Moving from San Diego to Raleigh?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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San Diego to Raleigh Movers

Moving from the sunny shores of San Diego, affectionately known as “America’s Finest City,” to the lush landscapes and vibrant tech hub of Raleigh, or the "City of Oaks," marks an exciting chapter in your life. While you're leaving behind the laid-back beach vibes for Raleigh's renowned universities and burgeoning job market, the spirit of adventure beckons. Understanding the magnitude of this coast-to-coast relocation, we emphasize the critical role that hiring trustworthy and competent movers plays in transitioning smoothly and stress-free - this is where our expertise at Great Guys Moving comes to your aid, ensuring your journey from coast to coast is as seamless as possible.

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

5 Best San Diego to Raleigh Movers

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

#1
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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#2
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 >>

top 10 san diego 2024 coast 2 coast moving inc image
#3
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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top 10 ranked movers in rocky mount 2023 raleigh moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in rocky mount 2022 raleigh moving company image
#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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top ranked movers in raleigh 2023 athens moving experts image
top ranked movers in raleigh 2022 athens moving experts 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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top 3 ranked movers in wagner 2023 motivated military movers image

Relocating from San Diego to Raleigh Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Raleigh, NC . This comparison aims to help you find a new neighborhood in Raleigh that shares the vibe and amenities you loved back in San Diego.

San DiegoRaleigh
La JollaCameron Village

Upscale shopping, dining

Pacific BeachGlenwood South

Vibrant nightlife, young professionals

North ParkBoylan Heights

Artsy, historical charm

HillcrestFive Points

Diverse, inclusive community

Gaslamp QuarterWarehouse District

Entertainment, dining hub

Little ItalyMordecai

Foodie paradise, historical feel

Point LomaHayes Barton

Quiet, upscale residential

Del MarNorth Hills

Family-friendly, outdoor shopping

Ocean BeachOakwood

Laid-back, community-focused

Mission HillsBloomsbury

Charming, older homes

In your quest to find a new neighborhood in Raleigh that echoes the community and lifestyle you're leaving behind in San Diego, consider exploring neighborhoods like Glenwood South and the Warehouse District. Glenwood South, similar to Pacific Beach, is known for its lively nightlife and is popular among young professionals. Here, you'll find an array of bars and restaurants, such as The Raleigh Times Bar, a beloved local watering hole with an extensive beer selection and rooftop seating. The Warehouse District, comparable to San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, is Raleigh's entertainment and dining hub, home to establishments like Boxcar Bar + Arcade, where you can enjoy vintage games alongside craft brews. For those drawn to the upscale shopping and dining experience of La Jolla, Cameron Village offers a similar vibe in Raleigh, with chic boutiques and eateries such as The Fresh Market for gourmet groceries and fresh produce. Explore these Raleigh neighborhoods to find the same sense of community and lifestyle you cherished in San Diego.

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Things to Do in Raleigh

  • Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art
  • Stroll through Pullen Park
  • Shop at The Cotton Company in Wake Forest
  • Enjoy a show at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Taste local brews at Raleigh Beer Trail
  • Join a Trolley Pub tour downtown
  • Hike around Umstead State Park

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Raleigh

Moving across the country is no small feat, and doing so from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC presents its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to highlight an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited seasons
  • Water scarcity
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Distinct seasons
  • Lush greenery
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • No beaches nearby
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Colder winters
  • Less diversity
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Beach access
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Warm winters
  • Diverse cuisines

The transition from San Diego's lively beach scene and vibrant nightlife to Raleigh's quieter, leafier surroundings marks a significant change. The cost of living adjustment is notable, with Raleigh offering more affordable housing options, which can be evident in neighborhoods like Boylan Heights or Oakwood, where the community feel is strong, and local shops like Yellow Dog Bread Company add charm. While you might miss walking on the Pacific Beach, the Neuse River Trail in Raleigh provides a refreshing alternative with its scenic routes. Moreover, the culinary scene, although different, is still exciting, with Raleigh boasting incredible BBQ joints like The Pit and innovative restaurants in the Warehouse District. Embracing Raleigh's distinct seasons will introduce you to a new array of activities, from autumn leaf-peeping to spring festivals.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from San Diego to Raleigh

Comparing the local cuisine between San Diego & Raleigh serves as an intriguing lens through which we can explore what life tastes like in these vastly different locales. Food significantly shapes the local culture and the daily lives of its residents. This comparison aims to equip you with a better understanding of the food scene in your new home.

