Image source: https://www.halfmarathons.net
Relocating is never a walk in the park, especially when you're traveling far distances. And culture shock isn't just apropos for international travel--even people moving to San Diego from San Francisco can experience a bit of "culture shock." After all, this is a huge city with a small-town feel. Whether you're a real estate professional helping a client, or an individual researching what to expect when you move, the following tips can help you.
1) The Weather Is Always Temperate
The weather in San Diego is temperate year round, which means you can expect a nice day most of the year. The average temperature in the city is 63.65, and the annual low temperature is 57.5 degrees. There aren't too many places like this in the country, so it's important to prepare. If you plan on staying for a while and purchasing a house, it may to be time to shed some of the weight of those heavy winter clothes. You can get rid of them by hosting a clothing swap (advertise on sites like Meetup), selling them on a site like Poshmark or Ebay, or donating them.
2) You May Need To Pass A Smog Check
If the model of your car is 1976 or newer, you might need to pass a smog check before you're able to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration. California's Smog Check program is a part of the state's effort to enhance the way we breathe, and keep pollution to a bare minimum. These checks are able to detect when vehicles have higher emissions than normal. You'll need to do this within 20 years of moving, and then every two years after that. Here's more information on the California Smog regulations.
3) You Can Visit Tijuana For The Day
Living in San Diego, you're right at the border of Mexico, which means you get to hop into another country on-demand. From San Diego, Mexico's nearest city, Tijuana, is just a 30-minute drive. Within less than an hour, you can immerse yourself in another culture. And there are plenty of things to do in Tijuana.
You might also want to check out Valle de Guadalupe, which is considered Mexico's Napa Valley. Valle de Guadalupe produces 90% of the country's wine, and there are dozens of wineries to explore, and some are home to amazing restaurants with fresh, gourmet cuisine. Before you cross the border, download the Best Time To Cross The Border app, which pools crossing wait times for all Mexico and Canadian borders. Otherwise, there's the official Border Protection Border Wait Times from the U.S. Customs site.
4) Local Farmers Markets Are Everywhere
If you're a foodie and value healthy eating, San Diego is one of the best places to be. Fortunately, this is Farmers Market central, and you won't be hard pressed to find the nearest one. After all, San Diego has more small farms than any other county in the United States. The city is the top producer of avocados, and ranks number three in honey production, and number nine in strawberry production.
No matter which farmers market you go to, you'll find straight-from-the-farm fresh fruit and produce. Ocean Beach Certified Farmers Market features live music, llama rides, and art vendors on Wednesday, while North Park Farmers Market is chock full or artists and innovators in this hip little area. Check out this Farmers Market Guide for more info on all available choices.
5) Not All Beach Areas Are Safe
Dare devils take heed: while it may be tempting to hop in the San Diego waters and revel in all their beauty, some beaches are very dangerous to swim in. Although the beaches are idyllic, many of them have riptides and backwash (when a harsh wave crashes against a cliff) year round, especially near the La Jolla area.
All beaches are clearly marked, advising visitors which are safe and which are not, and it's crucial that you follow these rules. If you're interested in surfing, for example, don't run any beach with nice waves--there are specific beaches that are designated (and ideal) for surfing, like the Tourmaline Surfing Park.
6) Walk & Transit Scores Vary
Think about your prefered method of transportation, and do your research on how your ideal San Diego neighborhood stacks up. From neighborhood to neighborhood, public transportation and walk scores vary. Little Italy has the highest score on both measures, while Carmel Valley has the lowest. Check out neighborhood guides to see which is most appealing to you, and then look at their corresponding score. You can also take a look at the Walk & Transit Scores here.
7) Your Dog Needs A License
California State Law requires that dogs older than five months be licensed. And to get your license, you'll need proof that your canine has passed inspection for rabies and has received proper vaccinations. You'll need to do this within 30 days of your move, and can get your license at your local animal shelter or online.
Without licensing your dog, you could impose fines and in the unfortunate event that you lose your dog, may have trouble locating it and getting it back. Most jurisdictions charge $20 for a license. If you happen to have a horse, pony, donkey, or mule, you'll need to license them, too.
