Best Bakersfield to Salinas Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Bakersfield to Salinas Movers

Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Salinas, CA, is not just a relocation; it's an adventure into a new chapter of your life, offering a unique blend of experiences, landscapes, and opportunities. Leaving behind the Oil Capital of California with its vast fields and hearty culture for the Salad Bowl of the World, known for its rich agricultural lands and vibrant communities, marks a significant change. Understanding the importance of this journey, we stress the critical role trusted and reliable professional movers play in transforming this long-distance move into a smooth and worry-free transition.

Best Bakersfield to Salinas Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Santa Cruz Moving Services9.49NRNot AuthorizedContact
G Brothers Transportation9.29NRNot AuthorizedContact
Fit Movers LLC9.21A+Not AuthorizedContact
Smooth Move USA - Bakersfield CA Movers8.62A+-Contact
Excel Relocation Systems8.19A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salinas to Bakersfield guide.

5 Best Bakersfield to Salinas Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Santa Cruz Moving Services Logo
Exceptional9.49/10
based on 946+ data points

About Santa Cruz Moving Services

Santa Cruz Moving Services is a family-owned and operated California moving company providing high-quality services for moves across the str...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2769204 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2018)
View Full Review
1
G Brothers Transportation Logo
Exceptional9.29/10
based on 546+ data points

About G Brothers Transportation

G Brothers Transportation is a moving company that offers honest, professional, and reliable services to its customers. The company provides...Read More >>

Services

  • Home Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Piano Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2922866 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved39,359 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Fit Movers LLC Logo
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 1,325+ data points

About Fit Movers LLC

Fit Movers LLC is a professional moving company that provides first-rate service at an unbeatable value. This family-owned and operated busi...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Loading and Unloading

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3455958 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Smooth Move USA - Bakersfield CA Movers Logo
Fabulous8.62/10
based on 1,685+ data points

About Smooth Move USA - Bakersfield CA Movers

Smooth Move USA has been in business for over 13 years and has built an outstanding reputation among the residents of Bakersfield! This loca...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance
  • Commercial Moves
View Full Review
4
Excel Relocation Systems Logo
Very Good8.19/10
based on 660+ data points

About Excel Relocation Systems

Excel Relocation Systems is a Bakersfield commercial moving company that partners with Smooth Move USA. Excel Relocation Systems specializes...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2911596 / 981013

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved262,226 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Bakersfield vs. Salinas Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. By comparing popular neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA & Salinas, CA , we aim to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings using your current city as a baseline. Discover which areas share similar charms, amenities, and lifestyles to ease your transition.

BakersfieldSalinasHow They're Similar
Seven OaksCreekbridgeFamily-friendly, upscale
Haggin OaksMaple ParkHistoric homes, large lots
RosedaleToro ParkSpacious, suburban feel
Stockdale EstatesSouth SalinasMature landscapes, central location
LaurelglenLos OlivosQuiet, community-oriented
Olive Drive AreaNorthridge EstatesSimilar demographics, community vibe
Tevis RanchHarrod HomesFamily-focused, newer construction
The OaksMonte BellaGrowing, modern living spaces
Silver CreekHarding ParkAffordable, lively community
Panama Lane AreaUniversity ParkDeveloping, promising future

For those who relish the upscale and spacious living in Seven Oaks, Creekbridge in Salinas offers a similar family-friendly atmosphere with beautifully manicured landscapes and luxurious homes. If the historical charm and grandiose of Haggin Oaks has won your heart, Maple Park's well-preserved homes nestled amongst mature trees might feel just as special. Rosedale's appeal lies in its suburban spaciousness, echoed in Toro Park, where families enjoy ample outdoor activities and a tranquil lifestyle. Meanwhile, lovers of Olive Drive Area's tight-knit community and accessible amenities will find a kindred spirit in Northridge Estates. Lastly, for those attracted to the development and potential of the Panama Lane Area, University Park stands as a beacon of growth with a burgeoning sense of community and investment opportunities.

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Things to Do in Salinas

  • Explore Pinnacles National Park.
  • Enjoy wine tasting at River Road Wine Trail.
  • Visit the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum.
  • Stroll along Salinas River Walk.
  • Attend California Rodeo Salinas.
  • Shop at Oldtown Salinas.
  • Take a class at Heidi’s Studio.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Bakersfield to Salinas

Moving from one city to another brings both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Bakersfield, CA to Salinas, CA. By contrasting the pros and cons, this guide will help you weigh your options carefully and make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Higher summer heat
  • Limited cultural venues
  • Less green spaces
  • Fewer dining options
  • Lower walkability
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Cooler climate
  • Rich cultural scene
  • More parks and gardens
  • Diverse restaurants
  • Better walkability
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • More traffic
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Noisier areas
  • Worse air quality
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Spacious homes
  • Quiet neighborhoods
  • Better air quality

Moving to Salinas offers a refreshing change, especially if you're seeking a cooler climate and a more diverse cultural scene. Salinas boasts numerous parks like Natividad Creek Park and the Pinnacles National Park nearby, offering ample outdoor activities. If you're a food lover, you’ll relish the diverse restaurants, from the farm-to-table experience at The Farm to the authentic Mexican cuisine at The Fish House in neighboring Monterey. However, it’s crucial to consider that Salinas comes with higher living costs and potentially smaller living spaces compared to Bakersfield. Despite these challenges, the quality of life, and the beauty and vibrancy of Salinas make it an appealing choice for many.

