Moving to Berkeley: Everything You Need to Know

Every city has its distinct atmosphere and culture, and in the digital age, you can go online and read all about a city before you move there—to make sure the vibe is something you think you’d like. If you’re thinking of moving to Berkeley, the city is well-known in the Bay Area as academic and eco-friendly. Here are five things our Berkeley movers believe you should know about your new life in Berkeley:

Berkeley is a Healthy Town

Moving to Berkeley is likely to bring about positive health changes in your life. Berkeley residents are known for being health-conscious. Because Berkeley is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, you’ll see many residents opting to bike to work rather than drive. Also, many of your friends and neighbors may hit up the flat Bay Trail or the slopes of Berkeley Hills on weekends. Berkeley takes nutrition seriously as well, imposing a tax of 1 cent-per-ounce on sugary sodas to reduce health issues among children.

There Are Tons of Bookstores

If you’re an avid reader, Berkeley packers and movers are glad to inform you that Berkeley is home to numerous independent bookstores. Not only are bookstores a great place to find a community and make new friends, but most of Berkeley’s bookstores are mom-and-pop shops, so you’d also be supporting small, local businesses. Opened in 1851, Books Inc. is the oldest independent bookstore on the West Coast, and it’s still in business today at its Berkeley location.

Living in Berkeley Requires Being a Bears Fan

The University of California, Berkeley, has made an imprint on the city’s culture. Largely, there are many knowledgeable and highly educated people in Berkeley. So you’ll find yourself constantly learning new things by osmosis just being around intelligent individuals. If you visit a UC Berkeley parking lot, you might even spot signs for parking spaces that are “reserved for Nobel Laureates at all times.” The school does boast several, after all. Living in Berkeley, you’ll also likely become a fan of the California Golden Bears, the university’s football team. On game days, you’ll want to throw on your blue-and-gold sweatshirt and hit up a sports bar to cheer on the home team.

Berkeley is Eco-Conscious

As a Berkeley resident, you’ll want to get used to separating your paper and plastic. The San Francisco Bay Area is highly eco-conscious, and many of its cities are among the first in the state to pass specific environmental initiatives. Berkeley, like the rest of the state, bans giving customers single-use plastic bags at checkout. So moving to Berkeley requires that you stock up on some reusable bags for grocery trips. Berkeley-based companies are also making an impact with the construction of tiny homes that are more environmentally friendly and more affordable than traditional homes, as Berkeleyside reports.

Berkeley Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Berkeley

Planning on moving to Berkeley requires deciding on which neighborhood to live in. Like most major cities in the Bay Area, Berkeley is divided into many different neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere. Downtown Berkeley is the student-driven side of town, with many college students and university employees choosing to live in this distinctly youthful and academic community. Those looking for a swankier, more upscale neighborhood may want to opt for Berkeley Hills. On the other end of the spectrum, homes in South Berkeley have a more affordable price tag, while still remaining close to the action. If a small-town vibe is what you’re after, you’ll likely find that in the Elmwood neighborhood. Try visiting the different neighborhoods to find what works best for you.

Thinking About Moving to Berkeley? 

If you’re considering moving to Berkeley, you should call Dependable Movers. We are a full-service Berkeley moving company that could help you settle into your new city comfortably. We pride ourselves on our superb customer service and a full range of moving help. Give us a call today to discover how our Berkeley professional movers, Berkeley long-distance movers, or Berkeley furniture movers can help you today. You could also learn more about our full range of Berkeley moving services on our website. F

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