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Moving To Guides: Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield California

Located near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Valley region is the ninth most populous city in California. We’re talking about Bakersfield, and more than 464,000 residents call it home.

History

The first settlers were attracted to the area because of the discovery of gold at the bottom of the Kern River.

When a large number of people began to settle in the valley, Colonel Thomas Baker was tasked with laying out the plans for all of the residents. After looking at the alfalfa field in his backyard, he decided to name the city Bakersfield.

When the gold became harder to find, Bakersfield still continued to grow as it was a great place to live. Today it has much to offer residents, and if you’re looking to call this city home, here are some things you may want to know:

Demographics

The median age of residents is 30.6 years, which is lower than the state’s median age of 36.2 years. Over 79 percent hold a high school degree or higher, and the median income is $61,039.

Employers

If you are looking for a job, the city is home to hundreds of employers. They include:

  • Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
  • Bank of America
  • Nestle
  • University of Phoenix
  • Superior Grocers
  • State Farm
  • General Electric
  • Granite Construction
  • Black Angus Steakhouse
  • PetSmart

Neighborhoods

Bakersfield offers a variety of neighborhoods, and when compared to other areas in California, the home prices are generally reasonable. Neighborhoods include:

City in the Hills – Featuring picturesque mountain views, this planned community is perfect for those who want rural living with easy access to good amenities. Within the neighborhood, you will find a theater, ballroom, spa, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

Seven Oaks – This master-planned community offers tree-lined streets and beautiful landscaping. At the center of the neighborhood is the Seven Oaks Country Club that boasts a pool, golf course, tennis courts, and restaurants.

College Heights – College Heights is appropriately named as Bakersfield College is nearby. Homes date back to the 1950s, and residents often enjoy activities and events hosted by the school.

Education

Bakersfield City School District – The district’s website states that its vision is to be a leader in public education through a collaborative and supportive learning community that ensures all students are inspired to achieve academic excellence and become life-long learners and productive citizens. The district educates thousands of students, and consists of thirty-five elementary schools and ten middle schools. Students in grades 9-12 attend the Kern High School District that enrolls more than 35,000 students and features eighteen comprehensive campuses, three career technical education sites, and one adult education center.

California State University, Bakersfield – Established in 1965, California State University, Bakersfield is a comprehensive public university that offers a variety of undergraduate majors and programs. They include Anthropology, Kinesiology, and Political Science. Students can participate in sports or join student organizations to enhance their college experience.

Restaurants

Residents enjoy the city’s many restaurants, and two you won’t want to miss include:

Boss Pizza – Located downtown, Boss Pizza displays the toppings out in the open to allow diners to experience the custom crafting process first hand. Signature pizzas include Jack of Hearts, Jalapeno Popper, and Greenhouse.

Frugatti’s Italian Eatery – Frugatti’s is where you will find the best Italian dining experience in Bakersfield as the cooks use the freshest ingredients and authentic equipment such as a wood-burning oven from Milan. In a laid-back atmosphere, you can enjoy friendly service and meals such as Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine, Chicken Parmesan, and Tortellini Alfredo.

We hope this moving to guide has helped you learn more about Bakersfield. When you’re ready to call this city home, please contact us. We will help you find movers who will help you relocate both quickly and efficiently.

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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.

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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.

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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.