Best Places to Live in California For Adults

California is a cool stat to live in the United States with lots of natural and artificial edifices that are guaranteed to make life better. It is surrounded by a whole lot of mountains, beaches, glowing sunshine, and also the home to Hollywood royalty, and the next big technology world of the Silicon Valley is located in California; these are some of the next big things that we cannot live without.

The weather in California is also a great one with beautiful people. For young people who love to engage in several outdoor activities as a way of relaxing and catching fun, the right place to live in is California as there is plenty of adventure such as surfing, skiing, sand-boarding in the desert that you can engage in.

If you are also looking for the best places that offer the best in education and healthcare, California ranks high amongst the cities in the United States and it also doubles as the largest economy in the U.S which means there are lots of economic opportunities available for young minds to explore and get good value for their time and skills.

These are some of the reasons why the influx of young adults that are either looking to start a new family or settle down with their existing families has been on the rise over the years. As a result of this, California is known to be the most populous state and largest economy in the United States as of today.

With the foregoing, it wouldn’t be out of place to highlight some of the best places that young adults can consider as being top places to settle down in California, and as a result of this, we will be looking at a list of the top places to move to in California in the next section.

The following are some of the best places to relocate to California and remember when you decide to move you can research and find out about reputable California moving companies that can help you with relocating. There are a whole lot of good California movers you can check out on the internet.

1. San Diego:

San Diego is one of the best places that young adults can live in California, it is the second-largest city in California only behind Los Angeles with a population of about 1.35 million. San Diego is a city with an infusion of diverse cultures with different people from different cultural backgrounds interacting on a daily basis. The weather is also great as it has the most ideal climate in the summer in the whole of America.

The nightlife is also a vantage point for San Diego and this is why it is known as the world-famous city for tourists especially the Gaslamp Quarter area of the city. Expectedly, the cost of living in San Diego is high and the rate varies from area to area depending on the suburb as there are plenty of areas that fall both in the inland and coastal regions, with each coming with its distinct advantages. San Diego is a great place for young families and adults, once they can afford the cost of living in this top city.

2. Palo Alto:

Palo Alto is regarded as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley”, and home to several high technology companies, with some top universities such as Stanford University located in this beautiful city. Several top public schools and best eateries are located in Palo Alto. The nightlife here is interesting as lots of clubs and bars are located in the city of Palo Alto.

3. Irvine:

Irvine is a city with a population of around 240,000 and it is one of the smallest cities in California but it has a whole lot of side attractions that you can find in any city that ranks among the best in the world. It is located in sunny Orange County and it is one of the safest and wealthiest cities in the United States and this is why you will find Irvine in the top lists of Best Places to live in the world. It offers several economic benefits from top well-paying jobs to over 200 Fortune 500 companies located in the city, with a rail system that connects the town to other popular centers such as Los Angeles. The cost of living here is also on the high side but any investment on properties in Irvine promises a high rate of return as it is a hot cake among foreign investors and real estate investors.

4. Manhattan Beach:

Manhattan is located in a small town in Southern California with a population of around 35,000. Manhattan is home to lots of recreational facilities, which include beautiful hotels, parks, and lots of picnic spots where families can get to have a nice time with lots of fun. The cost of living here is high which is the reason for the low population but yes who cares? As far as the many benefits that come with living in Manhattan Beach are concerned, it is a great place to get good value for your money and rent paid in getting a home in such a city.

5. Mountain View:

Mountain View is home to the most popular technology brand in the world, Google with a population of fewer than 800,000 residents and located in Northern California. It is home to lots of political, cultural, and technological activities which makes it a real deal to live in this beautiful city. Rent in this part of California averages around $1,700 a month but the whole cost of rent and living expenses is augmented by the high-paying jobs available in Manhattan Beach.

These are some of the top cities in California that young adults can live in, some other exciting places include Lake Forest, Davis, Redlands, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Murrieta, Clovis, Newport Beach, Folsom, Yuba City, and Beaumont among others.

Moving to California

You certainly need to do some preparatory work to get yourself ready for your upcoming move to California. You need to watch out for a host of things, but most importantly, your plants and vehicles, as California have some regulations concerning both. Learn more about these things and more before you embark on your move.

Fill a COA (change of address) form with the USPS: You can do this in weeks or months in advance to your move.

Perform your research on moving companies: Ensure the record of any moving company you want to hire is available with the Better Business Bureau. You need to be certified and highly trained movers to avoid being a victim of moving scams. With our network of reliable movers, you have the chance to search for insured, licensed California moving companies just in one place. Get free quotes right away!

Plan and stick to a budget: You have to be real with the costs that accompany hiring moving companies, changing real estate, and furnishing a new home. Although interstate movers are expensive, you can adjust your plans if you prepare a budget. You won’t feel much stress from the moving cost if you plan a budget, save towards it, and stick tight to the budget. Remember to value the amount it would cost you with your peace of mind when trying to figure out whether to hire a moving company or do it yourself.

Obtain your quotes: Once you have screened the insured and licensed movers on your list down to three to five, contact them about your specific needs. Inform them of all your needs, such as storage, packing, or auto transport. Request for an in-home estimate from your most promising potential local movers.

Hire your movers: Immediately, you figure out an interstate mover you prefer, hire them, and book your moving date. Note that moving during a weekday might be less expensive than moving on the weekend.

