Best New Mexico to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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NM to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state embodies an exciting journey, signifying an adventurous transition in life. You’re transitioning from the Land of Enchantment, with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant deserts, to the Golden State, known for its sprawling beaches, tech innovations, and dynamic cities. For such a significant move, it's critical to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving understand this need and are committed to providing you with the best options, ensuring your move is smooth and stress-free.

New Mexico iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best New Mexico to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
JP Moving9.38NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Two Men and a Truck8.58NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Pro-Move Logistics8.10A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Two Men and a Truck8.04A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to New Mexico guide.

6 Best NM 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 12/17/2024)

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
JP Moving Logo
Exceptional9.38/10
based on 1,097+ data points

About JP Moving

JP Moving is a licensed and insured moving company based in Rio Rancho, NM. It provides residential and commercial moving services to custom...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3585744 / 1212778

Authorized For Property

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Fabulous8.58/10
based on 158+ data points

About Two Men and a Truck

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a national moving company that has been serving customers for over 35 years. Based in Lansing, MI, it operates over 3...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/7/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2907535 / 978867

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers18
Total Annual Miles Moved456,215 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Pro-Move Logistics Logo
Very Good8.10/10
based on 173+ data points

About Pro-Move Logistics

Pro-Move Logistics is a top-rated full-service company with over 15 years of experience serving residential and commercial customers in Sant...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3942498 / 1464643

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Good8.04/10
based on 4,285+ data points

About Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck is a national move company that has offices locally and has been voted "best moving company in Albuquerque." Over 30 yea...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2907535 / 978867

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers18
Total Annual Miles Moved456,215 (2024)
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 New Mexico to California

Moving from one state to another can be a daunting prospect, but understanding the benefits and drawbacks is key to making an informed decision. This comparison will provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from New Mexico to California , helping you weigh the pros and cons effectively.

CONs
PROs
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Lower Job Opportunities
  • Less Cultural Diversity
  • Drier Climate
  • Fewer Recreational Spots
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher Job Market
  • More Cultural Diversity
  • Varied Climates
  • More Recreational Activities
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher Cost of Living
  • More Crowded
  • Higher Taxes
  • More Traffic
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Wide Open Spaces
  • Rich Cultural Heritage
  • Less Traffic

When considering a move from New Mexico to California, it’s hard not to be enticed by the Sunshine State's bustling coastal cities, renowned culinary scene, and vibrant cultural diversity. Picture yourself exploring the dynamic streets of Los Angeles, with its plethora of restaurants, galleries, and iconic sights such as the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign. Or imagine weekends spent wandering through San Francisco’s bustling Fisherman's Wharf or taking leisurely hikes across the vast trails of Yosemite National Park. However, it’s important to remember that this lifestyle comes with a higher cost of living and potentially more traffic to navigate. On the other hand, New Mexico boasts a rich cultural tapestry, open landscapes providing personal space and tranquility, and a lower cost of living, valuable attributes that you might miss once you’re settled in the crowded cities of California.

New Mexico vs. California Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between New Mexico & California provides an insightful glimpse into the rich culinary diversity awaiting you. Understanding the food landscape is crucial as it plays a significant role in the cultural fabric and lifestyle of any place. Let's dive into the delicious details to enhance your moving journey.

New MexicoCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemGreen ChileSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishCarne AdovadaTri-tip Steak
Most popular street food itemBreakfast BurritoFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBlue Corn TacosAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • El Modelo
  • Chez Panisse
  • Zuni Café
  • Gjelina
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from New Mexico to California, you'll transition from the hearty flavors of green chile and carne adovada to the fresh, innovative tastes synonymous with California's culinary scene, like sourdough bread and tri-tip steak. In California, the abundance of vegan options and health-conscious eateries reflects its diverse and progressive food culture. For instance, in neighborhoods like San Francisco's Mission District or Los Angeles' Venice, one can explore iconic establishments such as Chez Panisse for a taste of California-style farm-to-table dining or savor the quintessential California street food, fish tacos, by the beach. This shift not only represents a change in diet but also in the variety and accessibility of food options that cater to a wide array of tastes and dietary preferences.

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New Mexico vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move from New Mexico to California, understanding the differences in the real estate markets is crucial. It's vital to explore how housing costs, styles, and lifestyles compare in these two states. The following chart provides a detailed comparison that addresses these differences.

ComparisonNew MexicoCalifornia
Typical Architecture StylePueblo RevivalModern, Spanish Mission
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, Mountain viewsEco-friendly features, Proximity to tech jobs

While the median home price in California is significantly higher than in New Mexico, reflecting California's vibrant economy and desirability, it's also important to note the distinct lifestyles each state offers. For instance, California's higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores are a testament to its bustling cities and well-developed public spaces. The architectural styles also vary greatly, with New Mexico's Pueblo Revival offering a unique historical aesthetic contrasted by California's blend of modern and Spanish Mission influences. These differences highlight the importance of considering not just the cost but the lifestyle and environment you're seeking when moving.