Bakersfield vs. Salinas Food Guide

Food is an integral part of experiencing a local culture and understanding what living in an area is truly like. In this guide, we're diving into a comparison to help you get a taste of the food scene in both cities you're considering for your move. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Bakersfield & Salinas ensures you'll be well-informed about the culinary delights waiting for you.

BakersfieldSalinas
Most iconic local food itemTri-tip steakArtichoke dishes
Most popular meat dishBarbecue ribsSeafood (specially calamari)
Most popular street food itemTacosStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodAçaí bowlsVegan burritos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Wool Growers
  • Luigi's
  • Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
  • Giannini's Italian Dinners
  • Steinbeck House
  • First Awakenings
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Bakersfield, the barbecue, especially tri-tip steak, stands out as a signature delight, reflecting the city's love for hearty, comfort foods. Wool Growers, Luigi's, and Buck Owens' Crystal Palace capture the essence of Bakersfield's dining culture. Meanwhile, Salinas offers a vibrant scene for health-conscious eaters and lovers of fresh, local produce, particularly its famed artichoke dishes and seafood options like calamari. Notable spots such as Giannini's Italian Dinners and the historic Steinbeck House offer a glimpse into the city's rich culinary and cultural heritage. Both cities present a growing foodie scene, but Salinas edges out with its focus on healthy, fresh options and its slightly more prevalent vegan-friendly establishments.

Bakersfield vs. Salinas Restaurant Comparison

Settling into a new city can be challenging, but discovering places to eat where you feel at home can make the transition smoother. This comparison aims to guide food lovers in their journey from Bakersfield to Salinas by exploring equivalent dining experiences . Whether you're in search of comfort food, an exquisite dining atmosphere, or the casual eatery next door, this chart will help you find your new favorite spots in no time.

BakersfieldSalinasWhat You'll Love
Wool GrowersNorma's Family RestaurantTraditional, homey Basque cuisine
24th Street CafeFirst AwakeningsCozy spot known for hearty, American breakfasts
Luigi's Restaurant and DelicatessenGino's Fine Italian FoodAuthentic Italian meals in a family-friendly setting
Hungry Hunter SteakhouseThe Growers PubClassic steakhouse serving quality cuts in an upscale environment
Lengthwise Brewing CompanyAlvarado Street Brewery & GrillCraft beers with innovative, locally sourced eats
Moo CreameryRita's Italian Ice & Frozen CustardKnown for unique flavors of ice cream and treats
Pyrenees CafeLa Casa Del SazonDelightful spot for traditional Latin American flavors
Taqueria Los GallosEl ZacatecanoAuthentic Mexican cuisine with a homely feel
Dewar's Candy ShopGhirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate ShopSweet treats and famous chocolates
Smith's BakeriesRed's DonutsLegendary local bakery known for their doughnuts and pastries

Moving from Bakersfield to Salinas doesn't mean you have to leave your dining preferences behind. For instance, if you've enjoyed the Basque flavors at Wool Growers, Norma's Family Restaurant will continue to provide you with comforting, traditional dishes in Salinas. On the other hand, aficionados of Luigi's in Bakersfield will find a lot to love about Gino's Fine Italian Food, where the ambiance and menu items are reminiscent of the hearty Italian meals back home. For those who appreciate craft beer paired with unique, local fare, Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill in Salinas echoes the vibe and quality found at Lengthwise Brewing Company. Begin your culinary journey in Salinas with confidence, knowing these establishments await to offer memorable meals and new favorites.

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Ready to start your move?

Bakersfield vs. Salinas Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is pivotal in evaluating your move, showcasing how Bakersfield and Salinas compare across various housing aspects.

ComparisonBakersfieldSalinas
Typical Architecture StyleRanchSpanish Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, private poolsProximity to agriculture, ocean access

When considering a relocation from Bakersfield to Salinas, the disparities in housing costs and lifestyle offerings are evident. While Salinas boasts a higher median home price and rent, reflecting its proximity to coastal areas and agricultural richness, Bakersfield offers more affordable living with ample space, typically embodying the ranch-style architecture with spacious yards. The urban lifestyle in Salinas scores higher due to its access to the ocean and vibrant agricultural scene, which could be a significant factor for those prioritizing cultural and outdoor recreational activities over affordability.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salinas, CA

1. South Salinas: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, South Salinas offers several parks and open spaces where your pets can enjoy a walk, including the popular Central Park where dogs can roam freely in designated off-leash areas.

