moving to Annapolis

5 Reasons Moving to Annapolis, Maryland in Winter is a Smart Move

Mention moving and most people groan. Mention moving in winter and people will look at you like you’ve lost your mind. However, there are dozens of reasons why moving house in winter is the smart move. House hunting is easier in winter, for example, because the real estate inventory is more manageable. Sellers make an extra effort to appeal to buyers in winter. Real estate agents will be happy to tell you where the best schools are located, as well as neighborhoods close to those schools. Additionally, no one has ever quite figured it out, but the infrastructure in winter hosts fewer commuters than in warmer seasons. Moving to guides don’t mention it, but here are five reasons moving to Annapolis in winter is a good idea.

One: House Hunting is a Snap

As previously mentioned, there are fewer houses on the market in winter. Sellers often lower prices in order to get into their own new homes. Buyers can pretty much write their own ticket. Real estate agents have more time to pay attention to you and help you zero in on what you are searching for. Lenders are less busy during winter. They will often dispense with some of the paperwork in an effort to keep their clients happy. Since the majority of business is done in warmer months, in winter these professionals will sometimes let certain fees slide in order to (a) get your business and (b) keep busy.

Two: Moving Companies and Trucks are Easier to Hire

It stands to reason that if real estate isn’t moving, then nor is anyone else. As a result, moving companies have nothing to do but clean out the trucks. Those moving in winter will have their pick of moving companies, and most likely will have their pick of excellent prices, too. Imagine not having to schedule your move. Imagine not having to shop around for movers, because they’re all booked up solid. Imagine a smooth move!

Three: Landscaping Your New Home Will be Cooler

Pardon the pun, but landscaping your new lawn in winter will give you many choices. Wrap your mind around colorful blooms,waterscapes, hard scapes and green foliage in spring when your new neighbors’ yards are just waking up. Enjoying your new outdoor room amid blooms and foliage will be wonderful. In Annapolis, much can be done before the ground freezes good and hard in December. Landscape artists will be in their downtime, too, and can concentrate on your project. Also keep in mind that landscape professionals work around the weather, ensuring your plants will be healthy and beautiful for spring.

Four: Annapolis Schools are Top Quality

For every neighborhood, there seems to be two elementary schools, one or two middle schools and one high school. Anne Arundel County boasts some of the top schools in the nation. Southern Anne Arundel County schools are also well regarded. According to Zillow, these are the highest rated schools in Anne Arundel County:

  • Arnold Elementary School
  • Public • Grades K-5
  • Magothy River Middle School
  • Public • Grades 6-8
  • South Shore Elementary School
  • Public • Grades K-5
  • West Annapolis Elementary School
  • Public • Grades K-5
  • Cape St. Clair Elementary School
  • Public • Grades K-5
  • Windsor Farm Elementary School
  • Public • Grades K-5
  • Broadneck High School
  • Public • Grades 9-12

Five: There are Cool Attractions during Annapolis Winters

If you move to Annapolis in time for Christmas, then you’ve got a treat awaiting you! Sandy Point State Park offers a stunning light display beginning shortly after Thanksgiving and going until shortly after Christmas. Six Flags offers rides, lights, food and fun (even visits from Santa) beginning shortly before Thanksgiving and ending around January 2. Feeling brave? Charity event Polar Bear Plunge takes place in late January. Those brave enough to dare the cold waters of the Chesapeake ensure their plunge will benefit those in need. Grab your coat, mittens and mufflers for a night to remember at the United States Naval Academy on New Year’s Eve. A barge is placed a safe distance from the school, upon which Academy personnel shoot off some of the most amazing (and we’re not exaggerating!) fireworks displays you will ever see. The show lasts about an hour. You can park on the Highway 450 (or Route 2) bridge clean up to the overlook. Shuttles also bring people from the nearby Navy Stadium to see the fireworks. Additionally, nearby Baltimore and Washington, D. C. offers some of the most acclaimed theater and music in the nation.

