Are you considering relocating to California? The Golden State and its surrounding area are trendy among East-coast residents who are tired of the dreary winters and cold weather. Instead of sitting in your house while the rain pours down or the snow builds up outside your door, moving to the West Coast brings sunny skies and good weather all year round.
However, before you bite the bullet, sell your apartment, and move across the country, there are a few things to consider. Knowing the top places and reasons you should move to the West Coast can help you feel confident in your decision.
Top cities on the West Coast
If the metropolitan centers of activity call to your heart, there’s no shortage of bustling cities on the West Coast. A few favorites include Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
If you have your heart set on sunny California, you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of gorgeous cities to call home. Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara are just a few of the easy-living sun-soaked towns you could make your new stomping grounds. There are a few things to know before moving to California or elsewhere on the Golden Coast— so do your research before you sign any skyhigh leases on the beach or near the city center.
Now that you’ve got an idea of the cities that might call your name, here are ten top reasons people are moving to the Golden Coast.
Natural beauty
If you live on the East Coast or the middle of the country, you may have one city park, river walkway, or open farmland. However, the West’s outdoor activities, nature, beauty, and mountains are unparalleled.
Outdoor activities abound
You can wake up and start your day by going for a beautiful run along the coast. If you want something a little more challenging, you can head inland to one of the many mountain ranges that span the entire state. Take a kayak or canoe out on the local rivers for water lovers. A morning ocean swim can be a great way to wake up for the adventurous spirits.
For weekend getaways, expats who relocate to California will love the national parks, such as Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree. Fun fact: Yosemite National Park is internationally recognized for its lakes, mountains, glaciers, and meadows.
Do you lead an alternative life? You’ll fit right in here
If you enjoy living out of your camper van, working at an exciting job, or avoiding the 9-5 life, you will love the West coast’s alternative lifestyle and liberal attitudes. Instead of having to bring day in and day out at your corporate job in a skyscraper, why not chase your unique dreams in California?
Sip on some craft beers after work
Craft beers are very common in California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon — and they are a popular part of everyday culture. If you meet friends at work or a local pick-up dodgeball game, chances are everyone will head to the local brewery for a few pints to continue socializing. For beer lovers, the West Coast is the best.
Need a road trip idea? Why not take a driving trip to the best craft breweries along the West Coast. Head to the Calicraft Brewing Company, Botown Brewery, Eagle Rock Brewery, and more.
The people are friendly
If you live in New York City, you might feel like everyone always has their head down and on the go. The pace is a bit more relaxed on the West Coast, giving you time to meet people, talk to locals, and chat with friendly people. It is much easier to make friends in a laid-back place like Washington, providing new residents with more chances to fit in and build a social life.
Consistent job growth
Are you nervous about finding a job? Don’t be — jobs on the West Coast are abundant. If you work in a specific sector, such as tech, you will have no problem finding a job as soon as you head to Cali. If you want to guarantee a job before heading to the West Coast, consider looking online on job sites before the big move.
Unemployment has steadily declined in California in the past year, showing how jobs are becoming more and more frequent.
Various social activities
For those residing in a cold and dreary city, it might feel like every out-of-work activity revolves around drinking, restaurants, or clubs. However, there are plenty of social activities on the West Coast, including the outdoors, exercise, and hobbies. New expats to the area will enjoy going to neighborhood barbecues, hiking on the nearby mountains, and visiting dog parks.
If you are relocating to Los Angeles, there are even lists of the top socially-distanced activities that you can do to make friends and stay safe. Consider learning to surf, hiking to the Hollywood sign, exploring the tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Park, picking out some fruits and vegetables at the Original Farmers Market, or watching a flick at the local drive-in theater.
Your East coast friends will want to visit
When you move across the country, you might be worried that you’ll never see your East coast friend angina. After all, the five-hour plane ride is not very enticing. However, your East Coast friends will want to visit the sunny state of California — especially during the cold winter months in New York or Philadelphia.
Moving to the West Coast is the perfect chance to invite all of your friends for a vacation to your new home. You can bring them to different hangout spots, nature views, and fantastic breweries. Need some inspiration on a weekend itinerary for your out-of-town friends?
Reclaim your health
Living in a cramped city or the middle of farm country can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. If you are not around anyone else, your social life might fade. If you live in a work-obsessed city, your physical health may decline.
Moving to the West Coast can help you reclaim your health, get back into fitness, and feel better about yourself. After all, the average life expectancy is 81.7 years – the second-highest in the nation.
Laid-back pace
Maybe you never really felt at home on the East Coast or in the Midwest — the pace of the culture just never seemed to fit your laidback style. If this sounds like you, California will be a dream come true — people enjoy surfing, going to cafes, moving at a slower pace, and enjoying their life.
Wrap up
Before you go, if you are nervous about moving, don’t be — The West Coast is an ideal spot for nature lovers, tech gurus, East Coast expats, and everyone else. This friendly and outgoing region has something for everyone, helping give you confidence and peace of mind that you are making the right decision for your future.