Create a packing list: It is essential to stay organized during the packing process to avoid being overwhelmed. Make a basic inventory of your belongings and sort out the ones you are moving, selling, or donating. Create labels that you will work towards as you pack and create a list of necessary moving supplies before you start shopping or looking for them.

Make a contact list: Who is the necessary set of people to know at your new California address? In order to have a good start at your new destination home, endeavor to get contacts of accountants, doctors, teachers, schools, grocery stores, insurance companies, and so on.
Visit your new state: Try and make it even if it is just one visit to your destination city, as you are looking up schools and real estate. Include in your planning how you will familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and places you will visit frequently. Avoid holding back to interact with neighbors and locals to know which neighborhood is best for you in the area.

Apply for a driver’s license: Just as discussed earlier, California laws are kind of strict, especially when it involves vehicles and driving. The state law requires you to apply for a license and get insurance within 10 days of your arrival. Go through your insurance; you need a minimum of $15,000 worth of coverage for bodily injury and $5,000 worth of coverage for vehicle damage. You will need to obtain a California smog check certificate as a requirement for vehicle registration in the state. You can easily obtain one of these at a certain smog check center right before your vehicle registration.

Be careful with your houseplants: We recommend you leave your houseplants behind and start over in California. The state prohibits the importation of citrus plants and has a strict rule on pine, fruit, oak trees, or nut. Only indoor-raised houseplants plus a commercial potting mix can be brought into the state. You must declare any of your produce, plants, or plant material immediately you enter California. Considering the strict policies in the state, the materials might be confiscated by the border authorities.

Maintain a packing timeline: Bring in everyone involved in the relocation. Assign each family member a task and let them understand the need to stick to the arrangement to complete the task on time with reduced stress.

Sell and donate: You might decide to sell those household items you don’t plan to move with you. Make sure your price is fair enough by throwing a garage sale or online sale using phone apps. Check for places that are accepting donations in your area where you can donate any stuff you would like to leave behind.

Arrange utilities: Remember to transfer your utilities in about 1 to 2 months before your move. Call your gas, water, sewer, electricity, cable, and internet providers and inform them of your decision to end the services after you move immediately. Contact new providers and arrange services to start installation or restoration immediately you move. Remember to plan for other things like satellite, security systems, monthly subscriptions, gym memberships, and so on.

Tell friends and family: Inform your family, neighbors, employer, co-workers, and friends about your move. Spend time with your loved ones at any of your favorite places before you depart. Ensure there is enough space for the moving truck, and everything is set for your movers.

Prepare your pets: Consult your vet with your pet and ask how you can get them ready for the big move. There may be certain requirements to meet before your pet can be allowed into California.

Confirm accommodations: Ensure you confirm your babysitters, drivers, airline tickets, professional movers, family, and friends, as well as other essentials for relocation day. You will have peace of mind knowing that everything is set and organized for your new paradise.

FAQs

Is raising kids in California really safe?

According to crime statistics, the crime rate in California is reportedly very low. The crimes per 100,000 residents are at about 3,500, and the most common type of crime includes thefts and property crimes. As derived from those statistics, the information is that raising kids in this part of the city is safe. You have no reason to fear if you are looking for a safe place to raise your kids safely.

Is moving to California worth it?

According to the ranking by USA Today, California was ranked as one of the most costly states to live in the country. Note that California has one of the expensive rents in the country and so you need to prepare. The data gotten from the real estate site Zumper; it indicates that San Francisco is the most costly city in the United States as regards renting.

Is California not as safe as Texas?

Texas is safer than California, whether regarding weather-related or crime-related safety. The state even has 500 more companies than any other state in the United States.

How long do you have to live in California before you can become a resident?

366 days. The state requires you to be physically present in it for 366 days before you can become its resident; the exception is restricted to short absences, such as vacations. Not that you must continuously stay in California before you can become a resident, however, you are required to create a principal residence here and reside in the state during most of the 366 days to be eligible.

How much do you need to save to live a comfortable life in California?

Living in California comfortable requires an annual income of $74,371 for an average person. This will look good to you until you check the cost of things and remember the average income in the state is just $48,482.

Is California expensive than Arizona?

You definitely know that living in Arizona is relatively cheaper than California when you compare the average cost of living in Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix, Arizona. Housing in California, which is a major feature of the cost of living is three times higher than in Arizona. The individual tax rate in California is 9.3%, while you just need to pay 4.54% in Arizona.

What salary is considered good for a single person in California?

Although $75,000 was reported to be a comfortable monthly income for a single person in San Francisco plus 4 roommates and no loans, however, it is not closer to being enough for a young family living in Orange County, California, struggling to save some money for college child’s education as well as homeownership.

What is the safest Californian city?

According to a report, many Southern California communities are listed as the safest cities in the state. Also, a safety resource website known as Safewise reported that Danville, located in the Bay Area, is the frontrunner this year, with Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita, Yorba Linda, and Murrieta, all following.

Where do the California rich folks live?

Southern California remains one of the most lust-after places to live in the United States due to its great weather and growing entertainment business. This, in fact, is the reason why many of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States are located there, such as Beverly Hills, La Jolla, and so on.

Can I work in California and live in Arizona?

Yes. Your entire income can be taxed by Arizona being your resident state. California will tax only your compensation because you earned it there. In order to avoid double tax payments, the non-resident TT/Calif will start to get a tax credit ready for the compensation for both states.

What town is the richest in California?

Atherton, California is the richest town in America, and each household earns over $525,324 every year. Atherton is the only community with a median household income of over $500,000 since Bloomberg started the last compilation.

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