Best Santa Ana to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Santa Ana to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,362 mile move from California to West Virginia go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 14 Santa Ana to Charleston moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Pure Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Santa Ana compared to Charleston. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Santa Ana to Charleston Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Terry Moving & Storage | 9.36 | 9.2 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | CC Relocation, Inc. | 9.13 | 9.66 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Central Van Lines | 8.16 | 8.11 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Santa Ana to Charleston
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,362 miles from Santa Ana, CA to Charleston, WV will cost on average $3,790 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Santa Ana to Charleston move is roughly $9,154. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,542 | 300 ft³ | 8.47 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,790 | 450 ft³ | 8.42 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,279 | 750 ft³ | 8.37 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,154 | 1100 ft³ | 8.32 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $13,235 | 1600 ft³ | 8.27 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,799 | 1800 ft³ | 8.22 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to Santa Ana guide.
Compare the 5 Best Santa Ana to Charleston Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Terry Moving & Storage
25958 Commercentre Dr
Lake Forest, CA, 92630
About Terry Moving & Storage
Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...
Services
- Local Move
- Interstate Move
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 649215 / 306297 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 11 |
| Registered Drivers | 11 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 315,000 (2022) |
Ready Set Movers
454 Deanna Ln
Charleston, SC, 29492
About Ready Set Movers
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Ready Set Movers provides relocation services for both local and long-distance moves. Since...
Services
- Local and interstate moves
- Full-service moving
- Accurate and detailed estimates
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2150739 / 756179 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
CC Relocation, Inc.
12471 Barrett Ln
Santa Ana, CA, 92705
About CC Relocation, Inc.
Website Information: CC Relocation, Inc., situated in California, has been providing efficient and reliable moving services for over 30 years. This...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3020624 / 34161 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 70,000 (2023) |
Central Van Lines
37 Jacobson Dr
Poca, WV, 25159
About Central Van Lines
Whether you’re moving across the street or across the globe, Central Van Lines knows how to get your belongings safely where...
Services
- Local and long-distance moving services
- Residential moving services
- Commercial moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1243887 / 11266 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 44 |
| Registered Drivers | 35 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 487,000 (2019) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Santa Ana vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison
The goal of this guide is to help you familiarize yourself with your new city by using your current city as a baseline. By comparing local neighborhoods between Santa Ana, CA & Charleston, WV , you'll get a sense of what to expect in your new surroundings.
| Santa Ana | Charleston | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| French Park | East End | Historic homes, cultural scene |
| West Floral Park | South Hills | Quiet, family-oriented |
| Floral Park | Kanawha City | Suburban feel with parks |
| Windsor Village | Edgewood | Community vibe, local eateries |
| Park Santiago | South Ruffner | Green spaces, neighborhood events |
| Artists Village | Elk City | Artsy vibe, galleries |
| Riverview | Downtown Charleston | Riverside access, urban life |
| South Coast Metro | North Charleston | Urban amenities, shopping |
| Wilshire Square | Oakwood | Up-and-coming, diverse community |
| Lacy | West Side | Eclectic, vibrant community |
If you enjoy the historic allure and cultural scene of French Park, exploring the East End of Charleston may be right up your alley with its charming historic homes and vibrant cultural offerings. Similarly, if the community-focused atmosphere and picturesque streets of West Floral Park made it your favorite spot, the tranquil settings and family-friendly vibe of the South Hills area can provide a similar sense of belonging. Downtown Charleston offers an urban lifestyle akin to Riverview in Santa Ana, featuring lively eateries and scenic riverside views. Meanwhile, if art and creativity draw you, the artsy vibe of Santa Ana's Artists Village finds its parallel in the Elk City neighborhood, where you'll discover local galleries and a thriving community of creatives.
Things to Do in Charleston
Explore the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences- Stroll through Capitol Market
- Hike in Kanawha State Forest
- Catch a show at Mountain Stage
- Shop at Charleston Town Center
- Learn at West Virginia State Museum
- Enjoy a meal at Bricks & Barrels
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Ana to Charleston
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Charleston, WV offers new opportunities and experiences. This comparison provides an honest look at the benefits and drawbacks of relocating from Santa Ana, CA to Charleston, WV , highlighting key differences that can influence your decision.
