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California to Texas Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from one state to another marks the start of an exciting new chapter in your life, brimming with fresh opportunities and adventures. You're transitioning from the Golden State's endless summers, tech hubs, and coastal drives to the Lone Star State's sprawling landscapes, vibrant culture, and booming cities. Given the monumental distance and the life-changing leap you're about to take, it's crucial to entrust your move to professional movers who are both trusted and reliable, ensuring your journey from California to Texas is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

6 Best Movers for Moving from California to Texas

#1
Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 2,440+ data points

Dallas, TX
Full service moving, In-Dallas moves, In-Texas moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/17/2024)

USDOT: 2857394 Verify

About Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Started as a courier service in 1999, Phoenix Express eventually expanded its service offerings, becoming the full-service moving and delive...Read More >>

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#2
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 5/23/2024)

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 >>

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#3
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 5/23/2024)

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 >>

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#4
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,645+ data points

Chico, CA
Local & Long Distance Moving, Residential Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/26/2024)

USDOT: 3421940 Verify

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>

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#5
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,238+ data points

New Braunfels, TX
Local Moving, Statewide Moving, Business Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 2992735 Verify

About New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC was established in 2014, after its founder and owner had acquired over 15 years of experience in the indus...Read More >>

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#6
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,003+ data points

Glendale, CA
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3489907 Verify

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Texas

Moving from California to Texas is a significant life change that deserves a thorough review of its ups and downs. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation , highlighting the contrasts between living in California and Texas to equip you with the information needed for an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High taxes
  • Cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Stringent regulations
Texas iconTexas
  • Lower taxes
  • Affordable housing
  • Spacious highways
  • Laxer regulations
Texas iconTexas
  • Hot summers
  • Less diversity in cities
  • No beaches
  • Fewer tech jobs
California iconCalifornia
  • Mild climate
  • Vibrant cities
  • Beaches
  • Tech hubs

California offers a unique blend of natural beauty and economic opportunity. The state's beaches, like those in Malibu and Santa Monica, are iconic for their stunning beauty and vibrant local culture. Cities like San Francisco and Silicon Valley are bustling tech hubs, attracting talent from around the globe. In contrast, Texas, with its affordable housing, is home to booming cities like Austin and Dallas, which are rapidly growing in cultural and economic significance. Places such as Zilker Park in Austin and the San Antonio River Walk highlight Texas' commitment to combining urban liveability with natural beauty. While Texas may have hot summers, its residents enjoy spacious suburbs and a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, like those found in Houston's Montrose neighborhood or the Bishop Arts District in Dallas. These areas offer a rich tapestry of restaurants, such as Uchi in Austin for innovative Japanese dishes or Perry’s Steakhouse in Dallas for classic American steakhouse experiences.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from California to Texas

When relocating, it's crucial to understand the local culture—and food plays a significant role in that. To help with your move, we're presenting a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Texas. This guide will give you a taste of what to expect from the food scene in these diverse states.

CaliforniaTexas

Most iconic local food item

SushiTexas BBQ brisket

Most popular meat dish

Trip-tip steakSmoked brisket

Most popular street food item

Fish tacosBreakfast tacos

Most popular vegan food

Acai bowlsVegan Tex-Mex

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Chez Panisse
  • Inotheke
  • n/naka
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • Underbelly

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

96

Abundance of Food Trucks

108

Foodie Scene

109

Vegan Friendly

107

In California, the food scene is as diverse as its landscape. From the sushi bars of Los Angeles to the innovatively healthy acai bowls that dot the coastline, there's something for every palate. Places like Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Inotheke in Santa Monica highlight the emphasis on fresh, farm-to-table dining. Texas, on the other hand, is a haven for meat lovers. The state is famous for its Texas BBQ brisket, with establishments like Franklin Barbecue in Austin being a must-visit for any barbecue enthusiast. Both states have vibrant foodie scenes, but the experience of dining in each is distinctively unique, shaped by local tastes and traditions.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from California to Texas

Real estate significantly impacts your relocation process, emphasizing the importance of comparing California and Texas housing characteristics. This comparison includes cost, style, and lifestyle rankings to inform your decision.

When comparing the two states, it's evident that California leans towards a more expensive living cost, especially in housing prices and rent. The architecture in California often features modern and Spanish styles, reflective of its historical and cultural influences, while Texas homes frequently showcase Ranch and Colonial designs, emphasizing spaciousness and traditional values. Urban lifestyle scores higher in California, underscoring its vibrant city life and higher walkability and bikeability compared to Texas. However, Texas highlights the value of spacious land and energy efficiency in its listings, aiming for practicality and sustainability. Each state offers a unique living experience, molding your lifestyle around its distinct characteristics.

