Moving from Indiana to California?

6 Best IN to CA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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IN to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. On one hand, you're leaving behind the Hoosier State, known for its cornfields and basketball mania, to embrace California, the Golden State, with its sun-soaked beaches and tech-savvy cities. To ensure this transition is as smooth as possible, it's crucial to team up with trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best in the business, making your long-distance move a breeze.

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

6 Best Indiana to California 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
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#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
MVM Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,395+ data points

Fort Wayne, IN
Residential Move, Commercial Move, Local Move See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/29/2022)

USDOT: 3098388 Verify

About MVM Moving & Storage

Since 2006, MVM Moving and Storage has been assisting residents of Fort Wayne, IN, streamline their relocation process with its cost-effecti...Read More >>

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#4
Bulldogs Moving Co. Logo
Exceptional

based on 553+ data points

Noblesville, IN
Full-service Moves, Packing / Unpacking, Loading / Unloading See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3784131 Verify

About Bulldogs Moving Co.

Bulldogs Moving Co., based in Lapel, Indiana, is a local moving company dedicated to providing high-quality services for residential and com...Read More >>

top 3 indianapolis 2024 bulldogs moving co image
top 10 ranked movers in anderson 2023 bulldogs moving co image
#5
Soft Touch Moving Logo
Superb

based on 174+ data points

Indianapolis, IN
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/20/2024)

USDOT: 707793 Verify

About Soft Touch Moving

Soft Touch Moving has more than 20 years in the moving and relocation industry. It has consistently provided quality full-service moving, pa...Read More >>

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#6
Kouts, IN
Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving, Hourly Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 4110434 Verify

About College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, established in 2005, is a full-service moving and junk removal company with over 200 locations across...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to California

Moving can be a complex decision, especially when considering relocating from Indiana to California. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from Indiana to California , contrasting the cons with the pros and vice versa, to offer a balanced view on what to expect from such a significant change.

CONs
PROs
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Harsh winters
  • Lower job prospects in tech
  • Smaller cultural events
California iconCalifornia
  • Diverse food scene
  • Mild winters
  • Booming tech industry
  • Large cultural festivals
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher living costs
  • Less living space
  • Faster-paced lifestyle
  • Noisier cities
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Lower cost of living
  • More space
  • Friendly local communities
  • Quieter environment

Moving from Indiana to California introduces you to a medley of new experiences and opportunities, especially in terms of diverse food and culture. Imagine walking through the bustling streets of San Francisco, where you can enjoy authentic dim sum in Chinatown, China Live, or savor the farm-to-table dining experience in Napa Valley. The tech industry in Silicon Valley offers unmatched job prospects for those in the tech field, a stark contrast to the more limited opportunities back in Indiana. However, this comes at the cost of a higher cost of living and a faster-paced lifestyle, where the serene spaciousness of Indiana is replaced by the energetic, sometimes overcrowded vibes of California cities. While the shift can be challenging, the endless entertainment options, from the iconic Coachella Festival to the artistic streets of Los Angeles, ensure that there's always something new to explore.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Indiana to California

Food is a significant aspect of local culture and provides insight into the lifestyle of an area. With this in mind, we will explore how the culinary scenes differ to help you adjust to your new surroundings. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Indiana & California , highlighting distinct flavors and dining experiences unique to each state.

IndianaCalifornia

Most iconic local food item

Pork Tenderloin SandwichFish Tacos

Most popular meat dish

Hoosier PieTri-tip

Most popular street food item

Corn DogsStreet Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Seitan BBQAvocado Toast

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • The Lombardi Room
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The French Laundry

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

59

Abundance of Food Trucks

59

Foodie Scene

610

Vegan Friendly

49

When relocating from Indiana to California, you’ll notice a significant shift not only in the climate and lifestyle but also in the food scene. California's culinary scene is well-known for its health-conscious and vegan-friendly options, epitomized by the iconic avocado toast and a wide range of fresh, plant-based cuisines that saturate cities from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Moreover, the abundance and diversity of food trucks offer a taste of the world within a city block, especially in bustling neighborhoods like LA’s Arts District or San Francisco’s Mission District. On the other hand, Indiana delights with comfort food champions like the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and a more modest but growing appreciation for farm-to-table dining, highlighted in joints like Bluebeard in Indianapolis. Transitioning to California, you'll find an abundant and diverse culinary scene that caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and dietary preferences.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Indiana to California

Understanding the real estate landscape is crucial when planning a move. It's important to compare how Indiana and California stack up in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle to make an informed decision.

When comparing housing in Indiana and California, it's obvious that California's higher cost of living reflects in its real estate prices. While California offers modern and Spanish-style homes often equipped with eco-friendly features and stunning ocean views, Indiana homes lean towards the Craftsman and Colonial styles, emphasizing family-friendly environments with large yards. The significant difference in median home prices and monthly rents is due to California's bustling urban lifestyle, higher walkability, and bikeability scores, catering to those seeking a vibrant city life. Nonetheless, Indiana provides a more affordable option for those valuing spacious living and a slower pace.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Indiana to California

When planning to move from Indiana to California, understanding the weather differences between these state locations is crucial. It can greatly influence your day-to-day life and how you prepare for each season.