Santa Ana, CA- High cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Air pollution
- Crowded beaches
Charleston, WV- Affordable housing
- Less traffic
- Cleaner air
- Beautiful nature
Charleston, WV- Limited ocean views
- Cold winter months
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer job opportunities
Santa Ana, CA- Near ocean
- Sunny weather
- Diverse culture
- Numerous job opportunities
Adjusting to Charleston means enjoying greener landscapes like those in Canaan Valley State Park. The city's fewer traffic jams make daily commutes less stressful than the congestion found on Santa Ana's freeways. While Santa Ana offers diverse cuisine at places like Fourth Street Market, Charleston provides a cozy dining experience at ChâteauLynn's Tea House. Embrace a slower pace by exploring scenic spots such as Kanawha State Forest and enjoying fresh air, a refreshing change from Santa Ana’s higher pollution levels. Although the lack of ocean vistas might be a trade-off, the Charm of Charleston's natural beauty and a sense of community can be a comforting change.
Santa Ana vs. Charleston Food Guide
Food is an essential part of local culture and reflects what it's like to live in an area. This guide provides a comparison of the local cuisine between Santa Ana & Charleston so you can better understand the food scene in your new city.
| Santa Ana | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Fish Tacos | Pepperoni Roll |
| Most popular meat dish | Carnitas | BBQ Pulled Pork |
| Most popular street food item | Street Tacos | Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Tacos | Vegan Chili |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Charleston, you'll find a rich tapestry of flavors centering on Southern and Appalachian cuisines, with the iconic pepperoni roll available in local bakeries around the city. Popular neighborhoods such as East End and Downtown Charleston boast restaurants like Bluegrass Kitchen, where you can savor traditional dishes with a modern twist. While Charleston's food truck scene may not rival that of Santa Ana, the city's dining options include several unique offerings worth exploring, such as its smaller but vibrant vegan selections in places like the Bluegrass Kitchen. For a true local experience, visit Fazio's for Italian cuisine or Pies & Pints for an eclectic collection of pizzas and the classic West Virginia Pepperoni Roll.
Santa Ana vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison
Feeling at home in a new city often begins with discovering delicious food that reminds you of your favorite spots. Use this restaurant comparison between Santa Ana and Charleston to find your new go-to eateries when relocating from Santa Ana, CA to Charleston, WV .
| Santa Ana | Charleston | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Playground | Hale House | Known for its ever-changing menu and focus on unique, locally-sourced ingredients |
| Benchmark | Bluegrass Kitchen | Offers a refined take on comfort food with a focus on sustainability |
| Tacos El Zamorano | Taco Bell | Offers quick and satisfying taco options for a casual dining experience |
| The Recess Room | Bricks & Barrels | Features inventive dishes with a focus on local fare and crafted cocktails |
| Chapter One: the modern local | 1010 Bridge | Offers a modern twist on traditional Appalachian cuisine with a fresh, local focus |
| Boudin SF | Breadcraft | Known for its artisan bread and sandwiches, bringing Califonia's spirit to Charleston's bread scene |
| Taqueria Tapatia | Mi Cocina de Amor | Delivers authentic Mexican flavors in a vibrant setting |
| Hopper & Burr | Moxxee Coffee | A haven for coffee aficionados craving high-quality, meticulously brewed coffee |
| Crave Restaurant | Soho's | Offers a diverse menu with a focus on New American cuisine, perfect for a creative culinary outing |
| Wursthaus | The Peddler | Specializes in classic pub fare with a modern twist, akin to a lively beer hall experience |
As you transition to Charleston, WV, you can uncover amazing dining experiences that echo the culinary diversity you enjoyed in Santa Ana. Hale House offers an innovative menu similar to the ever-evolving dishes at Playground, captivating you with its commitment to local ingredients. For those lazy brunch outings, find a comforting equivalent to Benchmark in Bluegrass Kitchen, where you can delve into upscale twists on Americana staples that resonate with Santa Ana's sustainability vibe. Meanwhile, The Peddler beckons with its classic pub atmosphere, reminiscent of the hearty camaraderie at Wursthaus, a staple in Santa Ana's social scene. Exploring these Charleston equivalents could make your new city feel less like foreign culinary territory and more like home.
Ready to start your move?
