Best Oakland to Birmingham Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling Bay Area's Oakland, known for its vibrant arts scene and progressive vibes, to Birmingham, the heart of the South with its rich history and warm hospitality, marks an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind the "Bright Side of the Bay" for the "Magic City" promises a blend of adventure and new cultural experiences. Recognizing the unique challenges of a long-distance move, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers; that's where we come in, ensuring your journey from Oakland to Birmingham is smooth and stress-free.
Best Oakland to Birmingham Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Birmingham to Oakland guide.
5 Best Oakland to Birmingham Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
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 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 Fairprice Movers
Established in 2012, Fairprice Movers is a moving company headquartered in San Jose, California. The company offers a highly personalized mo...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial and Office Moving
About Upline Moving
For smooth local, statewide, and nationwide residential relocations, Upline Moving is your trusted partner. Based in Hayward, it serves the ...Read More >>
Services
- Residential movers
- Long distance movers
- Local movers
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.
Oakland vs. Birmingham Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with its neighborhoods. To help ease the transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Oakland, CA & Birmingham, AL. This guide will use your knowledge of Oakland's communities as a baseline to introduce you to similar areas in Birmingham, helping you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.
| Oakland | Birmingham | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Rockridge | Forest Park | Vibrant local shops and dining |
| Montclair | Mountain Brook | Upscale, family-friendly |
| Piedmont Avenue | Homewood | Quaint shops, café culture |
| Temescal | Avondale | Hip, fast-growing food scene |
| Jack London Square | Lakeview District | Bustling nightlife, entertainment |
| Grand Lake | Highland Park | Historic homes, community-centric |
| West Oakland | Five Points South | Diverse, cultural hub |
| North Oakland | Crestwood North | Quiet, spacious parks |
| Adams Point | Edgewood | Family-oriented, walkable neighborhoods |
| Uptown | Downtown Birmingham | Urban core, arts scene |
Discovering the nuances of each neighborhood can help you find your perfect spot. For example, Rockridge, known for its bustling shopping and dining scene along College Avenue, mirrors Forest Park where you'll find a similar vibe along Clairmont Avenue with boutique shops and local eateries such as Chez Nous. If you're drawn to the hip and artisanal atmosphere of Temescal, Avondale offers an appealing Birmingham parallel, with highlights including Saturn, a coffee shop by day and a vibrant music venue by night. For those who appreciate the waterfront and dining scene of Jack London Square, Lakeview District's array of bars and restaurants, including the popular TrimTab Brewing Company, provides a lively Birmingham counterpart. These comparisons show that, while the cities may differ vastly in size and geography, the character and heart of their neighborhoods offer familiar comforts and exciting new discoveries.
Things to Do in Birmingham
Explore Birmingham Zoo.- Visit Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Walk around Railroad Park.
- Enjoy McWane Science Center.
- Discover Vulcan Park and Museum.
- Attend a game at UAB Sports.
- Tour Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Birmingham
Moving between cities always comes with its mix of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from Oakland, CA to Birmingham, AL, helping you weigh your options clearly.
Oakland, CA- Higher living cost
- More traffic
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less green space
Birmingham, AL- Lower living cost
- Less traffic
- More job growth
- More parks
Birmingham, AL- Slower pace
- Less diversity
- Fewer restaurants
- Humid summers
Oakland, CA- Vibrant city life
- Diverse culture
- Wide culinary scene
- Mild winters
While Oakland offers a vibrant lifestyle with its diverse culture and vast culinary scene featuring restaurants like Commis and ShakeWell, Birmingham counters with a charm of its own. In Birmingham, you'll discover expansive green spaces like Railroad Park, along with a burgeoning job market in sectors like finance and healthcare. Though the pace might feel slower compared to Oakland's hustle, the quality of life in terms of cost and space can be significantly higher. Birmingham's food scene, with gems like El Tiempo for Latino cuisine and The Southern Kitchen & Bar, though smaller, is vibrant and growing, offering a blend of traditional and innovative dining experiences.
Oakland vs. Birmingham Food Guide
Food is an integral part of local culture and plays a significant role in one's lifestyle in a new area. To help you become more acquainted with your future home, we will conduct a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Birmingham , examining each city's unique food scene and what they have to offer.
| Oakland | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Southern BBQ |
| Most popular meat dish | Korean BBQ | Fried Chicken |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Gourmet Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Collard Greens |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Birmingham, you'll quickly notice the emphasis on Southern cuisine, with BBQ and fried chicken standing out as local favorites. Highlands Bar and Grill, along with Hot and Hot Fish Club and Saw’s Soul Kitchen, offer iconic Southern dishes that mirror the city's culinary identity. These establishments are located in vibrant neighborhoods like Five Points South and Avondale, making them accessible highlights of Birmingham's food scene. This city's growing foodie landscape also embraces street food culture, with gourmet hot dogs being a popular choice among locals. While Birmingham might not have the high vegan scores of Oakland, it's gradually accommodating more plant-based options, particularly with Southern staples like collard greens.
Oakland vs. Birmingham Restaurant Comparison
Relocating can be an adventure, especially when it comes to discovering your next favorite meal. Food plays a pivotal role in making somewhere feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help those moving from Oakland, CA, to Birmingham, AL, find new culinary delights that resonate with familiar tastes.
| Oakland | Birmingham | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Commis | Highlands Bar and Grill | Both offer high-end, sophisticated dining experiences. |
| Brown Sugar Kitchen | Saw’s Soul Kitchen | Both are celebrated for their soul food and casual dining atmosphere. |
| Shakewell | Bottega Restaurant | Both are known for Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a chic setting. |
| Grand Lake Kitchen | El Barrio | Both deliver a vibrant mix of casual dining with a twist on classic dishes. |
| Mua | The Atomic Lounge | Offers a quirky, eclectic vibe with an innovative menu, echoing Mua's unique character. |
| La Note | Trattoria Zaza | Both serve comfort food in a cozy, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for brunch. |
| Belotti Ristorante e Bottega | Gianmarco’s Restaurant | Both are beloved for their authentic Italian cuisine and intimate dining experience. |
| Nyum Bai | Blue Pacific | Offers a surprising take on authentic Asian cuisine, reminiscent of Nyum Bai’s unique flavors. |
| Homeroom | Post Office Pies | Both places are about reimagining comfort food classics in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. |
| Cholita Linda | El ZunZún | Both celebrate Latin American cuisine with a focus on fresh, vibrant flavors. |
For those who hold high culinary standards, the transition from Oakland’s Commis to Birmingham’s Highlands Bar and Grill promises a seamless experience, maintaining a commitment to sophisticated, high-end dining. Fans of casual, yet flavor-packed meals will find solace in swapping Brown Sugar Kitchen for Saw’s Soul Kitchen, where soul food dishes continue to reign supreme. The transition from Oakland’s eclectic dining scene to Birmingham’s varied culinary landscape ensures you’ll discover eateries that not only match but possibly even exceed your expectations, making Birmingham taste like home.
Ready to start your move?
Oakland vs. Birmingham Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial element of relocating. Understanding how Oakland and Birmingham align and differ across various housing aspects simplifies decision-making. This side-by-side comparison elucidates cost, architecture, walkability, and more, ensuring you make an informed choice regarding your new home.
| Comparison | Oakland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian, Craftsman | Colonial, Tudor |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Bay views, proximity to San Francisco | Historic neighborhoods, spacious lots |
The contrast in housing costs between Oakland and Birmingham reveals a significant difference in the affordability of both cities, where Birmingham emerges as the more budget-friendly option. Notably, Oakland's real estate market is characterized by its Victorian and Craftsman homes, reflecting its rich architectural heritage. In contrast, Birmingham’s Colonial and Tudor styles echo its historical depth. Despite Oakland offering a more vibrant urban lifestyle and greater walkability, Birmingham compensates with its charming, historic neighborhoods, such as those you might find in Redmont Park, which offer sizeable lots and a sense of community. This comparison provides a foundation for you to consider what aspects of your living environment are most important, weighing cost against lifestyle preferences.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
1. Highland Park: Known for its expansive parks like Rhodes Park, it's a paradise where your pets can enjoy long walks and meet other animals in a friendly neighborhood.
2. Avondale: With its pet-friendly patios at local establishments like Avondale Brewing Company, you and your furry friend can enjoy a day out in the community together.
3. Homewood: Home to the Homewood Central Park, offering spacious areas for pets to play and paths for walking, making it ideal for pet owners looking for an active community.
Oakland vs. Birmingham Weather Considerations
Moving between cities can be a significant adjustment, especially when it comes to the weather. Understanding how the climate in Oakland compares to Birmingham is crucial for smooth transition and planning. This guide provides essential weather comparisons to ensure you are prepared for your new environment.
Oakland, CA
Birmingham, AL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
Birmingham, AL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
Birmingham, AL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Oakland, CA
Birmingham, AL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Oakland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Oakland to Birmingham, you'll notice significant changes in weather patterns. Birmingham experiences much hotter summers and slightly cooler winters than Oakland. You'll also encounter more rainfall and humidity, which can affect outdoor activities and how you might manage your home environment. Moreover, while Oakland residents are accustomed to preparing for earthquakes, in Birmingham, it's essential to be aware of tornadoes and severe storms. Understanding these differences will help you adjust more quickly and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Birmingham
When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of how the cost of living, taxes, and economic conditions in Oakland stand in contrast to those in Birmingham, ensuring you're well-prepared for your relocation.
| Comparison | Oakland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $82,236 | $36,614 |
| Cost of Living Index | 139.1 | 90.8 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 5% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.79% | 0.77% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25% | 10% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Retail | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Banking |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
In moving from Oakland to Birmingham, you'll find a significant difference in the cost of living, with Birmingham being much more affordable. However, it's important to note that the average household income is also notably lower in Birmingham. The state income tax in California is significantly higher than in Alabama, impacting your take-home pay. Conversely, sales tax is slightly higher in Birmingham. While Oakland boasts a high-affluence economy with technology as a leading sector, Birmingham's economy is more diversified, with manufacturing playing a key role. These factors collectively shape the economic landscape you’ll step into.
Oakland vs. Birmingham Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents when moving from Oakland, CA to Birmingham, AL . It aims to provide insight into the local community atmosphere you're transitioning into.
| Oakland | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic with conservative surrounding areas |
| Local Politics | Focus on social justice and equity | Emphasis on economic development and revitalization |
| Religion | Diverse, less religiously affiliated | Strongly Christian, various denominationsBirmingham Local |
In moving from Oakland to Birmingham, you'll find both cities share a liberal political makeup, though Birmingham is nestled within more conservative surroundings. The essence of local politics in Oakland leans heavily towards social justice and equity, a reflection of its diverse and vocal community. In contrast, Birmingham places a significant emphasis on economic development and revitalizing its historical and cultural landmarks. Religiously, Oakland's population is broadly diverse with fewer individuals claiming religious affiliation, whereas Birmingham has a strong Christian presence across various denominations, reflecting in community activities and the city's overall culture. This transition might introduce you to different community dynamics and priorities.
Oakland vs. Birmingham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Oakland, CA to Birmingham, AL, it's crucial to understand the differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison between Oakland & Birmingham will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, ultimately aiding in a smoother transition to your new home.
| Comparison | Oakland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 29.3 | 24.2 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some difficulty | No, a car is necessary |
In Oakland, you'll find that the average commute time is slightly longer than in Birmingham, largely due to its denser population and higher traffic congestion. However, Oakland compensates with its better public transit system, including BART and buses, making it somewhat feasible to get around without a car, though still challenging at times. On the other hand, Birmingham's lower traffic congestion score reflects a smoother driving experience for the most part, but with its limited public transit options, owning a car becomes almost a necessity for daily commutes and errands.
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