Hero background image

Mckinney to Santa Ana Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

Moving from the historic charm of McKinney, TX, to the vibrant streets of Santa Ana, CA, signifies an exciting shift in your life, teeming with new opportunities and adventures. You're trading the 'Unique by nature' city for the 'Golden City', leaving behind Texas barbecues for California's sunshine and surf. To make this long-distance journey a success, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers; that's where we, at Great Guys Moving, come into play, ensuring your move is handled with the care and precision it deserves.

5 Best Movers for Moving from Mckinney to Santa Ana

#1
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 5/23/2024)

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 >>

top santa ana 2024 pure movers santa monica image
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
#2
King Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,200+ data points

Plano, TX
Local and long-distance moving, Moving antiques and high-value items, Household moving (houses and apartments) See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 1933649 Verify

About King Moving Company

Established way back in 1995 as a moving company that specialized in moving antiques and decorative items for different antique malls and in...Read More >>

top 10 dallas 2024 king moving company image
top 3 ranked movers in dallas 2023 king moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in dallas 2022 king moving company image
#3
Evolution Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,805+ data points

Dallas, TX
Long Distance Moving, Labor Only, Residential Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/23/2022)

USDOT: 2467590 Verify

About Evolution Moving Company

Founded in 2013 in New Braunfels, Evolution Moving Company has expanded its professional moving and storage business to Dallas, Fort Worth, ...Read More >>

top 10 dallas 2024 evolution moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in dallas 2023 evolution moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in dallas 2022 evolution moving company image
#4
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,308+ data points

Lake Forest, CA
Local Move, Interstate Move, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 649215 Verify

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

top 10 santa ana 2024 terry moving storage 1 image
top 10 ranked movers in orange 2023 terry moving storage 1 image
top 10 ranked movers in orange 2022 terry moving storage 1 image
#5
Little Guys Movers Denton Logo
Exceptional

based on 462+ data points

Denton, TX
Long Distance Moving, Local Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 880583 Verify

About Little Guys Movers Denton

With more than 25 years of experience in the moving and relocation industry, Little Guys Movers is not your average mover. Located in Denton...Read More >>

top 10 denton 2024 little guys movers denton image
top 10 ranked movers in mckinney 2023 little guys movers denton image
top 10 ranked movers in mckinney 2022 little guys movers denton image

Relocating from Mckinney to Santa Ana Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, but understanding your new surroundings through a familiar lens can help. This guide aims to help you acclimate by comparing popular neighborhoods from McKinney, TX with the closest similar neighborhoods in Santa Ana, CA. Discover where your lifestyle, interests, and needs will find a home in your new city.

MckinneySanta Ana
Adriatica VillageFrench Park

Historic charm, community feel

Stonebridge RanchFloral Park

Lush landscapes, upscale homes

Tucker HillWashington Square

Family-friendly, traditional homes

Downtown McKinneyHistoric French Park

Vibrant arts, dining scene

Craig RanchPark Santiago

Active community, green spaces

EldoradoWest Floral Park

Established neighborhood, gardens

Falcon CreekHeninger Park

Diverse, historical significance

Trinity FallsPortola Park

Family-centric, natural beauty

IsleworthArtesia Pilar

Quiet, residential charm

Watters CrossingMorrison Park

Welcoming, community-oriented

For those enchanted by the historical aesthetic and close-knit community of Adriatica Village, Santa Ana's French Park offers a similar sense of history and charm with its well-preserved homes and mature tree-lined streets. Stonebridge Ranch with its picturesque views and upscale dwellings finds its match in Floral Park, where meticulously maintained gardens accentuate luxurious homes. If the vibrant arts and dining scene of Downtown McKinney captivates you, Historic French Park in Santa Ana parallels this with its eclectic mix of restaurants, galleries, and cultural events. These comparisons highlight not just architectural and environmental similarities but the essence of community and lifestyle each neighborhood cultivates.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Santa Ana

  • Explore the Santa Ana Public Library
  • Visit Discovery Cube Orange County
  • Stroll through Santiago Park Nature
  • Enjoy art at Bowers Museum
  • Shop at 4th Street Market
  • See a show at The Yost Theater
  • Join a class at Downtown Santa Ana

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Mckinney to Santa Ana

Moving between cities is a significant decision, and analyzing the pros and cons is essential. This comparison will provide an honest reflection of McKinney, TX to Santa Ana, CA, showing you what you'll gain and what you might miss. Understanding both the benefits and drawbacks helps in making an informed decision about your relocation.

