Things to know before moving from West Virginia to Riverside, CA

Cost of living: West Virginia vs Riverside, CA

West Virginia Riverside
Average rent cost $899 $2,295
Average home value $168,172 $642,297
Average income (per capita) $55,217 $76,755
Unemployment rate 4% 7%
State income tax 7% 13%
  • Rent is about 155% more expensive in Riverside than in West Virginia.
  • Home prices are about 282% higher in Riverside than in West Virginia.
  • The average income is about 39% higher in Riverside than in West Virginia.
  • Riverside has a higher unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 69%.
  • Income taxes are 105% higher in Riverside than in West Virginia.

How life is different in Riverside from West Virginia

Riverside West Virginia
Population 317,261 1,782,959
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Republican 69-30
Summer high 94ºF 83ºF
Winter low 42ºF 21ºF
Annual rain 11" 45"
Annual snow 0" 33"
Crime index 40.24 17.47
  • The population of Riverside is approximately 82% lower than the population of West Virginia.
  • In the last presidential election, Riverside voted Democratic and West Virginia voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Riverside is 94ºF and in West Virginia, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Riverside reaches the temperature of 42ºF and West Virginia gets down to 21ºF.
  • You can expect about 11 inches of annual rainfall in Riverside vs 45 inches of rainfall in West Virginia.
  • In Riverside, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 33 inches of snow in West Virginia.
  • Riverside has a higher crime rate than West Virginia with a crime index of 40.24 vs 17.47.

Things to do in Riverside

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Riverside.

Museums in Riversidetoggle

  • March Field Air Museum
  • Mission Inn Museum
  • Riverside Art Museum
  • Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
  • Heritage House
  • California Museum of Photography
  • Phenix Technology, Inc. Firefighter History Museum
  • Riverside Metropolitan Museum
  • Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties

Parks in Riversidetoggle

  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Fairmount Park
  • Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
  • Ryan Bonaminio Park
  • Hunter Park
  • Washington Park

Universities in Riversidetoggle

  • California Baptist University
  • California Southern Law Schoo
  • La Sierra University
  • National University
  • Riverside City College
  • Riverside Royals College
  • University of California, Riverside

Other considerations when moving to Riverside, CA

  • Weather: Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from West Virginia to Riverside take?

The time frame for a move from West Virginia to Riverside, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in West Virginia, the longer the drive time to Riverside will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Riverside from West Virginia can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from West Virginia to Riverside?

Because of the 2386-mile move, it’s best to book your move from West Virginia to Riverside as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Riverside, CA?

With the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 42ºF, most people move to Riverside from West Virginia during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Riverside during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources