Complete how-to guide on relocating to the West Coast region within the United States.

Featuring cities: • Los Angeles • San Diego • San Francisco

GUIDE

RELOCATION:

US (WEST COAST)

2015

| Relocation: US (West Coast)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OverviewMoving ChecklistFinding a New HomeCity Spotlight: Los AngelesCity Spotlight: San DiegoCity Spotlight: San FranciscoResourcesEndnotes

3 4 6 7 9 11 13 14

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Relocating to the West Coast area?

This complete guide will help you seamlessly move & avoid various pitfalls along the way. From understanding what movers to choose, how to find a new home, & what to do once you're settled, we’ll make sure you are prepared for anything. We also feature in-depth city guides for Los Angeles, San Diego, & San Francisco.

But first, some perks of moving to the West Coast:

• BEAUTIFUL WEATHER • CLOSE TO POPULAR VACATION SPOTS • FAMOUS CUISINES • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY • OUTDOOR RECREATION (SURFING,

SKIING, & HIKING)

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OVERVIEW

| Relocation: US (West Coast)

BUDGET YOUR MOVING EXPENSES - Decide how exactly you’re going to move. Will you hire movers? Will you

sell your belongings & move on your own? How many boxes will you need? Depending on what you choose, debate pros/cons so you can estimate costs & plan accordingly. Search online for moving companies, like U-Pack, & request quotes to compare prices. Tip: Have your employer approve a few days off in order to pack your things - it could take longer than you think.¹

MOVING CHECKLIST

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CONSIDER CURRENT LIVING SITUATION - While those who rent will have a much easier time moving, others who own property will

have a lot more to consider. If you have a mortgage, you should consider the following options:

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• Sell your house. While you can do this yourself, it might be easier to hire a local real-estate agent. Any profits made from the sale should be used to pay off the rest of your mortgage.²

• Qualify for a short sale. If you prove that you cannot make future mortgage payments, the bank can potentially find another buyer for your property. This will likely to negatively impact your credit score, but not as much as a foreclosure would.²

If you’re planning to return, invest in storage options. You can compare rates online at My Move.³

INFORM OTHERS OF ADDRESS CHANGE - If you have secured residence in another state & know the address, make sure to reach out &

let certain providers know. Communicate with the United States Postal Service (USPS) by filling out their online form.⁵

Also notify the following:²

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Avoid scams - make sure your moving company has license numbers from the

US Department of Transportation (USDOT) &

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

(FMCSA).⁴

• Accountant • Attorney• Bank/ Credit Card• City/ County Tax Assessor• Dentist• Doctor• Gym Health Club• Health Insurance Provider• Insurance Agent• Laundry Service

• Magazines• Newsletters• Newspaper• Pharmacy• Post Office• Schools• Social Security• State/ Federal Tax Bureau (IRS) • State Vehicle Registration• Storage/ Gas Charge Accounts

PACKING CHECKLIST

• Tape (packing or masking)• Boxes (various sizes)• Box cutter• Labels• Permanent Marker• Wrapping material (bubble

wrap, etc.)• Scissors• Inventory list (just in case!)

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COST OF LIVING INDEX*⁶

California Colorado Montana Nebraska Nevada Oregon Washington Wyoming Utah

92.293.6103.2125.1

101.692.0100.8101.3128.7

*Sourced from 2014 annual average data available by Mecca.

SCHEDULE UTILITIES & INTERNET IN ADVANCE - Be sure to reach out to your landlord/ realtor & schedule utilities to be turned on at least two days in advance of move. Find out what providers are available in

your new location. Upon arrival, seek out where the gas, power, & electric is located so you can turn them off in case of emergency. Also, compare phone & internet prices with online comparison tools to save the most money.²

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SETTLE IN WITH THE DMV - In order to transfer your license & old license plates, register a car, & register to vote, you must reach out to your new local

DMV. It's important to note that some of these services have deadlines (ex. becoming an organ donor).⁷

Visit www.dmv.org or state DMV website for more information.

6

Leave a note with

your new address

for future

residents so you

they can forward

lost mail.¹

5

BRINGING YOUR CAR? - Some regions give you the benefit of owning a car instead of relying on public

transportation. If you’ve already got a car, there are options to move it to your new location.

