Introduction

If you are moving in the near future, chances are you might need to think about investigating storage facilities.

As a mover you may require storage for a number of different reasons, for example:

· The house you are moving into is smaller than your existing house.

· There may be unforeseen circumstances during the move that mean you are unable to move into your new house on time.

· You simply might not have the time when you move in to unpack everything at once.

Whatever your particular scenario is, it is always worthwhile being prepared for every eventuality.

How to get free storage

Most people’s first reaction when it comes to storage is to turn to family and friends. This can be a very good solution if you only have a relatively small amount to store, or your friends and family have a large storage space you can use. However, in most cases this option has its limits.

A good cost free alternative is one-way truck rental companies. Many of these offer free storage if you use their service. The period of storage is usually limited to the terms of your contract, to be utilized at either the beginning or the end of your hire period.

This kind of storage, although only short-term in nature, can be an excellent zero cost solution.

What kind of facilities do storage companies’ provide?

Most storage companies have a network of facilities conveniently located around the country with good transportation links. The facilities are provided to keep your belonging safe and secure, as well as proving you with around the clock access to your belongings. The following minimum standards are normally maintained:

· 24/7 controlled access to your property.
· Security and alarm entrance protection.
· A climate controlled storage environment.

If you require additional re-assurance, it is normally possible to take out an additional insurance policy to protect your belongings.

How to minimize your storage costs

Firstly, ensure the price that you pay for your storage is competitive. Request combined moving and storage quotes from companies you are considering moving with. Compare these with storage only quotes and don’t be afraid to haggle on price if it appears that you are not getting a good deal.

Before you sign-up with a storage company ascertain whether you will be able to change the size of the storage space later if you find that it is the wrong size when you come to fill it. Most companies offer this service so this should not be a problem.

Secondly, you need to make every effort to make maximum use of the storage space available to you, to ensure that you do not book additional storage! To do this you need to pack efficiently and fill you storage space optimally.

If your storage company has a service whereby they offer a team of packers to come and do the job for you, then it may be more cost effective in the long run. This is because they are experienced, thereby enabling you to avoid booking additional storage due your own packing and storage in-efficiencies.

Packing and Storage Tips

If you are packing and storing yourself, use the following guide to help you maximize your storage space:

· Always pack with storage in mind. Use sturdy boxes as these make maximum use of the space available when they are stacked. The contents of boxes should be clearly marked.

· Disassemble all electrical equipment and pack in the original packing if available.

· Store bookshelves upright so you can utilize shelves for non-standard items.

· Ensure fridges and freezers are thoroughly defrosted to prevent damage to your other belongings.

· Sofas and mattresses should be placed against the wall of the storage unit.

· All garden equipment should be should be cleaned, and any petrol drained away from items such as lawnmowers.

Conclusion

When moving it always pays to be prepared for every eventuality. Having to put your possessions into storage is a possibly in every move, so investigate your options even if you think you will not require this moving service this time around.

Peter Craske writes for MovingHelpSite.com, first for cheap moving pods information, also visit our site for other moving articles and case studies which will be of interest to you.

http://www.movinghelpsite.com

Are you looking for magnificent natural wonders? How about affordable housing? These are just two of the top five reasons to relocate to sunny Arizona.

Do you like sunny weather? Arizona can boast that it has, on average, 300 days (or more) of sunshine every year! Whether you believe it or not, the folks who reside in Arizona will be the first to tell you that the “dry heat” is much better than dealing with the “high humidity”. Ok, so you want to ski and snowboard? Just make a trip to Flagstaff during the winter and you can do both at an elevation of 12,000 feet.

Natural wonders in Arizona are many, but topping the list is the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon delivers breathtaking scenery, hiking, camping, and many other activities. Other popular natural wonders throughout the state of Arizona are Monument Valley, Saguaro National Park, the Colorado River and the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, to name a few. There is even a mountain in the shape of a camel! If you are a resident of Arizona, vacation spots are “right in your own backyard”.

Arizona can say it is the fastest growing state right now. According to Tom Rex, associate director of the Center for Competitiveness and Prosperity Research at Arizona State University, “There are housing developments sprouting everywhere, whether they are on former farmland or in the desert.” Housing is so affordable in Arizona, there are Californians who are relocating to take advantage of the reasonably priced homes.

Due to the fact that there is a phenomenal housing boom, the economy is very strong. With all of the homes being built, there are plenty of jobs, and Arizona is also “a hotbed of in-home businesses.”

Another good reason to move to Arizona is to live in Phoenix, “The Valley of the Sun”. This city has constantly earned top marks for its resort amenities, for its business climate and for its educational institutions. It has long been established as an ideal retirement city due to sun-filled, 85 degree days, more than 190 golf courses, and numerous other recreational opportunities. Phoenix features several health-care facilities throughout the city. Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo are each only a 6-hour drive or 1-hour flight from Phoenix.

A beautiful climate year round, natural wonders in every direction, affordable housing, a growing and strong economy (great job opportunities), and an exciting city like Phoenix are all compelling reasons to consider moving to Arizona. I might even consider it myself!

Looking for a great Arizona Realtor? Find one at http://www.scottschulte.com/

Introduction

Most movers consider that they only have one alternative when it comes to a professional moving company, moving truck rental. Self-service moving has changed all this, as it has become an increasingly more fashionable way to move in recent years.

The concept itself is very straightforward. The customer packs his own belongings into a trailer and the self-service moving company organizes the driving of the truck. For a lot of movers, providing a do-it-yourself moving option that does not require driving as proved to be very popular.

The Self-Service Moving Process In Detail

As the name implies, the self-moving process is meant to be un-complicated. When you visit the website of one of the large self service moving companies you will find that even the quotation and acceptance process is painless. You only need a minimum amount of detail available in order to get the ball rolling.

Once you accept your quote a number of containers will be delivered for you to begin your packing within a matter of days. Most companies give you up to one calendar month to complete your packing before they will charge you over and above your original quotation price. You will also normally only be charged for the actual space you use in the container so, the more efficiently you pack the better!

The Pros and Cons

The advantages of using self-service moving companies compared to professional moving and moving truck rental companies are as follows:

· Self-service moving is more competitively priced because it removes the variable labor cost associated with professional moving.

· Some of the biggest disadvantages of renting a moving truck are avoided altogether, for example the potential headache of arranging additional licensing and insurance can simply be forgotten.

The disadvantages are few, which is why this type of moving has grown in popularity in a relatively short space of time. You should however, consider the following minor disadvantages when considering self service moving:

· As with any form of do-it-yourself moving, there will be a certain degree of effort required on your part. If you have a large house don’t under estimate the time and effort involved in packing the self-service container. If necessary get friends and family to help!

· You will be reliant on the schedule of moving company in terms of driving the truck so make sure you establish that your chosen company is reliable.

Ensuring You Get The Best Deal

When you are looking for a moving service, always be prepared to shop around get several quotes from different companies, not just those based on the Internet or in your local business directory. Always ask relevant questions to find out how knowledgeable your prospective service provider is.

Conclusion

Self-service moving provides a very viable alternative to a Professional Mover and Moving Truck Rental companies. It will suit you down to the ground if you are looking to save money, do not particularly relish the thought of driving a large truck and are happy to pack your own belongings. Be sure to check out the additional tips given in the link below if you are thinking about investigating this moving option further. Happy moving!

Peter Craske writes for MovingHelpSite.com, first for self service trailer rental moving companies quotes, also visit our site for other moving articles and case studies which will be of interest to you.

There are many questions to be answered before you can arrive at a reasonable moving cost estimate. Here are some considerations: Perhaps to be raised with companies which you invite to submit a quote for your move.

1) There is no such thing as a standard or average sized house…and no such thing as an average householder… How many children do you have? Are you a ‘collector’ or a ‘hoarder’… Are you minimalist? What’s in the garden? Is there an attic, cellar, garage, or outhouse?

2) If you pack yourself, you should not expect insurance cover from breakages. You may also have to incur increased transport costs since the moving company cannot know how efficiently you will pack, or if you will leave many items unpacked which cannot then be stacked tidily on the van…requiring more space.

3) The preparation of your house’s contents can be a large cost.
It is a question of the required degree of protection: Polished furniture, mattresses, sofas, pictures, mirrors all require preparation. Valuable items require more time and packaging, maybe even crating. All breakables require individual wrapping, and so a kitchen with lots of glass crockery and equipment can take a long time to prepare.

