9 Things to Know Before Moving to California

The Golden State has a knack for attracting homebuyers seeking world-famous beaches, extended summers, and some of the best places to call home.

There’s a never-ending list of good things to say about California. Its nature is awe-inspiring, boasting a collection of nine national parks and miles of exquisite shoreline along the Pacific Ocean. Its famous cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, have unique neighborhoods, robust economies, and plenty of renowned attractions.

But there are also some prickly features to consider, as well. California is notorious for its high income taxes, cost of living, and unbearable traffic jams. 

Those willing to take the bad with the multitude of good should find no problem enjoying life in California. But for those who like to be extra sure before moving, the team from Prevu Real Estate has compiled a list of the top things buyers should know before moving to California.

What to know before moving to California

• Get ready for high state income tax
• Be prepared to drive
• The great outdoors is all-encompassing
• Some of the best cities in the country
• Plenty of home styles to choose from
• The weather is as good as they say
• No lack of entertainment
• Access to some of the world’s best beaches
• The housing market can be competitive

Get ready for high state income tax

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to taxes in California, so let’s get the bad news out of the way first.

California has notoriously high state income taxes, ranging up to 12.3 percent, depending on your income. Sales tax is also known to be high in the Golden State, so be prepared to face a higher cost of living. There’s also a steep tax on gasoline, which is akin to a nail in the coffin, as many Californians rely on cars to get around.

The good news: California has generally lower property taxes than other states with similarly high income taxes. This can make owning a home in California easier for first-time buyers or those seeking to lay roots in a new state.

Be prepared to drive

You would think a state with so much open space wouldn’t have an issue with traffic, but the reality is that California is one of the most congested states in the nation. That same open space is partially to blame for the need for cars to get around.

Many of California’s major cities are very spread out, with many points of interest further away from residential areas. Public transportation is available, but isn’t nearly as developed enough to provide access to everything you may need in the Golden State, regardless of where you settle.

Of course, reliance on a car means that the average cost of living is higher than the national average, as you have to worry about gas, maintenance, and a potential car loan if you’re just getting ready to purchase a vehicle. 

Traffic is almost unavoidable, depending on your commute and work hours. Rush hour in California is a thing of legend, with many major highways experiencing bumper-to-bumper traffic jams throughout the work week.

The great outdoors is all-encompassing

California includes virtually every outdoor activity one can imagine. 

You can experience the state’s three primary deserts—the Mojave, Colorado, and Great Basin deserts—and go buggy riding; ski near the state’s mountain ranges and explore one of the best skiing resorts in the nation: Mammoth Mountain; or simply enjoy the iconic views of the Pacific and the countless beaches California offers.

Cali’s outdoor recreation is one of the most significant factors that convinces aspiring homebuyers to move here; you don’t need to head far to get a taste of some of the most astounding natural offerings in the United States.

Settle in San Francisco, and you’ll gain access to the city’s famous Presidio, packed with over 1,500 acres of outdoor space and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you prefer the laid-back vibes of SoCal, you can head to San Diego and make a routine of visiting the famous Balboa Park and its iconic architecture and various museums.

Of course, one can’t mention California’s legendary outdoor escapes without citing Los Angeles. From postcard cities like Santa Monica and its iconic pier to the picturesque villas and mansions in Los Feliz and its access to the famous Griffith Park, spending time outdoors in one of California’s most famous cities is almost second nature to anyone who calls it home. 

Some of the best cities in the country

It’s easy to get caught up in the glamor of Los Angeles when exploring the best cities in California. After all, the City of Angels has something for even the most demanding buyer.

From the suburban charm of Encino to the cinematic history of Studio City to the youthful energy of Sherman Oaks and Culver City, Los Angeles’s diverse neighborhoods bring together seemingly the best of everything the West Coast can offer. 

However, for many, Los Angeles is still the center of California’s hustle and bustle, and many homebuyers want to enjoy the Golden State without having to deal with the rush of LA.

Luckily, plenty of options exist for those who want a city life without the demanding pace. San Diego’s neighborhoods take advantage of the city’s pristine locations, offering some of the best suburbs and beach towns on the West Coast. 

The San Francisco Bay Area’s collection of top neighborhoods brings aspiring buyers closer to the world's tech mecca: Silicon Valley. If you don’t want to settle in San Francisco, you can explore the various cities available in the Bay Area and East Bay.

