California Is Progressive – Sort Of
Yes, it is pretty progressive in the two large urban areas. However, even the Los Angeles area has conservative areas, and most of California’s agricultural and Northern parts can be quite conservative in their affiliations. New Jersey also tends to be quite progressive, so most transplants fit in well with their new neighbors. If you feel most comfortable living with neighbors that support your views, check on the communities where you want to live. You may find yourself surrounded by a group with views quite different than your own.
Cars and Other Vehicles
Most Californians own a vehicle of their own to drive. If you do not use a car in New Jersey, this may not work very well here. While there is public transportation, and it might be possible to avoid having a car in California, leaving yourself at the mercy of local transportation often means much longer and more frustrating days. It is also more expensive to take public transit than to drive in most cases. Most locals also stay off the freeways, except where it is impossible to bypass them. California freeways are often multiple structures that can be stories high. When comparing Jersey to California, this takes some getting used to while driving.
California has many taxes on its gas and a vast network of roads. California car insurance is also some of the most expensive in the nation. It is usually more expensive to operate a car in California vs. New Jersey. However, cars in major cities last for years because of the lack of snow in California. A new resident from New Jersey will note many late-model cars still on the road. One way to save is to have a household use one car. Of course, insurance companies are on to this and give nice discounts to those with two or more cars.
Education
In recent years, California has taken significant steps to improve education. New rules and laws are being implemented to better schools and colleges. The California Department of Education also regularly conducts surveys to discover ways to improve education.
Employment Opportunities
When moving from New Jersey to California, be prepared for a more robust job market. California is strong in several industries, including tech, entertainment, and agriculture. In contrast, the job market in New Jersey centers around pharmaceuticals, finance, and tourism. Both states have high minimum wages and robust labor laws to help protect employees.
Agriculture
California is one of the top agricultural producers in the country, especially for avocados, oranges, and tomatoes. Farmers’ markets across the state will have plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts sprouted in the golden California sun.
Other California Facts
Californians love recycling and you will need to do this, too. Many items, such as plastics, are banned in the state. You will find your state documents such as ballots available in numerous foreign languages besides Spanish and English. Due to recent droughts, many cities are remaking their green areas into water-saving flora.
Seasons in California tend to be less defined in most of the states. Yes, it gets cold in winter, but it rarely snows in most of the state, and days of 80-degree weather happen during any season. It can be very windy in many parts of the state, especially in canyon areas. Thus, many Californians don’t use umbrellas during the rainy season.
California is a large tourist state. As such, during the summer and on weekends, many local attractions are terribly busy. If you can visit these places during the week, you will miss crowds and may even save money. Most destinations have off-season or resident prices, and it is important to take advantage of them.
