Best Irvine to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Irvine to Durham Movers

Moving from city to city marks an exciting chapter in your life, embracing change and new beginnings. As you prepare to leave behind the tech-savvy and sun-soaked streets of Irvine, CA, for the rich history and vibrant culture of Durham, NC, also known as the "Bull City," it's a journey of contrast and discovery. To ensure this long-distance move is smooth and stress-free, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers; that's where we come in, with our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving, guiding you to the best moving services suited for your adventure.

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Best Irvine to Durham Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.43NRActiveContact
Terry Moving & Storage9.37A+Authorized For HHGContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Safe-Way Moving, Inc.9.27A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Irvine guide.

5 Best Irvine to Durham 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 12/5/2024)

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
1
Raleigh Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 954+ data points

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distan...Read More >>

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.37/10
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 12/5/2024)

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
Athens Moving Experts Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residenti...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Safe-Way Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.27/10
based on 2,724+ data points

About Safe-Way Moving, Inc.

As a family-owned and operated moving company, Safe-Way Moving, Inc. has served all of Orange County since 2007. It offers both residential ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1677218 / 616476

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved27,300 (2022)
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.

Irvine vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease your transition from Irvine, CA to Durham, NC, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. By understanding the closest equivalents between these two cities, you can find a new neighborhood that best matches your lifestyle and preferences.

IrvineDurhamHow They're Similar
WoodbridgeHope ValleyFamily-friendly, scenic green spaces
Turtle RockTreyburnUpscale, close-knit community spirit
University ParkOld West DurhamVibrant, proximity to academia
Quail HillForest HillsQuiet, luxurious homes with nature trails
NorthwoodTrinity ParkHistoric charm, diverse architectural styles
Shady CanyonMorehead HillExclusive, serene with large estates
WestparkWatts-HillandaleCommunity-centric with historic appeal
Portola SpringsBrightleafModern, vibrant community living
WoodburyAmerican VillageActive, family-oriented community
Great Park NeighborhoodsBrier CreekComprehensive amenities, planned development

For instance, if you relish the community-centric, yet upscale vibe of Turtle Rock in Irvine, Treyburn's close-knit community and elegant homes might be your perfect fit in Durham. Similarly, those accustomed to the academic atmosphere and convenience of University Park might find Old West Durham a seamless transition with its proximity to Duke University and vibrant local culture. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the transition from Quail Hill's nature trails to Forest Hills' luxurious homes nestled among extensive natural beauty will be delightful. Noteworthy spots like Duke Gardens in Trinity Park area, or the historic Brightleaf Square in Brightleaf, offer a glimpse into Durham's rich culture and leisure possibilities, ensuring you'll immediately feel at home.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Irvine to Durham

Moving from one city to another is a significant life change that comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. To help you weigh these aspects in your decision to relocate from Irvine, CA to Durham, NC, the following charts compare the two cities in terms of pros and cons. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation.

CONs
PROs
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less seasonal weather
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • More affordable
  • Lighter traffic
  • Distinct seasons
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Varied school quality
  • More humidity
  • Smaller city vibe
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Great schools
  • Sunny weather
  • Cultural diversity

While both Irvine and Durham offer unique living experiences, it's the nuances of everyday life and local amenities that will define your experience. Irvine, known for its high quality of life, prides itself on top-ranked schools such as University of California, Irvine, and vibrant cultural diversity. On the flip side, Durham welcomes newcomers with a lower cost of living, distinctive seasonal changes that bring stunning fall colors and spring blooms, and a burgeoning food scene with gems like Pizzeria Toro and Fullsteam Brewery. Although you might miss Irvine's near-perfect weather and diverse cultural festivals, Durham compensates with its rich history, lighter traffic, and the charm of a smaller community feel without sacrificing amenities or your quality of life.

Irvine vs. Durham Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Irvine, CA & Durham, NC, highlighting the significance of food in understanding the culture and lifestyle of an area. It will help you gain insights into what culinary experiences await you as you transition from one vibrant city to another.

IrvineDurham
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosBarbecue Pulled Pork
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemFood TrucksFood Trucks
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlsJackfruit BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Haidilao Hot Pot
  • Houston's
  • Din Tai Fung
  • Poole's Diner
  • Saltbox Seafood Joint
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Irvine to Durham, you'll find the food scene quite exhilarating. Irvine boasts a diverse culinary landscape, featuring health-conscious options like Acai Bowls and vibrant Korean BBQ, reflective of its multicultural community. In contrast, Durham's soulful comfort food, notably its Barbecue Pulled Pork and innovative vegan options like Jackfruit BBQ, tells the story of a city deeply rooted in Southern traditions yet open to modern interpretations. Neighborhoods such as Durham's Brightleaf or Ninth Street are where you can explore these rich flavors, especially at local favorites like Saltbox Seafood Joint or Poole's Diner. The shift from Irvine’s health-conscious, international cuisine to Durham’s hearty, Southern comfort dishes is a journey worth anticipating.

Irvine vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help bridge the culinary gap between Irvine and Durham, guiding you to find new favorite eateries reminiscent of those left behind.

IrvineDurhamWhat You'll Love
HabanaCuban RevolutionAuthentic Cuban cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
Taco RosaGuasacaFresh and innovative arepas, similar focus on Latin flavors.
Din Tai FungM SushiExquisite detail to Asian dishes, albeit Japanese focus.
North ItaliaGocciolinaHandmade pasta with a rustic, Italian essence.
Urban PlatesFoster's MarketCasual dining with a focus on fresh, wholesome food.
Eureka!Bull City Burger and BreweryBoth offer innovative burgers and craft beer.
Tanaka FarmsFullsteam BreweryWhile a brewery, it emphasizes local agriculture and community.
Sidecar DoughnutsMonutsHandcrafted doughnuts and a dedication to quality ingredients.
Mendocino FarmsFoster's MarketFresh, creative sandwiches in a similar marketplace setting.
Bosscat KitchenThe PitElevated comfort food with a strong whiskey selection.