But…if everything was prepared to the extreme degrees required of expensive art works, obviously the cost would be inappropriate. You need a perspective of cost versus risk.

4) The amount of van space required is a function not only of the quantity, but also of their ‘stackablity’: If you have expensive antiques, you will not want them loaded or stacked onto a moving van like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Van space requirements might also be dictated by weight: Large garden urns, large book or record collections, may require an extra vehicle.

5) Estimating costs is to a degree a matter of opinion. You need 3 moving quotes… and beware! The cheapest quote may be from a company that has underestimated your requirements.
Very crammed houses are easy to underestimate, especially when the client gives assurances that much will be thrown away before the move… And then reneges.
It is not always clear what a client expects in the cost / service equation, and you should take care to point out items of concern… and ask how problems you have identified will be overcome.

6) Never ever take a quote from a company who does not carefully explore your needs. Telephone estimates are usually completely meaningless: Subsequent inspection of a house rarely confirms the impressions planted in the head of an estimator over the phone.

You can find a directory of small moving companies at

http://www.student-movers-forum.com/moving.html

Finding the home that is perfect for you and your family can be a bit of a chore, but one that is well worth the result. The best way to go about finding the perfect candidate in Chandler is to start with the basics, get your finances in order. This is usually accomplished by contacting your credit bureau and getting a copy of your credit report. With that in hand you can examine the contents of the report and discover any negative items that could be holding your credit back. The next step is to ensure that all the items on your credit report have been seen to and dealt with. If necessary you should obtain letters of release from the agencies involved if you have taken care of outstanding issues.

When you have taken care of that, start shopping for a mortgage. You may be offered a pre-qualification, however that is not enough to properly compete for a home. Pre qualifications are usually a simple assessment of your eligibility for a mortgage, not an actual approval for said mortgage. Actual approvals are a bit more difficult to get and have much more to with your credit history than simply your ability to pay the monthly bill. The nice thing about having your financing pre-approved is the bargaining power that it gives you in the event of competing offers on the home you are interested in. Pre-approval shows the seller your level of seriousness in regards to buying their property.

It is after the securing of the pre-approval that you can head out and start searching the Chandler real estate market for that perfect home. Remember to make yourself a list of requirements for your ideal home. This list will be critical in assuring that your home suits all of your needs and requirements. Remember to plan ahead, in the event of a growing family you may want to assure that the home you purchase can accommodate those needs.

Albert Bor is a certified and professional Arizona realtor representing Choice Group Realty. The Choice Group specializes in Metro-Phoenix real estate. Contact Albert for more information on Phoenix real estate or visit the Choice Group at http://www.arizonachoicerealestate.com

Santa Barbara is a scenic community isolated from most of its California neighbors. If you are heading to Santa Barbara, you will find one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.

Santa Barbara is a medium-sized city with an estimated 90,700 residents in 2005. The city serves as the county seat of Santa Barbara County. With surrounding communities, the metropolitan area has a population closer to 200,000. The entire community is sandwiched between the Santa Ynez mountains and the Santa Barbara Channel. More than half of the city’s 43 square miles is water because city limits extend four miles into the Pacific Ocean. A blend of Mexican and American customs make the city unique. Spanish and English are both spoken. The majority of residents living in Santa Barbara are White non-Hispanic, about 58% of the population. Another 35% are Hispanic, well above the state average, while the African-American population is significantly low at just 2.4%. The average age of residents is near the national average of 36.4 years. Nearly 21% of the population are foreign born, mainly from Latin America.

Santa Barbara has been ranked as the fourth most expensive place to live in the country, according to CNN Money. The city has seen a big jump in home values since 2000 when the average home valued at $479,800. The median house value topped $1,000,000 in 2005, sending people away rather than heading to Santa Barbara. The home values are among the fastest appreciating in the country. The physical limitations of Santa Barbara’s geography contribute to a higher than average cost of living. Areas of land on which to build have become scarce. Roughly three out of every five homes are inhabited by renters. Rent for a two-bed, two-bath apartment can exceed $2000. The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners in 2005 was $3,024, non-mortgaged owners $476, and renters $1,231.

