East Coast to West Coast Moving Guide

What You Should Know About Moving West

Have you dreamed of making the move from the cramped, congested East Coast to the wide-open spaces of the West? Westward expansion has been part of American heritage dating back to the 19^th century, when people pulled up stakes and piled into covered wagons in search of a better life for themselves and their families.

While the invention of the automobile allows for a faster, more comfortable journey, making the transition from east to west may not be as easy as you might think. Many who relocate west experience a bit of culture shock that requires some adjustment. What follows are some tips for moving from East Coast to West Coast that will give you some insight regarding what you can expect.

Weather

If you live in the Northeast, a big attraction to moving west is that you can escape the harsh, cold winters, especially if you are thinking of settling in Arizona. However, you should be prepared to deal with the heat – the average temperature in the Phoenix area during the summer months is in excess of 100 F. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about shoveling snow or driving during treacherous icy road conditions.

Job Market

Unless you are considering East Coast to West Coast moving to find a more hospitable place to retire, you will likely need to seek gainful employment. There is something about the spirit of the West that fosters a climate for innovation. While most are familiar with the proliferation of forward-thinking technology companies located in California’s Silicon Valley region, the Phoenix area is also known for its wide variety of job opportunities in a number of industries. In fact, Forbes magazine has projected Arizona to lead the nation in job growth in the years to come.

Cost of Living

Landing a high-paying job doesn’t have quite the same impact in areas where the cost of living is high. Although it varies from city to city, the cost of living on the West Coast is generally lower than in the East. Depending on where you choose to live, you may discover you have a little extra buying power to acquire those luxury items you’ve always wanted.

Recreational Opportunities

The more moderate year-round climate on the West Coast will definitely appeal to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. You will have plenty of opportunities to engage in extreme sports such as paragliding, rock climbing and base jumping, and the abundance of national parks that litter the western landscape allow for hiking, biking, camping or simply exploring.

What About Moving Expenses?

Any long-distance move can be expensive. While doing it yourself may be the cheapest way to move East Coast to West Coast and can save you a ton of money as opposed to hiring a full-service moving company, you will have to deal with the hassle and stress of transporting everything you own across the country. A convenient, cost-effective alternative to consider is hiring a self-service moving company. With this option, the company delivers a trailer to your door, gives you several days to load, then drives the trailer to your new destination.

What about a Security System for Your New Home?

Installing a home security system is your best defense against the threat of burglary, theft, fire and vandalism. Titan Alarm Inc. is widely regarded as the best security system provider in Phoenix Arizona, and features revolutionary home automation systems with advanced smart technology for simplified remote monitoring, video surveillance, energy management, access control and more.

Contact Titan Alarm for more useful tips concerning moving to out west – including the selection of the right security system for your home.

Learn More About Home Security

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.