Best Santa Ana to Riverside Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Santa Ana to Riverside Movers

Moving from Santa Ana to Riverside represents more than a mere change of scenery; it's an exciting journey into a new chapter of your life. You'll be trading the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of 'the Golden City' for Riverside's historic charm, known as the 'City of Arts & Innovation'. Understanding the significance of this transition, it's crucial to ensure your relocation is seamless by opting for trusted and reliable moving services, something we at Great Guys Moving pride in offering through our thoroughly vetted list of professional movers.

Best Santa Ana to Riverside Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Ready-to-go Movers9.61A+Not AuthorizedContact
Family Affair Moving9.58A+Not AuthorizedContact
Universal OC Moving9.56F-Contact
Pasadena Moving Company LLC9.56NR-Contact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Santa Ana guide.

5 Best Santa Ana to Riverside Moving Companies

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

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)
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1
Ready-to-go Movers Logo
Exceptional9.61/10
based on 2,305+ data points

About Ready-to-go Movers

Ready To Go Movers lives up to its business name with emergency moving crews that are ready to provide moving services at a moment’s notice....Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/7/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2777901 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Family Affair Moving Logo
Exceptional9.58/10
based on 4,118+ data points

About Family Affair Moving

Family Affair Moving is an experienced and reputable moving company that has been serving the Southern California region for many years. The...Read More >>

Services

  • Commercial Movers
  • Residential Movers
  • Last Minute Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3085303 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Universal OC Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.56/10
based on 588+ data points

About Universal OC Moving

Universal OC Moving is a full-service moving and furniture assembly company based in Irvine, Orange County. Established in 2017 by CEO and b...Read More >>

Services

  • Storage Service
  • Assembly/Disassembly
  • Packing/Unpacking
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4
Pasadena Moving Company LLC Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 1,187+ data points

About Pasadena Moving Company LLC

Pasadena Moving Company LLC, based in Pasadena, is celebrated for its understanding of the local area and efficient relocation services, ext...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Overnight Services
View Full Review
5
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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.

Santa Ana vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can feel like stepping into a new world, especially when you're not familiar with your new city's neighborhoods. To help ease the transition, we've undertaken a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Santa Ana, CA & Riverside, CA , pinpointing areas with similar vibes, amenities, and lifestyles. This guide aims to make you feel at home sooner by matching the best of Santa Ana with comparable gems in Riverside.

Santa AnaRiversideHow They're Similar
Floral ParkWood StreetsHistoric charm, tree-lined streets
French ParkHeritage SquareArchitectural similarity, vibrant community
Morrison ParkCanyon CrestFamily-friendly, suburban feel
Fisher ParkHawarden HillsQuiet, upscale residential area
West Floral ParkVictoriaWell-kept homes, mature landscapes
South CoastCanyon SpringsModern amenities, shopping nearby
Washington SquareMission GroveCommunity-oriented, convenient location
Heninger ParkArlanzaDiverse community, rich in culture
Wilshire SquareUniversityHistoric elements, education focus
Park SantiagoOrangecrestSpacious homes, family amenities

Santa Ana and Riverside share a rich tapestry of neighborhoods that cater to a wide array of lifestyles and preferences. Floral Park, known for its historic homes and lush greenery, mirrors the quaint charm found in Riverside's Wood Streets, where each house tells a story. If you're drawn to the cultural vibrancy and architectural splendor of French Park, Heritage Square in Riverside offers a similar historical allure amidst its buzzing community affairs. For families, the move from Morrison Park to Canyon Crest could be seamless, with both neighborhoods boasting excellent schools, parks like the sprawling Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and community events that foster a close-knit feel. Whether you're seeking the serene, upscale ambiance of Fisher Park or the lively, diverse atmosphere of Heninger Park, Riverside presents worthy counterparts promising a fulfilling lifestyle in your new city.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Ana to Riverside

Moving from one city to another comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This guide offers an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Santa Ana, CA to Riverside, CA, to help you weigh your options effectively. By comparing the pros and cons, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to expect in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Higher rent costs
  • Denser population
  • Less entertainment options
  • Fewer parks
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • More affordable housing
  • More open space
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Extensive park system
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Smaller downtown area
  • Lesser variety of food
  • Dependence on cars
  • No direct beach access
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Vibrant downtown
  • Diverse culinary scene
  • Better public transport
  • Beach proximity

In Santa Ana, you might miss the vibrant hustle and bustle of Downtown Santa Ana, known for its unique boutiques and diverse culinary scene, including the famed 4th Street Market. However, Riverside welcomes you with its rich cultural scene anchored by the Mission Inn Museum and extensive park system, offering places like the Mount Rubidoux Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite Riverside's more suburban feel and reliance on cars, it compensates with a more relaxed pace of life and affordability, making it an attractive option for many looking to make a new start.