Well educated are Santa Barbara’s residents with over 41% of adults 25 and older holding a Bachelor’s degree. The number of college students living in the city is above average with the University of California-Santa Barbara educating nearing 20,000 full-time students yearly. Workers living in Santa Barbara are among the best paid in California. Median household income rose to $61,182 in 2005. Per Capita income was $34,563 and median family income was $82,035, much higher than the U.S. average of $55,832. The community has an economic base built around high-tech, education, agriculture, medicine, government and tourism. A great number of wineries operate in the area, producing high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Wine grapes command prices that are among the highest in the state. Santa Barbara was primarily known as a quiet, agricultural community before the depression of the 1930s created a large homeless population. Fewer residents were found to be poor in 2005 with 13.7% of city residents, a fraction above the national average. Of those living in poverty, 7.7% are White Non-Hispanic and 22.8% Hispanic.

The Santa Barbara coastline actually faces south rather than west, making for a Mediterranean type climate. The city is renowned for its warm weather, downtown beaches, Spanish architecture and mountain views. If you are heading to Santa Barbara, you will find plenty of weather conducive to improving your tan. Winter temperatures average about 56 degrees. High temperatures have historically averaged 77 degrees at the peak of summer. On an average summer day, a 20 minute drive over the mountains will find temperatures as high as 110 degrees in the valley. Santa Barbara enjoys a cooling maritime fog during the early hours of summer. The best time for sun worshippers is actually in the Fall. With the low humidity comes 18.8 inches of yearly precipitation. The Air quality Index finds 86.3% of the days in Santa Barbara with ‘good air’ to breathe.

Santa Barbara’s strict sign ordinances have attempted to preserve the city’s Spanish Colonial architecture, much of which was constructed after a devastating earthquake in 1925. The city is considered a safe place to live with its low rates of crime. But don’t plan on leaving the doors unlocked, with a moderate risk for both personal and property crime. The 2005 FBI Crime Index of 294.7 finds Santa Barbara below the national average of 325.2. People who live and work in the city enjoy some very short commute times with an average 16.7 minute travel time to work, nearly 10 minutes below the national average. The city is linked to the rest of the central coast area by U.S. Route 101. Santa Barbara Airport offers commercial air service and Amtrak provides rail service that is slow but scenic. Greyhound Bus Lines also has stations in the area.

Find moving companies for your move to California at MovingCompaniesforyou.com.

San Jose is the oldest city in city in California, rich in heritage with racial diversity and economic opportunities. Families heading to San Jose are finding out why the city is considered fun.

San Jose is a sprawling 175 square miles located in northern California. The third-largest city in the state with over 912,000 residents, it is the eleventh largest in the nation. San Jose is in the Santa Clara Valley with city neighbors Buena Vista and Burbank nearby. After a 14.2% increase in population between 1990 and 2000, the number of people heading to San Jose has slowed in recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2005, the median age of city residents was 34.7 years. Three parts nearly make the whole population for San Jose with 32% of White non-Hispanic, 32% Asian and 31% Hispanic races. The average of 3.1 people per home found families accounting for 73% of city households. English was not the language of choice in 55% of city homes, as 38% of the citizenry is foreign-born.

San Jose residents enjoy low unemployment and poverty while earnings are among the best in California. People heading to San Jose are finding well paying jobs with a median household income of $70,921 in 2005. Among the most common occupations are management, professional, and related occupations making up 40% of the work force. Poverty was three percent below the national average in 2005 at 10%, only 4.9% for White Non-Hispanic residents. Agriculture is a large part of the city’s economy, with wine production and food processing and distribution among the leading industries. But it’s technology that has made San Jose what it is today. At the heart of the Silicon Valley, known for its prominence in semiconductor and computer-related technology, is some industry giants. Businesses like Adobe Systems, Cisco and eBay have headquarters in San Jose. Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Hitachi also have bases in the city.

San Jose has some high property values that have risen greatly since 2000 when the median home was tagged at a value of $427,800. That number crept up to 625,400 in 2005, but a very modest increase in a state with surging home values. New home construction is in decline. The number of building permits has dwindled from 2329 buildings built in 1997 to 602 in 2006. Home ownership in San Jose is high for California with 62% of homes occupied by owners. The average age of city dwellings is below the state average with 18% of housing units built since 1990. The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners was $2,409, non-mortgaged owners $439, and renters $1,153.

