Best Kentucky to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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KY to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state embodies an adventure, signaling a vibrant chapter in your life. Imagine trading the Bluegrass State's rolling hills and spirited horse races for California's sun-soaked beaches and the bustling streets of Silicon Valley. In this pivotal journey, securing trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial, and our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving ensures you connect with the best, making your transition as smooth as possible.

Kentucky iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Kentucky to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Keep On Moving Company9.19A+Authorized For HHGContact
From Here to There9.15NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
BG Home Movers8.98NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
UNITS of Kentucky8.95NRActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Kentucky guide.

6 Best KY to CA 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 12/5/2024)

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
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 12/5/2024)

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
2
Keep On Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.19/10
based on 833+ data points

About Keep On Moving Company

Keep On Moving Company is a family-owned and operated business serving Cincinnati and the Greater Tri-State area of KY, OH, and IN. It is de...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Delivery Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3468627 / 1134607

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2019)
View Full Review
3
From Here to There Logo
Exceptional9.15/10
based on 715+ data points

About From Here to There

From Here to There is a local moving and logistics company based in Lexington, Kentucky, established by long-time friends with extensive exp...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Move
  • Long-Distance/Interstate Moves
  • Commercial/Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3481118 / 1254688

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,500 (2022)
View Full Review
4
BG Home Movers Logo
Superb8.98/10
based on 275+ data points

About BG Home Movers

BG Home Movers is a full-service moving company in Bowling Green, KY, offering flexible service options to meet your needs. Backed by over 3...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3967219 / 1481382

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
5
UNITS of Kentucky Logo
Superb8.95/10
based on 186+ data points

About UNITS of Kentucky

UNITS of Kentucky is a locally-owned and operated moving and portable storage company founded in 2004. The company offers convenient moving ...Read More >>

Services

  • Storage
  • Moving
  • Moving & Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 2/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

439414 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2022)
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 Kentucky to California

Moving from Kentucky to California brings a myriad of changes, some challenging and some exciting. This comparison aims to reflect honestly on the move from Kentucky to California, providing a balanced view. By examining the pros and cons, it’s possible to gain a clearer picture of what awaits on the west coast.

CONs
PROs
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Lower job opportunities
  • Humid summers
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Minimal public transit
California iconCalifornia
  • Thriving job market
  • Milder climate
  • World-class dining
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Extensive public transit
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Busy urban life
  • Heavy traffic
  • Modern urban sprawl
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Affordable living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Nature's tranquility
  • Easy traffic flow
  • Historic charm

While the change in lifestyle can be significant, moving from Kentucky to California opens up new opportunities and experiences. In California, cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are known for their dynamic food scenes, offering everything from iconic fast-food joints to Michelin-starred restaurants. The state's diverse landscape allows for weekend getaways to beaches, mountains, or famous parks like Yosemite. However, this comes with a higher cost of living and denser populations, especially in popular areas like the Bay Area or Southern California. Despite these challenges, the vibrant culture, ample career opportunities, and the mild year-round climate make California an enticing destination for many.

Kentucky vs. California Food Guide

When preparing for a move, understanding the local culture is crucial, and food plays a big part in that. This guide includes a comparison of the local cuisine between Kentucky & California to better inform you about the food scene you'll be embracing.

KentuckyCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishBurgooTri-tip
Most popular street food itemHot BrownFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Nopalito
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to California, you'll find a vibrant foodie scene characterized by an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles offer a bustling culinary scene, from the innovative gourmet dishes of Chez Panisse in Berkeley to the iconic fast-food delights of In-N-Out Burger. Vegan and health-conscious eaters will find their haven in California, too, with an abundance of vegan restaurants and health-focused dining options throughout the state, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, where places like Nopalito offer fresh, organic Mexican vegan dishes. The love for food trucks and street food, especially in Southern California, means you're never far from a delightful, casual dining experience.

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Kentucky vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is pivotal when considering a move. Understanding how the housing markets in Kentucky and California compare can significantly impact your decision. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in housing costs, architecture, walkability, and more, between these two diverse states.

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanModern, Spanish
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge backyards, privacyEco-friendly features, ocean views

When comparing Kentucky to California, the contrast in housing costs is stark; California's median home price is over four times higher than Kentucky's. This difference extends into the rental markets, making affordability a key consideration. Additionally, the typical architecture styles reflect the regions' histories and climates, with California homes often featuring modern and Spanish influences that complement their sunnier, coastal environment. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, you'll find more traditional Colonial and Craftsman styles, suitable for its rich historical roots and varied landscape. Urban lifestyle scores also vary significantly, with California offering a more vibrant, walkable, and bike-friendly environment than Kentucky, potentially catering more to those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle close to urban amenities.

