Moving from San Diego to Tempe?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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San Diego to Tempe Movers

Moving from the sunny shores of San Diego, CA to the vibrant desert landscape of Tempe, AZ is more than a relocation; it's a thrilling leap into a new chapter of your life. San Diego, famously known as "America's Finest City," offers unparalleled beachfronts and laid-back vibes, a stark contrast to Tempe's energetic atmosphere and burgeoning cultural scene, the heart of Arizona's innovation and education. Given the long distance and the significant life change this move entails, it's crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best movers in the country, ensuring a seamless transition to your exciting new adventure in Tempe.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tempe to San Diego guide.

5 Best San Diego to Tempe Movers

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

#1
Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 2,279+ data points

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

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3006713 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in phoenix 2023 sterling interstate llc image
top 10 ranked movers in phoenix 2022 sterling interstate llc image
#2
The Rock Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,305+ data points

San Diego, CA
Local Residential, Furniture Moving, Full Packing Service See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3653432 Verify

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance ...Read More >>

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#3
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 477+ data points

San Diego, CA
Local Moves, Long-Distance Moves, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3177184 Verify

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill, the compan...Read More >>

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#4
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional

based on 991+ data points

Peoria, AZ
Long Distance Moves, Local Moves, Business Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT: 3656946 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in surprise 2023 new beginnings moving solutions image
top 3 ranked movers in peoria 2022 new beginnings moving solutions image
#5
M
Exceptional

based on 1,080+ data points

San Diego, CA
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2403743 Verify

About Motivated Military Movers

Motivated Military Movers is a veteran-owned moving company founded in 2008 by a Navy Corpsman, based in San Diego, California. With over 13...Read More >>

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Relocating from San Diego to Tempe Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into another world, but comparing neighborhoods can provide a bridge to the unfamiliar. In this guide, we compare local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Tempe, AZ , helping you find your new favorite spot that feels like home. Using San Diego’s top neighborhoods as a baseline, we identify the most similar areas in Tempe to ease your transition.

San DiegoTempe
La JollaDaley Park

Coastal vibe, university proximity

North ParkMaple-Ash

Artsy, historic, close to nightlife

Pacific BeachTempe Town Lake

Water activities, vibrant nightlife

Gaslamp QuarterMill Avenue District

Bustling nightlife, dining

HillcrestMitchell Park

Diverse, vibrant community spirit

Little ItalyPepperwood

Culinary scene, family-friendly

Ocean BeachHughes Acres

Relaxed, community-focused, beach-like parks

Del MarSouth Tempe

Upscale, leisure amenities

Carmel ValleyWarner Ranch

Family-oriented, quiet, parks

East VillageEscalante

Urban feel, emerging arts scene

Exploring the comparable neighborhoods can lead to delightful discoveries. For example, the artsy and historical flair of North Park in San Diego has its reflection in Tempe's Maple-Ash neighborhood, known for its engaging community and close proximity to thriving nightlife, similar to that of North Park. Similarly, the coastal vibe of La Jolla finds a match in Daley Park in Tempe, with its relaxed atmosphere and closeness to Arizona State University, echoing La Jolla's proximity to higher education and a laid-back coastal community. Pacific Beach’s vibrant nightlife and beach activities can be similarly experienced at Tempe Town Lake, offering water activities and a bustling social scene comparable to that in Pacific Beach. For those who appreciate the culinary and culture-rich environment of Little Italy in San Diego, Pepperwood in Tempe provides an inviting culinary scene within a family-friendly atmosphere. These pairings highlight how each neighborhood's unique characteristics can offer familiar comforts and exciting new opportunities in your new city.

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Things to Do in Tempe

  • Explore Tempe History Museum exhibits.
  • Walk around Tempe Town Lake.
  • Enjoy live music at Marquee Theatre.
  • Hike Papago Park trails.
  • Visit Desert Botanical Garden.
  • Shop at Tempe Marketplace.
  • Experience SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Tempe

Moving from one city to another can be life-changing. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ . We will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of this move, helping you to weigh your options effectively.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Milder weather
  • Beach access
Tempe, AZ iconTempe, AZ
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Hotter climate
  • No beach access
Tempe, AZ iconTempe, AZ
  • Hotter climate
  • No beach access
  • More traffic
  • Lower job market
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Milder weather
  • Beach access
  • Lower traffic
  • Higher cost of living