For a city of its size, San Jose is one of the safest places to live in America. It was ranked #1 among big cities by Morgan Quitno three years in a row. Stolen car reports, however, have been on the rise, from 2,615 thefts in 1999 to over 5,500 in 2005. The FBI Crime Rate dropped during that period to 236.8. The U.S. average is 325.2. Higher than the national average is 36% of citizens who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in San Jose. One big college in the city is San Jose State University with its full-time enrollment of 20,861 students. Heading to San Jose for its climate might be a good choice. Residents enjoy mild but semi-arid weather with about 15 inches of annual precipitation. The average temperature in January is 48.7 while July sees high temperatures averaging 84 degrees. With 300 sunny days per year, the average annual temperature is 70 degrees.

Named the third Most Fun City in America by Cranium Inc., San Jose is just 20 minutes away from some popular beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Nearby Santa Cruz is a popular hangout for surfers. Residents can also access nearby mountain ranges for summer hiking and winter skiing. The city is a short distance from some top-notch golf courses, including renowned Pebble Beach. One major sports franchise, the NHL’s San Jose Sharks makes their home on the ice at HP Pavilion, known as the “Shark Tank.” Public transportation is seldom used by people who commute to work. A whopping 78% of workers drove to work alone in 2005, while 3% used mass transit. Among those who commuted to work, it took an average of 25 minutes to get to their jobs. Three international airports in the area with Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International the closest, followed by airports in Oakland and San Francisco. San Jose is also served by Amtrak.

Find moving companies for your move to California at MovingCompaniesforyou.com.

A city with a rich history spawned by the California gold rush, San Francisco presents opportunities for many today. There is much to explore for someone heading to San Francisco.

Between the Pacific Ocean and its bay lies the city of San Francisco in Northern California. On 46.7 square miles of land is a densely populated city with an estimated 739,426 residents. The population shrank nearly 5% since the 2000 U.S. Census, but San Francisco remains the state’s fourth-largest city. The city is part of the fourth largest metro area in the U.S. San Francisco is the birthplace of famous people like author Jack London, actors Clint Eastwood and Bruce Lee, and the voice of Looney Tunes, Mel Blanc. San Francisco is also home to two major sports franchises: baseball’s San Francisco Giants and the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.

Those heading to San Francisco know the city supports a large gay and lesbian community. Among its diverse cultures is one of the country’s largest Asian communities that makes up 34% of the city’s population. Chinese residents account for well over half of that figure. About 44% of the population is White non-Hispanic, 14% Hispanic, 7.8% African-American and Filipino, 5.2%. Nearly 37% of the people living in San Francisco were foreign born. A language other than English was spoken in 46% of city homes. Roughly 32% of households in San Francisco were married-couple families. At 39.4 years, the citizenry is about three years older than the national average. About 12% of people were living in poverty. However, 26.6% of African-American residents were considered poor along with 18.6% of Hispanic or Latino residents.

Compared with cities of a similar size, San Francisco has some of the best paid men and women. According to U.S. Census figures, the median income of city households in 2005 was $57,496. The most common occupations, making up 49% of the workforce, were in management, professional, and related occupations. In the world’s largest land-locked harbor, San Francisco has long been a top commercial hub. The city is home to many high-tech businesses and is prominent for semiconductor and computer-related technology. The community serves as the headquarters for Adobe Systems, Apple, eBay, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, National Semiconductor, Sun Microsystems and Yahoo. San Francisco has some of the smartest people in the nation with 45% of residents 25 years and older holding a bachelor’s degree. Among more than 100,000 students in the city, San Francisco State University has a full-time enrollment of 21,373 students.

The average value of San Francisco’s homes has risen sharply since 2000 when the average value was $396,400. Estimates in 2005 put that number at $726,700. With an average U.S. home value of $167,000, it may deter some people from heading to San Francisco with plans to own a home. Only 35% of San Francisco’s homes are owner occupied. The national average is almost twice that. Housing starts are at a near standstill with 51 buildings going up in 2005. Just 7% of the city’s housing has been built since 1990. About one-half of all homes were constructed prior to 1940. Median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners was $2,558, while renters paid $1,118 monthly on average.

