Best San Francisco to Raleigh Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Raleigh Movers

Moving from the tech-fueled hills of San Francisco to Raleigh's promising City of Oaks represents an exhilarating leap towards a new chapter in your life. You're swapping the iconic Golden Gate for lush greenways and a burgeoning tech scene, leaving behind San Fran's fog for Raleigh's warm Southern hospitality. It's crucial, for a move of this distance, to entrust your belongings to reliable and professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we understand the significance of this transition and are dedicated to connecting you with the best movers to ensure a smooth journey.

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Best San Francisco to Raleigh 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 Raleigh to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Raleigh 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. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially when transitioning to a city that's unfamiliar. To ease this process, we've crafted a guide that will help you compare and contrast your beloved San Francisco neighborhoods with those in Raleigh, NC. By identifying similar local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Raleigh, NC , you'll gain insights into where you might feel most at home in your new city. Let's start this journey together.

San FranciscoRaleighHow They're Similar
The MissionWarehouse DistrictVibrant arts scene and dining
Marina DistrictFive PointsHistorical charm and bustling streets
Pacific HeightsCameron ParkUpscale, historic homes, and green spaces
SOMA (South of Market)Glenwood SouthEclectic nightlife and modern condos
Nob HillHayes BartonExclusive, with a blend of old and new architecture
North BeachHistoric OakwoodStoried past, great eateries, and arts
Haight-AshburyBoylan HeightsBohemian vibe, historic homes and local art
CastroMordecaiDiverse, inclusive community with a rich history
Richmond DistrictNorth HillsFamily-friendly, with parks and shopping
Sunset DistrictBrier CreekSuburban feel, close to nature and amenities

In comparing these neighborhoods, you'll find elements of San Francisco's vibrant lifestyle mirrored throughout Raleigh, NC. For instance, the historical charm and bustling streets of Five Points in Raleigh evoke the Marina District's scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere, complete with access to local goods at places like Lafayette Village. In contrast, Cameron Park's upscale, historic homes and abundant green spaces offer a similar ambiance to Pacific Heights, however, with perhaps a more laid-back Southern charm. For those drawn to the arts and bohemian lifestyles, the Warehouse District in Raleigh, with its creative spaces like CAM Raleigh, echoes the dynamic and culturally rich Mission District. This comparison should offer a starting point to discovering your new favorite neighborhood in Raleigh that feels like a piece of home.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Raleigh

Moving from one city to another involves weighing both sides of the scale. This guide provides an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC. By examining the pros and cons, you'll be better prepared for the transition and what awaits in your new home.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Chilly summers
  • Strict zoning laws
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less crowded
  • Warmer climate
  • More housing options
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Car-dependent
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Global cuisine
  • Extensive public transport

While the transition from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC might mean saying goodbye to the bustling tech hubs of Silicon Valley and iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, it also opens up a new world of possibilities. Raleigh, affectionately known as the "City of Oaks," offers a warm and welcoming climate with an abundance of green spaces such as Pullen Park and the Raleigh Rose Garden. The Lower cost of living in Raleigh means you can enjoy spacious housing options and a lifestyle that may have been unattainable in San Francisco. While you may miss the global cuisine of San Francisco, Raleigh boasts its own culinary delights, with places like Brewery Bhavana and Poole's Diner offering unique dining experiences that are sure to make your new city feel like home.

San Francisco vs. Raleigh Food Guide

Food is an integral aspect of local culture and living experience. This guide provides a comparative insight into the local cuisine between San Francisco & Raleigh , helping you understand the culinary landscape of your new home.

San FranciscoRaleigh
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadEastern NC Barbecue
Most popular meat dishCioppinoPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodVegan RamenVegan BBQ Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Swan Oyster Depot
  • The Slanted Door
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • The Pit
  • Poole's Diner
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Francisco, the culinary scene is diverse and vibrant, with neighborhoods like the Mission District famous for its Mission Burritos or the Embarcadero, where one can visit historic spots like The Ferry Building. On the other hand, Raleigh embraces its culinary heritage with a significant focus on Southern cuisine, especially Eastern North Carolina barbecue. Brewery Bhavana in the heart of downtown Raleigh offers a unique dining experience combining a flower shop, bookstore, and brewery. For those looking into the health-conscious and vegan scenes, both cities offer ample options, though San Francisco is notably more vegan-friendly with a wider variety of vegan restaurants and alternatives.

San Francisco vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison

Finding a new favorite eatery can turn a new city into home. For those moving from San Francisco to Raleigh, this comparison will help you discover local gems by using your beloved San Francisco spots as a guide. The purpose of these charts is to compare top restaurants from San Francisco to their closest counterparts in Raleigh, ensuring a smooth culinary transition for you.

