If you have decided to move to Downey or are seriously considering it, here are the items you need to check in advance.

Moving in without preparation and knowing what to expect in advance makes a significant difference in how quickly you settle in.

Housing: Downey has a high percentage of single-family homes.

If you are starting with a rental, explore listings on Zillow, Redfin, Apartments.com, Craigslist, and if possible, consult a local real estate agent to understand the differences between neighborhoods. If you plan to buy a home, be sure to check the school district, whether the property is in a flood zone, and if there is a homeowners association (HOA).

School for Children: Check the DUSD (Downey Unified School District) website to find out the assigned school based on your child's address, and keep track of the open enrollment application period. If you are considering private school admissions, check the admission schedules for nearby schools such as St. John Bosco, Downey Christian School, and St. Paul HS.

Utility Service Registration: You need to register for electricity (Southern California Edison), gas (SoCalGas), and water (check local supplier) before or immediately upon moving in. Both SCE and SoCalGas allow service applications online or by phone.

If you are a low-income household, also apply for the CARE program.

Vehicle Registration: When moving to California, you must register your vehicle with the California DMV within 60 days and exchange your driver's license for a California license (it is recommended to apply within 10 days). A Smog Check is also mandatory.

Healthcare: Make sure to assign a primary care physician (PCP) close to your new residence. If you are a Kaiser member, request a PCP assignment at the Downey Medical Center, and if you use PIH Health, check for nearby clinics.

Community Connection: Connecting with a Korean church or local community organization early on will help you settle in faster.

The official Downey city website (downeycalif.com) and the Nextdoor app are also useful for gathering local information. Knowing in advance will make the first few months much easier.