Best Phoenix to Riverside Movers and Practical Moving Guide

Get a Quote Now!

Phoenix to Riverside Movers

Moving from the sun-baked vistas of Phoenix, AZ, to the lush landscapes of Riverside, CA, marks the beginning of an exciting adventure and a significant life change. Leaving behind the Valley of the Sun for the City of Arts & Innovation, you transition between two distinct cultures and climates, each with its unique flavors, communities, and opportunities. Recognizing the importance of a seamless experience, we at Great Guys Moving stress the critical role of entrusting your journey to professional, reliable movers, ensuring your transition between these diverse worlds is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Arizona iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Phoenix to Riverside Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Sterling Interstate LLC9.75A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Terry Moving & Storage9.36A+Authorized For HHGContact
New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.32A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC9.30A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Phoenix guide.

5 Best Phoenix to Riverside Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.75/10
based on 2,279+ data points

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional9.32/10
based on 991+ data points

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.30/10
based on 4,091+ data points

About Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Since 2008, Creative Moving and Packing has served the Phoenix, AZ, area with high-quality local and long-distance relocation services. This...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long-Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1877603 / 1173916

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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.

Phoenix vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

When moving cities, finding a new neighborhood that feels like home is crucial. This guide aims to compare local neighborhoods between Phoenix, AZ & Riverside, CA, helping you find your next perfect community. We'll explore the top neighborhoods in Phoenix and pair them with their Riverside counterparts based on vibe, amenities, and lifestyle.

PhoenixRiversideHow They're Similar
ArcadiaWood StreetsHistorical charm, community feel
Roosevelt RowDowntown RiversideArts and culture hub
Paradise ValleyAlessandro HeightsUpscale, scenic views
EncantoVictoriaFamily-friendly, historical sites
Biltmore AreaCanyon CrestAffluent, with golf courses
Desert RidgeOrangecrestModern homes, good schools
North Central PhoenixWoodcrestSpacious lots, rural feel
CoronadoMission GroveDiverse, active community
Willo DistrictThe GreenbeltHistoric homes, lush landscapes
Downtown PhoenixUniversityVibrant, close to education centers

For those fond of Arcadia's blend of lush landscaping and well-kept estates, Riverside's Wood Streets area offers a similar historical charm with a tight-knit community vibe, complete with Craftsman-style homes. Fans of Roosevelt Row's vibrant arts scene and walkability will feel right at home in Downtown Riverside, where the Mission Inn and the Riverside Art Museum anchor a lively cultural milieu. Meanwhile, Paradise Valley's luxury living and panoramic views find a counterpart in Alessandro Heights, known for its spacious, high-end homes and breathtaking city vistas. Each Riverside neighborhood provides unique parks, dining, and entertainment options—such as the lush Fairmount Park in Downtown Riverside or the prestigious Victoria Club in Victoria—ensuring you'll find a community that mirrors the lifestyle you cherish.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Phoenix to Riverside

Moving can be a complex endeavor, especially when it involves relocating from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA. To help you make a well-informed decision, we've developed comparisons to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through these insights, gain a balanced perspective on what awaits you in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Intense summer heat
  • Less greenery
  • Lower air quality
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Milder summers
  • More parks
  • Better air quality
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Higher living expenses
  • Less desert landscape
  • More urban density
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Lower cost of living
  • Expansive desert scenery
  • Greater suburban sprawl

Choosing Riverside, CA, introduces you to a city rich in parks and green spaces, such as the Mount Rubidoux Park and the Fairmount Park, offering residents ample outdoor recreation areas not as readily found in Phoenix, AZ. The transition to Riverside might come with higher living expenses, but it also opens the door to a community with better air quality and environmental consciousness. Riverside boasts a variety of dining options, including local favorites like Tio's Tacos and Simple Simon's, providing a rich culinary scene that's reflective of the city's diverse culture.

Phoenix vs. Riverside Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is a vital part of embracing the culture of a new city. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between Phoenix & Riverside to give you a better sense of what to expect in terms of dining options and food culture in your new home.

