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Moving To Guides: Riverside, California

Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River, Riverside is the twelfth most populous city in California with over 303,000 residents.

Founded in the early 1870s, the city is home to the Mission Inn, the country’s largest Mission Revival style building.

If you’re moving to Riverside, here are some things you may want to know:

Demographics

The median age of the city’s residents is 30.6 years. Over twenty-three percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the median income is $54,300.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Riverside is seventeen percent higher than the national average, though it is fourteen percent lower than the state’s average.

Housing Market

The median listing price is $396,000, and home values have increased 8.2 percent over the past year.

Neighborhoods

Riverside has many distinctive neighborhoods including:

Arlanza – According to the city’s website, Arlanza is one of its most geographically diverse neighborhoods. This is because it’s bordered by the Santa Ana River Wildlife area to the north and it contains a mix of nearly every type of land use found in Riverside. The neighborhood is home to several schools, great trails, and a fitness center.

Hawarden Hills – Hawarden Hills has mainly single-family residences on mid-sized and estate lots. It has natural features such as steep hilly terrain, and residents enjoy a closeness to several schools and parks.

President Park – Named for the streets that honor the country’s past presidents, this neighborhood is home to one of the first auto centers in the United States. President Park has a lot of single-family residences, many of which are in gated planned residential developments.

Top Employers

Based on the number of employees, the top employers in Riverside include:

  • University of California – Riverside
  • Riverside Unified School District
  • City of Riverside
  • Pacific Bell – AT&T
  • Kaiser Permanente

Education

Homes are zoned to one of two school districts:

Alvord Unified School District – The Alvord Unified School District promises that all students will reach their unlimited potential. It’s made up of twelve elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools. The district serves the cities of Riverside and Corona, and it currently educates more than 19,000 students.

Riverside Unified School District – The Riverside Unified School District prepares students for success in college, career, and life. It has forty-eight schools and offers early childhood programs and after school programs that close each school day at 6:00 p.m.

Higher Education – There are several colleges and universities within Riverside’s boundaries such as the University of California, California Baptist University, American College of Healthcare, and Platt-College Riverside.

Things to Do

Residents can enjoy a variety of things to do such as:

March Field Air Museum – The March Field Air Museum displays one of the largest collections of military aircraft on the West Coast. For close to one hundred years, aviation pioneers have called March Field home, and the museum’s collection includes uniforms, personal letters, flight gear, and more than seventy aircraft.

Castle Park – Castle Park is a twenty-five acre amusement park that offers an array of rides and games that are fun for the entire family. Things to do include riding antique cars and Dragons Tower, getting wet at Buccaneer Cove, and playing miniature golf.

Riverside Art Museum – Located in the Mission Inn district , the Riverside Art Museum strives to integrate art into the lives of people in a way that engages and inspires. Its permanent collection includes approximately 1,500 objects such as photographs, paintings, and mixed media works.

Places to Eat

There are several great restaurants to choose from such as Bann Thai Restaurant, Seafood and Crawfish, and Farmer Boys.

When you are ready to relocate to Riverside, please contact us. We will help you find a moving company that specializes in long distance and cross-country moving.

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Things you Should Know About Moving to Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a beautiful city on the Eastern side of the United States and is home to just over 305,000 residents. It features a vibrant urban atmosphere and plenty of amenities for people to enjoy. Along with this, the city has a rich history and offers a number of opportunities for working adults.

If you are planning to move to Pittsburgh, it is important to learn about the city and how living there will affect you. Here are some of the things you will want to know before you decide to move to Pittsburgh, PA.

Economy

The economy of Pittsburgh is a strong one. The unemployment rate is 5.6% and there is a job growth rate of 0.85%. Over the next 10 years, experts believe that the job growth will continue to grow by around 36.10%. The most popular industry is sales, office and administrative support. Management, business and finance are also popular industries throughout the city. These two sets of industries make up nearly half of the entire workforce in Pittsburgh.

Housing Market

Reports from 2015 show that the housing market in Pittsburgh is on a healthy trajectory. Currently, the median sales prices for homes in the city are around $152,000, which causes them to sell at around $109 per square foot. Since last year, the housing market has shown a 3% increase even though the sales of homes have dropped in the last couple of months due to the end of summer.

School Districts

Pittsburgh Public Schools cares for a majority of the city’s students. The district has 65 separate schools with nearly 5,200 employees. There are also almost 30,000 students enrolled in these schools. The great thing about these schools is that there are always great educational options out there for families to choose for their students.

Teachers strive to create a warm environment for the kids and will work with children individually to help them learn at their own pace. There are also many ways parents can customize their children’s education around their student’s learning style so that they can be more successful throughout their studies.

Outdoor Living and Sports

Pittsburgh is an urban city and there aren’t many rural activities available. However, there are still activities and sports for residents to enjoy. For example, baseball, hockey and American football are all popular pastimes within the city.

If you enjoy watching professional sports, there are three major franchises within the city. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional NFL football team and extremely popular around the city. However, for those who enjoy baseball or hockey, you can also root on the Pirates or the Penguins. There are also some college sports available in the city with several local universities that are all highly competitive in several sports.

If you aren’t much of a sports fan, but still want to spend some time outdoors, the city prides itself on being a green city and there are five great parks to choose from. One of the most popular parks is the Three Rivers Park, which draws in bikers, hikers and even boaters who enjoy the 800 acres of open space.

Suburbs and Neighborhoods

The great thing about Pittsburgh is that there are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from. Regardless of the lifestyle you enjoy, you are bound to find the perfect neighborhood within the city. Some of the most popular neighborhoods to call home are:

  • Mexican War Streets – has beautiful, colorful row houses
  • Regent Square – filled with cafes, art galleries and consignment boutiques
  • East End – vibrant and has great job options
  • Shadyside and Squirrel Hill – a sophisticated side of the city
  • Bloomfield and Friendship – young working adults love the row houses and tight alleys
  • East Liberty – an area of town that is on the rebound and quickly drawing in businesses and residents.

If you are looking to make the move to Pittsburgh, PA, make sure you give us a call today. We can help make your move much simpler and help you enjoy the process of finding your new city that much better.

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Moving To Guides: Stockton, California

Sunrise in Stockton, California

Stockton, California is a city filled with energy, passion, and diversity.

Located at the head of a navigable channel, it’s a large urban center and the thirteenth largest city in the state.

Incorporated in 1850, nearly every major nut, fruit, and field crop has been grown throughout Stockton’s history. Currently, crops include almonds, walnuts, cherries, and tomatoes.

Demographics

The city is home to over 305,000 people, and the median age of residents is 31.2 years. A little over sixteen percent hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the median income in 2014 was $45,347.

Housing Market

The housing market in Stockton is one of the hottest in the United States, and it ranks 20th on a list of 300 markets in the country that are best for buyers and sellers. There are a variety of home styles to choose from, and the median listing price is $248,000.

Neighborhoods

Some of the best neighborhoods in Stockton include:

Estate

The Estate neighborhood offers both single-family homes and apartment communities. It’s a great place for families to call home as it has two parks that include playgrounds, walking and biking trails, and green space that’s used for playing sports and flying kites.

Brookside

Meandering waterways run through much of Brookside, making it a scenic place to live. The neighborhood includes apartment and condominium communities, as well as single-family homes.

Morado

This neighborhood’s residential area is mainly in the southern section, and green ways provide residents with an array of recreational opportunities.

Education

Stockton Unified School District

The Stockton Unified School District educates 40,000 students spread out over 54 schools. One of its goals is that by the end of ninth grade, every child will demonstrate a mastery of Algebra concepts and applications, and the district currently has an 82.3 percent graduation rate.

Colleges and Universities

Stockton offers several higher education opportunities such as:

  • San Joaquin Delta College
  • University of the Pacific
  • Hollywood Beauty College
  • Kaplan-College – Stockton
  • Xavier College School of Nursing

Employers

Residents of Stockton find there are a variety of employers such as:

  • Division of Juvenile Justice
  • Morada Produce Co.
  • O-G Packing and Cold Storage Co.
  • San Joaquin County Human Services
  • University of the Pacific
  • Barnes & Noble

Things to Do

Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple

This is one of the more unique cultural attractions in California. It features a fifty feet long recumbent Buddha and more than ninety jewel encrusted statues that celebrate the life and story the Cambodian Buddha. Every April, the temple hosts a Cambodian New Year celebration.