San FranciscoRaleighWhat You'll Love
State Bird ProvisionsDeath & TaxesA focus on American cuisine with a unique and modern twist
Zuni CaféMandolinFarm-to-table ethos with a Southern flair reminiscent of Zuni's approach to Californian cuisine
Tartine BakeryLa Farm BakeryEuropean-style breads with an exceptional commitment to quality
The Slanted DoorBida MandaA commitment to bold flavors and fresh ingredients in Southeast Asian cuisine
NopaPoole’s DinerBoth serve up contemporary American dishes in a trendy, bustling atmosphere
BenuBrewery BhavanaOffers a unique dining experience with an exquisite blend of Asian flavors
Tony’s Pizza NapoletanaTrophy Brewing & PizzaArtisanal pizzas and craft beer that capture the essence of Tony’s
Swan Oyster Depot42nd Street Oyster BarClassic, high-quality seafood in a friendly, casual setting
Bi-Rite CreameryTwo Roosters Ice CreamHandcrafted ice creams that prioritize local ingredients
Foreign CinemaBeasley’s Chicken + HoneyWhile not a direct cinema experience, Beasley’s offers an exceptional atmosphere with high-quality comfort food

For those who cherish the innovative meals at State Bird Provisions in San Francisco, Death & Taxes in Raleigh will offer you a similarly enticing American cuisine, but with a unique and creative twist that reflects the locally sourced ethos.
Fans of Zuni Café’s unparalleled Californian cuisine will find a similar commitment to local, seasonal ingredients at Mandolin, which infuses its dishes with a distinct Southern charm. Meanwhile, pizza aficionados missing Tony’s Pizza Napoletana will delight in the artisanal pies and craft brews at Trophy Brewing & Pizza, where the dedication to quality mirrors that of San Francisco’s pizza icon. Both of these Raleigh establishments ensure that the spirit of your San Francisco favorites thrives, offering solace and excitement in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, evaluating real estate is crucial. This comparison between San Francisco and Raleigh highlights essential housing aspects to aid in your decision-making process.

ComparisonSan FranciscoRaleigh
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ModernColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, luxury amenitiesSpacious yards, family friendly

Delving deeper, the architectural styles in San Francisco and Raleigh distinctly represent each city's culture and history. San Francisco, with its iconic Victorian homes and modern high-rises, mirrors its rich past and contemporary progress. Raleigh, on the other hand, features the charm of Colonial and Craftsman homes, reflecting a serene, family-oriented environment. The walkability in San Francisco is ideal for those who prefer an urban lifestyle, seamlessly blending daily accessibility to amenities with vibrant city life. Raleigh’s suburban feel offers spacious living and a slower pace, making it appealing for family life and those favoring larger living spaces without sacrificing community. These contrasts extend beyond mere appearances, embodying the lifestyle and values prevalent in each city.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

San Francisco vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the weather differences between San Francisco, CA and Raleigh, NC , to better prepare you for your relocation. Knowing what to expect can help you adjust more comfortably to your new environment.

Summer icon
67°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

89°F / 68°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

50°F / 31°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.64

San Francisco, CA

43.34

Raleigh, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

6

Raleigh, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoRaleigh
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In considering the move from San Francisco to Raleigh, one can notice significant changes, especially in terms of temperature and humidity. Raleigh experiences hotter summers with higher average highs and surprisingly, cooler winter lows. This contrast in temperature ranges could require a wardrobe adjustment. Additionally, the substantial difference in annual rainfall indicates Raleigh has a much wetter climate, which might affect your daily activities and lifestyle choices. Understanding these differences ensures you can better acclimate to your new surroundings in Raleigh.

Ready to start your move?

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

When contemplating a move from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC, it's crucial to grasp how your financial landscape will shift. This comparison focuses on money and finance-related aspects between San Francisco and Raleigh, providing a snapshot of what you might expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and economic conditions.

ComparisonSan FranciscoRaleigh
Avg. Household Income$121,826$74,612
Cost of Living Index16498.2
State Income Tax13.35.25
Avg. Property Tax0.60.86
Avg. Sales Tax8.57.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceVery HighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighLower

Moving from San Francisco to Raleigh can significantly alter your financial situation. Despite San Francisco's considerably higher average household income, the cost of living there is also substantially greater. Raleigh offers a more moderate lifestyle, with a cost of living index just above the national average. The stark difference in state income tax rates further accentuates Raleigh's appeal for many seeking financial relief. However, the economic landscape changes as well; while both cities thrive on technology, San Francisco's affluence comes from its strong finance and tourism sectors, whereas Raleigh benefits from its robust education and healthcare industries. This shift influences not only your budget but also potential job opportunities and quality of life.

San Francisco vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison

This quick guide aims to provide a snapshot of the differences in political and religious landscapes for individuals considering a move. This is a comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Raleigh , offering insights into what one might expect when transitioning from the West to the East Coast.

San FranciscoRaleigh
Political Make-upMostly DemocraticMix of Democratic and Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal policiesCentrist policies
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHigher religious affiliation

When moving from San Francisco to Raleigh, you'll find a shift in the political atmosphere. San Francisco is known for its strong Democratic leanings and liberal policies, touching on everything from environmental regulations to social justice issues. On the other hand, Raleigh presents a more balanced political landscape, where both Democratic and Republican perspectives shape local politics. This mix influences policies and community initiatives, creating a centrist political environment. Furthermore, Raleigh has a more significant religious presence, with various denominations playing a key role in the community fabric. This contrast extends beyond politics and into the daily social life, impacting festivals, local gatherings, and community services.

San Francisco vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Raleigh to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in these cities. Each city offers unique challenges and conveniences when it comes to getting around, from commute times to the necessity of a car.

ComparisonSan FranciscoRaleigh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3425
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesNo

In San Francisco, the high score for public transit availability reflects a city well-connected by services like the BART and MUNI systems, allowing residents to navigate the city without the need for a car. In contrast, Raleigh's lower public transit score and a more favorable traffic congestion rating suggest a city more reliant on personal vehicles for transportation. While the average commute time in San Francisco is longer, the city's infrastructure supports a car-free lifestyle, unlike Raleigh, where having a car is almost a necessity to get around effectively.

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