While the FBI Crime Index for San Francisco has held steady since 2000, murder and auto theft are on the rise. There were 12.4 murders for every 100,000 people in 2005. The number of reported car thefts topped 8,000, twice since 2004. The city’s crime index was 450.6 in 2005, over 125 points above the U.S. figure. While not as warm as southern California, the Bay area has an agreeable climate. The weather tends to be warmer in early fall. The average low for January is 46 degrees, while the average high is 68 in July. October is even warmer at 70 degrees for a high. San Francisco sees about 22.2 inches of precipitation yearly. Residents have access to several international airports, including San Francisco International. Just across the bridge is Metropolitan Oakland International. Amtrak has four stations within the city. About one-third of people commuting to work in 2005 used public transportation. On average, it took nearly a half hour for residents to get to their jobs. Easily accessible are two major parks in San Francisco. Golden Gate Park is the largest in the city with its arboretum, lakes and waterfalls. Walking trails inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area will find towering redwoods amid 75,000 acres that includes beaches, islands and forests.

Find moving companies for your move to California at MovingCompaniesforyou.com.

San Diego, California is the seventh largest city in the United States. Many people are heading to San Diego for a diverse and hot job market.

San Diego is located in Southern California on San Diego Bay, 20 miles from the Mexican border. The border between the city and Tijuana is the busiest in the world. San Diego is the county seat of San Diego County, the third most populated county in the nation. According to CNN Money, San Diego is #5 among big cities in its ranking of the best places to live. The community is home to numerous U.S. military bases. As of 2006, there were five Fortune 1000 companies with headquarters in the area, including Qualcomm and Petco. San Diego’s strategic location draws jobs from the government and military, technology, aerospace, tourism and agriculture. The economy is led by manufacturing that includes shipbuilding, industrial machinery and metals production. San Diego Bay is one of California’s five major ports where the U.S. Navy bases its Pacific fleet. Recent increases in military and homeland security have added to an economy that benefits from $13 billion in annual military spending.

With an estimated 1,255,540 people, San Diego’s population has increased 2.6% since the 2000 U.S. Census. The median age of residents in 2005 was 33.5 years. White non-Hispanic residents accounted for 48% of the population, 26% were Hispanic, 15.8% were Asian and 6.8% were African-American. San Diego has some well-educated people. In 2005, 87% of adults 25 years and over had graduated from high school, 40% held a bachelor’s degree or higher. With an 8.1% growth in jobs in the five years since 2000, many workers have been heading to San Diego. Federal and state government provide employment to over 75,000 area residents. More than 32,000 jobs are provided by 500 biotech companies. Take home pay for San Diego’s workers is well above national levels. The annual income for an average household in 2005 was $55,637. While poverty was nearly equally the U.S. percentage, 26.1% of African-American residents and 24.4% of Hispanic residents were considered poor.

Based on figures from the National Association of Realtors, the San Diego metro area has seen some big changes in real estate values. By 2005, the metro area had a 118% appreciation on home values over a five year period, more than twice the national trend. The average metro home valued at $605,600, easily topping a national average of $167,000. San Diego homes are below the average age of California housing with 18% of homes being built since 1990. The owner occupancy rate was just over half of city homes. The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners in 2005 was $2,054 while renters had an average housing bill of $1,104 per month. FBI crime statistics show San Diego is the norm, with personal and property crime risk about the same as the national average.

San Diego weather is typically sunny and mild without many temperature extremes along the ocean. Situated in rolling hills and mesas that rise from the Pacific shore, San Diego’s 324 square miles covers all types of terrain helping the climate fluctuate by location. On the coast, temperatures are usually mild with an annual average of 70 degrees. The desert areas can get up to 30 degrees hotter. September and October are the hottest time of the year with desert winds from the east. The city has historically averaged just 9.32 inches of annual precipitation. Sports Illustrated calls San Diego “the sports and fitness capital of the U.S.” A wide variety of recreation can be found from swimming, sailing, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving and ocean fishing to hiking, jogging, and public parks. You’ll find more than 90 golf courses in the area and access to winter skiing in nearby mountains. The city is home to two pro sports teams with baseball’s San Diego Padres and the NFL’s San Diego Chargers.