Weather Considerations for Moving from California to Texas

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the differences in climate is crucial. This comparison highlights how the weather between California and Texas will impact your lifestyle and prepare you for the change.

Summer icon
85°F / 55°F

California

95°F / 72°F

Texas

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 40°F

California

65°F / 42°F

Texas

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

34

Texas

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0 - 105 (varies greatly by region)

California

1 - 2 (mostly north)

Texas

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Although both California and Texas are known for their warm climates, Texas experiences hotter summers and a higher average annual humidity, making the Texas heat feel more intense. On the other hand, California's coastal areas provide milder summers and cooler winters. Notably, natural disaster risks differ significantly; Californians might be used to preparing for earthquakes and wildfires, whereas Texans should be more vigilant about hurricanes and tornadoes. These environmental factors play a substantial role in daily life and should influence your preparation for moving between these two diverse states.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. Moving from California to Texas presents a significant shift in terms of cost of living, taxes, and overall economic environment. This comparison aims to illuminate these differences to help you make an informed decision.

While California boasts a higher average household income, the overall cost of living and state income tax greatly exceeds that of Texas, making Texas more financially attractive for many. The lack of state income tax in Texas presents a considerable advantage, particularly for high earners and retirees. However, it's essential to note Texas's higher property taxes, which may offset some of the income tax savings, especially in more affluent areas. The economic ecosystems also differ, with California's tech and entertainment sectors driving its economy, while Texas enjoys a diverse economy with significant energy, tech, and agricultural sectors. Understanding these nuances will help you prepare for your move financially.

Political & Religious Comparison between California and Texas

Considering a move from California to Texas? An essential aspect of your relocation involves understanding the environments you're leaving and entering. This brief guide offers a comparison of the politics between California & Texas , highlighting the political, and religious landscape to give you a quick snapshot of the communities in your new state.

CaliforniaTexas

Political Make-up

Liberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican

Local Politics

Moderate to liberal in urban areasConservative in rural areas, moderate to liberal in urban centers

Religion

More secular, diverse religious communitiesMore religious, Christian majority (Protestant & Catholic)

When moving from California to Texas, you'll find the political landscape shifts from a predominantly liberal and Democratic base to a more conservative and Republican one. This doesn't mean Texas lacks diversity in political thought, particularly in urban centers like Austin and Houston, where you can find a mix of perspectives similar to California's cities. Religious life in Texas tends to have a more prominent role in community and public life, reflecting its larger Christian majority, which could be an essential consideration for your social and community integration.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Texas

Deciding to move from California to Texas or vice versa involves numerous considerations, with the quality of education being a crucial one. This comparison offers insight to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Texas, facilitating an informed decision for your family's educational needs.

CaliforniaTexas

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA (Los Angeles)
UC Berkeley (Berkeley)
Stanford University (Stanford)
University of Texas at Austin (Austin)
Texas A&M University (College Station)
Rice University (Houston)

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Point Vicente Elementary School (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Ocean Air School (San Diego)
El Carmelo Elementary (Palo Alto)
Canyon Creek Elementary (Richardson)
Carver Elementary School (Georgetown)
Wellington Elementary (Flower Mound)

Top 3 Middle Schools

William Hopkins Junior High (Fremont)
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (Moraga)
Canyon Middle School (Canyon)
Coppell Middle School West (Coppell)
Eubanks Intermediate School (Southlake)
Fort Settlement Middle School (Sugar Land)

Top 3 High Schools

Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Torrey Pines High School (San Diego)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Liberal Arts and Science Academy (Austin)
School for the Talented and Gifted (Dallas)
Carnegie Vanguard High School (Houston)

Top 3 private high schools

The Thacher School (Ojai)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Stanford Online High School (Stanford)
St. Mark's School of Texas (Dallas)
The Hockaday School (Dallas)
St. Stephen's Episcopal School (Austin)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The Bishop's School (La Jolla)
The Awty International School (Houston)
The John Cooper School (The Woodlands)
Greenhill School (Addison)

Top 3 School Districts

Palo Alto Unified School District (Palo Alto)
San Marino Unified School District (San Marino)
La Cañada Unified School District (La Cañada Flintridge)
Eanes Independent School District (Austin)
Carroll Independent School District (Southlake)
Coppell Independent School District (Coppell)

When comparing the educational landscape between California and Texas, it's evident that both states offer stellar opportunities for academic excellence across all levels. California’s high schools, such as Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto and Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, are renowned for their rigorous academic programs. Similarly, Texas boasts exceptional institutions like Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin and St. Mark's School of Texas in Dallas, providing top-notch education tailored to gifted students. Both states offer diverse educational paths with strong public and private school options, ensuring that regardless of your preference, you're poised to find a school that aligns with your family's educational priorities and needs.

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