Best Birmingham to Portland Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the historic charm of Birmingham, AL to the lush landscapes of Portland, OR is nothing short of an adventure, marking a significant chapter in your life. You're leaving behind the warm "Magic City" and its rich Southern culture for the "City of Roses," known for its progressive vibes and stunning natural beauty. In this transformative journey, the importance of partnering with trusted and reliable professional movers cannot be overstressed, ensuring your treasures arrive safely in your new haven.
Best Birmingham to Portland Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Portland to Birmingham guide.
5 Best Birmingham to Portland Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About MoveDaddy
Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor onl...Read More >>
Services
- Long Distance moving
- Local moving
- Cross-country moving
About Northwest Grace Moving
Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland Metro...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Senior Moving
This listing has been claimed by All Service MovingAbout All Service Moving
Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By using a ...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
About New Latitude Movers
New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving compa...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Storage Facilities
About Secure Moving Inc
Secure Moving Inc is a licensed, insured, and vetted full-service moving company that’s been operating for over a hundred years. As an agent...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Birmingham vs. Portland Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be daunting, especially when moving across the country from Birmingham, AL, to Portland, OR. To ease the transition, we've created a guide to compare local neighborhoods between Birmingham, AL & Portland, OR , helping you find a new community that feels like home. By comparing familiar surroundings from Birmingham with similar areas in Portland, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision on where to plant your roots in the Rose City.
| Birmingham | Portland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Park | NW District | Historic homes, vibrant |
| Forest Park | Laurelhurst | Leafy, with Craftsman houses |
| Mountain Brook | Lake Oswego | Affluent, lakeside living |
| Homewood | Sellwood-Moreland | Family-friendly, antiques |
| Five Points South | Pearl District | Lively, dining and shops |
| Avondale | Mississippi Ave | Hip culture, boutiques |
| Inverness | Forest Heights | Suburban, upscale |
| Edgewood | Alberta Arts District | Creative, eateries |
| Vestavia Hills | West Linn | Family-oriented, green spaces |
| Crestwood North | Irvington | Historical, welcoming community |
If you're moving from the lively dining and shopping hub of Five Points South in Birmingham, you'll find yourself right at home in Portland's Pearl District, known for its bustling streets filled with restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. For those accustomed to the historic charm and greenery of Highland Park, the Northwest District of Portland offers an equally vibrant community, surrounded by historic homes and easy access to Washington Park. Fans of Mountain Brook's affluent, lakeside lifestyle will appreciate the upscale ambiance and natural beauty of Lake Oswego, a highly sought-after area with exceptional schools and recreational opportunities including Millennium Plaza Park and the Lakewood Bay. By finding a neighborhood in Portland with the qualities you loved in Birmingham, you can make your new city feel like home.
Things to Do in Portland
Hike in Forest Park- Stroll through Portland Japanese Garden
- Enjoy food carts at various locations
- Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Explore Powell's City of Books
- Sample brews on a craft brewery tour
- Watch a movie at Cinema 21
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Birmingham to Portland
Moving from one city to another can be a significant life change, and it's essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to make an informed decision. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Birmingham, AL to Portland, OR , ensuring you are well-prepared for your new adventure.
Birmingham, AL- Higher humidity
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer outdoor activities
- More conservative
- Lower cost of living
Portland, OR- Milder climate
- Greater cultural diversity
- Abundant outdoor activities
- More progressive
- Higher cost of living
Portland, OR- Higher cost of living
- Less familiarity
- Colder winters
- More urbanized
- Adjustment period
Birmingham, AL- Lower cost of living
- Strong southern culture
- Warmer winters
- More suburban areas
- Familiar locality
Moving to Portland, OR, introduces you to a treasure trove of cultural diversity and outdoor activities that are sure to enrich your life. You can explore the vibrant cultural scene through numerous festivals and events, visit iconic landmarks like Powell's City of Books, and enjoy nature at its finest in popular areas such as Forest Park and the Japanese Garden. However, while Portland offers milder climates and more progressive politics, it's essential to prepare for the higher cost of living. This transition could mean exploring the myriad of cafes and boutique shops in neighborhoods like the Pearl District and Alberta, ensuring your adventure in Portland is filled with discovery and growth.
