Best Tennessee to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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TN to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from the Volunteer State to the Golden State is not just a change in scenery, but a thrilling leap into a new chapter of your life. You're trading in the serene Smoky Mountains and vibrant music scenes of Tennessee for California's sunny beaches, tech-savvy cities, and the allure of Hollywood. Recognizing the challenges of such a long-distance move, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. That's where we come in, offering you the best movers, vetted through our unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure your transition is as smooth and worry-free as possible.

Tennessee iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Tennessee to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC9.40A+Authorized For HHGContact
Boundless Moving & Storage9.33A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Rice's Professional Moving Service9.28NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Two Men And A Truck9.10NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Tennessee guide.

6 Best TN 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
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC Logo
Exceptional9.40/10
based on 845+ data points

About Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

You can’t trust just anyone with your household belongings. That’s where Alpha Moving & Storage comes in. This company, founded in 2018,...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Short-Term Storage

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3378094 / 1193307

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,378+ data points

About Boundless Moving & Storage

Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers re...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Rice's Professional Moving Service Logo
Exceptional9.28/10
based on 648+ data points

About Rice's Professional Moving Service

Rice's Professional Moving Services is a locally-owned, licensed, and insured full-service moving company that customizes each move to accom...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Move
  • Local Move
  • Commercial Move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3941233 / 1463771

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved2,500 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Two Men And A Truck Logo
Exceptional9.10/10
based on 287+ data points

About Two Men And A Truck

With more than 35 years in the business, "Two Men And A Truck" is a national moving company known for its extensive services. Operating from...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/19/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1108883 / 483210

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans25
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved385,784 (2023)
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 Tennessee to California

Making the leap from Tennessee to California represents a significant change in lifestyle and opportunities. Through our charts, we aim to provide a comprehensive comparison between Tennessee's cons and California's pros, allowing you to weigh the good against the bad in this relocation decision. By understanding both sides of the coin, you'll be better equipped to make an informed choice that aligns with your aspirations and lifestyle preferences.

CONs
PROs
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Higher humidity
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Fewer job opportunities in tech
  • More conservative culture
  • Limited outdoor activities
California iconCalifornia
  • Milder climate
  • World-class dining
  • Tech industry hub
  • Progressive environment
  • Diverse landscapes
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher expenses
  • Possible overcrowding
  • Water scarcity concerns
  • Earthquake risk
  • Heavy traffic areas
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Lower cost of living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Abundant greenery
  • Historic charm
  • Less traffic congestion

Relocating from Tennessee to California introduces you to an array of world-class dining options, from the seafood delights at Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco to the innovative culinary experiences in Los Angeles' Noma. You'll also discover a wealth of outdoor activities, whether you're exploring the vast trails of Yosemite National Park or soaking up the sun at Venice Beach. However, it's important to budget for higher living expenses in California, from housing to utilities. Despite the potential for earthquakes and water scarcity issues, California's progressive environment and tech industry hub offer unique opportunities for personal and professional growth unlike anywhere in Tennessee.

Tennessee vs. California Food Guide

When relocating, it's crucial to immerse in the local culture, a significant part of which is the culinary scene. To aid in this transition, we've put together a comparison of the local cuisine between Tennessee & California . This guide will give you a taste of what to expect from the food scene in your new home.

TennesseeCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishHot ChickenTri-tip Steak
Most popular street food itemPulled Pork SandwichStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Rendezvous
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken
  • Loveless Cafe
  • Chez Panisse
  • Gjelina
  • n/naka
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring the food scene in California reveals a diverse and health-conscious landscape, where vegan options abound and fitness is a priority. You'll find the iconic Fish Tacos in beachside shacks along the coast, and in urban settings, the culinary scene thrives with an impressive array of street food offerings like Street Tacos, diverse due to California's multicultural population. The state is also home to pioneering restaurants like Chez Panisse in Berkeley, known for sparking the farm-to-table movement, and n/naka in Los Angeles, where the art of kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) is practiced with a Californian twist. This rich food culture is a reflection of the state's diverse population and abundant local produce, ensuring that your culinary adventures will be as varied as they are delicious.

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Tennessee vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

Relocating involves numerous considerations, but among them, understanding the real estate differences between Tennessee and California stands crucial for a smooth transition. Knowing how these aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities compare can greatly influence your decision process.

ComparisonTennesseeCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional, ColonialModern, Spanish
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, privacyEco-friendly features, proximity to amenities

Moving from Tennessee to California introduces a stark contrast in the living environment and cost of living. In California, the emphasis on modern and Spanish architecture reflects a distinct aesthetic preference, as well as the state's historical background. Urban lifestyle scores higher in California due to its cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where walkability and access to amenities are prioritized. This urban appeal might come with a heftier price tag but promises an eco-friendlier living with features like solar panels being commonplace in listings. The substantial difference in housing costs, with California's median home price and rent significantly higher than Tennessee's, underscores the importance of financial planning before making the move.

Tennessee vs. California Weather Considerations

When preparing to move from Tennessee to California, it's essential to understand how the weather in Tennessee contrasts with weather in California . This comparison will give you a clear perspective on what changes to anticipate in terms of climate, helping you make a smooth transition to your new home.

Summer icon
89/69

Tennessee

85/60

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
49/30

Tennessee

68/48

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50

Tennessee

22 (varies significantly by region)

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5

Tennessee

0 (except for mountainous areas)

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonTennesseeCalifornia
Air QualityGoodModerate to Unhealthy (varies widely across the state)
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Tennessee to California, you'll enjoy more sunshine days and milder winters in California, but you might need to adjust to the drier climate and prepare for different natural disasters, such as earthquakes and wildfires, not prevalent in Tennessee. The variation in humidity levels will also influence your daily comfort, with California generally being less humid. Notably, California's diverse geography leads to significant variations in weather patterns across the state, something to consider when choosing your new home within the Golden State.

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

When considering a move from Tennessee to California, it's crucial to grasp the financial implications of such a transition. Understanding the cost of living, taxation, and economic opportunities between Tennessee and California will help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonTennesseeCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$65,254$91,551
Cost of Living Index88.9136.4
State Income Tax01-13.3
Avg. Property Tax0.640.77
Avg. Sales Tax9.558.68
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, RetailTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowHigh

Moving from Tennessee to California, you'll encounter a significant hike in the cost of living, primarily driven by higher housing costs in California. Despite the enticing higher average household income in California, the state's higher tax burden, including a progressive income tax and higher average property tax, can offset these gains. The diverse economic landscape in California, dominated by technology, agriculture, and entertainment, contrasts with Tennessee's healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors, offering a broader range of job opportunities but also presenting a competitive job market. Understanding these financial implications is essential for a smooth transition.

Tennessee vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Tennessee to California offers an intriguing look at the differences between the two states. This comparison is designed to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Tennessee & California. Understanding these aspects can greatly enhance your transition experience.

TennesseeCalifornia
Political Make-upTraditionally RepublicanStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative lean, especially in rural areasLiberal lean, particularly in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco
ReligionHighly religious, predominantly ChristianMore diverse religious landscape, with lower overall religiosity

When moving from Tennessee to California, you'll notice a dramatic shift in the political climate. Tennessee's traditional conservative stance contrasts with California's liberal policies, especially evident in policies related to healthcare, environmental regulations, and social programs. Religious makeup also varies greatly, with Tennessee having a significantly more religious, predominantly Christian population. In contrast, California presents a mosaic of belief systems and a more secular lifestyle overall. Understanding these differences can help you navigate new social, cultural, and political landscapes as you make California your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to California

Moving between states can be a daunting task, especially when considering the quality of education for your children. This chart is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Tennessee and California, from elementary right through to college.

TennesseeCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
University of California
Stanford University
California State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lipscomb Elementary - Brentwood
Percy Priest Elementary - Nashville
Clovercroft Elementary - Franklin
Point Vicente Elementary - Rancho Palos Verdes
Mill Valley Middle - Mill Valley
Pacific Elementary - Manhattan Beach

Top 3 Middle Schools

Brentwood Middle - Brentwood
Meigs Magnet Middle - Nashville
Page Middle - Franklin
Sierra Canyon School - Chatsworth
Miller Creek Middle School - San Rafael
Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle - Palo Alto

Top 3 High School Schools

Hume-Fogg Academic High - Nashville
Central Magnet School - Murfreesboro
Brentwood High - Brentwood
Henry M. Gunn High - Palo Alto
Torrey Pines High - San Diego
Lynbrook High - San Jose

Top 3 private high schools

Baylor School - Chattanooga
The McCallie School - Chattanooga
Montgomery Bell Academy - Nashville
The Thacher School - Ojai
Harvard-Westlake School - Los Angeles
Phillips Academy - Andover

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Baylor School - Chattanooga
Ensworth School - Nashville
University School of Nashville - Nashville
The Nueva School - Hillsborough
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences - Santa Monica
The College Preparatory School - Oakland

Top 3 School Districts

Williamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Franklin Special School District
San Marino Unified School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
Arcadia Unified School District

When comparing the top educational institutions, it's clear that both Tennessee and California offer unique advantages. For example, California's Stanford University and University of California are renowned for their research and innovation, attracting students globally. In contrast, Tennessee prides itself on the historical significance and academic excellence of schools like Vanderbilt University. High schools such as Palo Alto's Henry M. Gunn and Nashville's Hume-Fogg Academic High demonstrate the diversity in educational philosophies and settings, with both states providing a range of public and private options to suit diverse educational needs.

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