Kentucky vs. California Weather Considerations

If you're considering a move from one state to another, it's essential to understand how the weather conditions might shift. This comparison aims to highlight the climate differences between Kentucky and California, offering insights into how your daily life and seasonal preparations might change. By examining aspects such as temperature, sunshine, and natural disasters, you can better prepare for your relocation.

Summer icon
87°F / 65°F

Kentucky

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
43°F / 23°F

Kentucky

60°F / 45°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
48.9"

Kentucky

22"

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
11"

Kentucky

Variable

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Kentucky to California means adjusting to a drier climate with significantly more sunny days per year. California's mild winters and cool summers offer a pleasant change, especially in coastal areas, contrasting with Kentucky's humid summers and chilly winters. The difference in natural disaster risks — from Kentucky's tornadoes to California's earthquakes and wildfires — underscores the importance of awareness and preparedness in your new home state. Lastly, the sharp decrease in annual rainfall in California compared to Kentucky could impact daily life, particularly for gardening and water usage habits.

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

Moving between states requires a careful examination of financial factors to ensure a smooth transition. When relocating from Kentucky to California, understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes compare is crucial for your financial planning.

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$59,341$91,551
Cost of Living Index87.8136.4
State Income Tax51 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax0.860.77
Avg. Sales Tax67.25
Top 3 IndustriesAutomotive, Healthcare, ManufacturingTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessModerateSignificant

California's higher average household income, as shown in the chart, might seem appealing but it's important to consider that it comes with a higher cost of living compared to Kentucky. The significant difference in the cost of living index highlights the necessity of a larger income to maintain a similar lifestyle. While Kentucky has a flat state income tax rate, California has a progressive tax system which can be more burdensome for higher earners. Notably, despite a lower average property tax rate, California's real estate market is much more expansive, affecting overall affordability. Careful financial planning and consideration of these factors are essential when moving from Kentucky to California.

Kentucky vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison aims to provide you with a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of Kentucky & California, helping you understand the broad societal landscape of both states. Whether you’re interested in the political tendencies, local governance, or prevalent religious beliefs, this comparison is designed to prepare you for the cultural shift ahead.

KentuckyCalifornia
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanStrong Democratic lean
Local PoliticsLocal governance can vary, with a mix of Democratic and Republican strongholdsDiversity in local politics, with a prevalence of Democratic leadership, especially in urban areas
ReligionChristianity predominantly, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Evangelical ProtestantReligious diversity, with a high number of people identifying with no religion, followed by Christianity

While Kentucky’s political scene mostly leans Republican with a strong Evangelical Christian presence, California presents a stark contrast with its Democratic majority and significant religious diversity. This doesn’t just reflect in state politics but translates into local governance as well. In Kentucky, you might find a more homogeneous political and religious atmosphere, whereas California’s vastness encompasses a wide array of beliefs and political affiliations, especially notable in its major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Understanding these differences is crucial for a smooth transition, as it impacts everything from community activities to local policies that might affect your daily life.

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to California

Moving from one state to another brings many changes, especially when it comes to education. To help you make an informed decision, we've compared some key aspects of schools and education between Kentucky and California. This will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Kentucky and California , ensuring you make the best choice for your family.

KentuckyCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of California (various campuses)
California State University (various campuses)
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lowe Elementary (Louisville)
Beechwood Elementary (Fort Mitchell)
Mann Elementary (Fort Mitchell)
Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
Lincoln Elementary (Burlingame)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Barret Traditional Middle (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle (Lexington)
North Oldham Middle (Goshen)
Henry E. Huntington Middle (San Marino)
Rancho San Joaquin Middle (Irvine)
Carmel Valley Middle (San Diego)

Top 3 High Schools

DuPont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High (Fort Mitchell)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Oxford Academy (Cypress)
Whitney High (Cerritos)

Top 3 private high schools

Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
St. Xavier High (Louisville)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The Bishop's School (La Jolla)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Lexington School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School (Santa Monica)

Top 3 School Districts

Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Oldham County Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
San Marino Unified School District

In comparing educational options between Kentucky and California, it's evident that both states offer a rich variety of high-quality schools and districts. California stands out for its collection of prestigious universities and innovative K-12 schools, especially in areas like technology and science, owing to its proximity to Silicon Valley and other tech hubs. Kentucky, on the other hand, offers some of the best traditional education programs in the country, with a strong focus on community and inclusion. Both states host highly ranked private schools that attract students from across the nation for their rigorous academics and extracurricular offerings. Whether you're moving from Kentucky to California or vice versa, you'll find compelling educational opportunities awaiting you and your family. Moreover, the distinctive cultural and social environments of each state will undoubtedly contribute to a unique educational experience for your children.

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