Many people dream about moving to California. They think that life would be better for them in one of the bigger cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco; however, if the move is going to be a success, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.
If you currently live in a rural area or small town, the bright lights of California may be something of a culture shock for you. California is currently home to around 38 million people and the cities really are busy places; however, the city is not your only option. California has plenty of smaller towns and rural areas that put you within easy reach of the city. In this way you can have the lifestyle you are used to and can visit the city whenever you want.
If moving to a city is your dream, you need to brace yourself for factors such as traffic. Densely packed freeways are a way of life there and while most residents are used to them, they can be a learning curve for those who have just arrived. Journeys to work need to be planned to avoid peak times on the freeways if you do not want to get caught up in the traffic.
You also need to keep in mind the higher living costs of places such as Los Angeles and San Francisco when moving to California. If finances are a consideration, there are other parts of the state where your family could settle with less damage to your bank balance.