Best West Virginia to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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WV to CA Moving Specialists

Moving state to state is an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. From West Virginia's rolling Appalachian Mountains and charming small towns to California's sun-kissed beaches and bustling metropolis vibes, you're about to swap the "Mountain State" quietude for the "Golden State" adventure. Given the vast distance and logistical complexities, it’s crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professionals for this kind of long-distance move. We at Great Guys Moving understand this need and are here to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free.

West Virginia iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best West Virginia to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Country Roads Moving LLC9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Abates Moving Services LLC8.53NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Xclusive Movers8.50B-Authorized For PropertyContact
Central Van Lines8.16A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to West Virginia guide.

6 Best WV 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
Country Roads Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.26/10
based on 714+ data points

About Country Roads Moving LLC

Country Roads Moving is a Morgantown-based moving company that serves the greater North Central West Virginia area. It is licensed, insured,...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3094022 / 73556

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved210,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
A
Fabulous8.53/10
based on 347+ data points

About Abates Moving Services LLC

With Abates Moving Services LLC, you can expect your relocation to be stress-free and quick without feeling hurried at all. This local Morga...Read More >>

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Short-term and long-term storage options

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3679007 / 1278788

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Xclusive Movers Logo
Fabulous8.50/10
based on 216+ data points

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4252111 / 1648375

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Central Van Lines Logo
Very Good8.16/10
based on 347+ data points

About Central Van Lines

Whether you’re moving across the street or across the globe, Central Van Lines knows how to get your belongings safely where they need to be...Read More >>

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Residential moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/16/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1243887 / 11266

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans44
Registered Drivers35
Total Annual Miles Moved487,000 (2019)
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 West Virginia to California

Moving from one state to another can offer a world of difference in terms of lifestyle, opportunities, and environment. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from West Virginia to California , helping you to weigh the pros against the cons for a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Lower average income
  • Harsher winters
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Smaller cultural scene
California iconCalifornia
  • More job opportunities
  • Higher average income
  • Mild winters
  • More diverse cuisine
  • Larger cultural scene
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Lesser natural beauty
  • More anonymity
  • More traffic congestion
  • Faster-paced lifestyle
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Lower cost of living
  • More natural beauty
  • Close-knit communities
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Quieter lifestyle

The move from West Virginia to California offers a fascinating contrast in lifestyle and opportunities. For instance, California's tech hub, Silicon Valley, provides a wealth of job opportunities that are hard to find in West Virginia. Likewise, Californian cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are renowned for their vibrant cultural scenes and diverse cuisines, hosting world-class restaurants and cultural institutions. However, this comes at the cost of a higher living expense and more congested traffic, especially in popular areas like LA's downtown or the San Francisco Bay Area. Nonetheless, for those seeking a dynamic lifestyle with numerous amenities and opportunities, California presents a compelling new home.

West Virginia vs. California Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between West Virginia & California, focusing on the distinct food scenes to help you get a taste of what life will be like in your new home. Understanding food is crucial as it reflects the local culture, traditions, and lifestyle.

West VirginiaCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemPepperoni RollSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishChicken and DumplingsTri-tip
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodMorel MushroomsAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Purple Fiddle
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
  • Patton's
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Zuni Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from West Virginia to California, you'll find that California has a more diverse and health-conscious cuisine, heavily influenced by its coastal location and multicultural population. Avocado toast, a popular vegan option, can be found in nearly every café in trendy neighborhoods like San Francisco's Mission District or Los Angeles' Silver Lake. The street food scene, particularly tacos, is unparalleled, offering an array of traditional and fusion options. California is also home to iconic restaurants like Chez Panisse in Berkeley, a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement. This transition will be a delightful culinary journey, exploring a range of flavors and dining experiences unique to California.

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West Virginia vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial component of relocating—understanding how West Virginia and California compare in terms of housing can significantly impact your decision-making. This comparison aims to illuminate the major differences and similarities in housing options, costs, and lifestyles in both states.

ComparisonWest VirginiaCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchModern, Spanish Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, Scenic viewsEnergy efficiency, Tech upgrades

When comparing West Virginia to California, the stark contrast in median home prices and rent underlines the significant cost of living difference. While West Virginia offers more affordable housing options, California, famed for its tech-savvy and energy-efficient homes, commands a premium for its real estate. However, with higher costs come perks such as better walkability and a more vibrant urban lifestyle, especially in cities like San Jose or San Diego, making California an appealing state for those seeking a dynamic living environment. The architectural styles also reflect the states' character: from the colonial and ranch styles prevalent in West Virginia to the modern and Spanish Revival influences that dot California's landscape. This dichotomy extends to lifestyle preferences, where West Virginia's listings often highlight large yards and scenic views, whereas California's listings expound on tech upgrades and energy efficiency, indicating a more tech-oriented populace.

