Moving from Virginia to California?

6 Best VA to CA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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VA to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from the Old Dominion to the Golden State marks an exciting chapter in your life, teeming with new adventures and opportunities. You're trading Virginia's rich history and rolling hills for California's sunny beaches, tech hubs, and cultural melting pot. Understanding the significance of this long-haul journey, it's crucial you partner with trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring a smooth transition. With our unbiased ranking algorithm, we identify the best movers to match your needs, making your interstate move as seamless as possible.

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

6 Best Virginia 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 >>

top 3 san francisco 2024 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in san francisco 2023 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in oakland 2022 ocd moving services llc image
#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 >>

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
#3
ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,704+ data points

Herndon, VA
Local Moving (Residential Moving), Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving), Office Moving (Commercial Moving) See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT: 3260258 Verify

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a wide r...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in leesburg 2023 ars movers image
#4
A
Exceptional

based on 925+ data points

Hopewell, VA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Residential Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 1293943 Verify

About A Change of Place Movers

The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever meet. They genuinel...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in newport news 2023 a change of place movers image
top 10 ranked movers in newport news 2022 a change of place movers image
#5
Matthew's Nationwide Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,392+ data points

Annandale, VA
Local Moving Services, Nationwide Moving Services, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2375124 Verify

About Matthew's Nationwide Moving

Matthew's Nationwide Moving is a family-owned and operated company founded in 2012 in Annandale, Virginia. With over 20 seasoned moving cont...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in edinburg 2023 matthews nationwide moving image
#6
STAR Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 609+ data points

Williamsburg, VA
Residential Home and Apartment Moving, Labor Only Moves / Loading / Unloading, Commercial Business Relocation Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/12/2024)

USDOT: 830931 Verify

About STAR Movers

STAR Movers prides itself on being a non-franchise moving company. It is not associated with any nationwide moving chain, which makes it mor...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in newport news 2023 star movers image
top 10 ranked movers in williamsburg 2022 star movers image

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to California

Moving from Virginia to California represents a significant lifestyle shift, considering both the opportunities and challenges that come with such a move. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Virginia to California , helping you weigh your options thoroughly. Through comparative charts, we delve into the specifics, offering clarity on what awaits on either side.

CONs
PROs
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Higher humidity
  • Smaller tech industry
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Fewer natural parks
California iconCalifornia
  • Better weather
  • Larger tech hub
  • World-class cuisine
  • More natural beauty
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • More expensive homes
  • Earthquake risks
  • Denser populations
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Lower living costs
  • Rich history
  • Seasonal beauty
  • Tighter-knit communities

While Virginia might offer an appeal with its lush seasons and a sense of community, California opens the door to unparalleled natural beauty and a vibrant tech scene. Living in California means having access to iconic destinations, from the bustling tech hubs of Silicon Valley to the serene beauty of Yosemite National Park. Foodies moving to California will rejoice in the state's celebrated culinary scene, offering anything from the authentic Mexican cuisine at Guelaguetza in Los Angeles to the innovative dishes at Chez Panisse in Berkeley. Yet, the excitement of relocating also comes with its practical considerations—higher living expenses and the housing market in California can be significantly more challenging to navigate compared to Virginia. Nevertheless, the move is a gateway to experiencing the vastness and diversity that define California's allure.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Virginia to California

When relocating, it’s essential to embrace not just a new home, but the unique flavors of the local culture. Food plays a pivotal role in this transition, making it crucial to understand the culinary landscape of your future home. This guide aims to provide a thorough comparison of the local cuisine between Virginia & California , ensuring you are well-informed about what awaits your palate.

VirginiaCalifornia

Most iconic local food item

HamAvocado Toast

Most popular meat dish

BBQ PorkFish Tacos

Most popular street food item

Hot DogsStreet Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Garden SaladSmoothie Bowls

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Zynodoa
  • Lemaire
  • Chez Panisse
  • Gjelina
  • n/naka

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

79

Abundance of Food Trucks

69

Foodie Scene

710

Vegan Friendly

610

In both Virginia and California, local cuisine deeply reflects the cultural and agricultural diversity of each state. In Virginia, you'll find traditional Southern comfort foods with an emphasis on meats like the revered Virginia ham and BBQ pork, best experienced in historic eateries or local smokehouses across the state. California, on the other hand, offers a bounty of fresh, innovative dishes with a focus on sustainability and health-conscious choices. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are hotspots for foodies, offering everything from high-end dining experiences at places like Chez Panisse in Berkeley to casual, yet iconic street tacos found throughout the state. The vast difference in the food scenes highlights the unique lifestyles and values of each state, promising an exciting culinary journey regardless of where you decide to call home.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Virginia to California

Real estate plays a critical role when planning a move. Understanding how housing options compare in Virginia and California helps streamline your decision-making process. This overview will shed light on cost, style, and lifestyle differences between the two.