Birmingham vs. Portland Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Birmingham & Portland will help you dive deep into the food culture of your new home. Understanding the culinary landscape is essential, as food is a vibrant part of local culture and impacts the living experience in an area.
| Birmingham | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | BBQ Ribs | Doughnuts |
| Most popular meat dish | Fried Catfish | Pok Pok Wings |
| Most popular street food item | Shrimp and Grits | Voodoo Doughnut |
| Most popular vegan food | Cauliflower Steak | Vegan Ramen |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In moving from Birmingham to Portland, you're transitioning from a city known for its rich, Southern comfort food to a hub of diverse, innovative culinary experiences. Notably, Portland's reputation for doughnuts, highlighted by the famous Voodoo Doughnut, alongside a plethora of vegan dining options, reflects the city's eclectic food scene. Portland is also famous for its food truck culture, offering a wide range of quick, delicious, and global eats. Neighborhoods like the Alberta Arts District or Hawthorne Boulevard are go-to spots for food enthusiasts, where establishments like Pok Pok have cemented themselves as must-visit locations. This vibrant culinary landscape, accentuated by a higher health consciousness and vegan friendliness, exemplifies Portland's welcoming atmosphere for foodies of all tastes.
Birmingham vs. Portland Restaurant Comparison
Discovering local eats is pivotal in making a new city feel like home. This guide compares Birmingham's top dining spots with Portland's to find your next favorite eatery, facilitating a seamless culinary transition. Compare Birmingham's restaurants to Portland's counterparts, pinpointing your new go-to dining destinations.
| Birmingham | Portland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Highlands Bar & Grill | Le Pigeon | Innovative French cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting. |
| Hot and Hot Fish Club | Screen Door | Known for Southern-inspired dishes and seafood options. |
| Saw’s Soul Kitchen | Podnah’s Pit BBQ | Authentic Southern barbecue with a focus on quality ingredients. |
| Niki’s West | Mother’s Bistro & Bar | Homestyle cooking that brings comfort food to the next level. |
| Bottega Restaurant | Nostrana | Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal and local produce. |
| OvenBird | Tusk | Middle Eastern influences with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. |
| Post Office Pies | Apizza Scholls | High-quality ingredients on a perfect crust; a pizza lover’s haven. |
| El Barrio | Nuestra Cocina | A vibrant spot for Mexican cuisine, focusing on traditional recipes and techniques. |
| The Bright Star | Clyde Common | European-style tavern with a diverse and innovative menu. |
| Automatic Seafood and Oysters | Jacqueline | Known for its seafood dishes and impeccable oysters, reminiscent of Automatic's selection. |
In Birmingham, Highlands Bar & Grill is a staple for its innovative Southern cuisine, similar to how Le Pigeon reinvents French cooking in Portland's vibrant restaurant scene. For BBQ lovers, the transition from Saw’s Soul Kitchen to Portland's Podnah’s Pit BBQ is seamless, offering authentic flavors that pay homage to traditional cooking methods. Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the fresh and inventive dishes at Automatic Seafood and Oysters, finding a similar dedication to quality and innovation at Portland's Jacqueline. This guide ensures that no matter where you dine, the essence of your culinary favorites from Birmingham can be found in the heart of Portland.
Ready to start your move?
Birmingham vs. Portland Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscape between Birmingham, AL, and Portland, OR is crucial. Understanding the differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle can help inform your decisions and prepare you for your new environment.
| Comparison | Birmingham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Victorian, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, garage parking | Eco-friendly features, proximity to parks |
While both Birmingham and Portland offer unique living experiences, the landscapes are markedly different. In Birmingham, the lower cost of living is evident in more affordable housing options and larger lot sizes, often highlighted by spacious yards and ample garage space. Portland, on the other hand, commands higher prices due in part to its eco-friendly initiatives and access to vibrant urban amenities, including parks and bike paths. The emphasis in Portland real estate listings on sustainability and close community ties is reflective of a city that values high walkability and bikeability, distinguishing it as a more compact and environmentally conscious city than its Southern counterpart. This makes Portland an ideal choice for those looking for an urban lifestyle without sacrificing green spaces and outdoor activities.
