Moving from Kentucky to California?

6 Best KY to CA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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KY to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state embodies an adventure, signaling a vibrant chapter in your life. Imagine trading the Bluegrass State's rolling hills and spirited horse races for California's sun-soaked beaches and the bustling streets of Silicon Valley. In this pivotal journey, securing trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial, and our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving ensures you connect with the best, making your transition as smooth as possible.

Kentucky iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Kentucky guide.

6 Best Kentucky to California Movers

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

#1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,273+ data points

Location DotEl Sobrante, CA
GearLocal Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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 >>

top 3 san francisco 2024 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in san francisco 2023 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in oakland 2022 ocd moving services llc image
#2
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,688+ data points

Location DotSanta Monica, CA
GearResidential moving, Commercial moving, Long-distance moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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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top 3 ranked movers in santa ana 2023 pure movers santa monica image
top 3 ranked movers in santa monica 2022 pure movers santa monica image
#3
Keep On Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 833+ data points

Location DotIndependence, KY
GearLocal Moving, Long Distance Moving, Delivery Services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3468627 Verify

About Keep On Moving Company

Keep On Moving Company is a family-owned and operated business serving Cincinnati and the Greater Tri-State area of KY, OH, and IN. It is de...Read More >>

top 10 lexington 2024 keep on moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in lexington 2023 keep on moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in lexington 2022 keep on moving company image
#4
From Here to There Logo
Exceptional

based on 715+ data points

Location DotLexington, KY
GearResidential Move, Long-Distance/Interstate Moves, Commercial/Office Moves See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3481118 Verify

About From Here to There

From Here to There is a local moving and logistics company based in Lexington, Kentucky, established by long-time friends with extensive exp...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in nicholasville 2023 from here to there image
#5
BG Home Movers Logo
Superb

based on 275+ data points

Location DotBowling Green, KY
GearResidential Moving, Commercial Moving, Long Distance Moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3967219 Verify

About BG Home Movers

BG Home Movers is a full-service moving company in Bowling Green, KY, offering flexible service options to meet your needs. Backed by over 3...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in bowling green 2023 bg home movers image
top 3 ranked movers in bowling green 2022 bg home movers image
#6
UNITS of Kentucky Logo
Superb

based on 186+ data points

Location DotLouisville, KY
GearStorage, Moving, Moving & Storage See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 2/24/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 439414 Verify

About UNITS of Kentucky

UNITS of Kentucky is a locally-owned and operated moving and portable storage company founded in 2004. The company offers convenient moving ...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to California

Moving from Kentucky to California brings a myriad of changes, some challenging and some exciting. This comparison aims to reflect honestly on the move from Kentucky to California, providing a balanced view. By examining the pros and cons, it’s possible to gain a clearer picture of what awaits on the west coast.

CONs
PROs
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Lower job opportunities
  • Humid summers
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Minimal public transit
California iconCalifornia
  • Thriving job market
  • Milder climate
  • World-class dining
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Extensive public transit
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Busy urban life
  • Heavy traffic
  • Modern urban sprawl
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Affordable living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Nature's tranquility
  • Easy traffic flow
  • Historic charm

While the change in lifestyle can be significant, moving from Kentucky to California opens up new opportunities and experiences. In California, cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are known for their dynamic food scenes, offering everything from iconic fast-food joints to Michelin-starred restaurants. The state's diverse landscape allows for weekend getaways to beaches, mountains, or famous parks like Yosemite. However, this comes with a higher cost of living and denser populations, especially in popular areas like the Bay Area or Southern California. Despite these challenges, the vibrant culture, ample career opportunities, and the mild year-round climate make California an enticing destination for many.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Kentucky to California

When preparing for a move, understanding the local culture is crucial, and food plays a big part in that. This guide includes a comparison of the local cuisine between Kentucky & California to better inform you about the food scene you'll be embracing.

KentuckyCalifornia

Most iconic local food item

Fried Chicken
Sourdough Bread

Most popular meat dish

Burgoo
Tri-tip

Most popular street food item

Hot Brown
Fish Tacos

Most popular vegan food

BBQ Jackfruit
Avocado Toast

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Nopalito

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

5
9

Abundance of Food Trucks

4
9

Foodie Scene

6
10

Vegan Friendly

5
10

When moving to California, you'll find a vibrant foodie scene characterized by an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles offer a bustling culinary scene, from the innovative gourmet dishes of Chez Panisse in Berkeley to the iconic fast-food delights of In-N-Out Burger. Vegan and health-conscious eaters will find their haven in California, too, with an abundance of vegan restaurants and health-focused dining options throughout the state, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, where places like Nopalito offer fresh, organic Mexican vegan dishes. The love for food trucks and street food, especially in Southern California, means you're never far from a delightful, casual dining experience.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Kentucky to California

Real estate is pivotal when considering a move. Understanding how the housing markets in Kentucky and California compare can significantly impact your decision. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in housing costs, architecture, walkability, and more, between these two diverse states.