Banner Island Ballpark

Baseball fans can enjoy watching games at Banner Island Ballpark, home of the Stockton Ports. The team is a minor league affiliate of the Oakland A’s, and in 2009, the stadium welcomed the team’s one millionth fan.

The Haggin Museum

Located in Stockton’s Victory Park, this art and history museum is popular with locals and visitors alike. You can view the largest fine art collection in California’s Central Valley and several history galleries.

Places to Eat

Angelina’s Spaghetti House

Angelina’s Spaghetti House is known as a place where friends and family gather to have a good time. The menu features Angelina’s Genovese recipes, and menu options include spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and ravioli with roast beef.

Garlic Brothers

This restaurant offers a laid-back experience and friendly service. It’s a great place to meet friends after work, and the menu includes grilled salmon, barbecue chicken pizza, and baby back ribs.

Tandoori Nites

All of the dishes at Tandoori Nites are prepared from authentic Indian recipes. It offers a casual eating environment where you can enjoy meals such as Chicken Tikka Mughlai, Lamb Pasanda, and Shrimp Biryani.

If you are relocating to Stockton, please contact us. We will help you find the right movers.

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Even if You’re Not a Golfer, Augusta GA is a Great Place to Live!

While it’s true people don’t come to Augusta for the ambience (like they would go to Savannah for the ambience), it is true that once they’re here, they are enchanted with the city. People come to Augusta for the Masters, held at the Augusta National Golf Club, or they come for Fort Gordon or to work at International Paper or Proctor and Gamble. They don’t know about the World’s Richest Drag Boat Race held on the Savannah River every year. They don’t know that the unemployment rate is below the state average, nor that the average cost of a house is way below the state average. In fact, moving to guides will tell people a lot about Augusta except what they really need to know. That’s where we come in, so while you’re packing, we’ll tell you all about Augusta.

Homes in Augusta

Renting a single family home in Augusta will cost you around $650 for a one bed one bath home. Upwards of two and three beds and baths will run you between $750 and $900 per month. If you’re searching for more beds and baths or acreage, then be prepared to pay over $1,000 for them. Thinking about buying? At any given time of the year, there are between 700 and 1,400 homes in the inventory. Three beds and two baths in 1,400 square feet of space will put you back between $75,000 and up, while the same three beds and baths in 1,200 square feet only costs around $30,000. Want a larger home on more acreage? Be prepared with a check around $149,000.

Schools in Augusta

Education in Augusta is managed by the Richmond County School System. It includes 36 elementary schools, ten middle schools and nine high schools. Private education is available to the tune of seven elementary/middle schools and five high schools. Of colleges, there are many. Some are technical schools, while others are beauty colleges. Some major universities and colleges are:

  • Georgia Regents University
  • Paine College
  • Augusta State University
  • Georgia Health Sciences University
  • Augusta Technical College
  • Virginia College – Augusta

Augusta Employment

You wouldn’t think it, but Augusta hosts quite a few mega-corporations like Proctor and Gamble and International Paper. Augusta is, in fact, a major medical center. Augusta University and University Hospital are renowned for their medical expertise as well as trauma work. They employ upwards of 30,000 people. Those major companies we discussed have offices, warehouses or distribution centers in Augusta. These include the Solo Cup company, Kelloggs, T-Mobile, Sitel, Club Car and John Deere. Fort Gordon is a very large concern, and it is expected to bring in more jobs when the U. S. Army Cyber Command gets going. Major employers include:

  • Textron Vehicles
  • Thermal Ceramics
  • Resolute Forest Products
  • Fort Gordon
  • Richmond County School System
  • University Medical System
  • Augusta – Richmond County

Things to Do and Events in Augusta

You can’t move somewhere without knowing what’s going on around town. Culture, music, fine dining, events and fun make living in new cities worthwhile. You will meet your neighbors, make new friends and network while doing all these fun things:

The Civil War

Augusta was largely untouched by the war, but it produced major things the Army needed such as gunpowder, food, munitions and other war materials. The remains of the Confederate Powder Works and fortifications for battles that never materialized can be seen today along the river. Magnolia Cemetery is the final resting place of several recognizable names from the war.

