Out of all 50 states, there is just something dreamy about California. Perhaps it’s the warm weather and abundant sunshine, or the beautiful beaches and stunning views. Whatever the reason, California continues to be one of the most popular places to live. As you prepare to move from Illinois, it’s helpful to know what awaits you in California. From its wide variety of outdoor activities to the countless sights and cities to explore, California truly has something for everyone. Here are just a few of the incredible benefits of life in the Golden State.
Benefits of Moving from Illinois to California
The Weather
One of the biggest benefits of living in California is its incredible weather. Southern California enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with temperatures in the 70s throughout the year. The northern part of the state is slightly cooler but still offers a mild climate year-round and the entire state enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. While California is well known for its warm weather, the mountains in Northern California do receive snow, making them a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Even so, most people in California know very little about freezing temperatures because they simply don’t have to!
Beautiful Scenery
As someone moving from Illinois, you’ll be happy to know that the beach is never too far away. With more than 800 miles of coastline, California is a perfect place for anyone who loves the water. Its beaches offer stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs and incredible marine life. If you prefer the mountains, California has plenty of those as well. In fact, it’s one of the few places where you can go surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon. As if the beaches and mountains weren’t enough, California is also home to beautiful rolling hills and palm tree-lined streets. California’s Pacific Coast Highway, which stretches from San Francisco to San Diego, is one of the most scenic drives in the country and offers an unforgettable way to enjoy the state’s breathtaking views. No matter where you are in California, you’re always surrounded by natural beauty.
Outdoor Activities
California’s incredible weather and diverse landscape make it the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. Beyond relaxing at the beach, you can enjoy boating, swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, jogging, skiing, camping and hiking. Nature lovers will also have the chance to explore some of the country’s most breathtaking national parks, including Yosemite, Joshua Tree and Death Valley, just to name a few.
Employment Opportunities
California is home to one of the largest economies in the world, making the job opportunities almost endless. Whether you dream of becoming an actor or entertainer in Hollywood or hope to work for one of the world’s leading tech companies in Silicon Valley, California offers a wide range of career opportunities. Beyond the entertainment industry, finance, technology, media, trade and farming all play a major role in driving California’s economy.
Cultural Diversity
As one of the largest states in the country, it’s no surprise that California is home to a rich mix of cultures. Its major cities, location along the Pacific Ocean and close proximity to Mexico attract millions of people from around the world. This cultural diversity brings a wide variety of cuisines, traditions and celebrations, making California an exciting and vibrant place to live.
Excellent Education
If you’re moving with your family, having access to quality education is an important consideration and California has plenty to offer. The state is home to a wide range of public and private colleges and universities that attract students from around the world. These include some of the nation’s top-ranked institutions, such as Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology, the University of Southern California, the University of California, Berkeley and many more.
So Much to See and Do
With its breathtaking landscapes, world-class attractions, national parks and easy access to multiple cities, California is filled with things to see and do. You can visit many of the state’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Santa Monica Pier, Lone Cypress, Alcatraz, the iconic Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Redwoods in Yosemite National Park. Thrill seekers and movie fans can also spend the day at Disneyland or Universal Studios. California’s world-renowned wine country is the perfect place to relax, unwind or enjoy a weekend getaway. The state is also home to several professional sports teams, giving you plenty of opportunities to cheer on your favorite team. On top of all that, California offers one of the best food and dining scenes in the world, along with some of the country’s top shopping destinations.
Most Popular Cities to Live in California
Los Angeles
You don’t have to dream of becoming an actor or actress to find plenty of reasons to live in Los Angeles. While it’s known as the birthplace of the movie industry, this culturally diverse city offers much more than the bright lights of Hollywood. Its growing tech industry has created many new job opportunities and contributed to a steadily expanding job market. The city is also home to a rich mix of cultures, a vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants and yoga studios on nearly every corner. Add in the near-perfect weather and beautiful beaches, and it’s easy to see why Los Angeles is such a desirable place to call home.
San Francisco
Best known for the Golden Gate Bridge and its iconic cable cars, San Francisco is both a popular tourist destination and a wonderful place to put down roots. The Bay Area is considered one of the best places to find a job, thanks to its thriving technology industry. In addition to a strong job market, San Francisco offers pleasant weather, beautiful scenery and is just a short drive from incredible destinations, including mountains, beaches, national parks, lakes, and rivers.
Sacramento
California is often known for its high cost of living but Sacramento is surprisingly more affordable than many other parts of the state. It also has a stronger sense of community, as it’s not nearly as large as major cities like Los Angeles. While it’s not located directly on the coast, Sacramento still offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts, with its many lakes, rivers and close proximity to the mountains.
Cost of Moving from Illinois to California
Moving a long distance can be expensive, so it’s important to understand how this move may affect your budget. At STI, we know that moving can be stressful, which is why we offer upfront pricing and competitive rates to help keep your move affordable. The average cost to move from Illinois to California with STI Moving & Storage is $3,860. However, the final cost depends on several factors, including the total distance of your move, the number of items being transported and any additional services, such as packing and unpacking. The best way to receive an accurate quote is by using our Instaquote listed above.
How to Move from Illinois to California
When you’re planning a long-distance move, working with a professional Illinois moving company is essential. Since you won’t have the option of making multiple trips back and forth, it’s important to make sure everything is well organized from the very beginning. By choosing an experienced and reliable moving company like STI, you can trust that every part of your move will be handled with care to ensure a smooth relocation. Moving is stressful enough, so let the professionals at STI take care of the heavy lifting while you focus on what matters most—starting your new life in sunny California.
Call 847-675-1223 or request a free online quote today to get started.