Summer icon
85°F / 64°F

Indiana

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 20°F

Indiana

60°F / 45°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42"

Indiana

22" (Varies greatly by region)

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22"

Indiana

0-400"+ (Varies greatly by region, primarily in mountain areas)

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While both Indiana and California enjoy warm summers, you'll find a drastic difference in winter temperatures, making California winters much milder. Additionally, California boasts nearly 100 more days of sunshine per year, allowing for more outdoor activities year-round. However, this comes with a trade-off of higher annual UV index exposure and varying air quality, particularly in urban or wildfire-prone areas. Considering these factors can help you better prepare and adapt to your new environment.

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

Moving from one state to another can bring significant changes to your financial situation. It's essential to understand how the cost of living and average income in Indiana will compare to what you're used to when moving to California. This comparison aims to shed light on financial considerations crucial for your move.

When transitioning from Indiana to California, the most notable difference you're likely to encounter is the cost of living. California's cost of living index is almost double that of Indiana’s, indicating that your daily expenses could significantly increase. However, it's essential to note that the average household income in California also tends to be higher, although this increase may not fully compensate for the higher expenses. Additionally, the state income tax in California varies greatly and can be considerably higher than Indiana's flat rate of 3.23%, especially for those in higher income brackets. Nevertheless, the diverse and booming industries in California, such as technology, agriculture, and entertainment, offer unique employment opportunities not as prevalent in Indiana.

Political & Religious Comparison between Indiana and California

This brief overview aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in the states you're moving from and to. By comparing the politics between Indiana & California , and the religious landscape, you'll gain insights into the cultural shifts you might experience.

IndianaCalifornia

Political Make-up

Lean Republican/ConservativeLean Democrat/Liberal

Local Politics

More traditional, with an emphasis on local businesses and agricultureProgressive policies, with a focus on technology, environmental, and social justice issues

Religion

Higher prevalence of Protestant and Evangelical ChristiansDiverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents, Catholics, and a variety of other faiths

Indiana and California present contrasting landscapes in terms of political beliefs and religious practices. While Indiana's political makeup leans more Republican with a considerable focus on traditional values and local businesses, California stands on the progressive end of the spectrum, favoring Democrat policies with strong advocacies in technology, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The religious environment also shifts from Indiana's predominantly Protestant Christian community to California's diverse religious landscape, including a significant portion of residents identifying as non-religious. This diversity in California could offer you a more eclectic community experience compared to Indiana's more homogenous religious population. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for the cultural adjustment in your move.

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to California

Moving from Indiana to California involves navigating many changes, including the educational landscape. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Indiana and California , this chart lays out the top educational institutions and districts in both states. By comparing these, you can make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.

IndianaCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Indiana University Bloomington
Purdue University
Ball State University
University of California
Los Angeles
University of California
Berkeley
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Smoky Row Elementary School
Carmel; Signature School
Evansville; Union Elementary School
Zionsville
Point Vicente Elementary School
Rancho Palos Verdes; Pacific Elementary School
Manhattan Beach; Millikin Basics+ Elementary School
Santa Clara

Top 3 Middle Schools

West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
West Lafayette; Brown County Junior High School
Nashville; Riverside Junior High School
Fishers
Henry M. Gunn High School
Palo Alto; Whitney High School
Cerritos; Miller Creek Middle School
San Rafael

Top 3 High Schools

Signature School
Evansville; Carmel High School
Carmel; West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
West Lafayette
California Academy of Mathematics & Science
Carson; Henry M. Gunn High School
Palo Alto; Troy High School
Fullerton

Top 3 private high schools

Culver Academies
Culver; Park Tudor School
Indianapolis; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Indianapolis
Harvard-Westlake School
Los Angeles; The Harker School
San Jose; Phillips Academy
Andover

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Traders Point Christian Academy
Whitestown; Bethany Christian School
Goshen; Lutheran High School of Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Head-Royce School
Oakland; Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica; The Thacher School
Ojai

Top 3 School Districts

Carmel Clay Schools
Brown County School District
Zionsville Community Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District

California offers some of the most prestigious universities and high-strength K-12 programs in the nation, reflecting its larger population and compelling cultural diversity. Institutions like Stanford University and UCLA are known globally for their excellence. Similarly, the private school sector, including Harvard-Westlake School and The Harker School, continues to set academic benchmarks nationally. Conversely, Indiana's educational scene, exemplified by schools such as Signature School and Culver Academies, showcases an impressive commitment to high-quality education with a focus on community engagement and character-building. Both states clearly prioritize educational excellence, albeit through their unique regional characteristics and resources.

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