Meadow Garden

The first recorded home in Augusta, it belonged to a successful lawyer in Revolutionary times. George Walton signed the Declaration of Independence when he was 26 years old and was instrumental in the relations between the colonies and England.

Fruitland Manor

Now the clubhouse at the Augusta National Golf Club, it was once the home of the first man to plant peaches in Georgia. The clubhouse is closed to visitors, unfortunately, but you can tour the nearby Magnolia Lane at Redcliffe Plantation in Beech Island, S. C. Magnolias from Fruitland Manor were planted there in the late 1800s.

Attractions

Since the weather in Augusta is usually mild, and we’re talking temperatures between 55 degrees and 74 degrees in January, it just makes sense to get out and move! Parks with riding/hiking trails, river walks, river tours of the city, ballgames, outdoor festivals and much more are available to anyone with good walking shoes and a healthy dose of curiosity:

  • Augusta Market at the River. Chock full of food, crafts, home goods and more, the event also features music and some amazing food from food trucks and other vendors.
  • First Friday. Not unlike Savannah’s First Saturday, Augusta hosts art, food and lots of culture on the first Friday of each month.
  • From boutiques to major retail companies and malls, Augusta has everything you’ll ever need, with a smile and a friendly helping hand.

Moving to Georgia is a treat, but moving to Augusta is an amazing experience. While you’re packing and wondering what to do next, contact us for moving information and anything else you need to know about Augusta.

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Moving To Guides: Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, AK

If you’re looking to relocate to a city that combines the conveniences of the modern world with a rugged, natural environment, look no further than Anchorage, Alaska.

Spanning 1,961 square miles, Anchorage is home to nearly 300,000 residents, making it the most populous city in Alaska.

Here are some things you need to know before moving to Anchorage:

Demographics

The average age of residents is 32.4 years, and males slightly outnumber females. A little over 33 percent have a bachelor’s degree, and the mean commute to work time is 19.1 minutes.

Cost of Living

According to PayScale, the cost of living in Anchorage is twenty-seven percent higher than the national average. Lower expenses for healthcare at two percent above the national average and utilities at eight percent above the national average, help even out the cost of living.

Employment

Anchorage is home to the largest port in Alaska, with more than 95 percent of all imports coming through the city. This results in many jobs for residents. Other employment opportunities within the city include the University of Alaska, Providence Health & Services, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, and ConocoPhillips Alaska.

Housing Market

The average listing price in Anchorage is $397,190, which is well above the state average of $227,792. Currently, the market heavily favors buyers due to the number of homes on the market.

For those who would rather rent, rental property inventory is rather low. However, the demand is high, which means landlords have increased the amount tenants pay. Some properties may cost as much as $2,013 a month to rent.

Neighborhoods

The city is divided into more than thirty neighborhoods. Some of the best ones include Bear Valley, Eagle River, Rogers Park, and Huffman-O’Malley.

Education

Anchorage School District

The Anchorage School District is the largest in Alaska and the 97th largest district in the United States. It spans nearly 2,000 square miles (larger than Rhode Island) and educates over 48,000 students. There is more than 130 schools and programs, and many of the teachers have won awards including Teacher of the Year. According to the district’s website, an impressive 107 languages are spoken by its English-language learners as their first language, or by the students’ families.

University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage is the state’s largest post-secondary institution. It’s fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and Bachelor of Arts programs include Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Hospitality and Restaurant Management, and Political Science.

Other colleges and universities include Charter College – Anchorage, Alaska Career College, and Alaska Pacific University.

Parks and Trails

Anchorage is a great city to call home if you enjoy the great outdoors. The city offers 190 parks that are connected by 400 miles of trails, including Fort North Bicentennial Park, Town Square Park, and Bird Point Park.

Winter Activities

Residents and visitors alike take advantage of the city’s hard winters and have a good time in the snow. Activities during the coldest months of the year include downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and riding snowmobiles.

