Moving from California to Massachusetts

It's no secret that California is a great place to live. From the coastlines to the mountains, there's something for everyone in The Golden State. However, if you want to be closer to cities on the East Coast and want to experience all four seasons, you may be considering a move to Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a thriving economy and is surrounded by beauty and nature. It's a great place to raise a family, retire, or kickstart your professional career. 

Planning a move from California to Massachusetts? North American Van Lines is here to help you plan ahead. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to consider before you move from California to Massachusetts.

How to Move from California to Massachusetts

A move from California to Massachusetts is considered a long-distance move. To help you prepare for the journey ahead, you'll want to:

• Plan Ahead: Start planning your cross-country move two to three months in advance. This gives you enough time to buy moving supplies and compare quotes between moving companies.
• Have a Budget: A moving budget will help you plan accordingly. It will also ensure you don't overspend on general moving expenses. 
• Downsize: Downsizing before you move can help you save. Consider going through your items to find things you can donate, throw away or sell before you move.
• Hire a Moving Company: Massachusetts is over 3,000 miles away from California. To ensure you're prepared to go the distance, you'll want to consider hiring a long-distance movers to assist with your relocation.

North American Van Lines is a long-distance moving company with the skills and expertise you need to achieve a hassle-free move. Contact us today for a free quote. 

Benefits of Moving to Massachusetts from California

There are many advantages of moving to Massachusetts. Not only will you experience all four seasons, but the cost of living is comparable to most California cities. Some other benefits include:

Close Access to Major Cities

Massachusetts is a quick train or plane ride to New York City, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, and more. The close proximity to other states unlocks more job opportunities and weekend activities for you and your family.

Tons of Job Opportunities

Depending on where you decide to move to in Massachusetts, you'll find many high-paying job opportunities across various industries. Some popular industries include healthcare, engineering, transportation and human services. 

If you want to make a career change or kick-start your professional career after college, Boston has a robust job market and is a great place to consider moving. However, it's important to note that the cost of living is significantly higher than other cities in Massachusetts. 

Rich Sports Culture

The people of Massachusetts are serious about their sports! Sports are deeply ingrained in the community culture of Massachusetts, from baseball and football to hockey and basketball. There's a major sports team that everyone in Massachusetts loves to cheer on. If you live in Boston or close to the city, you can spend your weekends at professional sporting events with friends and family. The most popular teams near Boston include:

• Boston Red Sox
• New England Patriots 
• New England Whalers
• Boston Bruins
• Boston Celtics

Education Opportunities 

Massachusetts is home to some of the most prestigious schools in the country. Harvard, MIT, Boston College and Northeastern University are in or near Boston. The public school systems are also highly ranked. According to U.S. News & World Report, Massachusetts ranked number one in the country for Pre-K-12.

American History and Culture

If you're a history buff, you'll love spending more time in Massachusetts. There are many historic sites and landmarks worth visiting throughout the state. Once you move, you can spend your weekends exploring the different places and educating yourself on American history. Some of the most popular spots to visit in Massachusetts include:

• Freedom Trail
• Bunker Hill Monument
• Paul Revere House
• Concord Museum
• Lizzie Borden House

Best Cities to Live in Massachusetts

Before you move, you'll want to look into the different cities and communities. Consider the cost of living, job opportunities and overall quality of life the city will provide. Some of the best places to live in Massachusetts include:

• Cambridge: A historic city filled with history, museums and breathtaking architecture. Cambridge is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country and is a quick 20-minute drive to Boston.
• Boston: The perfect blend of history, culture and sports. From the college neighborhood of Southie to the charming cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, Boston has a little bit of something for everyone.
• Clinton: Located in Worcester County is a small New England town perfect for retirees, families and working professionals. It's more affordable than Boston and is only an hour's drive away.
• Arlington: A safe and quaint community with great public schools and family-friendly suburbs. Arlington has over seven neighborhoods with coffee shops, restaurants and small shops. 
• Franklin: A safe and quiet community located in Norfolk County. Franklin is known for its top-rated public school system and rich American history. There are also many great parks and nearby walking trails if you enjoy spending time outdoors. 

Each city in Massachusetts is unique. Before moving to Massachusetts from California, consider exploring these differences to find a place that aligns with your budget, interests and needs. 

Cost of Moving from California to Massachusetts

As you prepare to move from California to Massachusetts, you are probably concerned about the cost of your move. Cross country moves can be expensive, so it’s important to choose a moving company that offers excellent service at an affordable price. North American is proud to offer superior service and competitive pricing. The average linehaul moving cost from California to Massachusetts with North American Van Lines is $8,400.

The actual price will be dependent on other variables such as the number of items being moved, the exact distance of the move, and any additional moving services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Quote on Demand or calling our customer service representatives.

You'll also need to consider the cost of moving supplies, hotel stays, airfare and mileage if you plan on driving across the country. Before you start planning your move, you'll want to have a budget for these expenses. You'll also want to have an emergency fund you can rely on for any unexpected expenses that may come your way. Some ways to help you save on your overall cost include:

• Downsize prior to your move
• Work with a moving company
• Consider auto shipping services

Plan Your Move to Massachusetts Today

For over 90 years, North American Van Lines has been helping individuals, families and corporations relocate to and from Massachusetts. Our movers are trained, licensed and certified. No matter what city you plan to call home, they have the skills and expertise you need to achieve a smooth, stress-free transition. 

Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.