San DiegoRaleigh

Most iconic local food item

Fish TacosPulled Pork BBQ

Most popular meat dish

Carne AsadaEastern NC Barbecue

Most popular street food item

California BurritoHot Dogs

Most popular vegan food

Acai BowlBBQ Jackfruit

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Juniper & Ivy
  • Hodad's
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • The Pit
  • Poole's Diner

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

98

Foodie Scene

97

Vegan Friendly

97

San Diego's culinary scene thrives on its proximity to fresh seafood and a strong Mexican influence, making fish tacos and carne asada favorites among locals. The laid-back yet health-conscious vibe of the city is reflected in its love for acai bowls. Neighborhoods like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter are culinary hotspots, hosting iconic establishments like Juniper & Ivy. Raleigh, on the other hand, deeply embraces its Southern roots, with pulled pork BBQ and a rising interest in vegan interpretations of classic dishes like BBQ jackfruit. Areas like Fayetteville Street and the Warehouse District offer a vibrant food scene where you can experience local favorites such as Brewery Bhavana.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from San Diego to Raleigh

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. To help ease your transition from San Diego to Raleigh, we've compared top restaurants in San Diego to their Raleigh equivalents, aiming to find your next favorite eatery. This guide uses your current culinary loves as a beacon to delicious discoveries.

AddisonSecond Empire

Upscale dining with a unique historic atmosphere

Juniper & IvyDeath & Taxes

High-quality, innovative American cuisine

Hodad'sMoJoe's Burger Joint

A go-to for classic, hearty American burgers

Mister A'sAngus Barn

An iconic steakhouse with a view

Born & RaisedSullivan's Steakhouse

A modern take on the traditional steakhouse

Las Cuatro MilpasJosé and Sons

Authentic Mexican cuisine with a Southern twist

Phil's BBQThe Pit

Legendary BBQ in a casual setting

Ironside Fish & Oyster42nd Street Oyster Bar

Fresh seafood in a historic setting

PuestoGonza Tacos y Tequila

Innovative tacos with a vibrant atmosphere

Cucina UrbanaGravy

Italian-American comfort food in a cozy ambiance

Finding a restaurant that hits all the right notes can be just as important as the meal itself. For example, if you’re missing the casual yet refined atmosphere of Juniper & Ivy in San Diego, Death & Taxes in Raleigh awaits with its innovative spin on American cuisine, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Those craving the authentic Mexican flavors of Las Cuatro Milpas will find José and Sons to be a delightful blend of Southern hospitality and Mexican culinary tradition. And for the seafood lovers left yearning for the freshness of Ironside Fish & Oyster, 42nd Street Oyster Bar in Raleigh not only promises the best catch of the day but also a dive into the city's rich history. In Raleigh, each meal is not just about the food; it's an invitation to experience the city's diverse culinary landscape and vibrant character.

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Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, it's critical to compare real estate aspects between San Diego, CA and Raleigh, NC to make well-informed decisions. Understanding how housing attributes such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle conveniences align with your needs can significantly impact your living experience.

Delving deeper into the housing contrast between San Diego and Raleigh reveals a tale of two distinct lifestyles influenced greatly by local real estate. San Diego's higher median home price and rent reflect its coastal city allure and desirable climate, often accompanied by design elements like Spanish Colonial architecture and lavish outdoor living spaces to enjoy the ocean view. Conversely, Raleigh offers a more affordable entry into homeownership, fostering a different set of values such as spacious yards and a close-knit community atmosphere signaled by its preference for Colonial and Craftsman styles. This preference mirrors Raleigh's appreciation for tradition and functionality, coupled with its burgeoning research and tech sectors, exemplified by its listings' emphasis on proximity to the Research Triangle Park. Thus, your choice hinges not just on budget but on the lifestyle and values that resonate most with you.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

1. North Hills: With an abundance of pet-friendly shops and an expansive park, your pet will love the outdoor activities available.