Best Places to Shop

There are an array of places to shop, whether you want groceries, new clothes, or the latest bestseller. Some of the best stores in Anchorage include The ULU Factory, Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, Adventure Apparel, and Title Wave Books.

Best Places to Eat

No matter what type of cuisine you enjoy, you will find more than one restaurant that suits your taste. The most popular restaurants include Simon & Seafort’s, Club Paris, Yak and Yeti Himalayan Restaurant, Uncle Joe’s Pizzeria, and Sushi & Sushi Restaurant.

When you’re ready to relocate to Anchorage, please contact us. We’ll help you find the right movers who will get you to your new home as quickly as possible.

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What You Need to Know Before Moving to Cincinnati

Nicknamed the Queen City, Cincinnati was founded by European Americans in 1778.

It’s the third largest city in Ohio, and it’s a great place to call home as it has much to offer its residents of all ages.

If you’re considering moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, here are some things you should know:

Demographics

Nearly 300,000 people call Cincinnati home, and the city has seen a growth over the last three years. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, and 35 percent of residents are married. When it comes to education, 25.7 percent hold a bachelor’s degree, and the median household income is $37,067.

Employment

Greater Cincinnati has a variety of employment opportunities including the University of Cincinnati, The Kroger Company (America’s largest grocery store chain), Proctor & Gamble Co., Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, Fifth Third Bank, and GE Aviation.

Housing Market

In 2013, the city saw a rise in residential real estate purchases, and the following two years maintained that momentum. Through the third quarter of 2016, statistics showed an increase of 5.9 percent in the number of homes sold during the same period in 2015. The average sale price is $197,444, though inventory is currently low.

Neighborhoods

The City of Cincinnati has 52 neighborhoods and there are more than 200 in the greater tri-state area. As you search for homes, some of the neighborhoods you may want to explore include Blue Ash, Glendale, Hyde Park, and Over-the-Rhine.

Education

Cincinnati Public Schools

Cincinnati Public Schools is the third largest district in Ohio based on enrollment. It offers gifted classes, military outreach, and credit flexibility, as well as the language program Rosetta Stone. This free online program is available to staff, students, and parents.

University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is a public research university that has been named among the “Top Tier of Best National Universities” by U.S. News & World Report. It offers a variety of programs such as Medical Records Technician, Economics, Theatre, and Engineering.

Things to Do

There are a variety of things to do in Cincinnati such as:

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

This zoo opened in 1875, making it the second oldest zoo in the country. Spread out over seventy acres are several exhibits such as Kroger Lords of the Arctic, Wildlife Canyon, and Manatee Springs.

Cincinnati Observatory

Commonly regarded as the “Birthplace of American Astronomy,” the Cincinnati Observatory sits atop Mt. Lookout, and it’s where President John Quincy Adams gave his last public speech in 1843. Its mission is to maintain the integrity and heritage of a 19th century observatory while promoting the study and practice of 21st century astronomy and science.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

This museum welcomes thousands of visitors every year who enjoy learning about the team’s history. Exhibits include The Front Office, Hall of Records, and Glory Days.

Places to Eat

Cincinnati has several great eateries whether you want a vegetarian dish or spicy Asian cuisine. They include:

Dewey’s Pizza

At Dewey’s, you will find a variety of pizza options and a laid-back environment. Choices include Killer Veggie, Hawaiian, and Southwest Chicken BBQ.

Pho Lang Tang

At Pho Lang Tang, you can enjoy the flavors of Asia without having to leave Cincinnati. Menu options include Pho Bo, Banh Mi Sandwiches, and Bo Kho.

Melt Eclectic Cafe

Melt offers both meat and vegetarian options. Voted “Best in Cincinnati,” menu options include avocado wraps, Thai peanut wraps, and Philly Cheesesteak.

Best Time to Move

If you can choose when to relocate to Cincinnati, the spring and fall months are best as the temperatures are often more comfortable than those in the winter and summer.

When you’re ready to move to Cincinnati, please contact us. We’ll help you find a moving company that specializes in long distance and cross county moving so your relocation goes as smoothly as possible.