor to consider. Despite California's higher average household income and evident affluence, the state's higher income tax rate can impact your net income. Additionally, the technology and manufacturing sectors in Santa Ana could offer new job opportunities not as prevalent in Tampa's tourism-focused economy. However, both cities demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents, despite challenges like homelessness.

Political & Religious Comparison between Tampa, FL and Santa Ana, CA

When planning your move from Tampa to Santa Ana, it’s helpful to consider how the communities differ, especially in terms of their political and religious leanings. This comparison of the politics and religion between Tampa & Santa Ana offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the typical makeup of the population in both cities.

TampaSanta Ana

Political Make-up

Leans DemocraticStrongly Democratic

Local Politics

Moderately progressiveVery progressive

Religion

Christian majority, with a significant presence of other faithsChristian majority, notably Catholic; diverse religious communities

In terms of politics, moving from Tampa to Santa Ana means transitioning from a city that leans Democratic to one that is strongly Democratic with very progressive local policies. This could be a significant factor if political alignment is important to you. While both cities boast a Christian majority, Santa Ana has a notably large Catholic community, reflecting its diverse demographic makeup. Such insights can help you anticipate the cultural and social landscape of your new home, ensuring a smoother adaptation process.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Tampa to Santa Ana

Moving from Tampa, FL to Santa Ana, CA requires a good understanding of how traffic and transportation options differ between the two. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what your daily commute might look like, helping you adjust to your new city smoothly.

TampaSanta Ana
2629

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

68

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

46

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

NoWith difficulty

Can you get by without car?

The average commute time is slightly longer in Santa Ana than in Tampa, with Santa Ana also facing higher levels of traffic congestion. This might be due to the denser urban environment and the higher reliance on freeways in California. However, Santa Ana offers better public transit options compared to Tampa, making it somewhat easier to get around without a car, though still challenging. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for the change in your daily routine, possibly influencing your decision on whether to rely on public transit or personal vehicles for your commute.

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