Best San Francisco to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Durham Movers

Moving from the tech-rich, hilly landscapes of San Francisco to the research-driven, vibrant streets of Durham represents an exciting leap into new opportunities and adventures. You're trading the iconic Golden Gate for the historic tobacco town, each with their unique flavor and community spirit. Given the significant distance and logistical challenges of such a move, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving understand the importance of securing a seamless transition, ensuring that your arrival in Durham is as welcoming and stress-free as possible.

California iconArrow iconNorth Carolina icon

Best San Francisco to Durham Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.43NRActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.33DAuthorized For HHGContact
Careful Movers9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Durham Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (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
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 12/17/2024)

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
3
B
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 634+ data points

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (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.

San Francisco vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease the transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Durham, NC. By aligning familiar San Francisco areas with their Durham counterparts, you can better envision your life in the Bull City.

San FranciscoDurhamHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictTrinity ParkHistoric homes, vibrant community feel
The MissionCentral ParkArtsy, with a foodie scene
Haight-AshburyWarehouse DistrictBohemian vibes, local art
Nob HillForest HillsUpscale, with a touch of history
SoMa (South of Market)American Tobacco DistrictIndustrial chic, entertainment hub
Pacific HeightsHope ValleyAffluent, with beautiful homes
North BeachNinth StreetLively, with a dense mix of dining options
CastroBrightleafWelcoming, with a vibrant nightlife
Inner SunsetOld West DurhamCozy, family-friendly atmosphere
Russian HillDuke ParkQuiet, green spaces, scenic views

For those moving from the bustling Marina District in San Francisco, you will find a similar community spirit and historic charm in Durham's Trinity Park. Imagine walking among the picturesque homes, then enjoying a coffee at Monuts Donuts, a favorite local spot. Meanwhile, if the rich, bohemian vibes of Haight-Ashbury resonate with you, the Warehouse District in Durham offers a similar eclectic energy, underscored by art spaces like the Carrack Modern Art gallery. And for the social butterflies who thrived in North Beach's dynamic atmosphere, Ninth Street in Durham promises lively evenings with friends at establishments like Fullsteam Brewery, where the city's sociable essence is on full display. By making these neighborhood comparisons, we hope to not just guide you to a new home, but also to a new community in Durham where you'll thrive.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Durham

Moving from one city to another can be a profound change with a mix of benefits and drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from San Francisco, CA to Durham, NC , highlighting what you might gain and what you'll need to adjust to in the process. These charts are designed to give you a balanced view of the relocation.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Challenging parking
  • Less green space
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less crowded
  • Easier parking
  • More parks/nature
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller tech community
  • Less diverse options
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Limited public transit
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Extensive public transit

Moving from the bustling city of San Francisco with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, vibrant tech scene, and diverse culinary offerings to the more tranquil and greener pastures of Durham offers a distinctive change of pace. Durham, while not matching San Francisco's vast array of global cuisines, still boasts excellent dining spots like Poole's Diner and Mateo Bar de Tapas. Nature lovers moving to Durham will appreciate the plentiful parks and outdoor spaces such as the Eno River State Park, a sharp contrast to San Francisco's more urban landscape. While San Francisco's tech scene is unmatched, Durham is part of the Research Triangle, offering ample opportunities for innovation and tech employment, albeit on a smaller scale.

San Francisco vs. Durham Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Durham, highlighting the significant role food plays in the cultural landscape of a region. Understanding the culinary differences can help you better assimilate into your new home, enriching your relocation experience with local flavors and dining traditions.

San FranciscoDurham
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadCarolina-style BBQ
Most popular meat dishMission-style BurritoPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemFood TrucksFood Trucks
Most popular vegan foodVegan RamenBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tartine Bakery
  • The Slanted Door
  • Nopalito
  • Dame's Chicken and Waffles
  • Poole's Diner
  • The Pit
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Francisco, the culinary scene is as diverse as its population, with innumerable options ranging from the traditional sourdough bread to innovative vegan dishes. Neighborhoods like Mission District and Richmond offer a tasting tour of the world, from authentic Mexican cuisine at spots like La Taqueria to Asian fusion in The Slanted Door. In contrast, Durham's food landscape showcases its historic roots through Carolina-style BBQ and soul food, with establishments like The Pit in the downtown area serving as a testament to the city's smoky flavors. Both cities boast a vibrant array of food trucks and health-conscious options, ensuring a fit for every palate and lifestyle.

San Francisco vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in familiar flavors helps make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help San Francisco residents discover their new favorite spots in Durham, blending the best of both worlds. Whether you're seeking a high-end dining experience, a casual bite, or a unique foodie adventure, this guide serves as your culinary compass.