While the milder weather and beach access in San Diego, CA, are unparalleled, Tempe, AZ, offers its own set of attractions that make it a compelling place to live. The significantly lower cost of living in Tempe means you'll have more financial flexibility to explore and enjoy the city. Tempe is known for its vibrant downtown area, home to various restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. While you might miss the beaches of San Diego, Tempe Town Lake offers outdoor recreation that includes boating, fishing, and picnicking. Furthermore, you'll find a wide array of parks such as Kiwanis Park, which is renowned for its recreational facilities and community events. Whether it's the urban appeal of Mill Avenue or the serene landscapes of the Desert Botanical Garden, Tempe presents a blend of urban and natural attractions that cater to diverse preferences.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from San Diego to Tempe

Understanding the local cuisine is essential when moving to a new city, as food is a significant part of local culture and daily life. This guide provides a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Tempe , helping you get acquainted with the food scene in your new city.

San DiegoTempe

Most iconic local food item

Fish TacosNavajo Taco

Most popular meat dish

Carne AsadaPulled Pork

Most popular street food item

California BurritoSonoran Hot Dog

Most popular vegan food

Acai BowlVegan Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Hodad's
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Cucina Urbana
  • Casey Moore's Oyster House
  • Four Peaks Brewery
  • House of Tricks

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

96

Foodie Scene

97

Vegan Friendly

98

In relocating from San Diego to Tempe, you'll notice changes in the local food scene. While San Diego boasts its famous fish tacos found in spots like Ocean Beach, Tempe introduces the unique flavors of the Navajo Taco, which you can explore in locales such as Tempe Marketplace. San Diego's vibrant foodie scene includes a high concentration of food trucks and vegan options, with signature dishes like the California Burrito. In contrast, Tempe offers a cozy, growing food scene with standout vegan choices and attractions like Sonoran Hot Dogs, a testament to the city's culinary diversity. Iconic restaurants such as Casey Moore's Oyster House offer a glimpse into Tempe's rich food culture, providing a blend of traditional and innovative dining experiences.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from San Diego to Tempe

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to ease the transition for those moving from San Diego to Tempe by matching favorite eateries in the former with comparable spots in the latter. Discover your new go-to dining destinations!

Juniper & IvyHouse of Tricks

Creative American cuisine in a charming setting

Phil's BBQLittle Miss BBQ

Award-winning smoked meats and classic sides

Hodad'sThe Chuckbox

Handcrafted burgers with a local following

Las Cuatro MilpasLa Fonda Mexican Restaurant

Authentic Mexican dishes served in a homey atmosphere

George's at the CoveTop of the Rock Restaurant

Breathtaking views with innovative cuisine

Ironside Fish & OysterNelson's Meat + Fish

Fresh seafood selection, albeit in a market setting

The Crack ShackLo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles

Comfort food specializing in chicken dishes

PuestoBarrio Queen

Mexican favorites with a stylish, vibrant atmosphere

Born & RaisedMaple & Ash

An upscale dining experience, focusing on steakhouse classics

Extraordinary DessertsSweetest Season Artisan Eatery

Dessert paradise with a vast, tempting selection

When you're yearning for a taste reminiscent of San Diego’s diverse culinary scene, Tempe has comparable options that promise to delight. House of Tricks stands out for its creative American cuisine much like Juniper & Ivy, presenting dishes that are as imaginative as they are delectable. Fans of the seaside flavors from Ironside Fish & Oyster might find a new favorite in Nelson's Meat + Fish, though the experience comes in a more casual market setting. Meanwhile, if you’re missing the iconic Mexican eats from Puesto, Barrio Queen in Tempe offers an equally vibrant atmosphere and a menu that pays homage to traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. These Tempe restaurants not only mirror the quality and flavor profiles familiar to San Diego diners but also offer a sense of comfort and community in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from San Diego to Tempe

When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current and future home is crucial. This guide contrasts real estate aspects between San Diego, CA, and Tempe, AZ , focusing on housing to offer insights into cost, architecture, walkability , and more, helping you make an informed decision.

