5 Things To Know Before Moving To Hawaii
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Moving from the mainland to Hawaii? 5 things to know
Some of you have probably dreamed of moving to an island state where you wake up every morning to sun, sea and sand. Hawaii is one of the most famous island states that people generally consider. Thousands of people from the continental United States migrate to Hawaii each year, hoping to fulfill their vision of living on an island paradise in a comfortable beach house while surfing and drinking margaritas as often as possible. Additionally, Hawaii has a diverse culture as people from other countries and continents also wish to relocate and start their lives anew in Hawaii. (1)
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Source: https://www.corcoran.com/homes-for-sale/regionId=107
If you’re a mainlander who’s seriously considering packing up and booking a ticket to Hawaii, it’s ideal to get a feel for what it’s like to move there. Remember, moving to Hawaii to live an island life is a common ambition for many, but living there isn’t for everyone. Knowing what you’re doing will also help you plan your move effectively to avoid future mistakes, hassles, and regrets.
Here are five things you need to know before moving from the mainland to Hawaii.
- There are few properties available
Before you pack up and move to Hawaii, you’ll need to find yourself a house to live in. Unlike the mainland where you can find plenty of low-cost housing options, most homes in Hawaii are expensive. Because Hawaii has a limited land area, there is also a limited amount of real estate available. To make the process of finding your next home easier, be sure to take the time to research online and plan a concrete budget before you jump into home ownership. (2)
You can verify real estate sites offering listings of Hawaiian properties for sale. In addition to making it easier to navigate your property, these resources will help you find different housing options based on their location on the island, type of home, and price.
- Hawaii has a high cost of living
Hawaii being an island state, you can expect some things to be harder to get. For example, on the mainland, you can easily buy most groceries at the nearest store. If you shop online, you can quickly have your items delivered to your doorstep.
In Hawaii, when certain supplies are out of stock in stores and you need to order online, it usually takes 2-3 days for shipped items to arrive on the island. Since shipping is often slow and expensive, most items and supplies sold in Hawaii are much more expensive than those on the mainland. (2)
On a good note, living in Hawaii also means you’ll have to get used to being content with what you have. This kind of island life will make you appreciate more of what the island can truly offer that the mainland doesn’t always have.
For example, since you live on an island, you have direct access to the ocean, breathtaking mountain views, a fresh supply of seafood, golden sunsets, and the warm welcome of the locals. . You can’t always buy these things, but you can have them every day in Hawaii. If you are considering buying property in Aloha State, check out the Corcoran Hawaii real estate site or other Hawaiian real estate websites and get yourself a beach house.
- You are closer to wildlife
For nature lovers, moving to Hawaii might be for you. There are various sea animals and animals that you won’t find on the mainland, such as monk seals, northern elephant seals, and hoary bats. If you want to swim with turtles, whales or any other famous tropical fish, you can just swim in the water. You will often see unfamiliar birds nesting in your yard or even find deer while driving to work. (3)
If you’re moving with a pet, you can expect the whole moving process to be longer and more difficult than usual. Besides the fact that local wild animals might harass your pet in your yard, the Hawaiian government is also actively working to protect its ecosystem from outside threats or diseases brought by non-native animals. (4)
If you are seriously considering bringing your furry friends from the mainland, you must prepare all medical certificates and veterinary documents and comply with state requirements for importing pets. You can also expect your pets to be checked and quarantined before you can bring them home to your Hawaiian home, according to Hawaiian Animal Quarantine Law. (4)
- Rainy days are common
Unlike the mainland, rainy days are common in Hawaii. You may have heard of Hawaii for its hot days, but you can also expect lots of rain as it has a tropical climate. Moving to this island state is suitable for people who love the tropical climate and are not afraid of wet and cool weather, especially at night. (5)
- There is a strong sense of community in Hawaii
In Hawaii, you can expect most residents to know their neighbors. Because of the warm welcome of the inhabitants, making friends is easy. If you’re looking for a place with a strong sense of community, moving to Hawaii might be for you. If you’re used to being withdrawn and distant when living on the mainland, perhaps this move to Hawaii could help you open up and become more socially available and connected.
Take away key
All in all, moving to Hawaii can be expensive, but its perks can make it an attractive opportunity. In addition to living in a home with direct access to the sand and sea, you can also enjoy the warm weather, get involved in a welcoming social group, and experience all the unique things about the island that you can’t find on the continent.
References:
- “Population of Hawaii 2022”, Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/hawaii-population
- “Why is Hawaii so expensive?, Source: https://lisbdnet.com/why-hawaii-is-so-expensive/
- “What animals live in Hawaii?, Source: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-animals-live-in-hawaii.html
- “Animal Quarantine Information Page”, Source: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/
“Hawaii Climate”, Source: https://www.weather.gov/hfo/climate_summary
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