2. CreekBridge: This neighborhood is recognized for its walkable paths and proximity to the Natividad Creek Park, a beautiful place for dog owners looking for scenic walks and outdoor activities to enjoy with their furry friends.

3. Laurelwood: Laurelwood stands out for its quiet streets and access to pet-friendly facilities, including several dog parks and the nearby Petco for all your pet's needs, making it a convenient and pleasant neighborhood for pet owners.

Bakersfield vs. Salinas Weather Considerations

Understanding how weather patterns contrast between your current city and your new home is key, especially when planning a big move. This comparison between Bakersfield and Salinas highlights the crucial weather differences you'll experience, ensuring you're well-informed and prepared for your relocation.

Summer icon
94°F / 66°F

Bakersfield, CA

68°F / 52°F

Salinas, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
55°F / 39°F

Bakersfield, CA

62°F / 44°F

Salinas, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
6.5

Bakersfield, CA

15

Salinas, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Bakersfield, CA

0

Salinas, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonBakersfieldSalinas
Air QualityPoorModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, wildfiresEarthquakes, floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When transitioning from Bakersfield to Salinas, you'll likely notice significant weather changes, particularly in terms of temperature and humidity. Salinas experiences cooler summers and milder winters compared to Bakersfield, making it ideal for those who prefer less extreme temperature variations. Additionally, while both cities enjoy a good amount of sunshine annually, Salinas' higher humidity and more moderate air quality might feel quite different. Preparing for these changes in climate, especially if you're sensitive to atmospheric conditions like humidity and air quality, will be crucial for a comfortable adjustment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Bakersfield to Salinas

When planning a move from Bakersfield, CA to Salinas, CA, it's crucial to understand the financial implications of such a transition. Knowing how the cost of living, taxes, and income in Bakersfield compare to those in Salinas can help you make an informed decision and prepare for your new life.

ComparisonBakersfieldSalinas
Avg. Household Income$66,666$80,154
Cost of Living Index103.4136.4
State Income Tax9.39.3
Avg. Property Tax0.810.65
Avg. Sales Tax7.259.25
Top 3 IndustriesOil & Gas, Agriculture, HealthcareAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighHigh
HomelessnessNoticeableSignificant

While Bakersfield and Salinas share the same state income tax rate, there are significant differences in other financial aspects. For instance, the cost of living in Salinas is markedly higher than in Bakersfield, largely due to the housing market pressures in the Salinas area. Despite a lower average household income in Salinas, the average sales tax is higher, impacting day-to-day living expenses. Both cities battle high poverty rates, but Salinas has a noticeably higher rate of homelessness, which is an important social issue in the area. Understanding these nuances can help you brace for the economic environment of your new home.

Bakersfield vs. Salinas Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Bakersfield & Salinas is designed to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities. Understanding these dynamics can help you feel more at home in your new city.

BakersfieldSalinas
Political Make-upMore conservativeMore liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican-leaning leadershipDemocratic-leaning leadership
ReligionDiverse, with a strong evangelical presenceAlso diverse, but with significant Catholic influence

When preparing to move from Bakersfield to Salinas, understanding the nuances in political and religious landscapes can be particularly beneficial. Bakersfield's conservative lean, often reflected through its Republican-leaning leadership, shapes local policies and community priorities differently than the more liberal and Democratic-leaning Salinas. This shift mirrors broader statewide political trends, conveying California's rich tapestry of political thought. Additionally, each city hosts a religiously diverse population, though their prevailing influences vary—Bakersfield's strong evangelical community contrasts with Salinas's significant Catholic presence, shaping local culture and social gatherings. Acknowledging these differences can help you navigate conversations and community involvement more comfortably in your new home.

Bakersfield vs. Salinas Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison aims to offer a clearer picture of the daily commute and traffic, highlighting the differences between Bakersfield & Salinas for those considering the move. By understanding these distinctions, you can better anticipate what your daily transportation might look like.

ComparisonBakersfieldSalinas
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2224
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?DifficultModerately Feasible

Considering the commute times and traffic congestion levels, you'll find that navigating through Bakersfield might be slightly easier, with lower averages in both categories compared to Salinas. However, Salinas shines in terms of public transit availability, offering more viable options for those preferring not to drive. While living in Bakersfield makes it challenging to rely solely on public transport due to its limited reach, Salinas provides a moderately more feasible scenario for going carless, thanks to its enhanced public transportation system and infrastructure. These differences underscore the importance of considering your daily commute and transportation preferences when making the move.

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