Moving To Guides: Anaheim, CA

Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, sunny Anaheim is a premier business and leisure destination that’s best known as the home of Disneyland.

With more than 336,000 residents, it’s the most populous city in Orange County and the tenth most populous in California.

If you are relocating to Anaheim, Ca, here are some things you will likely want to know:

History

Anaheim was founded by German settlers in 1857, and its name is German for “home by the river.” They first came to the United States during the German Revolution of 1848, and they originally settled in San Francisco. A few years later when fifty of the settlers learned about cheap land that had been part of a Spanish land grant, they decided to move and create their own community that is still thriving more than one hundred years later.

Demographics

The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is slightly lower than the state’s average of 35.7 years. The median household income is $57,550, and residents are fairly well-educated with 74.6 percent holding a high school diploma or higher.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Anaheim is three percent higher than the California average and thirty-nine percent higher than the nation’s average.

Top Employers

The city’s top employers are:

Disneyland
Orange County
University of California at Irvine
CKE Restaurant, Inc.
Federal Government
Boeing Aerospace
State of California
Albertson’s
St. Joseph Healthcare System
Tenet Healthcare
Housing Market

The cost of housing in Anaheim is 109 percent higher than the national average, and the median sales price is $553,900. Home values have risen 7.5 percent over the last year, and it’s believed they will rise another 2.9 percent in 2017. The city is currently a strong buyers market as the level of inventory exceeds the demand.

Neighborhoods

Anaheim has several great neighborhoods to call home, including:

Southwest Anaheim – Southwest Anaheim is a great place to live as it is the city’s most walkable neighborhood and it’s home to the Disneyland Resort. The area boasts several shops, restaurants, and transportation options.

Platinum Triangle – As the city’s up and coming neighborhood, Platinum Triangle is currently undergoing redevelopment that includes a commercial and industrial zone, as well as high density housing. The neighborhood is best suited to young professionals with no children.

The Colony – Located in downtown Anaheim, The Colony is a historic part of the city that is also called the Colonial District. Residents enjoy an easy walk to school, restaurants, shops, and recreational opportunities.

Education

Orange Unified School District – School aged children living in Anaheim attend the Orange Unified School District. It consists of twenty-seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools, several of which have been recognized for their exemplary and quality educational programs by the California State Board of Education.

Higher Education – There are several higher learning institutions within Anaheim including:

West Coast University – Orange County
Westwood College
Southern California Institute of Technology
Bethesda University of California
Brownson Technical School
Everest College
Restaurants

There are a variety of great restaurants, such as:

The Pizza Press – The Pizza Press features a modern twist on its Roaring Twenties decor and delicious pizzas that are prepared in front of guests. Signature options include “The Press Cheese,” “The Chronicle,” and “The Tribune.”

Steakhouse 55 – Awarded four stars by the Orange County Register, Steakhouse 55 is where you can indulge in premium chops, seafood, and prime steaks. It offers an Old Hollywood atmosphere and friendly service, and meals include Cold Water Lobster Tail, Porterhouse Steak, and Prime Rib.

Tortilla Jo’s – Located in Downtown Disney, Tortilla Jo’s is a vibrant restaurant that celebrates the cultural heritage of Mexico. Its main menu includes Shredded Beef Burritos, Seafood Enchiladas, and Gorditas.

When you’re ready to relocate to Anaheim, please contact us. We’ll help you find the right professional movers who will work both quickly and efficiently.

Moving To Guides: Santa Ana, California

Nestled in the center of Orange County along the Santa Ana River is a city that’s home to over 334,000 residents.
Appropriately named Santa Ana, it has been the county seat since 1889.
It was discovered years before in 1769 by Don Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish expedition leader who christened the area Santa Ana in honor of Saint Anne.
Santa Ana was incorporated as a city in 1886, and today it spans 27.3 square miles.

If you’re considering relocating to Santa Ana, here are some things you may want to know:

Demographics

The median age of residents is 30.2 years, and over 54.7 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher. In 2013, the estimated median household income was $47,914, and residents commonly work in industries such as manufacturing, food services, and construction.

Largest Employers

The largest employers within Santa Ana include the Alan B Whitson Company, Ascent Tooling Group, California Department of State Hospitals, and the City of Santa Ana.
Housing Market
There are 77,610 housing units in the city, and the median listing price is $549,000. According to Movoto, Santa Ana’s home resale inventories decreased by eleven percent in November 2016.

Neighborhoods

Santa Ana has several great neighborhoods from which you can choose, including:
Meredith Parkwood – This is one of the nicest neighborhoods, which means the homes prices are higher than some of the city’s other neighborhoods. Its crime index is 28 percent lower than Santa Ana’s average, and it has a Walk Score of 75. Residents enjoy a close proximity to schools, grocery stores, shops, and restaurants.
Downtown – The downtown area is a great place to call home for young adults who don’t have children. The Santa Anta Historic District has several well-preserved historic homes and other buildings, and nearby Birch Park is one of the places where residents can enjoy the outdoors.
French Court – The French Court neighborhood boasts a closeness to the interstate, making it convenient for residents to get around. There are several schools within its boundaries, and grocery stores and restaurants are nearby.

Education

Santa Ana Unified School District – The Santa Ana Unified School District is the largest district in Orange County and the seventh largest in the state. There are 38 elementary schools, nine intermediate schools, and nine high schools, and sixty percent of students are English learners. According to the district’s website, the most common languages spoken at home are Spanish, Vietnamese, and Khmer.
Higher Education – Residents who wish to further their education don’t have to go far as the city is home to several higher learning institutions. They include:
Santa Ana College
Career College of California
Trinity Law School
American Institute of American Massage
Santa Ana Beauty College

Restaurants
Dozens of restaurants call Santa Ana home such as:
Little Onion Mexican Restaurant – The Little Onion Mexican Restaurant is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. It was in 1972 that the Santa Ana location opened, and it offers great service and reasonable prices. Menu options include Shredded Chicken Burritos, Enchiladas de Camarones, and Tamales.
Crave – The owner of Crave believes in using simple, fresh ingredients to create the most satisfying and memorable dining experience. Diners enjoy a casual atmosphere and friendly service, as well as meals such as Creme Brulee French Toast, Chicken Melts, and BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
Claim Jumper – Open daily for lunch and dinner, Claim Jumper first opened in Los Almitos, CA, and today there are forty-three restaurants in nine states. The restaurant’s interior features natural rock, large fireplaces, and authentic log chairs, making for a cozy environment. Diners never leave hungry as the portions are large, and menu items include Fish Tacos, Hickory Barbecue Burgers, and Calzones.
When you’re ready to relocate to Santa Ana, please contact us. We can help you find the right movers to help you move into your new home.

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.