Santa Ana vs. Riverside Food Guide

Understanding local food culture is essential when relocating; it provides a sense of the lifestyle and community you’re moving into. In this guide, we’re focusing on the essential aspect of daily life—food. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Santa Ana & Riverside to give you a better idea of the culinary scene awaiting you.

Santa AnaRiverside
Most iconic local food itemChiles RellenosAvocado Toast
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemTacosStreet Corn
Most popular vegan foodVegan TacosQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • El Zamorano
  • Birrieria Nochistlán
  • Las Brisas de Apatzingan
  • The Salted Pig
  • Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Simple Simon's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring the culinary landscape of Santa Ana, you'll discover a rich tapestry of flavors, heavily influenced by its vibrant Hispanic community. For instance, El Zamorano offers some of the best Carne Asada in the area, a testament to the city's love for Mexican cuisine. Meanwhile, Riverside presents a different palette, emphasizing fresh, California-inspired dishes like the renowned Avocado Toast at The Salted Pig. The contrast in the food scene between these two cities is not just about the dishes but also the dining experiences, from the abundance of food trucks in Santa Ana to Riverside's health-conscientious menus. Whether you crave the heartiness of a smoked brisket or the freshness of a quinoa salad, both cities cater to diverse palates while offering unique culinary adventures.

Santa Ana vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city can often come from the flavors and dining experiences you cherish. This comparison aims to make your move from Santa Ana to Riverside gastronomically seamless, helping you discover places that'll remind you of your old favorites while potentially becoming new go-tos. Let's explore together how your dining preferences in Santa Ana can find a reflection in Riverside.

Santa AnaRiversideWhat You'll Love
Burritos La PalmaAnchos Southwest Grill & BarBoth offer hearty Mexican cuisine with a focus on unique regional flavors.
Taqueria TapatiaTio's TacosAuthentic Mexican street food vibe with a creative flair.
The PlaygroundThe Salted PigGastropubs with an inventive menu and emphasis on local ingredients.
Hopper & BurrAugie's Coffee HouseBoth are beloved local coffee shops that serve high-quality brews and pastries.
CraveCreamery Bakery and CafeOffers a similar combination of sweet treats and casual eats.
Lola GasparMezcal Cantina y CocinaPlaces where innovative cocktails meet upscale, yet cozy Latin cuisine.
Mariscos HectorLa UnicaFamily-owned spots that provide a deep dive into seafood with a Mexican twist.
FalasophyGoodwins Organic Foods & DrinksFocused on fresh, organic fare with vibrant vegan and vegetarian options.
Fleenor's on 4thMario's PlaceRefined dining experience where the ambiance adds as much to the meal as the cuisine.
Electric City ButcherThe Butchery Quality MeatsHigh-end butchers for those who appreciate the craft of fine meats.

For newcomers transitioning from Santa Ana's eclectic dining scene to Riverside's rich culinary landscape, the shift can be delightfully smooth with a little exploration. For instance, a visit to Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar in Riverside might evoke the same satisfaction that Burritos La Palma does with its unique regional Mexican flavors. On the other hand, caffeine aficionados missing the local vibe and artisanal brews of Hopper & Burr can find solace and a new favorite spot in Augie's Coffee House. It's about discovering Riverside's own character and flavors that echo your loved Santa Ana locales, from the comfort food served at Creamery Bakery and Cafe to the intricate cocktails awaiting at Mezcal Cantina y Cocina. Such parallels not only ease the transition but enrich your new dining experiences, blending the familiar with the excitement of discovery.

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Santa Ana vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, evaluating real estate is critical to making an informed decision. This comparison shines a light on how Santa Ana and Riverside stack up against each other in terms of housing. From costs and architecture to lifestyle attributes, these insights will help guide your choice.