So there you have it, five excellent reasons for moving to Annapolis, Maryland in winter. The Bay might be too cold for you to slip your boat into the water, but there are many other interesting things to see and do in the surrounding areas. After you contact us, we’ll see you there!

Moving to Buffalo

The Top Six Things to Know About Moving to Buffalo, New York

If you’re moving to Buffalo, New York, from another part of the country, you’ll want to know a few things before you move–and we have the inside information to help your transition be seamless and to help the adjustment be quicker. You’re in luck, because Buffalo is a rich and exciting place to be these days. Below, check out our top six things to know about moving to Buffalo, New York:

1. It can be very cold and very snowy in the fall and winter seasons. Don’t confuse it with New York City; Buffalo is far to the north, in Western New York. Be aware of the possibility of a long, snowy winter, and time your move for best weather to make it easy on yourself, in late spring, early fall, or summer.

2. From arts to sports, you’ll find a passionate crowd of enthusiasts. One thing is certain: Buffalo Bills fans are loyal and love to celebrate. Be ready to attend and see a plethora of Bills get-togethers in Buffalo. There’s more than just football to enjoy there, however. Hockey is huge in Buffalo, and you won’t have to look far to find a fan or pick-up game teammate. Additionally, the Albright-Knox, famous art gallery, lives in Buffalo and hosts a fantastic array of art, as well as classes and tours. There’s also a large yearly art festival and a stunning waterfront district that puts on hundreds of concerts and events every year. Looking to take in cultural tunes? You can check out the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra or Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which hosts traveling Broadway shows.

3. The neighborhood is growing, and a higher number of millennials are moving there. In the first decade of this century, millennialsmoving to Buffalo increased by 34%, lowering the average age, and bringing with them a new wave of culture and interests. You’ll find that Buffalo is an evolving city now, growing in the foodie culture (hello, food trucks!), recreation, celebrations (the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade), and an increase in jobs.

4. Niagara Falls and nature: One of the most famous and enchanting landmarks in the world is simply a nearby trip for Buffalo residents. Along with the cultural perks of Buffalo, you can enjoy the amazing natural beauty, from hikes to multiple garden walks and parks, all the way to Niagara Falls. Buffalo hosts an array of nature perks to take in, with a growing urban appeal, too.

5. Buffalo is one of the safest cities in America when it comes to weather. Rated #4 in cities safe from natural disasters, Buffalo is not a city where you’ll have to worry about tornado, hurricane, or earthquake safety. While you will need to be aware of potentially heavy winter snows, you can rest easy in your new city when it comes to the big issues that can often be out of your control.

6. Buffalo has a fantastic food scene. You’ll be enjoying all kinds of heavenly (if not so healthy) treats in Buffalo. Be prepared for alternatives on all your favorite baked goods, as Buffalo has plenty of unique, local favorites for donuts and sweets you’ll need to try. The existence of food trucks and breweries are growing, too. In addition, you’re moving to the home of Buffalo wings! Be prepared to enjoy these, and consider taking part in the national Buffalo wing festival in the fall.

As you can see, Buffalo is a city with personality, culture, and lots of fun to be had. Be aware of its quirks in the various seasons, and be ready to enjoy the growing environment that thrives in Buffalo, New York. For information, and to get more tips on moving cross-country, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

moving to Fort Wayne Indiana

Fascinating Facts About Moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana

Getting ready to move to another city or state is hectic enough as it is without adding the pressure of not knowing a lot about the place you are going. If you are moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana from across the country, here are a few tips about this city that has a lot to offer.

Delicious Food and Sophisticated Drinks

The first thing when you think of Fort Wayne may not be the food but perhaps it should be. From the BBQ Ribfest each summer to one of the most iconic hot dog stands in the country, Fort Wayne knows how to serve it up delicious and leave you coming back for more. Look for a hearty meal at Shigs in Pit or Coney Island Weiner Stand or for fine dining with sophisticated drinks, Club Soda is the go-to place to be.

Cultural Events Sure to Please

Fort Wayne, Indiana is one of the most diverse cultural areas in the country and that means there is a variety of events and fun times for every personality. The nine-day long Three Rivers Festival features parades, fireworks, and even a bed race that is a well-known event that everyone loves. For something a little more culturally oriented, Oktoberfest celebrates Fort Wayne’s German heritage and for artistic oriented events, the annual Northeast Festival hosts over 70 organizations and schools each year with dancing, music, and art.

Of course, Fort Wayne is also home to Foellinger Theatre in Franke Park where you might find big name artists playing in the open air theater. And speaking of theater, the Arena Dinner Theatre has full-length theatrical productions and you get to enjoy a meal as well. Embassy Theatre is where you will find dance, Broadway shows, lectures, and even the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra.

Don’t Forget About Sporting Events

The people in Fort Wayne love their sports and you will probably love it too once you get into the swing of things. There is a reason why A League of Their Own was based out of this city; the true story began there.

Don’t count out the minors either. While Fort Wayne does not have its own major league baseball team, the city has the honor of being the best area in the United States for minor leagues. And speaking of baseball, the TinCaps may be in the minors for now but word has it that they may be going pro so there is that to look forward to.

If baseball just isn’t your favorite sport don’t worry, you can find basketball, roller derby, soccer, and a myriad of sports in the city.

A Family Atmosphere

Fort Wayne isn’t all partying and sports, it is home to a love of fitness, education, and history. You’ll also find over 360 churches in Fort Wayne so if you’re spiritual then this is the place to live.

There is plenty for kids to do like the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, which is one of the top 10 zoos in the entire United States. Once you visit the zoo, spend a day fishing with the family at the Hurshtown Reservoir or take a serene visit to Amish Country, which is right next door. For hiking, picnicking, or just relaxing, the Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System covers 1,883 acres and is composed of 11 public parks

The educational benefits are vast as well. Fort Wayne boasts having a bridge campus which connects two top tier colleges: Indiana University and Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne, nicknamed “The Summit City” due to its elevation by the canals, is an excellent place to experience cultural events, family events, sports, dining, and living a laid-back life with all of the benefits of a big city.

Moving to Fort Wayne means finding the professionals to ensure that the job is done correctly and professionally and we specialize in just that – finding long distance moving companies that are the best. Have questions? Just get a free moving quote and we’ll help you get started.

moving to Las Vegas

What You Should Know About Moving to Las Vegas

 

Moving to another city can be intimidating, depending on who you are and what your situation is. However, moving to Las Vegas is pretty exciting and the opportunities are endless. If you are moving to Las Vegas, there are a few things you should know about “The City That Never Sleeps” and what to expect when living in this iconic city.

Things are Happening 24/7

There is truth in the phrase, “The City That Never Sleeps” because it’s not just the casinos that are open all day and night. Imagine being able to order take-out any time of day or pick up groceries at 3 A.M. Things are always going on in Vegas and it’s not your typical 9-5 type of city but who wants that anyway?

Peace and Quiet

While Las Vegas has excitement going on around the clock, that does not mean that you cannot find peace and quiet. There are plenty of locations to live that offer quiet, family living. Like many famous towns, there is a stereotype that if you live there, it’s a non-stop party. Actually, Vegas is like any other town when it comes to living a quiet life. You have the Strip and then you have the rest of the areas that have suburbs with dry cleaners, government buildings, churches, and homes that are away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag.

Work is Abundant

There are plenty of jobs in Las Vegas and some of them pay more than you might think. Some bartenders clear around 100K per year and no matter what job you find or have lined up, Vegas has the lowest taxes in the entire country, which means you’ll see more of your earnings in your pocket instead of going to Uncle Sam. This is because all of those tourist dollars are helping the city so you don’t have to help as much.

Transportation Matters

It is important to know that you will most likely need a car if you are moving to Las Vegas. There is public transportation but the city itself is enormous. While you may be familiar with the Strip area, there are other surrounding areas such as North Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin. Not to mention, if you live further out in the suburbs, you’ll need to be able to drive into the main part of the city.

Just so you know:

  • Parking is not only easy to find, many times it is free
  • You can use the RTC for just $5 per 24 hour period
  • The roads can be confusing but you’ll get used to knowing how to get around

There is Plenty to Do

Ask anyone who doesn’t live in Vegas what there is to do and most likely they will mention the casinos and shows. However, there is plenty to do that is more family oriented. There is an amazing five dog parks in the area, there are bowling alleys, cultural events, museums (three major ones include: the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the Las Vegas Art Museum, and the Las Vegas Museum of Natural History) and there is always the desert, which offers hiking, sightseeing, and amazing photo opportunities.

Las Vegas is more than just Sin City and while it may have the reputation as a town that is all tourists or celebrity sightings, it is an amazing place to raise a family or settle down for a quiet lifestyle.

When you are ready to move to Las Vegas, you need the best moving companies available and we are ready to help. We specialize in finding long-distance moving companies that are the best in the business and if you want to learn more or have any questions, simply contact us or browse our site to see what we offer.

 

5 Reasons to Move Your Family to San Francisco

5 Reasons to Move Your Family Cross Country to San Francisco

Planning a move to San Francisco?San Francisco is one of the largest metropolitan areas in California, having a beautiful and diverse natural landscape, being one of the most popular places to live on the west coast. San Francisco is a city that has many things one can experience, see and do as the city hides much you may not have ever heard of. Moving to the city with kids in tow will actually allow you to let them enjoy many of the local attractions, great food and views unlike many other places around the US. Other than the being a place that has good weather year round, the bay offers a culture that is very free spirited and forward thinking, with great opportunities for many different professions. There are a few things you have to take into account before you move in however, and this article will do its best to cover just a few of them:

• Seward Street Slides
These are something not only kids enjoy in Noe Valley, but adults too. Long concrete slides built over 35 years ago thanks to the desires of the locals to save some green space here. Now we have the Seward Street mini-park which was built on a designs created by children, slides included. Come by here and enjoy some good time with your kids if you’re in the neighborhood, just remember they are officially closed after 5 PM each day.

• Alcatraz Island
A legendary prison located on Alcatraz Island in the middle of the bay of San Francisco, it is a location filled with history. There are official tours of the facilities and the island being organized and green-lighted by the government, and thanks to the prison being decommissioned since March 21, 1963 by order of Robert. F. Kennedy we can now explore its depths and halls.

Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most recognizable landmark of the San Francisco area.

• The Cliff House
Located in the Golden Gate National Recreation, it offers breathtaking views of the Ocean Beach area and an amazingly well-preserved Victorian-era architecture and style. It has had several incarnations throughout history, as the original building was open way back in 1896 and has been destroyed by an earthquake in 1906, which brought down much of the city of San Francisco. The building was rebuilt and then, tragically burned to the ground in 1907 during a kitchen fire. That didn’t stop people however and it was rebuilt again and today it serves as a restaurant, perched atop the cliffs like something out of a fairy tale.

• Six Flags Marine World
Part of the Six Flags chain of amusement parks, the Marine World offers a high-quality experience, located in the nearby Vallejo, California. It is a combination of three parks: wildlife, the Oceanarium and an amusement area which offers some nice and thrilling rides. If you want to enjoy a great time checking out local and foreign species as well as some fun times on a roller coaster, this is the place for you and your kids.

• The Musée Mécanique
Located on Pier 45 in the Fisherman’s Wharf, this museum of old technology offers great insight into many interesting exhibits, such as old-school music boxes and even modern day arcade games. You can show your kids what the past of games looked like and what you played when you were a kid. There are many other things in the hotel, boasting over 300 machines and items of various days and ages which are in working condition and even playable. The collection dates back to 1933, started by the late Edward Zelinsky who began working on his collection when he was 11 years old.

Here are a few good sources to find more information.

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