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Moving To Guides: Corpus Christi, Texas

Located 130 miles southeast of San Antonio is a coastal city known as Corpus Christi.

It is the second most popular vacation spot in Texas, and more than 300,000 people call the city home.

If you are relocating to Corpus Christi, here are some things you may want to know:

Demographics

The median age of residents is 34.6 years, and females outnumber males by almost three percent. The mean travel to work time is 18.6 minutes, and in 2015, the median income was 50,658.

Employment

Corpus Christi ranked #120 on Forbes’ Best Places for Business and Careers list in 2016, and the city’s major industries are tourism, energy, and defense. The projected annual job growth is 1.7 percent, while the unemployment rate 5.6 percent.

Housing Market

The city’s housing market is one of the hottest in the nation, and the median listing price is $200,000. Appreciation is nearly triple that of the national average, and the rate has helped prices grow for the past three years.

Neighborhoods

There are several neighborhoods in Corpus Christi, such as:

Bay Area – Named for its proximity to Corpus Christi Bay, this neighborhood is perfect for both singles and families. Residents enjoy a closeness to shops and an array of attractions such as the USS Lexington Museum.

Calallen – Located approximately fifteen miles from downtown Corpus Christi, the Calallen neighborhood is mainly made up of middle class families with school aged children. Home prices tend to range between $170,000 and $250,000.

Downtown – In downtown Corpus Christi, both singles and families reside within its boundaries. It’s great for those who like to live a more fast-paced lifestyle, and apartments usually range from $1,200 to $2,000 per month, while homes sell for around $200,000.

Education

Corpus Christi Independent School District – School-aged children attending public school will receive their education from the Corpus Christi Independent School District. It educates over 38,000 students, and consists of thirty-seven elementary schools, twelve middle schools, eight high schools, and three special campuses.

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi – This university is the only one in the United States located on its own island. There are palm tree-lined pathways, a university beach, and a scenic hiking & biking trail. The university enrolls more than 11,500 students, and offers more than eighty of the most popular degree programs in Texas.

Places to Eat

There are plenty of great places to eat while calling Corpus Christi home, such as:

Andy’s Country Kitchen – This down-home country-style restaurant specializes in Southern comfort food. The servers are very attentive and they know their regulars’ names. On the menu, you will find meals such as Eggs Benedict, Country Fried Steak, and Southern Fried Chicken Strips.

Blackbeard’s on the Beach – Since 1991, Blackbeard’s has offered seafood, steaks, and comfort food. The restaurant is easy to find as it’s housed in a bright purple building that is one of the oldest structures still standing on North Beach. The menu includes Chicken Sandwiches, Blackbeard’s Own Burger, and Fried Catfish.

Kiko’s Mexican Food – For thirty years, Kiko’s has been known for its delicious Mexican cuisine. The staff strives to provide friendly service and quality meals made from recipes handed down from generation to generation. Its menu has been voted “Best of the Best” for the past twelve years, and options include Chicken Enchiladas, Chalupas Del Mar, and Carne Asada.

Things to Do

Residents of Corpus Christi are never bored as the city offers attractions such as:

Texas State Aquarium – The Texas State Aquarium is fun for all ages. Exhibits include Dolphin Bay, Islands of Steel, and Otter Creek.

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center – Spanning 182 acres, the Botanical Gardens and Nature Center showcases a variety of different exhibits. They include the Sensory Gardens, Butterfly House, and the Anderson Bromeliad Conservatory.

Bayfront Park – As one of the city’s newest parks, it features an interactive fountain, wind turbines, and a food court.

When you’re ready to relocate to Corpus Christi, please contact us. We’ll help you find the right movers for the job.

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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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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.