Moving from Rhode Island to California?

6 Best RI to CA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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RI to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from the Ocean State to the Golden State is an adventure that promises both excitement and significant change. As you transition from Rhode Island's cozy New England charm to California's sprawling beaches, bustling cities, and iconic landscapes, the contrast couldn't be more thrilling. Recognizing the vast distance of this move, it's crucial to have trusted and reliable professional movers by your side, ensuring your journey is as smooth and worry-free as possible. Our team at Great Guys Moving utilizes an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers in the country, making us your go-to source for a hassle-free relocation.

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

6 Best Rhode Island 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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#3
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Very Good

based on 310+ data points

Warwick, RI
Local Moving, Junk Removal, Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3620733 Verify

About Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck is a national, full-service moving company with over 35 years of experience. Based in Lansing, MI, they have more than 3...Read More >>

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#4
G Metz Moving Logo
Good

based on 938+ data points

Seekonk, MA
Local Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services, Small House Moving Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2296800 Verify

About G Metz Moving

G Metz Moving is a local, Seekonk-based business that helps customers move within Providence, across Rhode Island, and anywhere in the count...Read More >>

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#5
Cunha Trucking & Moving Co Inc Logo
Good

based on 140+ data points

Rumford, RI
Local moving, Long-distance moving, Mini storage moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 534973 Verify

About Cunha Trucking & Moving Co Inc

Cunha Trucking & Moving Company, based in East Providence, Rhode Island, offers a comprehensive range of moving services for residential...Read More >>

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#6
Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage Logo
Below Average

based on 2,293+ data points

Warwick, RI
Local Movers, Long-Distance Movers, Commercial Movers See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3095364 Verify

About Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage

Started by two brothers in 2009, Correira Brothers’ Moving & Storage is a local family-owned business. With a corporate office in Warwic...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to California

Moving from one coast to another presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to honestly reflect the good and bad attributes of relocating from Rhode Island to California, offering insights into how your life will change. Whether it's the weather, opportunities, or lifestyle, knowing what awaits can help you prepare for this significant change.

CONs
PROs
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Smaller job market
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher humidity
  • Limited cultural diversity
California iconCalifornia
  • Larger job market
  • Mild winters
  • Lower humidity
  • Greater cultural diversity
California iconCalifornia
  • More urban
  • Less personal interaction
  • Corporate prevalence
  • Higher living costs
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Cozy small towns
  • Close-knit communities
  • Quaint local businesses
  • Lower living costs

While the prospect of moving from Rhode Island to California can be exciting, it's vital to consider both the tangible and intangible changes to your lifestyle. For instance, California's vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco offer an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and galleries, such as The Broad and The Original Farmers Market. However, the intimate charm of Rhode Island's coastal towns, like Newport, with its historic mansions and seaside eateries, has its own appeal. Transitioning from the tight-knit communities and the familiarity of local spots like Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House to California's bustling metropolitan areas can be a significant shift, but it's also an opportunity for growth and new experiences. Adaptability, openness to new cultures, and readiness to explore are key to making the most out of this life-changing move.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to California

This comparison of the local cuisine between Rhode Island & California aims to enrich your understanding of the food scene as part of the local culture and lifestyle in these areas. Whether you're a foodie or just curious, this guide will help you navigate the culinary differences as you plan your move.

Rhode IslandCalifornia

Most iconic local food item

Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)Fish Tacos

Most popular meat dish

Grilled ClamsTri-tip Steak

Most popular street food item

Hot WienersStreet Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Del's LemonadeAvocado Toast

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

    • Al Forno
    • Hemenway’s
    • Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House
    • Chez Panisse
    • Spago
    • El Coyote Cafe

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

79

Abundance of Food Trucks

58

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

69

In Rhode Island, seafood is the star of the local cuisine, with stuffies and grilled clams taking center stage. Hot wieners, a unique twist on traditional hot dogs, epitomize the state’s street food scene. For a more casual, vegan option, Del's Lemonade offers a refreshing treat. Dining at iconic restaurants like Al Forno in Providence can give you a genuine taste of the local flavors. Moving to California introduces you to a whole new palette where Mexican influences are prominent, especially in the form of fish tacos and street tacos. Health-conscious and vegan-friendly options, like the quintessential California avocado toast, are readily available across the state, notably in cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. California's vibrant foodie scene is broad and inclusive, offering something for everyone, from food truck aficionados to fine dining enthusiasts.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Rhode Island to California

Real estate is a crucial aspect of relocating, and understanding how it differs between your current and future homes can significantly impact your decision. This comparison aims to highlight the important distinctions in housing between Rhode Island and California to assist in your move.