• Take a road-trip. Why not enjoy the experience & drive yourself? Research must-see destinations & plan your trip beforehand.²

• Hire someone to transport. While this is expensive to do, you can hire an Auto Mover. Compare quotes to make the best decision. Note: Emissions & safety standards vary per state.²

• Sell your old car. If you don’t need a car because of public transportation, or that you just want to buy a new one, you can lighten the move by selling your vehicle.²

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FINDING A NEW HOMEOne of the biggest decisions when it comes to moving is finding a new place to live. Should you rent or own? What neighborhoods are best? Things to consider also include who you’re moving with (ex. family) & if you prefer city living or suburban areas.

Where can I find listings?

Craigslist is a great place to start, but if you want to look on-the-go, Padmapper pulls in Craigslist data & shows listings in a Google style map on multiple devices (like your phone). Other sources include Trulia, Apartmentfinder, Zillow, & local newspapers.

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Owning property makes sense if you’re planning on moving long term or if you have a family to consider. If you’re in a suburban town, you’ll see that large amount of space & outdoor activities help promote a sense of community.

Moving with Kids?

Safety of neighborhood & quality of education is key when moving with children. Movers offers a tool to compare crime rates between states.¹¹ For schools, look up the public & private institutions near your considered neighborhood & reach out to parents of current students for information. You can visit school websites & sometimes find Parent Teacher Officer (PTO) contacts to speak with.¹⁰

Owning Costs⁹

• Closing (deposit & other fees)• Monthly or yearly mortgage payment• Maintenance • Property taxes• Homeowner’s insurance

Compare the direct costs between renting vs. buying on New York Time’s interactive calculator, created by The

Upshot.⁹

Renting property allows you the flexibility of a lease (or sublease), which usually lasts 1-2 years. Renters don't have to worry about paying maintenance fees, but they also miss out on tax benefits from mortgage payments & sometimes incur monthly payment increases per year.

However, it's great to rent if you prefer the lifestyle of living in a city. Also, renting property can be significantly cheaper with a roommate, whom you can easily find online:

• Craigslist• Roommates• Roomster

How do I Search?

Rental brokers are not as common on the West Coast. Instead, landlords will list properties once available to rent - meaning, you need to move quickly because properties rent fast!⁸

Tip: Give yourself 30 days to find a place. In Los Angeles, residents have 30 day notices to move out; landlords will wait during this period to post listings. On average, the available property is usually rented within 2 weeks. Learn more at Rent in LA.⁸

Rent Costs⁹

• Security deposit (returned at end of lease)• Monthly rent• Renter’s insurance• Broker’s fee (not common on West Coast)

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CITY SPOTLIGHT: LOS ANGELES

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MUST SEE¹⁶

The Grove - Located in Fairfax, The Grove is an outdoor mall with restaurants & activities for all ages. If you’re lucky, you might spot a celebrity buying coffee or grabbing a bite to eat at the Farmers Market. Hollywood - Travel down the Hollywood Walk of Fame & see your favorite celebrity's stars cemented in the sidewalk.

Museum Row - On Miracle Mile, there are 5 popular museums not too far apart from each other. Check out their website for special deals or discounts on certain days.

• Craft & Young Folk Museum • The Page Museum • The Architecture & Design Museum • The Petersen Automotive Museum • Los Angeles Country Museum of Art (LACMA)

The Griffith Observatory - Take in one of the best views of LA in Griffith Park. Tip: Admission is free & the view is even better at night!

FOOD & DRINK

You will not be disappointed with the food in LA. Being close to Mexico has the city boasting with some of the best Mexican Cuisine offerings. Also, In-and-Out is a must stop for American burgers.

The nightlife is different in every neighborhood, but it's also diverse & lively. Note: bars usually offer last call at 1:30am. Also, the expansive geography makes it difficult to bar hop from place to place - however, the sunny atmosphere guarantees a good time.¹⁷

View what’s trending in food & drink here:

• Thrillist • LA Weekly • Yelp

WEATHER On average, there are 284 days of sun a year. Summers average 65-75 degrees; Winters average 45-65 degrees.¹³

DEMOGRAPHIC¹⁵

Population 3,884,307

People per Square Mile

8,092

Average Commute to Work

29.3 Minutes

TRANSPORTATION

Most people will say that you need a car to travel in Los Angeles; owning or leasing a vehicle will make navigation a lot easier because LA is very spread out. You can also rent cars or subscribe to Zipcar if you don't need to drive often. Fortunately, the beautiful views make the rides enjoyable, specifically trips on the Pacific Coast Highway.¹³

Additionally, there is public transportation available if you need it; it’s a very efficient & reliable alternative method for residents to get around. The following options exist for public transit:¹³

• Los Angeles Metro • City Bus Services

EDUCATION

A full list of schools in Los Angeles is available by the LA Times. Select a school to view enrollment info, student-teacher ratio, performance, & more.¹⁴

Famously called the “City of Angels,” Los Angeles (LA) is America’s hub for creativity & unique individuals. The city is buzzing with things to do; from exploring downtown LA to hiking outdoors in the hills to view the infamous Hollywood sign, Los Angeles has something for everyone.

