While it used to feel like a long way away, more and more Kiwis have been making the move to the US in recent years. With incredible career opportunities, a diverse landscape, and vibrant cityscapes, there is certainly a lot to attract New Zealanders to take a chance in America.
While it may be personal connections or a great job offer pulling you in a certain direction, if you are able to choose where in the US you land or settle, there are a few destinations that are particularly alluring.
Read on as we run through the top 5 destinations in the US for Kiwis to move to. We will highlight some of the points to consider when you are making your decision, and help you connect with The Moving Company, to get your belongings and your pet there safely.
1. Seattle: The Emerald City
While you may associate this name with the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, Seattle has been known as The Emerald City since the early 80s because of its lush green surroundings. Nestled between the stunning Cascade Mountains and the famous Puget Sound, Seattle draws New Zealanders with its outdoor living, sustainable ethos, and its booming tech sector. Boeing, Microsoft, and Amazon all have their headquarters here, and, most importantly, Seattleites value good coffee as much as the average Kiwi does.
2. New York: The Big Apple
Who doesn’t want to go to New York? Since we could travel overseas, Kiwis have dreamt of making the move to the Big Apple. The ultimate metropolis, the City that Never Sleeps, is probably the most exciting place to live in the world. Career opportunities abound, and the job market here is robust. Salaries are high for professionals, and there are endless opportunities to enjoy your leisure time. With world-renowned museums, Broadway shows, Michelin Star restaurants and maybe the most diverse food offering on the planet, NYC has something for everyone – and Central Park. From Queens to Manhattan, living in New York is living at the epicentre of creativity, commerce, and culture, and while the cost of living is high, it’s worth the experience.
3. Los Angeles: City of Angels
While it used to feel like a mythical destination, these days, many Kiwis are firmly established in LA. With our growing reputation for being players in the movie industry and our love for coastal living, Los Angeles is definitely one of the top 5 destinations in the US for Kiwis to move to. With a sunny, laid-back lifestyle drawing people from all over the world, you can experience different cuisines, explore unique traditions, and make friends from around the globe. LA attracts the best of the best across a range of industries, including the entertainment, technology, and health sectors, and networking is a big deal in LA, so make sure you get a jump start by using local job platforms or LinkedIn to connect with potential employers before you relocate.
4. San Francisco: The Golden City
Named for its historically significant gold rush and often called Frisco, San Fran has been a mecca for travellers and immigrants since it was founded all the way back in 1776! Close to the famous Nappa Valley wine region and the beautiful Pacific Coast, San Fran is one of the top 5 US destinations for Kiwis to move to for its cultural diversity, booming tech industry and stunning surroundings. The wine and the food are some of the best in the world, and there is a long tradition of art, music and freedom for all in Frisco. While this is a pretty expensive place to live, if you have the opportunity, you should definitely take it.
5. Houston: Space City
Houston is all about energy; in fact, it is considered the world’s energy capital. Home to NASA and over 4000 other energy-related companies (think oil and gas), this city is rich in opportunity. Kiwis can expect a warm welcome when they land in Houston. As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, including the southern charm and hospitality – and the Texan barbecue. One of the top 5 destinations in the US when it comes to career moves in tech, innovation, research and development, Houston also has a cutting-edge hip-hop scene and a thriving nightlife.
Ready to Make An International Move? Choose The Moving Company!
Moving overseas can be a huge undertaking and there are many threads that need to be pulled together for a successful move. When it comes to relocating to one of the top 5 destinations in the US, Kiwis have a huge advantage – The Moving Company. Because we have been in the moving business for more than three decades, and we have moved thousands of Kiwis to the US, we already have streamlined processes in place.
Choose New Zealand’s biggest private international mover for peace of mind. We have you covered for inventory, packing and customs documentation and our service partners in the US are on standby to ensure that your belongings are taken care of on arrival.
If you are ready to hand over the logistics and focus on the excitement of your move to one of the top 5 destinations in the US, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch now for a free quote or to book an in-home appraisal for accurate pricing and to secure your booking.