When considering a move from Rhode Island to California, you'll notice significant differences in the housing market. The median home price and rent in California are substantially higher, reflecting the state's in-demand real estate market. However, California compensates with its modern and Spanish style architecture, higher walkability, and a more pronounced urban lifestyle, which might appeal to those seeking a vibrant city life. Furthermore, the emphasis in California real estate listings on sustainability features and smart home technology speaks to the state's forward-thinking mindset. Such distinctions underscore the importance of weighing your preferences and lifestyle when moving between these states.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Rhode Island to California

If you're planning a move, understanding the climate differences is essential. This comparison will shed light on how the weather varies between Rhode Island and California, helping you adjust your expectations and prepare accordingly.

Summer icon
82/63

Rhode Island

85/60

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40/20

Rhode Island

68/48

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47

Rhode Island

22

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33

Rhode Island

Rare/None

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When moving from Rhode Island to California, one of the most appreciable differences you'll encounter is in the climate, particularly in terms of sun exposure and winter temperatures. California boasts significantly more sunny days, and its winters are milder compared to the colder, snowier Rhode Island seasons. This change means swapping snow shovels for sunscreen more often and preparing for different natural disaster risks, like earthquakes and wildfires, instead of blizzards and hurricanes. Understanding these differences allows for a smoother transition, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance topics related to moving from Rhode Island to California, helping you gauge how your living expenses, tax obligations, and overall financial health might shift.

Moving from Rhode Island to California, you'll notice significant changes in your financial landscape. California's higher average household income reflects its more prosperous job market, especially in tech, agriculture, and entertainment. However, this is counterbalanced by a higher cost of living and sales tax rate, making daily expenses more burdensome. While California may offer higher earnings and enchanting career opportunities, it's also marked by profound housing affordability issues, leading to higher poverty and homelessness rates. These contrasts underline the importance of financial planning and consideration before making the coast-to-coast move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Rhode Island and California

This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents between Rhode Island & California, helping you understand the cultural landscape you're moving into.

Rhode IslandCalifornia

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticStrongly Democratic

Local Politics

Local government plays a significant role in community developmentLocal government initiatives often focus on environmental and social issues

Religion

Largely Catholic, with a mix of other Christian denominationsDiverse religious landscape, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu communities

When considering your move from Rhode Island to California, you’ll notice differences not just in the political leanings but in the way local politics shapes communities. Rhode Island’s political scene is lean Democratic, with local politics playing a substantial role in community matters. In comparison, California's political landscape is strongly Democratic, where local government initiatives often emphasize environmental sustainability and social equity. The religious makeup in Rhode Island is predominantly Catholic, reflecting a more homogeneous religious community, whereas California offers a vibrant mosaic of religious beliefs, including a broad spectrum of Christian denominations and significant Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu communities. Moving to California, you'll find yourself in a rich tapestry of cultural and political perspectives.

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to California

Moving from Rhode Island to California presents a significant change in many areas, including the educational landscape. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Rhode Island and California , we've put together this helpful chart. Whether your focus is on public or private education, this comparison will aid in making informed decisions for your family's educational journey.

Rhode IslandCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
University of California
California State University
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Rockwell Elementary
Barrington
Hamilton Elementary
North Kingstown
Community Elementary
Cumberland
Point Vicente Elementary
Rancho Palos Verdes
Murphy Ranch Elementary
Whittier
La Cañada Elementary
La Cañada Flintridge

Top 3 Middle Schools

Barrington Middle
Barrington
Archie R. Cole Middle
East Greenwich
Narragansett Pier Middle
Narragansett
Henry M. Gunn High
Palo Alto
Carmel Valley Middle
San Diego
Sierra Canyon School
Chatsworth

Top 3 High Schools

Classical High
Providence
Barrington High
Barrington
East Greenwich High
East Greenwich
Lowell High
San Francisco
Torrance High
Torrance
Palo Alto High
Palo Alto

Top 3 private high schools

Moses Brown School
Providence
St. George's School
Newport
The Wheeler School
Providence
Harvard-Westlake School
Studio City
Phillips Academy
Andover
The Thacher School
Ojai

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Lincoln School
Providence
Rhode Island Country Day
East Providence
Providence Country Day School
East Providence
Stanford Online High School
Stanford
The Geffen Academy at UCLA
Los Angeles
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica

Top 3 School Districts

Barrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Lincoln School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
La Cañada Unified School District

When comparing educational options between Rhode Island and California, several key differences stand out. For instance, in terms of higher education, Rhode Island has prestigious institutions like Brown University, while California is home to top-tier universities such as Stanford and a broad selection of University of California campuses. The quality and particular focus of elementary and high schools also vary significantly. For example, schools like Barrington Middle in Rhode Island are highly rated for their comprehensive education, while California boasts specialized schools like the Stanford Online High School, which provides a unique approach to learning. These distinctions highlight the diversity and specialized opportunities available in California’s education system compared to Rhode Island, enabling you to tailor education closely to your child's needs and aspirations.

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