For those who simply want the famous California sunshine and miles of sandy beaches, Orange County doesn’t disappoint. Here, you’ll find the nation’s surf capital, iconic resort towns, and plenty of sun-soaked neighborhoods that helped put California on the map as one of the best places to live in the U.S.

Plenty of home styles to choose from

Finding the home of your dreams also involves having a wide variety of styles to home styles to choose from; California is one of the few states that lays claim to most of the sought-after architectural styles in the U.S.

From the variety of styles in San Diego, home of the spark that gave rise to the Spanish Revival Style, to the famous home styles in San Francisco that display the iconic Painted Ladies and a vast collection of Colonial and Victorian masterpieces, California is no stranger to a diverse palette of architectural wonder.

Home buyers don’t have to venture into the suburbs to discover single-family homes with plenty of land, either. Many of California's best places to live feature plenty of cities with residential pockets close to nearby Downtowns and city hubs. These areas also provide plenty of new construction options, condos, and master-planned communities for homebuyers to explore. 

The weather is as good as they say

Living in California means getting to enjoy one of the best climates in the nation.

In Southern California, residents enjoy an almost perpetual summer, with average temperatures rarely dipping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the coldest months. The climate here is predominantly Mediterranean, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, making it a haven for those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle.

In northern California, the weather shifts to a more temperate climate, especially in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area. 

The iconic fog contributes to cooler summers and a narrower temperature range throughout the year. This climate is ideal for those who prefer mild conditions without extreme heat or cold. Despite the foggy reputation, sunny days are plentiful, allowing residents to enjoy Northern California's outdoor beauty almost daily.

No lack of entertainment

If there’s any state that can boast of neverending entertainment, it’s the seat of Hollywood itself.

Film buffs will have a field day living in Los Angeles. The iconic city offers an immersive cinema experience, with countless theaters, studios, and the Walk of Fame. Beyond the silver screen, the city's diverse music scene ranges from indie bands in intimate bars to international superstars performing in iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl. 

Festival-goers have their calendars full year-round, with events celebrating everything from music, film, and art to food and wine. Notable gatherings like Coachella in Indio, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the Gilroy Garlic Festival showcase California's stunning community attractions.

Theme parks, including Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, are another staple of the state’s overflowing entertainment options, while the vast trails of Yosemite and the coastal havens of California’s top beach towns top off the wide range of activity buyers will have access to if they settle in the Golden State. Not to mention, there’s plenty of wine country to explore as well.

Access to some of the world’s best beaches

California's coastline, stretching over 800 miles along the Pacific Ocean, is home to some of the world's most iconic and breathtaking beaches. 

From the laid-back, sandy towns of Southern California to the rugged, misty shores of the North, each beach has its unique charm and character, making the state a paradise for beach lovers.

In Southern California, beaches like Malibu’s Zuma Beach, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach are synonymous with the California beach lifestyle, offering vast stretches of sand, world-famous surf breaks, and vibrant boardwalks bustling with activity. 

Orange County's Laguna Beach combines artistic flair with natural beauty. Its secluded coves and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and exploring tide pools. Further south, San Diego's beaches, such as La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach, are celebrated for their idyllic conditions and opportunities for water sports.

Meanwhile, the rugged coastline of Big Sur offers breathtaking views and serene retreats, while the San Francisco Bay Area beaches, like Ocean Beach and Baker Beach, provide stunning vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The housing market can be competitive

Because it’s home to one of the largest economies in the nation, California is also home to one of the most competitive housing markets.

In the state’s most coveted areas, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, the demand for housing often outpaces supply, leading to bidding wars and properties selling above their listing price.

Silicon Valley’s contribution to the world’s tech scene also contributes to the demanding price points of the Bay Area’s housing market. With its sprawling layout and diverse neighborhoods, Los Angeles sees a similar trend, where the desirability of areas like Los Feliz or beachfront properties in Santa Monica drives up prices and competition. San Diego's appeal, bolstered by its beautiful beaches, can also host a competitive market, especially in sought-after areas near the coast.

This competitive market means that preparation is vital for potential buyers. Securing pre-approval for mortgages, being ready to make quick decisions, and clearly understanding one’s budget and needs can make a significant difference. 

Interested in buying a home in California? Browse listings in your favorite city and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.