If you’re considering living in California you’ll find that there are a number of good reasons for moving to that state. You’ve probably already realized the advantages of making the move. But it sometimes takes a long time to decide if relocating is the right thing to do, so it’s a good idea to take a while to think about the details before you decide if it’s right for you.
Each year, a lot of people move to new homes in the United States. Around 12 percent of the population, or about 35 million people, leave their current residence for a new domicile. A number of families and individuals from across the country relocate to California, and they often find that it can be an exciting adventure.
If you’re new to California, there are many new sights and experiences in store for you. Numerous guidebooks and online sites supply an almost endless inventory of information about every conceivable benefit that the state offers.
Among your first decisions will be selecting the best places to live in California. Do you prefer life in the city, a small town or in the country? You can find a variety of options that will fit the kind of environment that suits you best. The next step is to choose several different locations that fit your preferences, and then look at the advantages that each provides. If you have friends or relatives you’d like to be near, that can help you narrow down the options. They can also probably help you make a good decision by providing advice and inside information.
Once you’ve considered the many advantages and opportunities the state offers, you’ll probably be asking yourself, should I move to California, to another state that’s also interesting, or should I stay in my current state? It all depends on your reasons for moving. Sometimes your circumstance can help to make your choices clear. If you’re relocating for a new job, for instance, that makes your decision easier. Otherwise, you must weigh the benefits that you’ll reap by making the move.
Economic decisions always play a role when it comes to making a move, so you’ll, of course, want to consider the cost of living in California. Taxes, fees, the price of real estate and many other factors determine how far your money will go in any geographic location. You can look at the cost of food, utilities and other day-to-day or year-to-year expenses and make your own calculations. Or, find an online cost-of-living calculator and let it do the work for you.
There’s a great deal of information that you’ll want to consider if you’d like to move to California, and that may take a bit or research on your part. The time you invest in finding the facts will be worthwhile, most likely. Should you decide to make the move you’ll feel more confident about your decision, and you’ll likely have a good idea of what to expect in your new home.
Registering a Car in California and Getting a California Driver’s License
It can be challenging to get around almost everywhere without your own way of transportation, so it’s a good idea to ensure that you know the rules of the road and any new regulations that you’ll be obliged to follow. When you’re moving to California, the DMV will likely be among the many stops you’ll want to make as soon as you begin to get settled. Start out by looking at the California.gov DMV website. It supplies a lot of the information you’ll need to know and can save you a lot of time.
You’re probably most interested in finding out the facts about transferring your car registration, such as how much it will cost and how soon you must make a transfer after becoming a resident of the state. Fortunately, you can find all of that information online.
Another top question for motorists taking up residence in the state is what do I have to do about my driver’s license? Again, you’ll find all of the facts that you need to know on the government site. In addition, you can learn about all of the rules associated with registering a car in California.
Moving to California with Guns
If you’re an outdoorsman and are moving to California with guns, you’ll want to know what regulations and licensing procedures you’re facing.
The gun laws of California are some of the most restrictive in the United States. A Firearm Safety Certificate, obtained by passing a written test, is required for gun purchases. Handguns sold by dealers must be “California legal” by being listed on the state’s Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale. This roster, which requires handgun manufacturers to pay a fee and submit specific models for safety testing, has become progressively more stringent over time.
Private sales of firearms must be done through a licensed dealer. All firearm sales are recorded by the state, and have a 10-day waiting period. Unlike most other states, California has no provision in its state constitution that explicitly guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms.
Possession of automatic firearms, and of short-barreled shotguns and rifles, is generally prohibited.
California is a “may issue” state for permits to carry concealed guns. The willingness of issuing authorities in California ranges from No Issue in most urban areas to Shall Issue in rural counties.
You may find that the gun laws in California are more lenient or more restrictive than the laws in the state that you are moving from. In either case, it’s a good idea to contact your local law enforcement agency to ensure that you’re getting the most up-to-date rules and regulations, whether you’re moving to California with a handgun rifle or shotgun.
5 Ultimate Tips for Moving to California
Relocating to a new state can be a tricky business, so you’ll certainly benefit by picking up any tips to make moving to California a little easier, besides finding the right Maryland movers to help you out. Here’s a handful of items that will help you get started:
- Public transportation continues to improve, but if you’re coming from a place with great bus and train service, be prepared to drive everywhere.
- No Handheld Devices when Driving. If you’re caught texting or talking you’ll face a stiff fine. So as a word to the wise, leave your handhelds alone when you climb behind the wheel.
- California has jobs. In fact, no state added more non-farm payroll jobs from March 2013 to March 2014 than California.
- The weather is, in a word, awesome. No more pushing your car out of a snowbank in the winter.
- There’s just so much to see and experience in California. Restaurants, gallery exhibits, theater, and just about every outdoor activity you can think of.
It’s never exactly easy to make such a big decision as moving, particularly if you plan on moving to a different state and leaving everything behind. But after you make the decision to move, get in touch with Trico Long Distance Movers for an estimate if you wanna check how much the relocation will cost you. Our dedicated Maryland movers will ensure that all of your belongings are safely and efficiently transported.