Birmingham vs. Portland Weather Considerations
When moving from one city to another, understanding the weather differences is essential. This comparison aims to highlight how the climate varies from Birmingham to Portland, helping you adjust to your new environment more comfortably.
Birmingham, AL
Portland, OR
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Birmingham, AL
Portland, OR
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Birmingham, AL
Portland, OR
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Birmingham, AL
Portland, OR
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Birmingham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Thunderstorms | Earthquakes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Birmingham to Portland, you'll experience a cooler summer with milder highs and lower humidity, making it more pleasant for outdoor activities. However, Portland sees fewer days of sunshine and more cloudy days, which might take some adjustment. The higher annual humidity in Portland is offset by its moderate climate, ensuring that it never feels too overpowering. Importantly, be prepared for a change in allergens due to Portland's unique flora, and consider the potential for different natural disasters when making your moving preparations.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Birmingham to Portland
If you're moving from Birmingham, AL to Portland, OR, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape you'll be entering. Comparing the cost of living, income levels, and taxes can help you prepare for the transition.
| Comparison | Birmingham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $36,614 | $79,057 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.8 | 111.3 |
| State Income Tax | 5 | 9 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.65 | 0.97 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10 | 0 (No Sales Tax) |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Banking | Technology, Manufacturing, Apparel |
| Affluence | Modest | Higher |
| Poverty | Higher | Lower |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Significant |
When you move from Birmingham to Portland, you will notice a significant difference in the cost of living; Portland is substantially more expensive. However, this increase is often offset by higher average household incomes in Portland. It's key to also factor in Oregon's higher state income tax, but remember, there's no sales tax, which can balance your overall expenses. Also, consider the job market; Portland's booming tech, manufacturing, and apparel industries offer numerous opportunities, though the city struggles with higher homelessness rates.
Birmingham vs. Portland Political & Religious Comparison
In this quick guide, we provide an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Birmingham, AL, and Portland, OR. This comparison aims to offer insights into the cultural and ideological landscape that could influence your decision-making process as you plan your move.
| Birmingham | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | Democratic leadership but in a historically red state | Progressively Democratic leadership, green initiatives |
| Religion | Largely Christian, diverse denominations | Less religiously affiliated; more secular and diverse beliefs |
Moving from Birmingham to Portland will expose you to a significantly different political and social climate. Birmingham's residents tend to lean more conservative, though the city itself often elects Democratic leaders, reflecting a nuanced political landscape within a traditionally red state. On the other hand, Portland is widely recognized for its progressive values and liberal stance, from environmental initiatives to social policies. Religion plays a considerable role in Birmingham's social fabric, with a strong presence of Christian denominations. Contrastingly, Portland's population includes a larger portion of individuals who are less religiously affiliated, reflecting the city's diverse and inclusive attitude towards different beliefs and lifestyles. This transition might be a cultural shift for you, providing both opportunities for growth and a new community to be a part of.
Birmingham vs. Portland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another can profoundly impact your daily routine, especially when it comes to commuting. In this section, we'll make a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Birmingham & Portland, offering insights to help you understand what you can expect in terms of daily commute and navigating the city streets.
| Comparison | Birmingham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Easier |
When comparing the traffic and transportation options, Portland offers a more robust public transit system than Birmingham, making it easier to navigate the city without a car. The average commute time is slightly longer in Portland, likely due to the city's heavier traffic congestion. However, this is mitigated by Portland's higher score in public transit availability, including options like the TriMet buses and light rail, which cover a broad area. Conversely, in Birmingham, you might find yourself more dependent on a car to reach your destination efficiently.
Popular Birmingham, AL to Oregon Moving Routes
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