When comparing real estate between Virginia and California, it’s evident that lifestyle preferences, budget, and desired amenities will heavily influence your choice. Virginia’s Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes with ample yard space offer a slice of American history and a quieter, more suburban lifestyle at a relatively lower cost. On the flip side, California’s higher cost of living comes with the perks of modern, eco-friendly homes, often boasting ocean views and a more vibrant urban lifestyle, reflected in its higher walkability and bikeability scores. Whether your priority is the charm and spaciousness of Virginia or the dynamic, eco-conscious lifestyle of California, each state offers unique advantages to consider.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Virginia to California

When planning a move from Virginia to California, understanding the weather changes Virginia to California is crucial. This comparison will help you adapt more easily to your new environment, highlighting differences in temperature, humidity, natural disasters, and more.

Summer icon
85°F / 66°F

Virginia

85°F / 58°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48°F / 29°F

Virginia

60°F / 45°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44"

Virginia

22" (varies widely by region)

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
14"

Virginia

Varies; most areas little to none, mountain areas 100"+

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Transitioning from Virginia to California weather involves adjusting to more days of sunshine and a drier climate overall. You'll experience less humidity and a significant decrease in annual rainfall in California, which can affect everything from your daily lifestyle to the type of landscaping you may consider for your home. Natural disaster precautions will also shift from preparing for hurricanes to understanding earthquake and wildfire protocols. Learning about these elements before your move can greatly ease the transition and help you prepare for a comfortable settling in your new Californian home.

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

When contemplating a move between states, it's crucial to gauge how your financial situation will be influenced by the local economic landscape. Understanding the differences in cost of living, state income tax, and average household income between Virginia and California can provide valuable insights for your relocation decisions.

Moving from Virginia to California, you will observe a distinct increase in the cost of living, primarily influenced by housing costs. Despite California having a higher average household income, the state's cost of living index and state income tax rates are significantly greater, which might impact your disposable income. Notably, California's top industries offer unique career opportunities, particularly in technology and entertainment, which are not as prevalent in Virginia. This economic landscape contributes to California's higher affluence, but also to more pronounced poverty and homelessness rates, reflecting a wider economic disparity.

Political & Religious Comparison between Virginia and California

Moving from Virginia to California offers a slight change of scenery in more ways than one. This comparison between Virginia & California focuses on giving you a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of both states, helping you understand the community you're about to join.

VirginiaCalifornia

Political Make-up

Moderately conservative, with pockets of liberalism, especially in urban areasStrongly liberal, particularly in coastal regions

Local Politics

Varies widely between urban and rural areasMostly liberal, even in some inland areas

Religion

Higher prevalence of Protestant and Evangelical ChristiansMore religiously diverse, with higher numbers of non-religious people

When you move from Virginia to California, you might notice a distinct shift in the political climate. Virginia, with its rich history of both conservative and liberal strongholds, offers a complex political landscape that contrasts with California's predominantly liberal ethos, especially apparent in immigration and environmental policies. Religious diversity in California stands out too; while Virginia has a deep-rooted Protestant tradition, you'll find California's population is more religiously varied, including a significant portion of residents identifying as non-religious. This shift reflects the broader demographic and cultural diversity that California is known for, epitomized by places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Understanding these nuances will help you acclimate to your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to California

Moving from Virginia to California brings about significant changes, including those in the educational landscape. By comparing schools and education systems, you can better understand what the comparisons are between Virginia and California school options, ultimately aiding in a smoother transition for your family.

VirginiaCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
College of William & Mary
University of California
Los Angeles
University of Southern California
University of California
Berkeley

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Arlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary
Vienna; Nottingham Elementary
Arlington
El Carmelo Elementary
Palo Alto; Old Orchard School
Campbell; Reed Elementary
Tiburon

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Frost Middle School
Fairfax; Henley Middle School
Crozet
Miller Middle School
San Jose; Redwood Middle School
Saratoga; Egan Junior High School
Los Altos

Top 3 High Schools

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean
Henry M. Gunn High School
Palo Alto; Troy High School
Fullerton; California Academy of Mathematics and Science
Carson

Top 3 private high schools

The Potomac School
McLean; St. Christopher's School
Richmond; Episcopal High School
Alexandria
Harvard-Westlake School
Los Angeles; The Harker School
San Jose; Polytechnic School
Pasadena

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Flint Hill School
Oakton; Collegiate School
Richmond; Norfolk Academy
Norfolk
The Nueva School
Hillsborough; Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica; The Webb Schools
Claremont

Top 3 School Districts

Falls Church City Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
San Marino Unified School District
La Canada Unified School District
Palo Alto Unified School District

When considering your move to California from Virginia, you'll note significant differences in educational opportunities. For instance, Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology stands out nationally for its STEM focus, akin to California's California Academy of Mathematics and Science. Both states boast prestigious universities, but California has a higher concentration of top-tier institutions, particularly in the UC system. In the realm of private education, both The Potomac School in Virginia and Harvard-Westlake School in California are renowned for offering academically rigorous programs, although the cultural and environmental settings could not be more distinct. This comparison underscores the importance of considering not just academic excellence but also the surrounding community and lifestyle when selecting the best educational path for your family.

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