Food enthusiasts moving from Irvine to Durham will find comfort in knowing that their new city offers exceptional venues like Cuban Revolution and Gocciolina, reminiscent of the familiar flavors from Habana and North Italia. The transition to Foster's Market from places like Urban Plates emphasizes a seamless blend of fresh produce-focused dining experiences, ensuring you don't miss out on wholesome meals. Furthermore, for those who indulge in sweet treats, the step from Sidecar Doughnuts to Monuts offers an exploration of unique, artisanal doughnuts that highlight the importance of local ingredients and community-oriented operations, capturing the essence of your Irvine favorites while embracing the local flavors of Durham.

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Irvine vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate directly affects your quality of life and daily experiences when moving. Understanding how Irvine, CA , and Durham, NC , housing markets compare is crucial. This guide illuminates key differences to inform your decision.

ComparisonIrvineDurham
Typical Architecture StyleModern and MediterraneanColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor spaces, luxury amenitiesLarge yards, community events

Diving deeper, Irvine's modern and Mediterranean homes reflect its newer, planned city status, emphasizing outdoor spaces and luxury amenities in real estate listings. Despite its lower walkability score, Irvine offers excellent bikeability, catering to a health-conscious population. On the other hand, Durham boasts a more affordable housing market with a higher urban lifestyle score. Its colonial and craftsman homes often highlight large yards and proximity to community events, indicative of Durham's rich history and neighborly vibe. This comparison reveals stark differences in living experience, cost of living, and community attributes between the two cities.

Irvine vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Moving from one place to another means getting used to new weather patterns. It’s crucial to compare the weather characteristics between Irvine, CA, and Durham, NC to understand how your lifestyle or daily routine might change. This comparison will cover critical weather aspects such as temperature, sunshine, and more.

Summer icon
83°F / 64°F

Irvine, CA

89°F / 68°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 47°F

Irvine, CA

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
14

Irvine, CA

47

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Irvine, CA

5

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIrvineDurham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Irvine offers more days of sunshine and milder winters, Durham displays a broader range of temperatures with hotter summers and colder winters. Notably, Durham experiences significantly more rainfall annually than Irvine, adding lush greenery but also higher humidity levels. In contrast, Irvine enjoys a predominantly dry climate, contributing to its lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Adjusting to these differences, particularly the humidity and the potential for snow in Durham, will be a key part of your transition.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Durham

When considering a move from one city to another, comprehending the financial implications is vital. This comparison aims to help you understand how the cost of living and other financial factors in Irvine will compare to those in Durham, important for planning your relocation.

ComparisonIrvineDurham
Avg. Household Income$105,774$71,343
Cost of Living Index136.496.6
State Income Tax13.35.25
Avg. Property Tax0.720.85
Avg. Sales Tax7.754.75
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, Health ServicesEducation, Healthcare, Biotechnology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowHigher than Irvine
HomelessnessModerateLower than Irvine

Moving from Irvine to Durham can present a significant shift in the economic landscape you're accustomed to. The average household income in Irvine is notably higher, which correlates with its much higher cost of living index. However, it's worth noting that the state income and sales tax rates are substantially lower in Durham, making the day-to-day cost potentially more manageable than the figures suggest. Additionally, while both cities boast strong industries in education and health services, Irvine has a higher affluence level and lower poverty rates, indicating a different economic atmosphere. Understanding these nuances can help you better prepare for your move.

Irvine vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Irvine, CA, to Durham, NC, it's useful to understand how the communities compare. This quick snapshot offers insights into the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Irvine & Durham, providing a glimpse into the cultural and social landscape you'll be transitioning into.

IrvineDurham
Political Make-upGenerally leans liberalStrongly liberal
Local PoliticsActive civic engagement, focus on environmental and educational issuesHighly active in social justice, education reform, and healthcare access
ReligionDiverse religious landscape including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, IslamDiverse with a strong presence of Christian denominations and growing non-affiliated groups

Moving from Irvine to Durham, you'll find yourself in environments that both prioritize liberal values, though you may notice Durham expresses its political standpoints more robustly, particularly around issues of social justice and healthcare. The local political scene in Durham is very engaged, reflecting its community's commitment to activism and reform. While both cities offer a religiously diverse community, your experience in Durham might come with more direct exposure to a range of Christian denominations alongside a significant number of individuals identifying as non-affiliated, reflecting the broader trend of religious diversity and change in the U.S.

Irvine vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Irvine, CA, and Durham, NC, is crucial for anticipating what your daily commute and traffic interactions will be like. This guide aims to provide you with a concise comparison to aid your transition.

ComparisonIrvineDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingDifficult

In Irvine, navigating without a car is challenging due to limited public transit options, though slightly better than in Durham. With an average commute time of about 25 minutes and a higher traffic congestion rating, Irvine's robust economy and extensive suburbs contribute to such conditions. Durham, on the other hand, presents lesser traffic congestion, accounting for a potentially smoother commute. However, the availability of public transit is lower, making car ownership almost essential for convenience. Considering these differences, planning your commute and considering proximity to employment centers or public transit might influence your living situation in either city.

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