Santa Ana vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal consideration when planning a move. Understanding how Santa Ana and Charleston compare in terms of housing can aid in making an informed decision. This chart offers a comprehensive view of housing costs and lifestyle factors for both cities.
| Comparison | Santa Ana | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial | Federal Style |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to beaches, Spanish tile roofs | Large porches, fireplaces |
When contemplating a move to either Santa Ana or Charleston, a deep dive into their real estate landscapes reveals distinct differences. While Santa Ana's neighborhoods lean heavily on the allure of Spanish Colonial architecture, perfect for those valuing aesthetic history, Charleston presents charming Federal Style homes with amenities like fireplaces and spacious porches that cater to those desiring a cozy atmosphere. Despite being a smaller city, Charleston offers significant savings on median home prices and rent. However, if walkability and a bustling urban lifestyle are essential factors for you, Santa Ana has a considerable edge with higher ratings. The diversity in housing between these two locales underscores the importance of aligning your lifestyle preferences with your housing choices.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Charleston, WV
1. South Hills: This neighborhood offers plenty of green spaces and parks like South Hills Park for your pets to enjoy and explore.
2. Kanawha City: Known for its friendly community and pet-friendly businesses such as the Pet Valu store, making it easy for you to find everything your pet needs.
3. East End: With amenities like the Kanawha County Public Library offering pet-friendly events, it's a vibrant area where both you and your pet can feel at home.
Santa Ana vs. Charleston Weather Considerations
When relocating from Santa Ana to Charleston , understanding how the weather will differ is crucial for adjusting to your new environment. This comparison highlights the significant weather contrast between the two cities, helping you prepare for the transition.
Santa Ana, CA
Charleston, WV
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Santa Ana, CA
Charleston, WV
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Santa Ana, CA
Charleston, WV
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Santa Ana, CA
Charleston, WV
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Santa Ana | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Floods, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When you move from Santa Ana to Charleston, you may find the weather shift to be quite noticeable. While summers in both cities have similar temperatures, Charleston experiences significantly colder winters. You'll also encounter fewer sunny days and considerably more rainfall in Charleston. The higher average annual humidity in Charleston can make the summer heat feel more intense compared to Santa Ana's dry heat. Additionally, prepare for a wider variety of natural disasters in Charleston, including floods and tornadoes, contrasting with the occasional earthquake risk in Santa Ana.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Santa Ana to Charleston
When relocating from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison between Santa Ana and Charleston highlights key cost differences to better prepare you for your move.
| Comparison | Santa Ana | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $80,265 | |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 92.7 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 6.5% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.79% | 0.57% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75% | 6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Retail, Healthcare, Education | Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | High |
| Homelessness | Notable | Low |
Moving from Santa Ana to Charleston can mean significant changes in your financial environment. While Santa Ana boasts a higher average household income, it also comes with a considerably higher cost of living and state income tax. Charleston, on the other hand, offers a more affordable lifestyle with lower costs in many areas. The top industries also differ, with Charleston's focus on energy and manufacturing compared to Santa Ana's retail and education sectors. Understanding these differences will help you plan for the economic shifts you may encounter.
Santa Ana vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison
For those relocating, understanding the cultural landscape is vital. This comparison of the political and religious makeup between Santa Ana & Charleston provides a quick snapshot to help you grasp the differences in the communities you're transitioning between.
| Santa Ana | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Largely Democratic | Predominantly Republican |
| Local Politics | Progressive initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion | Emphasis on traditional values and infrastructure development |
| Religion | Predominantly Catholic | Majority Protestant |
Moving from Santa Ana to Charleston, you're likely to notice a shift in the political atmosphere. While Santa Ana tends to favor progressive policies, Charleston reflects a more conservative stance with a strong focus on traditional values. This ideological shift may influence local policies, as seen in Charleston’s emphasis on infrastructure, contrasting with Santa Ana's focus on diversity. Additionally, the religious landscapes differ; Santa Ana's Catholic majority offers distinct cultural traditions compared to Charleston's Protestant-dominant setting. Exploring local establishments, like Santa Ana's vibrant historical landmarks or participating in Charleston's community activities at Charleston’s Civic Center, can ease the transition and offer deeper insights into both communities.
Santa Ana vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Charleston, WV involves understanding the key differences in daily commuting and traffic patterns. This comparison between Santa Ana and Charleston aims to provide you with insights into what you can expect regarding traffic conditions and available transportation options in each city.
| Comparison | Santa Ana | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 18 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Possible, but more convenient with a car |
When transitioning from Santa Ana to Charleston, you'll notice a significant reduction in traffic congestion, with Charleston scoring just 3 out of 10 compared to Santa Ana's 7. This results in shorter average commute times in Charleston, making daily travel much more predictable. Although public transit is somewhat available in both cities, it is more robust in Santa Ana. In Charleston, while it's feasible to live without a car, having one offers greater convenience and flexibility, especially for accessing certain areas and amenities. Adapting to Charleston's slower pace and less congested roads may be a refreshing change from the busy streets of Santa Ana.
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