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HollywoodKorea Town

Los FelizPasadena

Sherman OaksSilver lake

TarzanaValley Village

ValenciaVenice $1,390,300

$491,300$751,400

$705,400$815,100

$512,300$682,000

$1,275,400$542,000

$661,100

NEIGHBORHOODS

There are endless neighborhoods in LA that have their own sense of community & culture. When deciding which one to live in, know that traffic is highest in tourist areas (Hollywood & High line). Learn about each neighborhood at My Moves & find your best fit.¹³

To help you compare, view the average sales price of house by area on the right. As of March 2015, the average monthly apartment rental price was $2,043. 1 bedrooms were said to rent $1,814 & 2 bedrooms were $2,371 on average according to Rent Jungle. ¹⁸

SURROUNDING TOWNS³³

Move here for: Views, nightlife, luxury homes

Move here for: Cultural amenities, family-friendly, & rich architecture

Move here for: Young folk, trendy, & houses in hills

Move here for: Family-friendly, clean environment, & schools

Move here for: Shopping, peace & quiet, & suburban

*Values reflect median Zillow Home Value Index available on Zillow.com.

MEDIAN VALUE OF HOUSE¹⁹

LOS FELIZ VALENCIA

SHERMAN OAK SILVER LAKE

PASADENA

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CITY SPOTLIGHT: SAN DIEGO

MUST SEE

Balboa Park - If you’re a fan of culture & nature, visit this urban cultural park in the downtown area. It not only has 15 museums, but is home to the famous San Diego Zoo.²² Gaslamp District - This downtown area offers restaurants, shops, museums, cafes, & much more amongst scenic skyscrapers paired with victorian-style buildings. The best part is that everything is easily walkable & just as fun at night. Some popular places include:²³

• Petco Park • Horton Plaza Shopping Mall • William Heath Davis Museum

Torrey Pines State Beach - This beach offers amazing views & quality photo opportunities. ²³

FOOD & DRINK

In 2014, San Diego saw more top chefs opening new restaurants & outdoor food festivals celebrating new trends. Many new neighborhoods have also emerged to introduce new flavors & cuisines.²⁴

One of the best places to enjoy the nightlife is the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego. It's filled with great rooftop bars, clubs, & more.

View what’s trending in food & drink here:

• Trip Advisor • Thrillist • Gaslamp

WEATHER Average temperature downtown is 65 degrees in Winter & 76 degrees in summer. San Diego also averages 10.3 inches of rain a year.²⁰

DEMOGRAPHIC¹⁵

Population 1,355,896

People per Square Mile

4,020

Average Commute to Work

22.5 Minutes

TRANSPORTATION²⁰

The public transportation is very reliable & useful in San Diego. They have public buses, trolley, & commuter rail on Coaster & Amtrak. If you want to travel north, you can use the Sprinter rail. Also, downtown area is very walkable. If you want to travel to nearby locations (LA is a short drive away), having a car will make it much easier to get around. You can also rent cars or subscribe to Zipcar if you don't need to drive often. These options exist for public transit (more available at My Move):

• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System • Trolley • Coaster • Sprinter

EDUCATION

A full list of schools in San Diego is available by the LA Times. Select a school to view enrollment info, student-teacher ratio, performance, & more.²¹

San Diego is filled with breathtaking beaches & trendy, interesting shops & restaurants to explore. The city is also known for its laid back culture & pleasant, mild weather all year round.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

San Diego has 52 Community Planning Areas with their own distinct neighborhoods to consider. While this seems like a lot, the terrain breaks them apart with hills & canyons. Learn about each neighborhood at My Moves & Front Door find your best fit.

To help you compare, view the average sales price of a house by area on the right. As of March 2015, the average monthly apartment rental price was $1,790. 1 bedrooms were said to rent $1,537 & 2 bedrooms were $1,946 on average according to Rent Jungle.²⁵

CarlsbadChula VIstaGrantville

HillcrestKearny Mesa

La MesaOcean Beach

Point LomaScripps Ranch

South Park $608,000$658,000

$638,300$684,200

$447,300$459,700$468,000

$239,200$431,400

$701,000

*Values reflect median Zillow Home Value Index available on Zillow.com.

MEDIAN VALUE OF HOUSE¹⁹

LA MESA GRANTSVILLE

CHULA VISTA

SOUTH PARK

Move here for: Small businesses, close communities, & trendy shops

CARLSBAD

Move here for: Cycling, safety, beaches, & young families

Move here for: Mom-and-pop shops, peace & quiet, & affordable Move here for: San Diego River, no crowds, & up-and-coming

Move here for: Highway access, affordable, & family-centric

Move here for: Highway access, affordable, & family-centric

SURROUNDING TOWNS²⁶

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MUST SEE

Golden Gate Bridge - The iconic picture of the Golden Gate Bridge is even more sensational in person. As one of the seven wonders of the modern world, you must walk across it when living in San Francisco.²⁹ Alcatraz - While SF offers 60+ museums, if you want a dose of history, you need to visit this former prison located in the San Francisco Bay. Tour & explore the grounds for a haunting revisit to when the prison was closed in the 1960’s. You also need to take a ferry to the island, which can be booked with a reservation at Alcatraz Cruises. ²⁹

North Beach - This is not actually a beach, but a small community (not even a square mile) packed with cultural stops & interesting people. It’s got a heavy Italian heritage & is even more fun at night with offerings like live music, beautiful gardens, & more.³⁰

FOOD & DRINK

People have dubbed San Francisco as one of the premiere dining destinations in the US. Anyone will be more than satisfied with its assortment of diverse & trendy cuisines.

The bars & nightlife scene fit the eclectic community that San Francisco is known for. No matter what your preference is, you can find a niche spot that’s guaranteed to be a good time.

View what’s trending in food & drink here:

• San Francisco Travel • Trip Advisor • Thrillist

WEATHER While the weather is not consistently as hot as Southern CA, it pleasantly fluctuates between hot & cold. Be prepared to dress warm at times.²⁷

DEMOGRAPHIC¹⁵

Population 837,442

People per Square Mile

17,179

Average Commute to Work

30.5 Minutes

TRANSPORTATION²⁷

San Francisco is popularly known for its charming cable cars that operate above ground. The city also offers other convenient public transportation methods that easily replace needing a car. Owning a vehicle is only a must have if you plan on traveling outside the city, otherwise you can easily rent for road-trips or other infrequent travels.

The following options exist for public transit: You can also rent cars or subscribe to Zipcar if you don't need to drive often.

• Muni Metro (light rail & subway) • Buses (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) • Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) • Caltrain railway systems

EDUCATION

A full list of schools in San Francisco is available by the LA Times. Select a school to view enrollment info, student-teacher ratio, performance, & more.²⁸

It's been said that the only bad thing about San Francisco (SF) is how hard it is to leave. It's filled with some of the happiest & healthiest people in the US. SF exudes a unique culture with some of the best music, arts, food, & beach experiences that will have you wishing you moved sooner.

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CITY SPOTLIGHT: SAN FRANCISCO

| Relocation: US (West Coast)

Move here for: Small town, safety, & suburban lifestyle

Move here for: Very clean, hiking, & diverse culture

Move here for: Families, walkable, & outdoor recreation

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Move here for: Beaches, downtown area, & central location

*Values reflect median Zillow Home Value Index available on Zillow.com.

Claremont Berkeley

BurlingameFoster City

FremontLafayette

MarinaOuter Mission

PleasantonRichmondSan Mateo

Walnut Creek $732,700$1,009,300

$320,500$903,000

$801,600$418,800

$1,298,800$810,800

$1,293,600$1,711,700

$942,800$623,000

MEDIAN VALUE OF HOUSE¹⁹NEIGHBORHOODS

San Francisco spans 46 square miles, but has various surrounding neighborhoods to choose from. On average, their real estate values higher than other cities, but you can easily save money by not owning a car. Depending on where you live, a vehicle is not always required to fully enjoy the city. Learn more about each neighborhood at My Moves or Front Door & find your best fit.²⁷

To help you compare, view the average sales price of a house by area on the right. As of March 2015, the average monthly apartment rental price was $3,586. 1 bedrooms were said to rent $3,100 & 2 bedrooms were $4,268 on average according to Rent Jungle.³¹

BURLINGAME³⁵

WALNUT CREEK

Move here for: School system, downtown area, & businesses

Move here for: Highway access, affordable, & family-centric

SURROUNDING TOWNS³²

FOSTER CITY³⁷

SAN MATEO³⁴

FREEMONT³⁸

Move here for: Suburbs, public schools, & open space

PLEASANTON³⁶

LAFAYETTE

Move here for: Diversity, education, & young adults

BERKELEY

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RESOURCES

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MOVING SERVICES

• U-Pack • Mayflower • Atlas • Moveeast • Liffey • OZ Moving

AUTO MOVERS

• Ship Car Direct • Executive Auto Shippers • Stateway Auto Transport • Secure Auto Shipping • Best Ways to Transport

PET MOVERS

• Animal Land Pet Movers • Capital Pet Movers • Air Animal • Pet-Express

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS (RENT & BUY)

• Craigslist

• Padmapper

• Trulia

• Apartmentfinder

• Zillow

• West Side Rentals

• Apartment Finder

• 5 Best Apartment Search Tools

EVENT FINDER

• Eventbrite

• BandsinTown

• Eventful

FINDING A HOME TIPS

• Biggest Mortgage Mistakes

• Finding a Place to Live in LA

• Rent Trend Data

EDUCATION

• Choosing a School from a Distance

• California School Guide

INTERNET/ CABLE COMPARISON TOOL

• My Rate Plan

TRAVEL GUIDES

• Discover America

• My Move

• DMV California Relocation Guide

• I’m Moving to LA

• Trip Advisor

• Timeout

• Thrillist

CAR RENTALS

• Expedia

• Zipcar

• Enterprise

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Endnotes

1. upack.com/moving-resources/checklist.asp2. mymove.com/content/dam/mymove/documents/Cross-Country-Move-eBook.pdf 3. storage.mymove.com4. rileyguide.com/relocate.html5. moversguide.usps.com/icoa/home/icoa-main-flow.do?execution=e2s1&_flowId=icoa-main-flow&6. missourieconomy.org/indicators/cost_of_living7. dmv.org8. rentinginla.com/top-10-tips-moving-los-angeles9. nytimes.com/interactive/2014/upshot/buy-rent-calculator.html?_r=1&abt=0002&abg=110. greatschools.org/gk/articles/choosing-a-school-from-a-distance11. movers.com/moving-guides/us-state-profiles/twostates-compare.aspx 12. quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0644000.html13. mymove.com/guide/moving-to-los-angeles.html 14. schools.latimes.com/search/location/?q=Los%20Angeles,%20CA,%20USA&lat=34.0522342&lng=-118.2436849 15. quickfacts.census.gov 16. discoveramerica.com/usa/travel-journals/southern-california-urban.aspx 17. quora.com/How-does-a-typical-night-out-in-Los-Angeles-differ-from-one-in-other-cities 18. rentjungle.com/average-rent-in-los-angeles-rent-trends 19. zillow.com 20. mymove.com/guide/moving-to-san-diego.html21. schools.latimes.com/search/location/?q=San%20Diego,%20CA,%20USA&lat=32.715738&lng=-117.1610838000000322. discoveramerica.com/usa/states/california/cities/san-diego.aspx 23. tourguidetim.com/gaslamp-quarter-attractions-and-nightlife24. zagat.com/b/san-diego/the-year-in-dining-drinking-in-san-diego#725. rentjungle.com/average-rent-in-san-diego-rent-trends26. sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/March-2015/Best-Neighborhoods-in-San-Diego/The-Best-Places-to-Live-in-San-

Diego 27. mymove.com/guide/moving-to-san-francisco.html28. schools.latimes.com/search/location/?q=San%20Francisco,%20CA,%20USA&lat=37.7749295&lng=-122.4194155000000129. discoveramerica.com/usa/states/california/cities/san-francisco.aspx30. sanfrancisco.travel/explore/neighborhoods/north-beach 31. rentjungle.com/average-rent-in-san-francisco-rent-trends 32. frontdoor.com/places/10-great-neighborhoods-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area?offset=0 33. airbnb.com 34. movoto.com/san-mateo-ca/move-to-san-mateo 35. burlingame.com/channel/Live-In-Burlingame/7000 36. cityofpleasantonca.gov/visitor/default.asp37. quora.com/What-is-it-like-to-live-in-Foster-City-Ca38. movoto.com/blog/opinions/move-to-fremont

IMAGE SOURCES

1. google.com/maps 2. stocksnap.io*3. lifeofpix.com*

*Images sourced are copyrighted under Creative Commons CC0 license. For more information, read here.

| Relocation: US (West Coast)

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