Move From California to Louisiana

Move From California To Louisiana

The Pelican State offers so much more than most people think, particularly considering its rich and distinct culture. From its ethnically diverse history to Mardi Gras to having two cities ranked on the U.S. News list of “Best Places to Live,” this lively southern belle state has its fair share of surprises.

Are you ready to Move From California to Louisiana?

60 Second Relocation Assessment

Moving Advice

  • Louisiana summers are very hot and very humid, with more than its fair share of precipitation.
  • Expect extreme weather in the spring and summer. For the least chance of weather disrupting your move, try to schedule it in the fall or winter.
  • If you need storage space, keep in mind that Louisiana’s climate is extremely humid. Make sure the storage space is ventilated to avoid rot damage.
  • Highways and roads in Louisiana are not well-maintained, and often littered with debris and trash, so be extra careful when driving.
  • You do not need a moving permit when moving to Louisiana, but big cities can be crowded. Check local parking restrictions to avoid fines.
  • Festivals in Louisiana are popular and frequent. Always check the city calendar before moving to Louisiana to avoid getting stuck in crowds.
  • Make sure that your pets have all their vaccinations and are protected from parasites before moving to Louisiana. In addition, depending on the change in climate, allow them to accustom gradually to avoid health problems.

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Louisiana easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, inexpensive, and will ensure that your mail arrives at your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

Louisiana is a diverse state, with cities and towns that each have their own distinct character. The state capital, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, are lively with music and festivals. Shreveport is known for its horse-racing track and riverboat casino, while Lafayette is Louisiana’s Festival Capital. Monroe is a military city while Alexandria’s culture revolves around its port and international airport. Lake Charles is family-friendly. Other places to consider calling home are Metairie, Kenner and Bossier City.

Cost of Living

The state has an average income of $35,216 per year and a cost of living that is approximately 16.5 percent lower than the national average. The state relies heavily on agriculture, meaning the local production and processing of food is one of the factors that keep the cost of living in Louisiana affordable for most households.  In addition, local production of petroleum helps keep gas prices low, which is necessary as workers make an average commute of 25 minutes.

Like many other states in the country, the Louisiana housing market has been increasing rapidly in the past two years. However, the aggressive interest hike policy initiated by the Federal Reserve Bank as a means to slow down inflation, which stands at a forty-year-high, is having a ripple effect on the housing market in Louisiana.

According to data collected in September 2022, the median housing price in Louisiana for $246,200, standing approximately 2% higher than in September 2021. It has dipped significantly after an all-time high of $273,300 in June 2022.

Climate

The Pelican State has a humid subtropical climate, with mild, short winters and long, hot and humid summers that bring not only some of the highest temperatures in the South, but also a lot of precipitation.

Summer temperatures are an average of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with the north getting higher temperatures than the south. Winter daytime temperatures average a pleasant 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Storms are frequent and severe here, with thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical cyclones and hurricanes all posing substantial risks.

Education

There are some good schools in Louisiana for students of all ages. What follows are some notable elementary and high schools, as well as some of the best colleges and universities in the state. Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information and reviews are available online for parents moving to Louisiana.

  • Elementary Schools: Lake Forest Elementary Charter School in New Orleans, South Highlands Elementary Magnet School in Shreveport and Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies in Metairie are the top three elementary schools.
  • High Schools: Three top-ranked high schools are Calvin High School in Calvin, Baton Rouge High School in Baton Rouge and Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans.
  • Higher Education: Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans and Louisiana State University System are just some of the higher educational institutions college students can attend when moving to Louisiana.

Government

Before moving to Louisiana, visit the state government’s website for the most up to date information about living and working in Louisiana.

  • Louisiana levies a four percent state excise tax, but you also have to pay parish and municipality taxes that vary depending on your location.
  • There are a number of toll roads and ferries in the state, as well as two toll bridges. You can find more information about tolls in Louisiana at GeauxPass.
  • You can register to vote in person at your local Registrar of Voters office, at the OMV or at a number of government offices. You can also register online or mail in a voter registration form.
  • Your city handles trash and recycling.
  • You have 30 days to register your vehicle and to transfer your driver’s license after moving to Louisiana. The Office of Motor Vehicles has a full breakdown of applicable fees.