Guide to moving to the West Coast after graduation

Graduation is a really big turning point in every person’s life. Some people choose to stay in the same place they were born and some like to move. While staying in your hometown has its perks, moving away will provide you with an abundance of opportunities to change your life for the better. Some say relocation is a step out of your comfort zone, and they are right. But it’s a step with a lot of benefits. So, here is a nice guide for all those who are moving to the West Coast after graduation. Use it and your relocation will be much quicker, safer, and definitely more affordable.

What to expect from moving to the West Coast after graduation

The West Coast has its cons, but they are hugely outweighed by the pros. For example, the rent is quite high. Make sure you have a budget for the West Coast. It depends on a few factors like the size of the city you’ll be living in, the size of the apartment, and the economy, but it is definitely higher than most of the country. Also, food is quite expensive. You’ll have to pay some significant amounts of money for food once you move with interstate moving companies Miami has to offer.

A calculator is lying on a pile of papers.
Creating a good budget is the first step toward successful moving to the West Coast after graduation.

However, it does have a lot of benefits. It has a great job market, and that’s perfect for recently graduated. You will easily find a job, which should be your main focus. Also, people who move to the West Coast make friends much faster. Circulation of new people is much higher so you will easily meet new tourists, residents and all kinds of people who might catch your attention and become friends with you. Another good thing about it is that the economy is constantly growing on the West Coast. That means there will be more and more money, and recently graduated is always in need of that.

Also, moving to the West Coast means moving to a very open-minded community. People there understand that diversity is a strength and always encourage it. You will meet all kinds of people and your views will definitely be broadened.

Save up before you move

Most people who are moving to the West Coast after graduation aren’t prepared. So, before you schedule a relocation with residential movers Miami, you should make sure you have enough money. So, save at least enough money to cover the deposit and two months of rent. Also, you’ll need money for food and utilities so take that into account. Fresh graduates tend to move to bigger places without a lot of thinking and end up getting evicted for not having enough on time. So, preparation is your ally. Save up the amount of money that will make you feel safe in the new environment.

Create a budget and be realistic

One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when moving to the West Coast after graduation is aiming for a place they can’t afford. A lot of people who move to the West Coast come from some states with lower living standards. When the standard is lower, people can afford bigger houses and apartments for a smaller amount of money. People who come from such places usually fail to realize that living standard on the West Coast is probably the highest in the country. So, once movers Miami relocate them, they are in a pickle. They get depressed when they realize that $500 can get them only a really small, one-bedroom apartment.

A woman is looking at a computer.
If you do your research properly, you will opt for the city that best suits your character.

So, be prepared for anything and make sure you have a good vision of the situation. Make sure you know your budget and don’t try to get a place that is way over it. Being realistic is the only way for you to get a place you can afford.

Don’t move until you research all the cities on the West Coast

West Coast has a lot of options. You can choose between at least five cities when choosing where to live. If you aren’t sure which one to pick, take your time. Research them all and then make a decision. It will be the best thing you’ve done during the relocation. Each city has its good and bad sides and you should know them. Otherwise, you might make a mistake that will haunt you for a very long time. A person who is into arts definitely won’t have the same priorities as a person who only wants to do business and earn money. So, here are a few cities you might enjoy:

  • Portland, Oregon
  • San Francisco, California
  • Seattle
  • San Jose, California
  • Salem, Oregon
  • Eugene, Oregon
  • Anchorage, Alaska
  • San Diego

All of these cities have a lot to offer to anyone who is moving to the West Coast after graduation. However, only you know what you want from a place, so only you can make the right decision.

Learn about the city before moving to the West Coast after graduation

So let’s say you’ve informed yourself about the pros and cons of each city and opted for the one that suits you the most. It’s a great start but it’s not over. Now that you have a city in mind, try learning more about it. Not so much about its history (unless it plays an important role in the history of the city) but some more practical stuff. Try learning about the main streets, your new address, and what are the best places to eat at. It would also be great if you could find the best places to buy cheap groceries at. It will make your life much easier.

A big bridge in San Francisco on a sunny day.
San Francisco is a great choice for people who love art and culture.

Try to bring your stuff, instead of buying new

Another mistake rookies make when moving to the West Coast after graduation is buying everything new at the new place. They go shopping for new clothes, new furniture and everything else they need. You should really try to avoid it. It’s much easier to find good packing services Miami and ask them to pack and transport the stuff from your previous home to the new one. That way you’ll save a lot of money.