New Mexico vs. California Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another requires getting familiar with new weather patterns. Making a transition from New Mexico to California, it's essential to grasp how the weather will differ to adjust accordingly. This comparison sheds light on what you can expect in terms of climate and environmental conditions in your new home.

Summer icon
92°F / 64°F

New Mexico

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50°F / 23°F

New Mexico

60°F / 44°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
14

New Mexico

22

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
23

New Mexico

Varies greatly

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNew MexicoCalifornia
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersDroughts, WildfiresEarthquakes, Wildfires, Mudslides
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from New Mexico to California, you'll notice a significant difference in weather, particularly in terms of humidity and winter temperatures. New Mexico enjoys a dryer climate, with lower humidity levels and cooler winter temperatures compared to California's milder winters and higher humidity. The sunshine days are fairly close, yet California's coastal areas can experience significantly cooler summers. Furthermore, the exposure to natural disasters shifts focus, introducing the risk of earthquakes and mudslides in addition to wildfires. Adjusting to these changes will help you make the most of California's diverse climate, embracing both its challenges and rewards.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to assess how the cost of living and financial factors in New Mexico and California will impact your budget and lifestyle. This comparison will provide insight into the differences in finances you should prepare for.

ComparisonNew MexicoCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$59,726$91,551
Cost of Living Index96.45136.4
State Income Tax1.7 - 4.9%1 - 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.78%0.73%
Avg. Sales Tax7.82%8.68%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Aerospace, FilmTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceLowerHigher
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessModerateHigh

The differences in average household incomes and cost of living indexes between New Mexico and California highlight essential financial considerations for your move. While California offers significantly higher average household incomes, it also presents a much higher cost of living, challenging those not prepared for the disparity. The top industries in each state suggest potential employment opportunities relevant to your career path. Furthermore, despite California's affluence, it suffers from high homelessness rates, a critical social issue reflecting the state's housing crisis. These factors collectively provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect financially when transitioning between these states.

New Mexico vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

This is a comparison of the politics between New Mexico & California designed to offer a quick glance at the political and religious landscape of these two states. Understanding these dynamics can help you better adjust to your new environment.

New MexicoCalifornia
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed, depends on regionVaries, with urban areas leaning more Democratic
ReligionPredominantly Catholic, significant element of Native American spiritual practicesPluralistic, large numbers of unaffiliated individuals

When moving from New Mexico to California, you'll notice the political atmosphere shifts from a Democratic-leaning stance to a decidedly strong Democratic stronghold, particularly in urban regions like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Local politics in both states can vary significantly; however, California's larger cities are known for their progressive policies. In terms of religion, New Mexico's population includes a substantial Catholic presence and a deep-rooted respect for Native American spiritual traditions. In contrast, California presents a more pluralistic religious landscape, with a higher percentage of residents identifying as unaffiliated with any religion. This diversity reflects the broader cultural mosaic that defines California.

Education Guide When Moving from New Mexico to California

Moving from one state to another involves many considerations, especially when it comes to education for you or your children. This comparison aims to better understand what the comparisons are between school options from New Mexico to California , providing a clearer picture of what each state has to offer in terms of educational opportunities.

New MexicoCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
University of California (various campuses)
California State University (various campuses)
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Pinon Elementary (Santa Fe)
Double Eagle Elementary (Albuquerque)
Wood Gormley Elementary (Santa Fe)
Waldorf School of the Peninsula (Los Altos)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Village School (Pacific Palisades)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Desert Ridge Middle (Albuquerque)
Sidney Gutierrez Middle (Roswell)
Mountain View Middle (Albuquerque)
The Harker School (San Jose)
The Mirman School (Los Angeles)
Castilleja School (Palo Alto)

Top 3 High School Schools

La Cueva High (Albuquerque)
Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science
Cottonwood Classical Prep (Albuquerque)
Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Oxford Academy (Cypress)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)

Top 3 private high schools

Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Santa Fe Preparatory School (Santa Fe)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Stanford Online High School (Stanford)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Bosque School (Albuquerque)
The Harker School (San Jose)
French American International School (San Francisco)
The Buckley School (Sherman Oaks)

Top 3 School Districts

Los Alamos Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Hobbs Municipal Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
La Cañada Unified School District

When moving from New Mexico to California, it's evident that the educational landscape shifts considerably, from public to private institutions. California offers a diverse and prestigious set of educational institutions, including globally recognized universities like Stanford University and the University of California system. The top high schools in California, such as Henry M. Gunn High and Harvard-Westlake School, not only provide excellent academic programs but also various extracurricular opportunities that might be particularly appealing if you’re aiming for a holistic education for your children. Additionally, the top school districts in California, including Palo Alto Unified and San Marino Unified, are known for their rigorous standards and high student performance, offering a promising environment for academic achievement and personal growth.

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