PhoenixRiverside
Most iconic local food itemSonoran Hot DogCalifornia Burrito
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaTri-tip Steak
Most popular street food itemTacosTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan TacosAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • Durant's
  • Matt's Big Breakfast
  • Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Simple Simon's
  • Tio's Tacos
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Phoenix to Riverside, you'll notice some exciting changes in your culinary surroundings. Phoenix is famous for its Sonoran Hot Dogs, a testament to the city's rich Mexican-inspired food scene, which can be best experienced in neighborhoods like Roosevelt Row. Riverside, on the other hand, takes pride in its California Burritos, embodying the state's love for using fresh local ingredients. You'll quickly discover Riverside's foodie gems, such as Tio's Tacos in the Downtown area, which offers a taste of local flavors with a creative twist. Both cities boast a vibrant street food culture, focusing on tacos but with their unique local interpretations, ensuring your taste buds never get bored.

Phoenix vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, discovering local dining spots can transform a new city into your home. This comparison targets the transition from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA by paralleling top restaurants, guiding you to new favorites based on your current gastronomical loves. Let's dive in and find where your next memorable meal awaits.

PhoenixRiversideWhat You'll Love
Binkley's RestaurantMario's Placeupscale dining with a creative menu
Pizzeria BiancoWoodfire Cafeauthentic wood-fired pizzas
FnBThe Salted Pigfarm-to-table dining, local ingredients
Durant'sMission Inn Restauranthistoric setting with a high-quality steak selection
Matt's Big BreakfastSimple Simon'shearty, homemade breakfasts and baked goods
Barrio CaféTio's Tacosartful setting with authentic Mexican flavors
Nobuo at Teeter HouseOoka Japanese Restauranttop-notch sushi and Japanese delicacies
Lux CentralAugie's Coffee Housea trendy spot for coffee and light bites
The DuceProAbitionvintage ambiance with a modern menu
Roosevelt TavernW. Wolfskillcraft cocktails with a cozy gastropub vibe

For those who have cherished dining at Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, discovering Woodfire Cafe in Riverside offers a seamless transition with its authentic, wood-fired pizzas that conjure up the bespoke charm and detailed approach to Italian cuisine similar to what you've experienced before. Matt's Big Breakfast enthusiasts will find a comforting echo in Simple Simon’s, where the dedication to hearty, homemade breakfast options and a warm, welcoming atmosphere mirrors the Phoenix favorite. Each Riverside establishment provides not just meals, but experiences that capture the essence of their Phoenix counterparts, ensuring your culinary transition is as fulfilling and tantalizing as your love for dining out has always been. Mission Inn Restaurant in particular, with its historic ambiance and quality steaks, showcases how Riverside complements Phoenix's dining scene, inviting you to indulge in new flavors while reminiscing fondly about your old haunts.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Phoenix vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, comparing real estate between Phoenix, AZ, and Riverside, CA is crucial. This comparison will highlight the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and the lifestyle you can expect in both cities. Understanding these factors is key to making an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonPhoenixRiverside
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, PuebloSpanish Revival, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingDesert landscaping, poolsHistoric homes, views

In both Phoenix and Riverside, the sun shines most days of the year, but each city brings its unique flavor to the Southwest. Phoenix's real estate market highlights include desert landscaping and private pools, catering to those who love the outdoors despite the heat. In contrast, Riverside's market often spotlights its historic homes and scenic views thanks to its diverse landscape. While Phoenix offers a slightly more affordable entry point into homeownership, Riverside's premium is met with its richer historical offerings and somewhat better walkability and bikeability scores. Whether you prefer Phoenix’s expansive ranch-style homes or Riverside’s Spanish Revival charm, both cities offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the southwestern United States.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

1. Downtown Riverside: Known for its welcoming environment, Downtown Riverside boasts multiple dog-friendly establishments like Lakeside to Brambles, a specialized pet spa that offers grooming, therapy, and consultation services for your furry friends.

2. Wood Streets: This neighborhood is perfect for those who love to take regular strolls with their pets, thanks to its peaceful streets, beautiful architecture, and Wood Streets Green Team's community garden that includes dog-friendly spaces.

3. Canyon Crest: Canyon Crest stands out with its City of Riverside parks and recreational facilities such as Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, known for pet-friendly walking paths and trails where you can enjoy outdoor activities with your pets.

Phoenix vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another means adapting to new weather conditions. Understanding how the weather in Phoenix, AZ compares to Riverside, CA can help set your expectations and prepare you for the transition.

Summer icon
104°F / 83°F

Phoenix, AZ

95°F / 64°F

Riverside, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F / 46°F

Phoenix, AZ

68°F / 43°F

Riverside, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
8

Phoenix, AZ

11

Riverside, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Phoenix, AZ

0

Riverside, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPhoenixRiverside
Air QualityPoorModerate
Natural DisastersHeat waves, Dust stormsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Phoenix and Riverside share similarities in weather patterns, there are notable differences that could affect your daily life. Phoenix, known for its extreme summer heat, sees higher temperatures and less humidity compared to Riverside. This dry heat contrasts with Riverside's slightly cooler and more humid climate, which can be more comfortable for some. Both cities enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the year, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities. However, each city has its own set of natural disaster risks – heat waves and dust storms in Phoenix versus earthquakes and wildfires in Riverside. These factors are crucial to consider for your health, home maintenance, and emergency preparedness plans.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Phoenix to Riverside

When planning to move, understanding the financial landscape of your new home compared to your current one is crucial. This comparison between Phoenix, AZ and Riverside, CA aims to highlight key economic factors that could influence your decision and prepare you for the financial adjustments needed.

ComparisonPhoenixRiverside
Avg. Household Income$68,435$76,558
Cost of Living Index100.7112.5
State Income Tax4.509.30
Avg. Property Tax0.620.79
Avg. Sales Tax8.68.75
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Retail, ManufacturingManufacturing, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerately High
PovertyModerateLow to Moderate
HomelessnessSignificantConsiderable

Moving from Phoenix to Riverside, you'll encounter differences in living costs and taxes that are essential to understand. The cost of living index in Riverside is higher, indicating that your daily expenses might increase. This change is compounded by California's higher state income tax rate, which can impact your disposable income. However, the average household income is also a bit higher in Riverside, which might help offset some of these costs. Additionally, the industries dominating these cities differ slightly, suggesting potential career opportunities or shifts. Understanding these dynamics will help you financially plan for your move and transition more smoothly.

Phoenix vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Riverside, CA? It’s essential to get a quick glimpse of the local atmosphere you're transitioning into. This section offers a comparison of the politics between Phoenix & Riverside , focusing on the political and religious makeup of residents, providing a snapshot of the community you'll be joining.

PhoenixRiverside
Political Make-upLean towards DemocraticLean towards Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive in urban areasMix of progressive & traditional views
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious presenceChristianity dominant, significant diversity in religious beliefs

Both Phoenix and Riverside lean towards Democratic in their political makeup, reflecting a somewhat progressive stance on various issues. However, while Phoenix demonstrates more uniform progressive leanings, especially in its urban areas, Riverside presents a more nuanced picture with a blend of progressive and traditional views, possibly due to its diverse demographic and economic landscape. In terms of religion, both cities have a strong Christian presence while also being home to a variety of faiths, offering a rich tapestry of religious communities. Joining either city means becoming part of a vibrant mix of political and religious backgrounds.

Phoenix vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA, it's important to compare the traffic and transportation options between Phoenix & Riverside to better understand what your daily commute and traffic experience will be like. This guide is designed to help you adjust to your new environment smoothly.

ComparisonPhoenixRiverside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2530
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingDifficult

In comparing the daily commutes between Phoenix and Riverside, you'll find both cities present unique challenges and conveniences. Phoenix, with its slightly lower average commute time and traffic congestion, suggests a somewhat less stressful driving experience than Riverside. Yet, both cities rank relatively low in public transit availability, indicating a strong reliance on personal vehicles for getting around. While managing without a car is deemed challenging in Phoenix, it might feel just a tad more difficult in Riverside due to its layout and public transportation options. Understanding these dynamics can help you plan your commute more effectively and adjust your expectations upon moving.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Phoenix to Riverside Movers Featured Image