Moving from Irvine to Durham?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate 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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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Irvine guide.

5 Best Irvine to Durham 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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#2
Raleigh Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC
Free estimates, Full Value Protection (FVP), Fully licensed and insured See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 3344628 Verify

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 >>

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#3
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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#4
Athens Moving Experts Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 4,516+ data points

Raleigh, NC
Local Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3205320 Verify

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 >>

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#5
Safe-Way Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,724+ data points

Foothill Ranch, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT: 1677218 Verify

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 >>

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Relocating from Irvine to Durham Neighborhood Guide

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.

IrvineDurham
WoodbridgeHope Valley

Family-friendly, scenic green spaces

Turtle RockTreyburn

Upscale, close-knit community spirit

University ParkOld West Durham

Vibrant, proximity to academia

Quail HillForest Hills

Quiet, luxurious homes with nature trails

NorthwoodTrinity Park

Historic charm, diverse architectural styles

Shady CanyonMorehead Hill

Exclusive, serene with large estates

WestparkWatts-Hillandale

Community-centric with historic appeal

Portola SpringsBrightleaf

Modern, vibrant community living

WoodburyAmerican Village

Active, family-oriented community

Great Park NeighborhoodsBrier Creek

Comprehensive 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.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Irvine to Durham

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 item

Fish TacosBarbecue Pulled Pork

Most popular meat dish

Korean BBQFried Chicken

Most popular street food item

Food TrucksFood Trucks

Most popular vegan food

Acai 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

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

78

Foodie Scene

98

Vegan Friendly

87

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.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Irvine to Durham

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.

HabanaCuban Revolution

Authentic Cuban cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

Taco RosaGuasaca

Fresh and innovative arepas, similar focus on Latin flavors.

Din Tai FungM Sushi

Exquisite detail to Asian dishes, albeit Japanese focus.

North ItaliaGocciolina

Handmade pasta with a rustic, Italian essence.

Urban PlatesFoster's Market

Casual dining with a focus on fresh, wholesome food.

Eureka!Bull City Burger and Brewery

Both offer innovative burgers and craft beer.

Tanaka FarmsFullsteam Brewery

While a brewery, it emphasizes local agriculture and community.

Sidecar DoughnutsMonuts

Handcrafted doughnuts and a dedication to quality ingredients.

Mendocino FarmsFoster's Market

Fresh, creative sandwiches in a similar marketplace setting.

Bosscat KitchenThe Pit

Elevated 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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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Irvine to Durham

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.

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.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Durham

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)

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.

Ready to start your move?

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.

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.

Political & Religious Comparison between Irvine, CA and Durham, NC

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-up

Generally leans liberalStrongly liberal

Local Politics

Active civic engagement, focus on environmental and educational issuesHighly active in social justice, education reform, and healthcare access

Religion

Diverse 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.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Durham

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.

IrvineDurham
2522

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

63

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

ChallengingDifficult

Can you get by without car?

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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