ComparisonSanta AnaRiverside
Typical Architecture StyleMission RevivalRanch Style
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingNearby parks and schoolsSpacious yards and quiet streets

In delving deeper into the differences between Santa Ana and Riverside, it's clear that both cities offer unique living experiences. Santa Ana's housing market is pricier, but it reflects the city's vibrant urban lifestyle and its popularity for those seeking Mission Revival architecture close to parks and schools. Riverside, on the other hand, appeals to individuals or families looking for a more laid-back ambiance with its Ranch Style homes, spacious yards, and quieter streets. Moreover, despite Riverside's lower walkability and bikeability scores, its community has a strong focus on outdoor living and activities, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize space and a serene environment.

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.

Santa Ana vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one location to another, understanding the change in weather you'll experience is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in climate between Santa Ana and Riverside, providing insight into what you can expect. Such knowledge will help in preparing for your relocation, ensuring no weather-related surprises.

Summer icon
83°F / 64°F

Santa Ana, CA

94°F / 64°F

Riverside, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
70°F / 48°F

Santa Ana, CA

68°F / 43°F

Riverside, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
13.2

Santa Ana, CA

10.4

Riverside, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Santa Ana, CA

0

Riverside, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSanta AnaRiverside
Air QualityModerateModerate to Poor
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Santa Ana to Riverside, you'll notice a considerable difference in summer temperatures, with Riverside experiencing higher highs. While both cities boast a significant amount of sunshine annually, Riverside tends to have lower humidity, which can affect your comfort and daily activities. Additionally, despite the slight differences in air quality and annual rainfall, both cities face similar natural disaster risks, including earthquakes and wildfires. Adjusting to these changes in weather conditions is an essential aspect of your move.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how your finances will be affected is crucial. This comparison between Santa Ana and Riverside highlights key money and finance metrics to consider. It aims to unveil how the cost of living, taxes, and income prospects vary between these locations, guiding you in preparing for your new financial landscape.

ComparisonSanta AnaRiverside
Avg. Household Income$80,265$76,558
Cost of Living Index136.4112.5
State Income Tax9.39.3
Avg. Property Tax0.720.76
Avg. Sales Tax9.258.75
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailEducation, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyHigherModerate
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

While both Santa Ana and Riverside face the challenges of California's high cost of living and state income tax, the former notably boasts a higher average household income, possibly due to its proximity to wealthier coastal areas. However, Riverside presents a more affordable living option, with a lower cost of living index and average sales tax rate. Though both cities benefit from a diverse industrial makeup, the difference in affluence levels and poverty rates between them indicates a varied economic landscape. This comparison suggests that your financial adjustment may involve adapting to a different spending and saving environment depending on where you decide to settle.

Santa Ana vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Santa Ana to Riverside, it’s beneficial to peek into the communities you’re transitioning between. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, offering insight into the social fabric of both cities.

Santa AnaRiverside
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticModerately Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesMixed Policies
ReligionDiverse, with a strong Catholic presenceReligiously diverse, Protestant and Catholic presence

In both Santa Ana and Riverside, you'll find communities vibrant with cultural and religious diversity. The political atmosphere in Santa Ana leans towards more progressive policies, reflecting its largely Democratic population. In contrast, Riverside presents a slightly more mixed political landscape, still leaning Democratic but with a broader spectrum of local political views. The religious fabric in each city is rich and varied. Santa Ana boasts a significant Catholic community, intertwined with other faiths and practices, reflecting its diverse populace. Riverside, too, offers religious diversity but has a noticeable balance between Protestant and Catholic communities. Understanding these aspects can help you feel more connected to your new community.

Santa Ana vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in driving and transit options between Santa Ana & Riverside is key to navigating your daily commute with ease. This comparison will help you better comprehend what to expect on the roads and when using public transportation in these cities.

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

The average commute time for residents in Santa Ana is slightly less than those in Riverside, indicating a potentially quicker travel experience on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, traffic congestion is rated higher in Santa Ana, which might be due to its proximity to more densely populated areas and business districts. Public transportation options are somewhat limited in both cities, but Santa Ana offers slightly better access, making it somewhat easier for those without cars to navigate, albeit still challenging. For anyone considering a move to either city, weighing the importance of commute times, traffic, and the feasibility of relying on public transit is crucial for deciding the best fit for your lifestyle.

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