Things to know before moving from California to Norfolk, VA

Cost of living: California vs Norfolk, VA

California Norfolk
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,500
Average home value $771,057 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $63,484
Unemployment rate 5% 7%
State income tax 13% 6%
  • Rent is about 19% less expensive in Norfolk than in California.
  • Home prices are about 63% lower in Norfolk than in California.
  • The average income is about 31% lower in Norfolk than in California.
  • Norfolk has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 35%.
  • Income taxes are 57% lower in Norfolk than in California.

How life is different in Norfolk from California

Norfolk California
Population 238,005 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 72-26 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 88ºF 87ºF
Winter low 33ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 47" 22"
Annual snow 5" 7"
Crime index 58.1 28.43
  • The population of Norfolk is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Norfolk voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Norfolk is 88ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Norfolk reaches the temperature of 33ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 47 inches of annual rainfall in Norfolk vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Norfolk, it snows about 5 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Norfolk has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 58.1 vs 28.43.

Things to do in Norfolk

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

Museums in Norfolktoggle

  • Hampton Roads Naval Museum
  • Chrysler Museum of Art
  • Nauticus
  • MacArthur Memorial
  • Hermitage Museum and Gardens
  • The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
  • Hunter House Victorian Museum
  • Norfolk Southern Museum
  • Norfolk Police and Fire Museum
  • Glass Wheel Studio

Parks in Norfolktoggle

  • Norfolk Botanical Garden
  • Pagoda & Oriental Garden
  • Town Point Park
  • Lake Drummond
  • Ocean View Beach Park
  • Sarah Constant Beach Park
  • Elizabeth River Trail

Sports Teams in Norfolktoggle

  • Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))
  • Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)
  • Old Dominion University (Football)
  • Old Dominion University (Basketball)
  • Norfolk State University (Football)
  • Norfolk State University (Basketball)

Universities in Norfolktoggle

  • Old Dominion University
  • Norfolk State University
  • Tidewater Community College
  • ECPI University
  • Thomas Nelson Community College
  • Bryant & Stratton College

Other considerations when moving to Norfolk, VA

  • Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Virginia 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 Virginia. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • 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 California to Norfolk take?

The time frame for a move from California to Norfolk, VA, 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 California, the longer the drive time to Norfolk 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 Norfolk from California 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 California to Norfolk?

Because of the 2833-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA?

With the summer highs of 88ºF and the winter lows of 33ºF, most people move to Norfolk from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Norfolk during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources