Moving from Riverside to Tucson?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Riverside to Tucson Movers

Moving from Riverside, the City of Arts & Innovation, to Tucson, the Heart of Southern Arizona, marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. You're leaving behind Riverside's citrus groves and arts scene for Tucson's Sonoran Desert landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Recognizing the joy and challenge this long-distance journey presents, it's crucial to entrust your move to the most reliable and professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we are dedicated to connecting you with the best movers, assured by our unbiased ranking algorithm, guaranteeing a smoother transition to your new home.

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

5 Best Riverside to Tucson Movers

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

#1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,688+ data points

Santa Monica, CA
Residential moving, Commercial moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3207734 Verify

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 >>

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top 3 ranked movers in santa ana 2023 pure movers santa monica image
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#2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,308+ data points

Lake Forest, CA
Local Move, Interstate Move, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 649215 Verify

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 >>

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#3
Moving Buddies Tucson AZ Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,762+ data points

Tucson, AZ
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3531262 Verify

About Moving Buddies Tucson AZ

Since 2011, this family-owned moving company has been building a reputation in Tucson, AZ, for excellence, professionalism, and integrity. M...Read More >>

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#4
Merit Moving Systems, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 975+ data points

Buena Park, CA
Local moving, Long-distance moving, International moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1839600 Verify

About Merit Moving Systems, Inc.

Since 1958, Merit Moving Systems has been a trusted name in the industry. It is a locally-owned business that has been offering quality relo...Read More >>

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#5
Get Your Move On, LLC Logo
Superb

based on 1,564+ data points

Phoenix, AZ
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Cross-country moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1885055 Verify

About Get Your Move On, LLC

This family-owned and operated moving company has been helping Phoenix, AZ residents move since 2005. Get Your Move On was founded with a co...Read More >>

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Relocating from Riverside to Tucson Neighborhood Guide

When relocating from one city to another, it's helpful to understand your new environment by comparing it to what you're familiar with. This guide is aimed at helping you acquaint yourself with Tucson, AZ by comparing the local neighborhoods to those in Riverside, CA. By identifying the similarities between neighborhoods in both cities, we hope to make your transition smoother and more exciting.

RiversideTucson
Wood StreetsSam Hughes

Historic homes, walkable

Canyon CrestCatalina Foothills

Scenic views, upscale

Mission GroveOro Valley

Family-friendly, recreational parks

Alessandro HeightsSabino Canyon

Exclusive, natural surroundings

OrangecrestRita Ranch

Growing community, good schools

VictoriaEl Encanto

Historic, upscale ambiance

La SierraBear Canyon

Peaceful, access to amenities

Hawarden HillsStarr Pass

Secluded, luxury homes

Magnolia CenterArmory Park

Central location, rich history

GrandDunbar Spring

Artsy, vibrant community

When you explore these neighborhoods further, you'll find unique local gems that define each area's charm and community spirit. For example, in Sam Hughes, Tucson, you have the historic Himmel Park, perfect for morning jogs and family picnics, mirroring the community-oriented atmosphere of Wood Streets in Riverside. Similarly, food enthusiasts moving from Orangecrest will appreciate the burgeoning dining scene in Rita Ranch, including popular spots like Arizona Family Restaurant for a casual family dinner. On the flip side, those accustomed to the upscale shopping and dining in Alessandro Heights will find a seamless transition to the luxury experiences offered around Sabino Canyon in Tucson, with exclusive boutiques and fine dining options. These parallels in neighborhood vibes, amenities, and lifestyles are what make the adjustment to a new city like Tucson feel like you're just discovering a new part of home.

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Things to Do in Tucson

  • Explore Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Visit Tucson Botanical Gardens
  • Hike in Saguaro National Park
  • Enjoy Tucson Museum of Art
  • Watch a movie at The Loft Cinema
  • Shop at Historic Fourth Avenue

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Riverside to Tucson

Moving from Riverside, CA to Tucson, AZ involves weighing the advantages against the disadvantages to ensure a balanced decision. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through carefully designed charts, we will highlight the critical aspects that define living quality in both cities to better aid in your decision-making process.

CONs
PROs
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • More traffic congestion
  • Smog and air pollution
  • Less desert landscape
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic
  • Clearer skies
  • More desert beauty
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Farther from major cities
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less urban variety
  • More limited dining
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Close to LA
  • Better job opportunities
  • More urban activities
  • Diverse dining options

Relocating from Riverside, CA to Tucson, AZ, presents a significant shift in lifestyle, notably in terms of living costs and environmental quality. Tucson enjoys a lower cost of living, which can be especially noticeable in housing and everyday expenses—allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle on a budget. Additionally, the move to Tucson brings one closer to stunning desert landscapes and clearer skies, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. While Riverside boasts proximity to Los Angeles, offering a plethora of job opportunities and a vibrant urban life, Tucson provides a more laid-back atmosphere, albeit with fewer big-city amenities. Despite Tucson's quieter dining scene, establishments like El Charro Café, known for its Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, and the iconic San Xavier del Bac Mission for cultural exploration, ensure that Tucson is not without its charms and attractions.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Riverside to Tucson

Understanding the local cuisine is vital to getting a real taste of the culture in a new city. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Riverside, California, and Tucson, Arizona helps you decipher the food scene in both locations, giving you insights into what your new culinary life could be like.

RiversideTucson

Most iconic local food item

Citrus-infused dishesSonoran hot dog

Most popular meat dish

Tri-tip BBQCarne asada

Most popular street food item

TacosSonoran hot dog

Most popular vegan food

Avocado toastTofu burritos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • The Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Market Broiler
  • Tio's Tacos
  • El Charro Café
  • Poco & Mom's
  • The Cup Café

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

68

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

68

In Riverside, you'll find a focus on fresh, local produce, with many dishes featuring the region's famous citrus. The Mission Inn Restaurant, known for its ambiance and local cuisine, epitomizes this with its innovative menus. Over in Tucson, the influence of Mexican cuisine is profound, offering a unique blend of flavors and dishes, such as the iconic Sonoran hot dog, which you can taste at many street corners and specialty spots like El Guero Canelo. Both cities offer vibrant food scenes, but Tucson takes it up a notch with its abundance of food trucks and a higher score in foodie scene and vegan-friendly options, suggesting a more diverse culinary experience awaits you there.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Riverside to Tucson

Finding a great place to eat is essential in making a new city feel like home. This comparison will help you find your next favorite dining spots in Tucson by using Riverside as your culinary guide. By comparing top restaurants from Riverside to their Tucson equivalents, we aim to ease your transition and spice up your meals.

• The Salted Pig• Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink

Both offer a unique take on gastropub fare with a strong emphasis on craft beer.

• Mission Inn Restaurant• El Charro Café

Iconic dining experiences rooted in historic settings.

• Mario's Place• Tavolino Ristorante Italiano

Both are renowned for their high-end Italian cuisine and refined dining atmosphere.

• Woodfire Cafe• Time Market

Wood-fired pizzas and a selection of casual eats make both spots beloved by locals.

• Duane's Prime Steaks and Seafood• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Both are go-to places for exquisite steaks and seafood with a fine dining touch.

• Simple Simon's• 5 Points Market & Restaurant

Each offers a cozy, casual dining experience with a focus on fresh, hearty meals.

• Tio's Tacos• Guadalajara Grill

Authentic Mexican food crafted with passion and tradition in mind.

• Market Broiler• Kingfisher Bar & Grill

Both specialize in seafood with a casual yet refined atmosphere.

• Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar• El Minuto Café

Southwestern flavors that bring the essence of regional cuisine to your plate.

• Salted Pig• The Coronet

Both offer a quirky yet cozy take on the modern gastropub with a strong local following.

Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink and The Coronet in Tucson offer not just meals, but experiences that mirror the community-focused and innovative spirit of Riverside’s own The Salted Pig. On the other hand, those seeking a taste of history in their dining venues will appreciate Tucson's El Charro Café as much as they did Riverside's Mission Inn Restaurant, both embedded in the fabric of their city's history. And when it comes to satisfying cravings for fresh, regional flavors, El Minuto Café in Tucson serves Southwestern cuisine that rivals the authentic tastes found at Riverside’s Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Riverside to Tucson

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Understanding the differences between your current and future home can profoundly impact your decision-making. This comparison focuses on housing aspects like cost, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle in Riverside and Tucson, highlighting the distinct features of each city to guide your transition smoothly.

When comparing Riverside and Tucson, the median home price in Riverside stands significantly higher than Tucson's, reflecting the broader cost of living differences between the two cities. However, Tucson compensates with a higher walkability and bikeability score, symbolizing a more community-oriented and active lifestyle. Architecture in Tucson tends towards the Pueblo Revival style, mirroring its rich cultural heritage and connection to the natural desert landscape. In contrast, Riverside embraces a mix of Ranch and Spanish Colonial, reflecting California's historical influences. This comparison offers insight into not just the cost but the overall lifestyle each city can offer, with Tucson providing a more affordable and perhaps more active and scenic living environment.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Tucson, AZ

1. Sam Hughes: With its abundance of shaded sidewalks and close proximity to Reid Park, you'll find it a breeze to walk your pets any time of day.

2. Armory Park: This historic neighborhood is not only picturesque but also home to the dog-friendly Armory Park, making it perfect for your furry friends to play and socialize.

3. Rita Ranch: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Rita Ranch features several pet-friendly parks and a dedicated dog park, Purple Heart Park, ensuring your pets get their much-needed exercise and fun.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Riverside to Tucson

When moving from Riverside, CA, to Tucson, AZ, understanding the weather differences and how they impact your daily life is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the key weather characteristics of Riverside and Tucson, helping you prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
94°F / 64°F

Riverside, CA

100°F / 74°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 43°F

Riverside, CA

65°F / 39°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
11

Riverside, CA

12

Tucson, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Riverside, CA

0.3

Tucson, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Although both Riverside and Tucson enjoy ample sunshine throughout the year, Tucson tends to have slightly hotter summers. However, the humidity in Riverside is somewhat higher, which can make the heat feel more intense. Moving to Tucson, you'll notice less humidity and clearer air quality, which might be a relief for those sensitive to air pollution. Additionally, both cities face unique natural disaster risks, with Riverside more prone to earthquakes and Tucson to flooding. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for and adapt to your new climate.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning your move from Riverside, CA, to Tucson, AZ, it's crucial to understand how your finances might be affected. This comparison aims to highlight the key financial differences between Riverside and Tucson, offering insights into the cost of living, taxation, and economic landscape you're stepping into.

The cost of living index in Tucson is significantly lower than in Riverside, making it a potentially more affordable option if you're looking to stretch your dollar further. However, the average household income is also lower in Tucson, which could impact your financial planning. State income tax is noticeably lower in Arizona compared to California, offering some relief to your overall tax burden. Furthermore, the variance in the primary industries between these two cities might influence your career prospects, with Tucson being a hub for aerospace, optics, and technology sectors.

Political & Religious Comparison between Riverside, CA and Tucson, AZ

This comparison highlights the differences in the political and religious makeup between Riverside, California, and Tucson, Arizona, offering a quick glimpse into the communities you might be joining or leaving behind. Understanding the local political leanings and religious climate can help you better assimilate into your new home.

RiversideTucson

Political Make-up

Moderately LiberalLiberal

Local Politics

Democratic in federal electionsDemocratic stronghold

Religion

Christianity dominant, diverse religious communityChristianity dominant, with a notable Jewish community

When moving from Riverside to Tucson, you'll likely notice a shift towards a more liberal political landscape. Tucson is known as a Democratic stronghold, reflecting its residents' views on a variety of social and economic issues. In terms of religion, both cities have a Christian majority, but Tucson boasts a significant Jewish community, indicative of the city's religious diversity. This insight could help you understand the community better and find social or religious groups that align with your beliefs.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Riverside to Tucson

Moving from Riverside, CA, to Tucson, AZ, it's essential to understand how traffic and transportation options between the two cities will impact your daily commute. This comparison aims to provide insight into what driving and transiting are like in both locations, helping you adjust to the new traffic flow and public transit availability.

RiversideTucson
3025

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

64

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

56

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

ChallengingPossible but inconvenient

Can you get by without car?

Riverside's average commute time slightly exceeds Tucson's, reflecting its busier traffic patterns, especially during rush hours. Although both cities face traffic congestion, Tucson tends to offer a slightly more relaxed commuting experience. Public transit in Tucson is marginally more accessible than in Riverside, courtesy of services like the Sun Tran bus network and the Sun Link streetcar, making the city more navigable for those without a car. However, having a car in either city significantly enhances mobility and access to wider areas, considering the spread-out nature of both urban landscapes and the convenience it brings to daily activities.

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