Moving To California

A complete guide of the state from healthcare to diversity

Should you move to California?

California, aptly named the Golden State, is a place of dreams, diversity, and dynamism. With its stunning Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, verdant wine country, and stark desert landscapes, the natural beauty of California is as varied as it is awe-inspiring.

Economically, if California were a country, it would rank among the largest economies in the world. Known as the birthplace of the tech industry, Silicon Valley remains a global hub for innovation, housing tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook. Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, is renowned as the entertainment capital of the world, thanks to Hollywood, major television networks, and music production.

However, California isn’t just Silicon Valley and Hollywood. The state has a thriving agricultural sector in the Central Valley, which produces over a third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts. California is also a leader in clean energy and has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives.

Living in California offers a lifestyle as diverse as its topography. From the glamour of Los Angeles, the innovation and tech buzz of San Francisco, the art and culture scene in Oakland and Berkeley, to the historical charm of Sacramento, there is a city to match almost any lifestyle.

Residents can enjoy the state’s natural beauty through countless outdoor activities. From surfing on the stunning beaches, hiking in the magnificent parks, skiing in the Sierras, or just enjoying the diverse flora and fauna, there’s always a new outdoor experience waiting.

Education is top-notch in the Golden State, with prestigious universities like Stanford, Caltech, and the University of California system.

California is a place of endless opportunities, cultural richness, and natural splendor. The cost of living can be high, particularly in major metropolitan areas, but many find the sunshine, cultural richness, and California lifestyle to be worth the price.

State Capital

Sacramento

Area Code(s)

209, 213, 279, 310, 323, 341, 408, 415, 424, 442, 510, 530, 559, 562, 619, 626, 628, 650, 657, 661, 669, 707, 714, 747, 760, 764, 805, 818, 820, 831, 840, 858, 909, 916, 925, 935, 949, 951

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone

Land Area (sq mi)

155,858

State Bird

California Valley Quail

Motto

Eureka (I have found it)

State Flag

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Who Lives in California?

Discover more about the people who make up the State

Total Population

39,029,342

National Avg 6,652,315

Population Density

254 per sq mi

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

How does California compare?

A
Diversity Grade
White alone
35.2%
Black or African American
6.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.7%
Asian
15.9%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Hispanic or Latino
40.2%

Foreign Born Persons

26.5%

Veterans

1467026

Under 5 years
5.7%
Under 18 years
22.4%
Over 65 years
15.2%

California Climate

How’s the weather?

How Does California Compare?

#5
in Sunny Days
#40
in Annual Rainfall
#2
in Daytime Humidity

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Healthcare in California

How are the hospitals and care?

Major Hospitals

334

Residents Per Bed

486

Residents Per Physician

331.7

How Does California Compare?

#14
in Healthcare
#13
in Available Beds
#20
in Doctors Per Resident

California Metropolitans

California

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim

California

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario

California

Santa Maria-Santa Barbara

California

Salinas

California

Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom

California

San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad

California

Fresno

California

Bakersfield

California Cost of Living

How Does California Compare?

48
in Cost of Living
4
in Minimum Wage
47
in Living Wage

Don't Forget!

Auto insurance costs change from city to neighborhood. Through Insurify, you can receive personalized quotes from top insurers in 5 minutes or less.

Renting? Renter’s insurance protects you, your guests, and your things. And Lemonade offers renters insurance plans for as low as $5 per month.

California State Taxes

Housing in California

Buying or renting? Here’s more about real estate in the zip code.

Total Households

13,217,586

Own vs. Rent

Own 55.5%
Rent 44.5%

Connect with a local California REALTOR®

Buying or selling? We’ll help you connect with the right real estate agents in California or anywhere you need help.

Median Home Value

684,800

National $440,300

Median Rent

$1,698

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$664

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Persons Per Household

2.92

Moving advice

Increase your odds of a quick sale, earning more money, or saving your rental deposit by hiring a professional cleaner. A study by HomeLight found home sellers who invest in cleaners earned $3,700 more

California Schools

Explore the school district and schools

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #34 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

56%

Proficient or Above

23%

Ranked #23 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

67%

Proficient or Above

30%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
84.2%
Bachelors Degree
35.3%

Need some help with your move?

Moving labor can be hired by the hour, helping you budget for the heavy stuff or your entire move.

California Cities & Towns

California Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the zip code

Median Household Income

$84,097

US Average $74,580

How does California compare?

In Labor Force

63.4%

Poverty rate

12.3%

Private Employers

998,582

Total Employees

14,835,360

California Counties

The Best, Worst, Wealthiest, and More...

45 trending topics that matter for today’s mover

Best Metros in America

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Best Cities in America

The top-rated cities and towns across America
Best Places in America

Best Metros For Families

Explore the perfect Metros for Families
Best For Families

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