In both San Diego and Tempe, the architecture reflects their unique regional influences and lifestyles. San Diego's homes often feature Spanish Colonial styles with modern touches highlighting the city's historical roots and coastal environment. In contrast, Tempe's architecture leans towards modern and ranch styles, catering to its desert setting and collegiate atmosphere given its proximity to Arizona State University. The walkability and bikeability scores also reflect the cities' commitments to sustainable living, with Tempe edging out slightly - likely due to its comprehensive bike lanes and smaller geographical area. This translates to a vibrant urban lifestyle in both locations, though San Diego's is slightly more pronounced due to its diverse neighborhoods and oceanfront setting.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Tempe, AZ

1. Mitchell Park East: With its expansive green spaces and proximity to the Tempe Dog Park, this neighborhood ensures your pets have plenty of room to play and socialize.

2. Meyer Park: Known for its pedestrian-friendly streets and the namesake Meyer Park, this area offers a relaxing environment for both you and your pets to enjoy leisurely walks.

3. Tempe Gardens: Boasting a tight-knit community vibe and several pet-friendly cafes nearby, Tempe Gardens encourages you to bond with your pets while enjoying the local culture and cuisine.

Weather Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Tempe

When planning a move from one city to another, it’s crucial to understand how the weather in your new home compares to what you're accustomed to. This guide focuses specifically on the weather differences between San Diego, CA and Tempe, AZ , providing a detailed comparison to help you prepare for your relocation.

Summer icon
76°F / 68°F

San Diego, CA

105°F / 83°F

Tempe, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F / 50°F

San Diego, CA

68°F / 43°F

Tempe, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
10.34"

San Diego, CA

9.2"

Tempe, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

San Diego, CA

0"

Tempe, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

The weather in Tempe, AZ, is considerably hotter during the summer than in San Diego, CA, with average high temperatures reaching into the triple digits. This marked increase in heat is coupled with significantly lower humidity, which can affect your daily comfort and hydration needs. Tempe enjoys more days of sunshine on average but also experiences harsher natural phenomena like heatwaves and dust storms. Air quality and seasonal allergies differ between the two cities, influenced by the local environment and climate. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more easily to your new surroundings.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Tempe

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape waiting for you. The following comparison between San Diego and Tempe sheds light on the critical money and finance matters that will impact your budget and lifestyle. Let this serve as a guide to help you prepare for what lies ahead.

Moving from San Diego to Tempe will present noticeable financial changes, most significantly in the cost of living which is nearly 30% higher in San Diego compared to Tempe. This reduction can make your daily life and savings strategy more manageable in Tempe, owing largely to the lower state income and property taxes. Additionally, while San Diego boasts a higher average household income, Tempe's economy is buoyed by a thriving technology sector and a significant educational influence, courtesy of Arizona State University. These differences underline the importance of understanding regional economic landscapes, particularly how they impact your finances and quality of life.

Political & Religious Comparison between San Diego, CA and Tempe, AZ

If you're planning a move from San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ, understanding the comparison of the politics between San Diego & Tempe alongside their religious outlooks can offer a quick, insightful snapshot of the communities you’re transitioning between. This guide aims to give you a glance at what to expect in your new city.

San DiegoTempe

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticLean Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive on social issuesModerately progressive

Religion

Diverse religious landscapeMixed religious presence

Both San Diego and Tempe share a leaning towards Democratic ideals politically, which might ease your transition on the political front. San Diego is known for its progressive stance on social issues, an attribute that Tempe shares to a lesser degree. You'll find a diverse religious landscape in San Diego, stretching from Christianity to non-Western religions, reflecting its multicultural population. While Tempe also hosts a mixed religious presence, the vibrancy and diversity might be slightly less pronounced compared to San Diego. This comparison suggests that while there are differences, the shift from one city to the other will bring you into somewhat familiar territory concerning local politics and religion.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Tempe

Are you contemplating a move and want to better understand the daily commute and traffic? This guide compares the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Tempe, offering insights to help you navigate your new city seamlessly.

San DiegoTempe
24.721.9

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

65

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Possible but challengingDifficult

Can you get by without car?

When comparing San Diego and Tempe, it's clear that each city offers distinct experiences in terms of commuting and daily travel. San Diego, with its slightly higher traffic congestion score, indicates busier roads but also boasts a better public transit system, making it somewhat easier to navigate without a car. On the other hand, Tempe, while having less traffic congestion, presents more challenges for those attempting to live a car-free lifestyle due to its lower public transit availability. Despite these differences, both cities encourage exploring alternative transit options and adapting to local commuting patterns to optimize your daily travel experience.

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