West Virginia vs. California Weather Considerations

When considering a move from West Virginia to California, it's pivotal to understand how the weather between these two states will compare . Whether you're seeking sunnier days or are curious about seasonal changes, this comparison will help you adapt to your new environment more easily.

Summer icon
85°F / 62°F

West Virginia

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
41°F / 26°F

West Virginia

68°F / 48°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

West Virginia

22

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33

West Virginia

7

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWest VirginiaCalifornia
Air QualityGoodVaries greatly by region
Natural DisastersFloods, LandslidesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In comparing the weather of West Virginia with California, you'll find notable differences that could impact your daily life and seasonal activities. Californians enjoy more sunny days annually, which influences not only outdoor recreation but also the solar UV exposure. However, the climates vary significantly within California itself, from Mediterranean along the coast to desert in the south and snowy mountainous regions in the north. California’s statewide lower annual rainfall and snowfall compared to West Virginia result in a greater risk of drought and wildfires. These weather patterns and natural disaster risks are crucial to consider for housing and insurance purposes when relocating.

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

Moving from one place to another involves understanding how financial aspects will compare. When considering relocating from West Virginia to California, it's crucial to compare money and finance topics to prepare for the changes in your cost of living and other economic factors.

ComparisonWest VirginiaCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$54,329$91,551
Cost of Living Index95136.4
State Income Tax3.0 - 6.51.0 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax0.590.73
Avg. Sales Tax6.57.25
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Manufacturing, HealthcareTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceLowerHigher
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessLowerHigher

While the average household income in California is significantly higher than in West Virginia, the cost of living index reveals that California is almost twice as expensive to live in. This discrepancy might mean that, despite higher incomes, individuals moving from West Virginia might not feel wealthier due to the increased costs associated with living in California, especially in housing and taxes. The high state income tax range in California also means that a larger portion of your income could go to taxes, depending on your earnings. Additionally, considering the differences in top industries between the two states, job opportunities and economic environments vary greatly, potentially impacting your career path and income.

West Virginia vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from West Virginia to California presents a significant culture shift, especially when considering this is a comparison of the politics between West Virginia & California , alongside the religious makeup of each state. Here's a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the contrasts and similarities before making the move.

West VirginiaCalifornia
Political Make-upHeavily RepublicanStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMix of conservative and moderate viewsLiberal to very liberal views
ReligionPrimarily ChristianDiverse, with Christianity being most common

In transitioning from West Virginia to California, you'll notice a distinct political shift from a predominantly Republican landscape to one that is strongly Democratic. This not only influences the state-level policies and governance but also impacts local societal and cultural norms. The fabric of local politics in West Virginia is conservative to moderate, whereas in California, it spans liberal to very liberal, reflecting in laws regarding social issues, environmental regulations, and more. Religion plays a significant role in both states, with Christianity being the majority in West Virginia. In contrast, California boasts a rich tapestry of religious beliefs and practices, showcasing its diverse population. Understanding these differences can help ease your adaptation to your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to California

Moving from West Virginia to California offers a distinctive educational landscape. To help you navigate these changes, we've compiled a comparison focusing on schools and education. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in West Virginia and California , ensuring you make well-informed decisions for your family's educational future.

West VirginiaCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia State University
University of California (UC) System
California State University (CSU) System
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Weimer Elementary School (Morgantown)
Kenna Elementary School (Charleston)
Suncrest Primary School (Morgantown)
Point Vicente Elementary School (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
El Carmelo Elementary School (Palo Alto)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Winfield Middle School (Winfield)
Bridgeport Middle School (Bridgeport)
Mountaineer Middle School (Morgantown)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Miller Middle School (San Jose)
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (Moraga)

Top 3 High School Schools

George Washington High School (Charleston)
Morgantown High School (Morgantown)
Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Torrey Pines High School (San Diego)

Top 3 private high schools

The Linsly School (Wheeling)
Charleston Catholic High School (Charleston)
Wheeling Central Catholic High School (Wheeling)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The Harker School (San Jose)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Linsly School (Wheeling)
Charleston Catholic High School (Charleston)
Wheeling Central Catholic High School (Wheeling)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)

Top 3 School Districts

Monongalia County Schools
Bridgeport City Schools
Morgantown City Schools
Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
La Canada Unified School District

When examining the educational landscape between West Virginia and California, significant differences emerge, particularly in the variety and prestige of institutions available. California boasts several highly ranked universities and high schools known nationally for their academic excellence. For instance, the UC System and Stanford University offer diverse programs that attract students globally. On the K-12 forefront, schools like Harvard-Westlake and The Harker School in California provide rigorous academic curriculums, setting a high bar for educational achievement. Comparatively, West Virginia has commendable institutions like West Virginia University and The Linsly School, offering solid educational foundations. This comparison highlights the broader spectrum of options available in California, catering to varying educational aspirations and needs.

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