Move From California to Ohio

Move From California To Ohio

The people of the Buckeye State claim that they’re some of the nicest you’ll ever meet, and that they make the friendliest neighbors. Ohioans are super passionate about their aptly-named “buckeye” candy – a combination of peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate – resembling actual buckeyes.

Whether you are an avid football fan, a hipster college student or a friendly housewife raising a family, Ohio has got something for you.

Are you ready to Move From California to Ohio?

60 Second Relocation Assessment

Moving Advice

  • No permits are required to move in Ohio, but check on local parking restrictions in your particular town/city.
  • Although Ohio has four separate seasons, there can be overlap, and the weather varies by areas of the state. Summer temperatures can be stifling and snowfall is unpredictable in the winter, particularly in Cleveland.
  • Spring and early fall see their share of thunderstorms and even tornadoes. Try to schedule your move in milder weather.
  • Ohio’s city/metro areas have their share of high-traffic times and congestion. Plan to avoid rush hours and Mondays and Fridays.

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

Cities and Metro Areas

There are 16 metro areas in Ohio, but the three largest, most identifiable cities are Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati. Many of the smaller cities and towns draw people to the state for business, arts and culture, diversity, outstanding universities and more.

Bexley residents enjoy one of the shortest commute times and homebuyers have a slew of choices ranging from charming craftsman-style homes, classic Colonials or regular modern townhomes. West Chester has a strong local economy, an excellent education system and fabulous entertainment options. Upper Arlington in Columbus is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in Ohio; crime rate is low, and so is the unemployment rate.

Other notable cities include Hudson, Mason, Powell and Westerville.

Cost of Living

Only seven states are cheaper to live in than Ohio, according to data recently released by the U.S. Commerce Department. Prices for goods and services in Ohio were on average 11 percent less than the average U.S. price level. Northeast Ohio’s metro area housing prices were also below the national average price level.

The housing market in Ohio has been a rollercoaster long before the Pandemic. After sinking during the Great Recession, the Ohio housing market has been steadily climbing, reaching new heights in the past two years. After surging in June 2022 at a $242,900 median sale price, the real estate market is showing the effects of the aggressive interest hike policy initiated by the Federal Reserve Bank in an effort to fight back against inflation, which stands at a forty-year high.

According to data collected in September 2022, the median sale price for an Ohio property stands at $224,800, 7% higher than a year ago.

Highways and Public Transport

With four international airports, airline travel is available throughout Ohio. Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Columbus is a user-friendly, big airport with easy access to private plane company hangars.

Cleveland Hopkins is the second-largest airport in the state and offers convenience to the northern part of Ohio.

Other city airports include:

The larger cities have good bus transportation and many have Metro transit systems. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) seems to have continuous improvement projects. Be sure to check their website for up-to-date information about areas of major construction you might want to avoid.

Climate

Temperatures vary throughout the state, but summer can be very warm and humid. Most areas see a few 90-degree days. During April and May, temperatures range from 37 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the northeast and 41 to 72 degrees in the southwest.

Winters can be cold (17 to 43 degrees), with heavy snow in northern Ohio near Lake Erie. The state is often known for its “snow belt” in the northern part of the state around the Cleveland area and milder temperatures in the middle.

Education

Ohio is committed to providing quality education to students of all levels. Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information, and reviews are available online for parents moving to Ohio:

Elementary

  1. Oak Community School (Columbus)
  2. Ottoville Elementary (Ottoville)
  3. Wells Academy (Steubenville)

High School

  1. Ottawa Hills High (Ottawa Hills)
  2. Walnut Hills High School (Cincinnati)
  3. Kalida High School (Kalida)

Government

If you are moving to Ohio and need government information, the official Ohio State Government website provides many of the things you will need to know about your new state. The site offers a wealth of information and is updated frequently.

Since Columbus is the state capital, the City of Columbus government site is also a helpful resource. Your specific city, town and community should have their own website for government resources specific to your new community.

Below are links to state resources that will help you settle in to your new home.