Best DC to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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DC to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another is not just a change of address; it's the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. Trading the fast-paced political heartthrob of DC for California's sun-kissed beaches, innovation hubs, and the eclectic mix of cultures is a journey worth cherishing. Recognizing the magnitude of this interstate adventure, it's crucial to ensure that your belongings are in the hands of trusted and reliable professionals, which is why we at Great Guys Moving leverage an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, making your transition as smooth as the California surf.

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Best DC to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Mic's Moving9.60NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Ap Pro Moving Llc9.44NRActiveContact
Treasure Moving Company9.40NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to DC guide.

6 Best DC 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 10/17/2024)

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 10/18/2024)

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
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
3
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 4,108+ data points

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
4
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo
Exceptional9.44/10
based on 361+ data points

About Ap Pro Moving Llc

Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as local moving, lo...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3338902 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved4,000 (2021)
View Full Review
5
Treasure Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.40/10
based on 1,791+ data points

About Treasure Moving Company

Carrying all of your worldly possessions to a new location is no small feat. Throw in the fact that you’re probably leaving behind family an...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Residential Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/8/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2431129 / 847222

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2021)
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 DC to California

Moving from one coast to another is a significant change that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to compare the upsides and downsides of relocating from DC to California, giving you a balanced view of what to expect. By examining the pros and cons of DC compared to the benefits of California , and vice versa, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your big move.

CONs
PROs
DC iconDC
  • High living costs
  • Cold winters
  • Less outdoor options
  • Smaller tech scene
California iconCalifornia
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Milder climate
  • Abundant nature activities
  • Giant tech hub
California iconCalifornia
  • Expensive housing
  • Car-dependent areas
  • Higher taxes
  • Water scarcity issues
DC iconDC
  • Rich history
  • Strong public transit
  • Political hub
  • Diverse culture

While the move from DC to California means swapping the bustling streets near the Capitol for the sprawling, sun-soaked landscapes of the Golden State, it's more than just a change of scenery. Imagine trading the frigid winters beside the Potomac River for year-round outdoor activities in places like Yosemite National Park or the beaches of Malibu. However, ready your wallet for the sticker shock of California's housing market, especially in popular areas like San Francisco or Los Angeles. On the flip side, DC's compact nature and efficient metro system mean you might find yourself missing the ease of getting around without a car—a stark contrast to California's car-centric cities. Yet, the move is an opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse culinary scenes and vibrant communities, from the historic streets of San Francisco's Chinatown to the trendy eateries of LA's Silver Lake.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from DC to California

When planning a move, considering the culinary landscape of your new home is essential. Food is a key aspect of local culture and can greatly impact your day-to-day life. To help you transition smoothly, we're offering a comparison of the local cuisine between DC & California . This insight should help you understand what culinary delights await in your new locale.

DCCalifornia

Most iconic local food item

Half-Smoke
California Roll

Most popular meat dish

Mumbo Sauce Wings
Tri-tip BBQ

Most popular street food item

Food Trucks
Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Vegetable Forward Dishes
Avocado Toast

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Old Ebbitt Grill
  • Zaytinya
  • Chateau Marmont
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The Cheesecake Factory

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

7
9

Abundance of Food Trucks

8
7

Foodie Scene

8
10

Vegan Friendly

7
9

In both DC and California, the local cuisine reflects a rich cultural history and current trends. DC's half-smokes and mumbo sauce wings can be found at local favorites like Ben's Chili Bowl and food trucks around the city, ensuring you get a taste of the city’s flavor. Moving to California, you’ll find an abundance of fresh, innovative vegan options and the iconic California roll, reflecting the state's innovation in sushi. Neighborhoods like Los Angeles' West Hollywood or San Francisco's Mission District are foodie heavens, offering everything from upscale dining at Chateau Marmont to the beloved In-N-Out Burger, showcasing California’s diverse culinary landscape.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from DC to California

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscape between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison between DC and California housing costs, architecture, walkability, and more gives you a solid ground for what to expect. Let's dive into the crucial aspects of the housing environment in these states.

The higher median home price and rent in California reflect its bustling real estate market, influenced by its diverse climates and prominent tech industry hubs. On the other hand, DC, with its rich history and government jobs, offers unique housing styles like Federal and Victorian, along with an emphasis on historic charm in its listings. California’s listings highlight modern amenities like solar panels and proximity to beautiful beaches, fitting the state’s emphasis on sustainability and outdoor living. While DC scores higher in walkability and urban lifestyle, reflecting its dense, accessible urban environment, California offers its own unique lifestyle perks, catered to those seeking a blend of modern living and natural beauty.

