Looking for reliable movers from CA to VA? Seventh Generation Moving & Storage is your trusted partner for a seamless, stress-free relocation from California to Virginia.
✅ CA to Virginia Beach
✅ CA to Richmond
✅ CA to Norfolk & More!
Virginia has become a top destination for California residents seeking an excellent quality of life at a fraction of the cost. With housing prices averaging 40-50% lower than California, a thriving job market driven by major tech companies like Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, government contractors, and data centers in Northern Virginia, plus no state tax on Social Security benefits, it’s no wonder thousands make this move annually. The state offers four distinct seasons, historic charm, and proximity to both mountains and beaches.
Seventh Generation Moving is here to help you make this transition seamless and stress-free across approximately 2,600-2,900 miles from the West Coast to the East Coast. This cross-country relocation requires experienced logistics planning, and our specialized team handles every detail.
✅ Specialized in Cross-Country Moves – We navigate the I-40 to I-81 corridor or I-70 to I-64 routes with precision, ensuring your belongings arrive safely across multiple states.
📦 Full-Service Moving Solutions – From carefully wrapping your California furnishings to providing comprehensive packing services, we handle every aspect of your move.
🔐 Safe & Secure Transport – Your belongings are protected with professional-grade materials and secure loading techniques for the 2,600 mile journey.
💬 Transparent Pricing & Free Quotes – We provide detailed estimates with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what your cross-country move will cost.
🏠 Trusted by Families & Businesses – Our long-distance moving expertise has helped countless families and professionals successfully relocate to Virginia’s growing communities.
The cost of moving to Virginia can vary significantly depending on several factors. On average, a cross-country move to VA can range from $4,800 to $9,500, with costs influenced by the amount of belongings, the number of rooms in your home, and the associated labor and fuel costs.
Most moves from California to Virginia cover approximately 2,600-2,900 miles, making it a major cross-country relocation that typically takes 5-8 days depending on your specific starting and ending locations. The drive from Los Angeles to Virginia Beach spans roughly 2,650 miles, while San Francisco to Richmond covers about 2,850 miles.
Booking your move during off-peak seasons (September through April) can result in cost savings of 15-20%, as summer months see higher demand from families relocating before the school year. Here’s what influences your final moving cost:
Virginia offers an exceptional lifestyle that’s attracting thousands of California transplants annually, combining East Coast charm with modern career opportunities and significant cost savings. The state’s economy is booming, anchored by Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington bringing 25,000 high-paying tech jobs, a massive data center industry in Loudoun County (known as “Data Center Alley”), defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton, and a thriving federal government sector supporting the nearby Washington D.C. metro area. Major employers also include Capital One’s headquarters in McLean, Hilton Worldwide in Arlington, and the Port of Virginia in Norfolk—one of the East Coast’s busiest shipping hubs.
The state is home to prestigious educational institutions including the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, and George Mason University in Fairfax, providing excellent options for families with college-bound students. Virginia’s climate offers true four-season variety that many Californians find refreshing—colorful fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains, snowy winters perfect for skiing, mild springs with blooming dogwoods, and warm summers at Virginia Beach. The outdoor recreation is spectacular, from hiking the Appalachian Trail to exploring Shenandoah National Park, kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay, or enjoying the state’s numerous wineries and craft breweries.
Here’s why California residents are choosing Virginia:
When it comes to the best cities to move to in Virginia, here are our top five recommendations:
Virginia Beach – As Virginia’s most populous city with over 450,000 residents, Virginia Beach offers 35 miles of stunning Atlantic coastline, a thriving tourism industry, and growing tech sector. The city’s official website showcases neighborhoods like Town Center with upscale shopping and dining, and Chesapeake Bay communities perfect for water sports enthusiasts. California transplants love the beachfront lifestyle at half the cost of Southern California coastal living, with median home prices around $340,000.
Richmond – Virginia’s capital city of 230,000 residents blends historic charm with modern urban energy, hosting a booming craft brewery scene, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and major employers like Capital One and Altria. The city government site highlights neighborhoods from trendy Scott’s Addition to historic Church Hill with Victorian homes. The cost of living is 35% lower than major California cities, and the James River offers kayaking and outdoor recreation right in the city.
Norfolk – Home to the world’s largest naval base and approximately 245,000 residents, Norfolk serves as Hampton Roads’ cultural and economic center with the Chrysler Museum of Art, vibrant Ghent neighborhood, and maritime industries. Visit Norfolk’s official site to explore this waterfront city where California professionals find affordable housing (median $260,000), excellent seafood, and a strong military community. The revitalized downtown and light rail system make it increasingly attractive to young professionals.
Chesapeake – This family-friendly city of 250,000 offers a perfect blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, with the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and proximity to both Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Check out Chesapeake’s website for information on top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods like Greenbrier, and spacious homes averaging $320,000. California families appreciate the excellent school system, lower property taxes, and abundant parks and recreational facilities.
Arlington – Directly across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., Arlington’s 238,000 residents enjoy urban sophistication, Metro rail access, and the highest median household income in Virginia. The county website details neighborhoods like Clarendon, Ballston, and Crystal City (home to Amazon HQ2), where tech professionals from Silicon Valley find comparable career opportunities. Despite higher costs than other Virginia cities, Arlington still offers 25-30% savings compared to San Francisco or Los Angeles, with walkable communities and world-class dining.
These cities offer Virginia’s unique combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and modern amenities with robust job markets and significantly lower living costs for West Coast transplants.
Moving costs from California to Virginia typically range from $4,800 to $9,500 for a full-service move, depending on your home size and belongings. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $3,500-$5,000, while a 4-bedroom home can cost $8,000-$12,000. The 2,600-2,900 mile distance, seasonal timing (summer is peak season), and additional services like packing significantly impact your final price. We provide transparent, itemized quotes with no hidden fees so you can budget accurately for your cross-country relocation to Virginia.
The typical transit time for moving from California to Virginia is 5-8 days, covering approximately 2,600-2,900 miles across the country. The exact timeline depends on your specific pickup and delivery locations—moves from Southern California to Virginia Beach may take 5-6 days, while Northern California to Northern Virginia relocations can take 7-8 days. Weather conditions, required rest stops for drivers, and delivery scheduling also affect timing. We provide accurate delivery windows and keep you updated throughout your move’s progress across multiple states.
Arlington consistently ranks as Virginia’s nicest city for urban professionals, offering Metro access to Washington D.C., Amazon HQ2’s tech jobs, walkable neighborhoods, and excellent dining and cultural amenities. For families, Chesapeake provides top-rated schools, safe communities, and affordable housing around $320,000. Beach lovers prefer Virginia Beach with 35 miles of coastline and a median home price of $340,000. Richmond appeals to those seeking arts, culture, and craft breweries with the lowest cost of living among major Virginia cities. The “nicest” city depends on your priorities—all offer significant advantages over comparable California locations.
Seventh Generation Moving & Storage provides free moving estimates to any state. Simply fill out our form here or call us at 818-751-9294. We look forward to servicing your long distance move!