Popular tourist attractions include the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. In 2004, Travel and Leisure magazine ranked the city as America’s second favorite place to visit (behind Honolulu). One big college campus is San Diego State University with 25,831 students. There are 19 colleges, universities and professional schools in the area. San Diego International Airport provides major domestic and foreign air service. Amtrak carries passengers from San Diego through Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. A commuter rail service also operates in and out of the city. San Diego is the birthplace of Cameron Diaz, Ted Danson, Robert Duval and RuPaul.

Find moving companies for your move to California at MovingCompaniesforyou.com.

Sacramento is described as a city that promotes racial harmony, while attracting a large homeless population. Heading to Sacramento has become an affordable option for some California residents.

Sacramento is the capitol of California located about 90 minutes northeast of Oakland and San Francisco. Sacramento’s population has grown by an estimated 12% in the five years since the 2000 U.S. Census. Immigrants and people seeking lower housing costs have sought out the city while housing costs soar in surrounding communities. With 456,441 citizens, Sacramento is the fifth largest city in the state. The metropolitan area is the fourth-largest in California with 2,042,283 residents. The community has been cited as one of the five “most livable” regions in America. In 2002, Time magazine picked Sacramento as the nation’s “Most Integrated City.” The White non-Hispanic community made up 36% of the population in 2005, 25% were Hispanic, 18.4% Asian and 16.3% African-American. Families made up 61% of city households. The median family income was $50,653, a little more than $5,000 below the national average. The percentage of people living in poverty was high at 19.2%, including 31.2% of all African-American residents. The city’s mild climate, easy access and tolerance have been cited as reasons for an influx of homeless people.

With a job sector that grew by over 16% from 2000 to 2005, many were heading to Sacramento for employment. As a state capitol, the largest portion of jobs are federal, state, and local government. One-fourth of California’s 471,000 government employees are employed in the Sacramento area. The city has been an important transportation hub since the gold mining era. Sacramento is ideally situated with access to air, rail, sea and freeways for commercial shipping. The Port of Sacramento is connected to San Francisco Bay by a 43-mile channel that serves international ocean-going ships. The city is served by three major rail lines and offers air travel through Sacramento International airport. Among the biggest employers are UC Davis Medical Center with 8,500 employees, Intel with 6,500 workers, and Hewlett-Packard Co. and its 4,500 jobs.

Like much of California, Sacramento has experienced a surge in housing values. In 2000, the average house value was $128,800. By 2005, the median price tag reached $341,400. Figures compiled by the National Association of Realtors found the Sacramento metro area experienced one of the greatest housing value increases in the country. The median home was priced at $377,400 in 2005, making for 121% appreciation since 2000. Housing starts in Sacramento increased dramatically since 1997 when 258 building permits were issued. By 2003, 3,600 new homes went in the ground. New home construction dropped below half that figure in 2006. Sacramento housing is newer than the state average with 17% of its homes built since 1990. The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners was $1,609, non-mortgaged owners $339, and renters $852.

The crime rate in Sacramento is high, nearly double the national FBI Crime Index. Both personal crime and property crime risk in the city are well above U.S. levels. The city ranks as one of the top 10 areas in the country for car thefts. Sacramento’s climate is described as arid Mediterranean with extremely low humidity and heavy pollen in the summer. Shielded by several mountain ranges, the city enjoys a mild climate for most of the year. The winters are rainy with annual precipitation averaging 18.8 inches. Low temperatures in January average 39 degrees with highs of 55. July sees average highs reaching 94 degrees. The city’s tule fog can get extremely dense, making driving hazardous about 96 days a year, mostly in December and January. In the center of California’s Sacramento Valley, the city doesn’t support the best air quality. People heading to Sacramento will discover ‘good air’ only 28.8% of the time, according to the EPA’s Air Quality Index.

Sacramento is home to California State University-Sacramento with its 20,830 full-time students. The city hosts one professional sports team, the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. With over 1,000 miles of waterways in the area, recreational opportunities include river rafting and boating, salmon and steelhead fishing, and sailing and windsurfing. Sacramento has a great number of public golf courses and more than 120 city parks. Skiing is also available at 17 locations within 100 miles. Sacramento International Airport handles flights to and from various U.S. destinations, Mexico and Canada. Amtrak provides the city’s main train service.

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