Weather Considerations for Moving from DC to California

Understanding the weather differences is essential when relocating. This guide compares DC and California weather , to help you prepare for your move. The weather variations highlight what to expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and more.

Summer icon
88°F/71°F

DC

85°F/60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F/29°F

DC

68°F/48°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40.8"

DC

22" (varies by region)

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.4"

DC

Varies by region

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from DC to California introduces you to a variety of climate conditions. In California, you'll enjoy more days of sunshine and milder winters. However, it's key to consider that weather conditions in California can be extreme, from severe droughts and wildfires to cooler temperatures along the coast. Furthermore, the state faces unique natural disasters like earthquakes. Depending on where you settle in California, you may also experience significant variations in air quality and humidity, directly impacting your day-to-day comfort and health.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one location to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison is designed to highlight how the cost of living, income, and taxes in DC and California can impact your finances, giving you a clearer perspective on what to expect.

Moving from DC to California, you'll find the average household income is slightly lower, but so is the cost of living index—making earnings potentially stretch further in certain Californian cities. However, the wide range of state income tax rates in California means your actual take-home pay can vary significantly depending on your exact location and earnings. Property and sales taxes are also higher in California, affecting your overall expenses. Notably, the top industries between these two places vastly differ, from government-focused in DC to technology and entertainment in California, which could influence your career opportunities. Understanding these financial dynamics is key to a successful transition.

Political & Religious Comparison between DC and California

Making the move from DC to California introduces a spectrum of changes, key among them being the community you'll be joining. This comparison offers a quick glimpse into the politics between DC & California and the religious landscape defining both regions.

DCCalifornia

Political Make-up

Heavily DemocraticLargely Democratic

Local Politics

Focus on federal government influence and local governance issuesDiverse issues ranging from environmental policy to tech industry regulation

Religion

Varied, with notable Christian and non-religious communitiesHighly diverse, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and non-religious beliefs

When moving from DC to California, one of the most significant changes you'll encounter is the local political climate. While both areas lean Democratic, the specifics of local politics can differ greatly. In DC, the proximity to federal power plays a large role in local issues, whereas in California, you'll find a broader range of topics, including environmental conservation and tech regulation. This diversity extends to the religious landscape as well, where California offers a wider array of communities compared to DC, reflecting the state's larger and more varied population. Engaging with these communities can enrich your understanding and experience of your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from DC to California

Moving can be a substantial transition, especially when it involves long distances like relocating from DC to California. Understanding the differences in educational opportunities can greatly impact your decision-making process. This chart aims to clarify the comparisons between school options in DC and California, equipping you with the information needed to make the best choice for your family.

DCCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Maryland
Georgetown University
Howard University
University of California (Los Angeles)
University of California (Berkeley)
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Mann Elementary
Janney Elementary
Eaton Elementary
West Hollywood Elementary
Point Vicente Elementary
Montemalaga Elementary

Top 3 Middle Schools

Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
McKinley Middle School
Miller Middle School (San Jose)
Egan Junior High (Los Altos)
Carmel Valley Middle School (San Diego)

Top 3 High School Schools

Wilson High School
School Without Walls
Banneker High School
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Lowell High School (San Francisco)

Top 3 private high schools

Georgetown Preparatory School
Sidwell Friends School
National Cathedral School
Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Polytechnic School (Pasadena)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

British International School of Washington
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
The Harker School (San Jose)
Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City)
Webb Schools (Claremont)

Top 3 School Districts

District of Columbia Public SchoolsLos Altos School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District

When comparing the educational systems of DC and California, a few themes stand out. In California, there's a notable emphasis on STEM education, as seen with schools like the California Academy of Mathematics and Science ranking highly. California's top universities, such as Stanford and UC Berkeley, reflect the state's strong reputation in higher education. Furthermore, the existence of unique K-12 private schools like The Harker School highlights California's broad range of quality educational options. Similarly, DC boasts prestigious institutions, with Georgetown University and the District of Columbia Public Schools offering high-caliber education. However, the small geographic size of DC limits the variety of districts compared to California's vast and varied landscape with numerous top-tier districts like Los Altos and Palo Alto Unified School District.

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