San FranciscoDurhamWhat You'll Love
State Bird ProvisionsMateo Bar de TapasSpanish tapas style dining, innovative dishes
Zuni CaféParizadeMediterranean cuisine with a vibrant, upscale atmosphere
The Slanted DoorMothers & SonsA modern twist on classic Italian, emphasizing fresh pasta
NopaPizzeria ToroWood-fired pizzas with a focus on local ingredients
La TaqueriaGuasacaOffers arepa-based dishes for a South American street food vibe
Gary DankoCounting HouseCreative American cuisine in a fine dining setting
Tartine BakeryMonutsKnown for freshly-made donuts and creative bagel sandwiches
Swan Oyster DepotSaltbox Seafood JointFresh, locally-sourced seafood with a casual flair
Bi-Rite CreameryThe ParlourArtisanal ice cream with a focus on seasonal flavors
Mission Chinese FoodM KokkoAsian cuisine with a modern, bold approach to flavors

For those who cherish a fine dining experience akin to Gary Danko, Counting House in Durham provides a creative American cuisine that's bound to impress with its artful presentation and innovative flavors. When you're missing the unique Asian fusion of Mission Chinese Food, M Kokko stands ready to dazzle your palate with its modern, bold approach to Asian cuisine, integrating a dynamic range of flavors in a relaxed setting. For fans of San Francisco's iconic Tartine Bakery, Monuts in Durham offers a comparable delight in the form of freshly-made donuts and bagel sandwiches, highlighting the use of fresh, local ingredients in their baked goods, thus resembling the spirit of Tartine's beloved offerings.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is essential. This comparison dives into housing attributes between San Francisco, CA , and Durham, NC , offering insights on costs, architecture, and lifestyle. It illuminates key differences and similarities, ensuring you make an informed decision.

ComparisonSan FranciscoDurham
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, ModernColonial, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingBay views, Proximity to tech hubsLarge yards, Proximity to universities

While San Francisco and Durham offer distinct living experiences, each city has its unique charm. San Francisco, known for its iconic Victorian houses and exceptional walkability, caters to an urban lifestyle with its proximity to tech hubs and panoramic bay views. On the other hand, Durham offers more affordable housing options with Colonial and Craftsman styles, large yards, and easy access to top-rated universities. If you value a dense urban environment and are prepared for a higher cost of living, San Francisco may be the right choice. However, Durham could be your ideal destination for a more laid-back lifestyle with a blend of academic and cultural richness.

San Francisco vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather compares is crucial when moving from San Francisco, CA to Durham, NC. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and prepare accordingly for the new climatic conditions you'll encounter.

Summer icon
67°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

89°F / 68°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

52°F / 32°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

42.34

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

4.6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoDurham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, firesHurricanes, tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from San Francisco to Durham, prepare for warmer summers and cooler winters. Durham's summer highs can reach up to 89°F, significantly warmer than San Francisco's mild 67°F average. Winters in Durham can be colder, with lows averaging 32°F, compared to San Francisco's more comfortable 46°F lows. Additionally, Durham experiences more annual rainfall, so investing in quality rain gear will be beneficial. Also, be mindful of the different natural disasters, switching from the earthquake proneness of San Francisco to the hurricanes and tornadoes more common in Durham.

Ready to start your move?

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

When contemplating a move from San Francisco, CA to Durham, NC , it’s crucial to grasp how your financial situation might shift. This comparison aims to illuminate the monetary differences and similarities between these two cities, helping you make an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonSan FranciscoDurham
Avg. Household Income$121,826$71,343
Cost of Living Index16496.6
State Income Tax13.3 max5.25 flat
Avg. Property Tax0.60.84
Avg. Sales Tax8.57.5
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismEducation, Health Services, Manufacturing
AffluenceVery HighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighLower

Moving from San Francisco to Durham presents a significant financial shift, especially in terms of cost of living and household income. The stark contrast in the Cost of Living Index, with San Francisco being more than double that of Durham, indicates your dollar might stretch further in Durham, making it easier to manage daily expenses. However, this comes with a trade-off in average household income, which dramatically decreases once you relocate. Moreover, while San Francisco's economy is heavily skewed towards technology and finance sectors, Durham boasts a robust presence in education, health services, and manufacturing, potentially offering diverse job opportunities. Understanding these financial nuances is essential for anyone considering this intercity move.

San Francisco vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

This quick guide offers an at-a-glance snapshot comparing the political and religious makeup of the residents between San Francisco & Durham . It aims to provide you with a clearer understanding of the cultural landscape you're moving into.

San FranciscoDurham
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocratLiberal/Democrat
Local PoliticsProgressively liberal, focus on social issuesLiberal, with growing emphasis on inclusivity and equity
ReligionLess religious, diverse beliefsMore religious, strong Christian presence

San Francisco and Durham share liberal-leaning political perspectives, reflecting a broader acceptance of diverse lifestyles and beliefs. This common ground may ease your transition. However, Durham exhibits a stronger Christian presence, offering a variety of religious communities that you might find align well with any desire for community engagement or spiritual fulfillment. This comparison sheds light on the sociopolitical and religious landscapes that shape local cultures, potentially influencing your experience in your new home.

San Francisco vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving cities can be daunting, especially when considering the differences in daily commutes between your old and new home. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Durham is designed to help you navigate these changes smoothly.

ComparisonSan FranciscoDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3424
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesIt's challenging

In San Francisco, you might find yourself relying heavily on public transit for your daily commutes, thanks to its high availability and efficiency. Cities like San Francisco are designed with the pedestrian and commuter in mind, allowing many residents to forego owning a car entirely. On the other hand, in Durham, while there is some public transit available, it's not as comprehensive, making car ownership more of a necessity. This stark difference in public transit availability and the reliance on cars in Durham are crucial considerations as you plan your move, especially in budgeting for transportation costs.

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