351 movers in Santa Maria
AMS Bekins
"Avoid this moving company. They lost one of our boxes which happened to have very valuable items. The company takes no responsibility and has built a system to place all the blame on the customer. Upon digging further into their process, I learned..."
Got2Move
"When looking for a rental company, you go to reviews and other people’s experience. This is my experience. My $2000 4 month old Frame TV was smashed somewhere during the move. The owner thinks possibly in transit, but didn’t have an exact answer. ..."
Viking Moving and Storage
"Terrible on all counts: Customer experience, damaged items, storage and final delivery. Do not use, under any circumstances!"
Clutch Moving Company
"This was my first time using movers. Honestly, I don't understand how this company is sitting comfortably at 4.8 stars. The rating made me feel comfortable along with the quote I received, but there was nothing "clutch" about this move or my exper..."
Ron Ron Moving Co.
"The worst moving company I have ever worked with. They are late for 3 hours. They broken one chair, bed frame and TV. And It seems they blocked my number."
Emerald Moving & Storage
"PLEASE.. PLEASE.. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A MOVING COMPANY PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!! They do not hold their end of the deal at all. I moved from Washington to Michigan and the night prior to my delivery date they were in Kentucky well the d..."
What to know when moving to Santa Maria, CA
TL;DR: Santa Maria at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 46.9% of residents are renters and the median household income is $84,178.
- The Major Draw:
- The median gross rent is $1,750, making it a practical option for many.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 13.9%, some residents may face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 1.5% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,750 in monthly rent and prepare for 33.5 inches of rain annually.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santa Maria is characterized by a population of around 41,710, where 17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a balanced mix of renters and owners, with nearly half of the residents renting. The local climate features a significant amount of rainfall, particularly in winter, with 33.5 inches annually, while summers are mostly dry.
Probably not your spot if you are looking to avoid economic challenges, as a notable 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,750, which may fit comfortably within many budgets.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $477,600, reflecting a moderately priced housing market.
- About 46.9% of the population are renters, indicating a significant rental market.
- Poverty rate stands at 13.9%, which can impact community dynamics.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Santa Maria is reflective of state-level trends in California. Overall, the state has seen a decrease in crime rates over recent years.
- Violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100k residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
- Property crime rate is 1,764 per 100k residents, 14% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The property crime rate has decreased by 26.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Santa Maria provides access to a few educational institutions.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 3
- Named institutions include Allan Hancock College, CET-Santa Maria, and San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Santa Maria experiences a Mediterranean climate with an average annual rainfall of 33.5 inches, primarily during the winter months.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Waller Park - 4.6 stars (2,436 reviews)
- Preisker Park - 4.3 stars (1,160 reviews)
- Santa Maria Fairpark - 4.2 stars (841 reviews)
- Rotary Centennial Park - 4.6 stars (546 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Employment statistics for Santa Barbara County show a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.9% as of December 2025.
- Employed individuals: 210,704.
- Labor force: 221,450.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
