Each year many Californians decide to leave the Golden State and venture to a new destination and Washington State is among the most popular choices. The incredibly high cost of living, steep tax rates, and soaring home prices drive people out of California each year. Washington is appealing to new residents for a variety of reasons including beautiful scenery, colder weather, and a boom in high-tech industries. Read on to discover more about life in Washington and how to relocate with ease.
There are a number of benefits to living in Washington that have contributed to the recent popularity of this Pacific Northwest state. The booming job market in Seattle, temperate climate, incredible scenery, and plethora of outdoor activities have helped rank Washington among the top ten states for population growth. If you are planning a move to the Evergreen State, here is everything you need to know from the incredible perks the state has to offer to details on how to go about relocating. Movers to Washington from California
Seattle is home to some of the biggest tech giants including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. In addition, Boeing and Alaska Airlines also have a huge presence in Washington as does coffee king Starbucks. Shipping and trade workers also find plenty of work in the major ports along Puget Sound where many of the state’s exports are shipped and transported. Add to that the fact that Washington is the nation’s largest agricultural producer of apples and cherries and it’s easy to see why the state’s job market is thriving.
If you are transferring from California you are in for a wonderful surprise because Washington does not have a state income tax. California has the highest in the country so this is favorable to new residents. Washington does have a slightly higher sales tax but it varies by location and items such as groceries are exempt. In addition, Washington has one of the highest minimum wage rates in the country which can help to offset the increased sales tax.
Washington is home to top-notch universities such as the University of Washington near Seattle and Washington State University and Gonzaga on the eastern part of the state. The state is also home to several other universities and colleges and Washington is the only state in the country that has reduced tuition at public colleges and universities by 15-20%. The state also has dozens of top ranked public high schools and elementary schools.