7 Things Relocators Need To Know About San Diego
By Mclain Properties Sunday, March 11, 2018
Image source: https://www.halfmarathons.net
Relocating is never a walk in the park, especially when you're traveling far distances. And culture shock isn't just apropos for international travel--even people moving to San Diego from San Francisco can experience a bit of "culture shock." After all, this is a huge city with a small-town feel. Whether you're a real estate professional helping a client, or an individual researching what to expect when you move, the following tips can help you.
1) The Weather Is Always Temperate
The weather in San Diego is temperate year round, which means you can expect a nice day most of the year. The average temperature in the city is 63.65, and the annual low temperature is 57.5 degrees. There aren't too many places like this in the country, so it's important to prepare. If you plan on staying for a while and purchasing a house, it may to be time to shed some of the weight of those heavy winter clothes. You can get rid of them by hosting a clothing swap (advertise on sites like Meetup), selling them on a site like Poshmark or Ebay, or donating them.
2) You May Need To Pass A Smog Check
If the model of your car is 1976 or newer, you might need to pass a smog check before you're able to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration. California's Smog Check program is a part of the state's effort to enhance the way we breathe, and keep pollution to a bare minimum. These checks are able to detect when vehicles have higher emissions than normal. You'll need to do this within 20 years of moving, and then every two years after that. Here's more information on the California Smog regulations.
3) You Can Visit Tijuana For The Day
Living in San Diego, you're right at the border of Mexico, which means you get to hop into another country on-demand. From San Diego, Mexico's nearest city, Tijuana, is just a 30-minute drive. Within less than an hour, you can immerse yourself in another culture. And there are plenty of things to do in Tijuana.
You might also want to check out Valle de Guadalupe, which is considered Mexico's Napa Valley. Valle de Guadalupe produces 90% of the country's wine, and there are dozens of wineries to explore, and some are home to amazing restaurants with fresh, gourmet cuisine. Before you cross the border, download the Best Time To Cross The Border app, which pools crossing wait times for all Mexico and Canadian borders. Otherwise, there's the official Border Protection Border Wait Times from the U.S. Customs site.
4) Local Farmers Markets Are Everywhere
If you're a foodie and value healthy eating, San Diego is one of the best places to be. Fortunately, this is Farmers Market central, and you won't be hard pressed to find the nearest one. After all, San Diego has more small farms than any other county in the United States. The city is the top producer of avocados, and ranks number three in honey production, and number nine in strawberry production.
No matter which farmers market you go to, you'll find straight-from-the-farm fresh fruit and produce. Ocean Beach Certified Farmers Market features live music, llama rides, and art vendors on Wednesday, while North Park Farmers Market is chock full or artists and innovators in this hip little area. Check out this Farmers Market Guide for more info on all available choices.
5) Not All Beach Areas Are Safe
Dare devils take heed: while it may be tempting to hop in the San Diego waters and revel in all their beauty, some beaches are very dangerous to swim in. Although the beaches are idyllic, many of them have riptides and backwash (when a harsh wave crashes against a cliff) year round, especially near the La Jolla area.
All beaches are clearly marked, advising visitors which are safe and which are not, and it's crucial that you follow these rules. If you're interested in surfing, for example, don't run any beach with nice waves--there are specific beaches that are designated (and ideal) for surfing, like the Tourmaline Surfing Park.
6) Walk & Transit Scores Vary
Think about your prefered method of transportation, and do your research on how your ideal San Diego neighborhood stacks up. From neighborhood to neighborhood, public transportation and walk scores vary. Little Italy has the highest score on both measures, while Carmel Valley has the lowest. Check out neighborhood guides to see which is most appealing to you, and then look at their corresponding score. You can also take a look at the Walk & Transit Scores here.
7) Your Dog Needs A License
California State Law requires that dogs older than five months be licensed. And to get your license, you'll need proof that your canine has passed inspection for rabies and has received proper vaccinations. You'll need to do this within 30 days of your move, and can get your license at your local animal shelter or online.
Without licensing your dog, you could impose fines and in the unfortunate event that you lose your dog, may have trouble locating it and getting it back. Most jurisdictions charge $20 for a license. If you happen to have a horse, pony, donkey, or mule, you'll need to license them, too.
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