CONs
PROs
Mckinney, TX iconMckinney, TX
  • Hotter Summers
  • Less Diversity
  • More Car Dependent
  • Smaller Cultural Scene
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Milder Climate
  • More Diverse
  • Better Public Transit
  • Richer Cultural Scene
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Higher Cost of Living
  • More Urban
  • Less Personal Space
  • Higher Crime Rate
Mckinney, TX iconMckinney, TX
  • More Affordable
  • Quieter Suburbs
  • Community Feel
  • Lower Crime Rate

Relocating from McKinney to Santa Ana brings exciting changes and challenges. McKinney's community vibe, evidenced by gatherings at Adriatica Village, contrasts sharply with Santa Ana's bustling Downtown filled with museums, restaurants like 4th Street Market, and galleries showcasing the rich cultural diversity. Although Santa Ana offers a more extensive public transit system and a milder climate that eases the heat of Texas summers, it does come with a higher cost of living. The change from the spacious, quieter suburbs of McKinney to Santa Ana's lively urban environment means adapting to a busier, more compact lifestyle, but it also opens the door to vibrant cultural experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Mckinney to Santa Ana

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between McKinney & Santa Ana, underscoring the importance of food in understanding the local culture and living experience of an area. As you prepare for your move, this guide aims to give you a better insight into what culinary delights await you in your new city.

MckinneySanta Ana

Most iconic local food item

Texas BBQMexican Street Tacos

Most popular meat dish

BrisketCarnitas

Most popular street food item

Fried PicklesTacos

Most popular vegan food

Jackfruit TacosAvocado Toast

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

    1. Local Yocal BBQ and Grill
    2. Hutchins BBQ
    3. Harvest
    1. El Mercado Modern Cuisine
    2. Taco María
    3. Chapter One: the modern local

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

69

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

68

In Santa Ana, you'll discover a vibrant food scene characterized by an impressive variety of Mexican cuisines, prominently featuring street tacos from local favorites like Taco María and food trucks that pepper the city. The health and fitness landscape in Santa Ana also supports a strong demand for vegan and vegetarian options, with dishes like avocado toast gaining popularity. Among the top restaurants that reflect Santa Ana's cultural and culinary diversity are El Mercado Modern Cuisine and Chapter One: the modern local, showcasing innovative takes on traditional dishes that cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and dietary preferences. The city's enthusiastic embrace of food trucks adds a dynamic layer to its foodie scene, ensuring that you'll always find something new and delicious to try.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Mckinney to Santa Ana

Understanding the local culinary landscape is crucial when relocating. To ease your transition from McKinney, TX to Santa Ana, CA, this guide carefully compares your favorite dining spots with their nearest equivalents. This restaurant comparison between McKinney and Santa Ana will help you discover your next go-to eatery, making your new city feel like home.

Local Yocal BBQ and GrillHeritage Barbecue

Expertly smoked meats, capturing the essence of Texas BBQ

Harvest Seasonal KitchenFarmhouse at Roger's Gardens

Seasonal, farm-to-table dishes in a similar sustainable ethos

Rick's ChophouseThe Ranch Restaurant

High-quality steaks and an upscale ambiance

Cadillac Pizza Pub2145 Pizza

Artisan pizzas with a unique twist, echoing Cadillac’s focus on quality ingredients

Snug on the SquareHopper & Burr

Specialty coffee shop with a cozy vibe, perfect for casual meetups

Bill Smith's CaféPlums Café and Catering

A local favorite for breakfast and brunch, sharing a homely charm

Hutchins BBQHeritage Barbecue

Authentic BBQ experience with a dedication to craftsmanship

Sugarbacon Proper KitchenBurritos La Palma

Renowned for their unique and flavorful dishes, capturing the innovative spirit of Sugarbacon

Emporium PiesMil Jugos

Known for their sweet treats and quality, akin to Emporium’s dedication to pie perfection

Patina Green Home and MarketElectric City Butcher

Focus on locally sourced, high-quality ingredients

When you first visit Heritage Barbecue in Santa Ana, you'll immediately notice the familiar smoky aroma that harks back to your BBQ experiences at Local Yocal BBQ and Grill in McKinney. Heritage Barbecue stands out for its commitment to the art of smoking meats, providing an authentic taste reminiscent of Texas BBQ. Meanwhile, aficionados of artisan pizzas from Cadillac Pizza Pub will find a comforting similarity at 2145 Pizza. Here, high-quality ingredients are the foundation of each pizza, much like the dedication seen in McKinney. Finally, for those mornings when you're missing the comfort of Snug on the Square's ambiance, Hopper & Burr offers a cozy retreat along with expertly crafted coffee, ensuring you start your day right in Santa Ana.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Mckinney to Santa Ana

Real estate significantly shapes your living experience when relocating. Understanding how Mckinney, TX and Santa Ana, CA stack up in terms of housing will help you make an informed decision. These charts offer a comparative glimpse into the real estate landscapes of these cities, covering aspects from cost to lifestyle.

When dissecting the housing characteristics between McKinney, TX, and Santa Ana, CA, it's evident that your lifestyle and budget may influence your preference. Santa Ana's higher walkability score indicates a more condensed urban experience, appealing to those who prefer to commute on foot or bike and enjoy the city's dynamic atmosphere. The architectural styles differ significantly, with McKinney favoring Modern Traditional homes conducive to spacious living, while Santa Ana boasts the charm of Spanish Colonial architecture, reflecting California's historical roots. This architectural difference not only influences the city's aesthetic but might also affect your living experience, with each style offering distinct indoor and outdoor spaces. Considering these aspects will ensure your move aligns with your desired lifestyle and housing needs.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Santa Ana, CA

1. Park Santiago: Known for its tranquil atmosphere and lush green spaces, you'll find Santiago Park perfect for walks with your furry friends.

2. Floral Park: This neighborhood boasts beautiful, walkable streets and a strong community vibe, with Floral Park Neighborhood Association even hosting pet-friendly events.

3. French Park: Highlighted by its historic homes and close proximity to French Park, it offers ample space and a friendly atmosphere for pet owners.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Mckinney to Santa Ana

When planning a move from McKinney, TX to Santa Ana, CA, understanding how the weather dynamics will change is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust to a new climate more easily. Let's dive into the critical weather differences between McKinney and Santa Ana to better prepare for your relocation.

Summer icon
94/74

Mckinney, TX

83/64

Santa Ana, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57/37

Mckinney, TX

70/48

Santa Ana, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40.5

Mckinney, TX

13.4

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
1

Mckinney, TX

0

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from McKinney to Santa Ana, you'll experience a milder, more consistent climate throughout the year. While McKinney has higher humidity levels and potentially severe weather, such as tornadoes, Santa Ana offers more days of sunshine with a moderate air quality influenced by smog. The marked decrease in annual rainfall and the absence of snow in Santa Ana indicate the drier conditions you can expect. Adapting to these changes means preparing for warmer winters, cooler summers, and considering the potential for earthquakes and wildfires, which are more common in California than Texas.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Mckinney to Santa Ana

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how living costs stack up. This comparison between McKinney, TX, and Santa Ana, CA, focuses on key financial aspects to help you adjust your budget accordingly. Let's delve into how everyday expenses, taxes, and economic factors in these cities could impact your finances.

In transitioning from McKinney to Santa Ana, prepare for a notable shift in living costs and taxation. While McKinney boasts a higher household income and no state income tax, moving to Santa Ana will introduce you to California's progressive income tax, which can go up to 13.3%, and a higher cost of living index. Despite the heightened living expenses and taxes in Santa Ana, it offers a diverse economy with significant opportunities in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Analyzing these finance metrics can serve as a practical foundation for your budget planning and lifestyle adjustments.

Political & Religious Comparison between Mckinney, TX and Santa Ana, CA

This comparison of the politics between McKinney & Santa Ana offers a quick snapshot of the political and religious landscapes of both cities, helping you understand the community you're moving into or out of at a glance.

MckinneySanta Ana

Political Make-up

ConservativeLiberal

Local Politics

Republican-leaningDemocrat-leaning

Religion

Christian majorityMixed, with a significant Catholic population

In both McKinney and Santa Ana, the political and religious landscapes play a crucial role in shaping community dynamics. McKinney, with its conservative roots and a majority of Christian residents, reflects a more traditional American suburban culture. On the other hand, Santa Ana's liberal stance and diverse religious makeup bring a different, more eclectic cultural experience. As you consider your move, these contrasts in politics and faith highlight the shifts in community engagement and local values you might encounter. Adjusting to a new political climate or finding a religious community that aligns with your beliefs could be part of your relocation journey.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Mckinney to Santa Ana

Moving from McKinney, TX to Santa Ana, CA, it's essential to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options. This comparison aims to better equip you for what to expect regarding your daily commute and navigating traffic in these cities.

MckinneySanta Ana
3025

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

47

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

36

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

NoYes, but challenging

Can you get by without car?

In McKinney, the average commute time is slightly longer compared to Santa Ana, however, traffic congestion is significantly less intense. This is mainly because McKinney has a more spread-out layout necessitating the use of personal vehicles. Public transit options are quite limited in McKinney, making it challenging to get by without a car. On the other hand, Santa Ana offers better public transit availability, thanks to services like the OCTA, making it somewhat feasible to navigate the city without personal transportation, though still challenging. This adjustment in commuting lifestyle is something to consider when planning your move.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Mckinney to Santa Ana Movers Featured Image