Moving To California? – Americans who dread the coming of winter each year might consider moving to California. A lot of people have already moved and are planning to move to California, mostly the millennials who are looking for high tech jobs in Silicon Valley. The move to the high tech centers of California is the new version of the Gold Rush.
The Gold Rush that began in 1848 brought more than 300,000 people coming from the various states and abroad to California. The Santa Clara County saw an increase in its Asian-American population from 43,000 in the 1970s to more than 430,000 in 2000. During the same period, the Latino population grew to 30% in San Jose, another tech hub, and 24% in the county. The African-American population in the country grew slightly to about 5%.
How many people live in California 2019
Top Reasons why people want to move to California in 2019
In 2019, more than half a million people moved to California from other states. That number is on top of the 334,000 that came from foreign lands. That population influx is the simple explanation behind the crowded freeways and malls, and the pricey homes and apartments.
The following are some reasons why California is so appealing to the people of other states and countries:
The sunshine
The average temperature in California is 59° F, the 13th warmest temperature among the 50 states. This type of weather is very attractive to people who literally freeze during the winter months. California during summer is not as hot as the other states, where north of 100°F is considered normal.
The size
The land area of California stretches from the Mexican border along the Pacific coast for nearly 900 miles. Los Angeles in Southern California is the seat of the Hollywood entertainment industry while Northern California is home to the agricultural and industrial sectors. California has a population of 39.6 million, the most populous state and the third-largest by area.
A melting pot
California has a diverse population, 61% of whom are minorities. A non-white resident will not feel out of place in this state because he sees his kind and more wherever he goes.
Land of opportunities
California’s job market is very appealing to people from other states. Employment in California has risen 13.6 percent since the end of the recession, almost double the pace of growth in other states.
Top-notch education
People move to California because of the top schools located in the state. A student can pursue a bachelor’s degree or graduate and post-graduate degrees in any field in California.
Healthy living
People who are attracted by a healthy living move to California because of the abundance of outdoor activities that keep them motivated for longer.
The Culture
People who love cultural things will find the best museums, top performance, and shows, as well as special events in this state.
Thrilling nightlife
If you love the nightlife, then California is the place for you. You can find a good party anywhere in California. You have the opportunity to rub shoulders with celebrities in the nightspots of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Workers get better pay
Workers in California are paid better than workers in other states, with the average annual household income pegged at $74,000.
High home prices
People who are looking for pricey homes will love California where an average house has a price tag of $630,000. Mansions that are priced millions of dollars are common in this state.
It’s California!
The State of California has so many appealing things that people from other states consider a great idea. Just mention California and people from other states and countries will brighten up. When people hear of movie stars and celebrities, California comes to their mind.
Important Things to Know About Moving to California
People who watch movies and television are very familiar with California. California is home to Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and many other entertainment areas. Foreign tourists visiting the US does not have a complete tour of the country without visiting Disneyland and the California parks.
California is known as The Golden State for many reasons, such as the Gold Rush that began in 1848, the golden poppies that cover the landscape of the state during spring, and the almost 40 million residents that soak up on the golden sunshine.
People from different states and countries who are planning to move to California must know a thing or so about the following:
Economy
California has the largest economy in the United States. The gross state product in 2018 was a mind-boggling $3.018 trillion. If California were a sovereign nation, it would rank as the world’s fifth-largest economy, behind Germany but ahead of the United Kingdom. The state’s Silicon Valley is home to some of the most valuable companies in the world, such as Apple, Alphabet Inc., and Facebook. More than 10% of Fortune 1000 companies are based in California, the most of any US state.
Job Market
California has a robust job market, with unemployment at the low 4.35%. The state minimum wage in California is $12 per hour as of January 1, 2019, to be adjusted yearly through 2023 when it is expected to be $15 per hour.
It is easy to find a job in California, whether in the agricultural sector, the entertainment industry, food service industry, healthcare industry, and in the high technology sector.
Housing
There are plenty of housing options in California, from a small studio near the bus stop to a mansion in a gated community. Unfortunately, people coming from states where housing is cheap will be surprised at the cost of housing in the Golden State. Even rent in the state is astronomically high, with a three-bedroom house renting for about $2,700 per month. Real estate prices are the shockers in California.
Culture
California, being a melting pot, has a huge divide in culture, depending on the part of the state where you live. There is a significant difference in the lifestyle of Californians living in the North, or NorCAl, and people living in the south, or SoCal. If you are looking for less materialistic and less superficial people, and people who can easily adapt in cold weather condition, then you should go to Northern California. If you are at ease living with people who tend to be more superficial, self-centered, workaholics, and overly concerned with appearance, you should settle in Southern California, especially in the Hollywood area.
Transportation
People who intend to move to California must be prepared for long drives and to be stuck in traffic for hours. California has an elaborate system of freeways and expressways that will bring a Californian to any point in the state. The system of roadways in the state is always heavy with vehicular traffic because of the sheer number of cars. In 2016, there are about 14.5 million registered vehicles in the state. It is common for an average household to have more than 2 cars.
Except for the residents of San Francisco, California residents will probably need a car. Being a big state with low-density communities and cities, public transportation options are limited. Each time you leave your home in the morning, be prepared to sit in traffic for many hours.
Taxes
California is one of the high-tax states in the country. Taxes in the state are high. While there is a great opportunity to earn more money in California, be ready to pay a big chunk of your paycheck to Uncle Sam. The good thing is that California spends the taxes you paid to social services that you will enjoy.
Renewable Energy
California is a hotspot for renewable energy. Drive around the state and you will encounter the beautiful sight of windmills that produce renewable energy. Solar energy is big in California. You will notice that almost every other rooftop in the state is lined with solar panels. California today is a testing ground for the country’s renewable energy.
Direct Democracy in California
The state of California is a proponent of high-stakes direct democracy. California is famous for citizen-proposed initiatives. Any California resident can initiate a petition and gather the required signatures to have the proposal on the ballot.
In so many elections, California has turned out a very blue state, with Democrats dominating the political landscape for years.
Multilingual State
California is a multi-lingual state. At least 220 languages are spoken in the state, with about 44% of residents speak a language other than English. Next to English, Spanish is the most spoken language in California. People who are planning to move to the state should learn first to speak some Spanish.
Healthy Diet
People who want to live on a healthy diet will be at home in California. If you love eating out, you want to drink wine or fresh juice, or if you don’t want to eat meat, gluten, sugar, or other controversial ingredients, you will have an easy time in California. Healthy living is big in California.
Risks
There are risks of living in California. Californians face such hazards as wildfires, earthquakes, and mudslides. It does not mean, however, that every Californian will fall victim to those disasters. It is a reminder to people to take care of their homeowner’s insurance, whether they buy or rent their homes.
Moving to California has its share of challenges, excitement, and fears. Knowing what to expect when you move to the state will make those things a lot easier and less daunting.
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