When comparing Kentucky to California, the contrast in housing costs is stark; California's median home price is over four times higher than Kentucky's. This difference extends into the rental markets, making affordability a key consideration. Additionally, the typical architecture styles reflect the regions' histories and climates, with California homes often featuring modern and Spanish influences that complement their sunnier, coastal environment. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, you'll find more traditional Colonial and Craftsman styles, suitable for its rich historical roots and varied landscape. Urban lifestyle scores also vary significantly, with California offering a more vibrant, walkable, and bike-friendly environment than Kentucky, potentially catering more to those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle close to urban amenities.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Kentucky to California

If you're considering a move from one state to another, it's essential to understand how the weather conditions might shift. This comparison aims to highlight the climate differences between Kentucky and California, offering insights into how your daily life and seasonal preparations might change. By examining aspects such as temperature, sunshine, and natural disasters, you can better prepare for your relocation.

Summer icon
87°F / 65°F

Kentucky

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
43°F / 23°F

Kentucky

60°F / 45°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
48.9"

Kentucky

22"

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
11"

Kentucky

Variable

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from Kentucky to California means adjusting to a drier climate with significantly more sunny days per year. California's mild winters and cool summers offer a pleasant change, especially in coastal areas, contrasting with Kentucky's humid summers and chilly winters. The difference in natural disaster risks — from Kentucky's tornadoes to California's earthquakes and wildfires — underscores the importance of awareness and preparedness in your new home state. Lastly, the sharp decrease in annual rainfall in California compared to Kentucky could impact daily life, particularly for gardening and water usage habits.

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

Moving between states requires a careful examination of financial factors to ensure a smooth transition. When relocating from Kentucky to California, understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes compare is crucial for your financial planning.

California's higher average household income, as shown in the chart, might seem appealing but it's important to consider that it comes with a higher cost of living compared to Kentucky. The significant difference in the cost of living index highlights the necessity of a larger income to maintain a similar lifestyle. While Kentucky has a flat state income tax rate, California has a progressive tax system which can be more burdensome for higher earners. Notably, despite a lower average property tax rate, California's real estate market is much more expansive, affecting overall affordability. Careful financial planning and consideration of these factors are essential when moving from Kentucky to California.

Political & Religious Comparison between Kentucky and California

This comparison aims to provide you with a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of Kentucky & California, helping you understand the broad societal landscape of both states. Whether you’re interested in the political tendencies, local governance, or prevalent religious beliefs, this comparison is designed to prepare you for the cultural shift ahead.

KentuckyCalifornia

Political Make-up

Traditionally leans RepublicanStrong Democratic lean

Local Politics

Local governance can vary, with a mix of Democratic and Republican strongholdsDiversity in local politics, with a prevalence of Democratic leadership, especially in urban areas

Religion

Christianity predominantly, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Evangelical ProtestantReligious diversity, with a high number of people identifying with no religion, followed by Christianity

While Kentucky’s political scene mostly leans Republican with a strong Evangelical Christian presence, California presents a stark contrast with its Democratic majority and significant religious diversity. This doesn’t just reflect in state politics but translates into local governance as well. In Kentucky, you might find a more homogeneous political and religious atmosphere, whereas California’s vastness encompasses a wide array of beliefs and political affiliations, especially notable in its major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Understanding these differences is crucial for a smooth transition, as it impacts everything from community activities to local policies that might affect your daily life.

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to California

Moving from one state to another brings many changes, especially when it comes to education. To help you make an informed decision, we've compared some key aspects of schools and education between Kentucky and California. This will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Kentucky and California , ensuring you make the best choice for your family.

KentuckyCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of California (various campuses)
California State University (various campuses)
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lowe Elementary (Louisville)
Beechwood Elementary (Fort Mitchell)
Mann Elementary (Fort Mitchell)
Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
Lincoln Elementary (Burlingame)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Barret Traditional Middle (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle (Lexington)
North Oldham Middle (Goshen)
Henry E. Huntington Middle (San Marino)
Rancho San Joaquin Middle (Irvine)
Carmel Valley Middle (San Diego)

Top 3 High Schools

DuPont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High (Fort Mitchell)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Oxford Academy (Cypress)
Whitney High (Cerritos)

Top 3 private high schools

Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
St. Xavier High (Louisville)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The Bishop's School (La Jolla)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Lexington School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School (Santa Monica)

Top 3 School Districts

Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Oldham County Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
San Marino Unified School District

In comparing educational options between Kentucky and California, it's evident that both states offer a rich variety of high-quality schools and districts. California stands out for its collection of prestigious universities and innovative K-12 schools, especially in areas like technology and science, owing to its proximity to Silicon Valley and other tech hubs. Kentucky, on the other hand, offers some of the best traditional education programs in the country, with a strong focus on community and inclusion. Both states host highly ranked private schools that attract students from across the nation for their rigorous academics and extracurricular offerings. Whether you're moving from Kentucky to California or vice versa, you'll find compelling educational opportunities awaiting you and your family. Moreover, the distinctive cultural and social environments of each state will undoubtedly contribute to a unique educational experience for your children.

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