2. Boylan Heights: This neighborhood is known for its pet-friendly community atmosphere and easy access to Dorothea Dix Park, a popular spot for dog walks and community gatherings.

3. Five Points: You and your pet will enjoy walking through the historical streets and visiting local pet-friendly businesses, including several cafes and eateries that welcome furry friends.

Weather Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Raleigh

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares between San Diego, CA and Raleigh, NC is crucial. This comparison will help you anticipate changes in your daily life and how you might need to adjust your routines and wardrobe.

Summer icon
76°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

89°F / 68°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 49°F

San Diego, CA

50°F / 31°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
12

San Diego, CA

43

Raleigh, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
< 1

San Diego, CA

6

Raleigh, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While San Diego is known for its mild climate with lower humidity and less precipitation, Raleigh presents more of a seasonal experience with hot, humid summers and cooler winters. This is reflected in Raleigh having fewer days of sunshine but more annual rainfall and even some snow, contrasting with San Diego's very rare snowfall and lower annual precipitation. The difference in natural disasters is also noteworthy, with San Diego facing risks from earthquakes and wildfires, whereas Raleigh is more prone to hurricanes and tornadoes. Adjusting to these variations can significantly impact your daily life and activities.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, especially from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC, it’s crucial to understand the financial landscape you’re transitioning into. This comparison illuminates key money and finance metrics to help you gauge the cost of living and economic differences.

Upon examining the comparison, it becomes evident that Raleigh presents a notably lower cost of living compared to San Diego. This financial relief is not without trade-offs; the average household income is also lower in Raleigh. Additionally, moving from California to North Carolina, you will experience a substantial change in state income tax, which has a wider range in San Diego but is a flat rate in Raleigh. However, despite these differences, Raleigh’s burgeoning technology, healthcare, and education sectors offer burgeoning opportunities for career growth and stability, reflecting its growing affluence without the significant housing and homelessness challenges present in San Diego.

Political & Religious Comparison between San Diego, CA and Raleigh, NC

When planning your move from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC, understanding the differences in community composition can help ease the transition. This comparison will provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between San Diego & Raleigh . It aims to highlight how these elements shape the local culture and social environment you're moving into.

San DiegoRaleigh

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticLean Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive tendencies in urban areasMixed with a balance of conservative and liberal perspectives

Religion

Diverse with a large number of non-affiliated individualsDiverse, with a significant Christian population

In moving from San Diego to Raleigh, you'll find both cities share a Democratic leaning in political makeup. However, the local political scene in Raleigh presents a more balanced mix, reflecting both conservative and liberal viewpoints, which could provide a different civic engagement atmosphere compared to San Diego's progressive tendencies. Religion in Raleigh tends towards more traditional Christian values, contrasting with San Diego's broadly diverse or non-affiliated religious landscape. This could influence the cultural events and community groups you may wish to engage with upon your arrival.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC will bring significant changes to your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Raleigh look like, setting you up for a smoother transition.

San DiegoRaleigh
2625

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

63

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Possibly, with effortChallenging

Can you get by without car?

In San Diego, the average commute time is slightly longer than in Raleigh, and traffic congestion is notably higher. While both cities present challenges for those attempting to live without a car, San Diego does offer a bit more in terms of public transportation options. The city is served by a network of buses and trolleys that can moderately ease a car-free lifestyle, especially within urban areas. Conversely, Raleigh's public transit system is less developed, making it more difficult to rely solely on public transportation for daily commutes. Understanding these differences can help you plan more effectively for your relocation and daily travel plans in your new home city.

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