Moving from San Jose to Durham?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

San Jose to Durham Movers

Moving from the tech-savvy Silicon Valley to the historical and vibrant streets of Durham represents not just a change of scenery, but an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. You’re transitioning from the bustling world of San Jose, with its tech giants and innovation hubs, to the rich cultural tapestry and rapidly growing innovation of Durham, affectionately known as the Bull City. Understanding the critical role of reliable professional movers in such a long-distance relocation is paramount, which is why we highlight the best teams to ensure your journey is seamless and stress-free.

California iconArrow iconNorth Carolina icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to San Jose guide.

5 Best San Jose to Durham Movers

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

#1
All Stars Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,557+ data points

San Jose, CA
LOCAL MOVING SERVICES, LONG DISTANCE MOVING SERVICES, BUSINESS MOVING SERVICES See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2971368 Verify

About All Stars Movers

All Stars Movers is a San Jose moving company fully licensed and insured in the state of California. This locally owned business provides th...Read More >>

top 10 stockton 2024 all stars movers image
top 10 ranked movers in morgan hill 2023 all stars movers image
top 10 ranked movers in sunnyvale 2022 all stars movers image
#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 >>

top 3 raleigh 2024 raleigh moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in rocky mount 2023 raleigh moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in rocky mount 2022 raleigh moving company image
#3
D&L Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,789+ data points

Campbell, CA
Cheap moving, Local moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT: 2706648 Verify

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and busin...Read More >>

top 10 sunnyvale 2024 d l movers image
top 10 ranked movers in santa cruz 2023 d l movers image
top 10 ranked movers in palo alto 2022 d l movers 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 >>

top 10 raleigh 2024 athens moving experts image
top ranked movers in raleigh 2023 athens moving experts image
top ranked movers in raleigh 2022 athens moving experts image
#5
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 4,655+ data points

Menlo Park, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Office Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1464935 Verify

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 >>

top 10 foster city 2024 careful movers image
top 10 ranked movers in sunnyvale 2023 careful movers image
top 3 ranked movers in fremont 2022 careful movers image

Relocating from San Jose to Durham Neighborhood Guide

Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the new location. This guide is designed to help you transition smoothly by comparing local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & Durham, NC . We'll help you find an area in Durham that mirrors the vibe, amenities, and community feel of your San Jose neighborhood.

San JoseDurham
Willow GlenTrinity Park

Historical charm, family-friendly

Downtown San JoseDowntown Durham

Urban living, cultural hotspots

Almaden ValleyHope Valley

Leafy suburbs, large homes

Los GatosWoodcroft

Upscale, wooded area

Silver CreekTreyburn

Exclusive, golf community

EvergreenWoodlake

Family-oriented, outdoor activities

JapantownNinth Street

Eclectic dining, shopping

Rose GardenForest Hills

Historic homes, community feel

Cambrian ParkOld West Durham

Quaint, close-knit community

BerryessaParkwood

Diverse, accessible parks

Comparing Downtown San Jose with Downtown Durham offers an intriguing look at urban living: both are bustling with arts, music, and innovative cuisine. Downtown Durham, like its counterpart in San Jose, prides itself on a rich cultural scene but with a distinctly Southern charm, hosting everything from avant-garde theatres to historical sites. For those drawn to the serene, family-friendly vibe of Willow Glen, Trinity Park in Durham offers a similar sense of community amidst historical homes and shady streets, complete with easy access to Duke University's lush gardens and vibrant arts scene. This nuanced comparison is tailored to align your lifestyle preferences from San Jose to Durham, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Durham

Moving from San Jose, CA to Durham, NC requires a balanced view, to appreciate what you're leaving behind and what awaits. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, highlighting the benefits and downsides clearly.

CONs
PROs
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited seasonal change
  • Earthquake risk
  • Competitive job market
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • Distinct seasons
  • Safe from earthquakes
  • Growing job opportunities
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Less variety
  • Variable weather
  • Smaller economy
  • Less diversity
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Tech job hub
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Outdoor activities
  • Strong economy
  • Cultural diversity

While San Jose boasts a robust tech scene and diverse culinary options, moving to Durham welcomes you with a significantly lower living cost and charming seasonal changes. Durham's vibrant communities, like the bustling Brightleaf Square, offer unique shopping and dining experiences that rival San Jose's. The peaceful Eno River State Park contrasts with the tech-dominated landscapes of Silicon Valley, presenting ample green spaces and outdoor activities. Though Durham may have fewer tech opportunities, its burgeoning job market in research and education sectors provides exciting new paths. This relocation signifies not just a change of scenery but an opportunity to embrace a different pace of life, offering both the charm of a tight-knit community and the dynamism of a growing city.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from San Jose to Durham

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Jose, CA & Durham, NC, aimed to enlighten you about the unique food scene of both areas. Understanding the culinary landscape is essential as food plays a pivotal role in the culture and lifestyle of a locale, ensuring you're well-informed about your new home's gastronomy.

San JoseDurham

Most iconic local food item

PhởPulled Pork BBQ

Most popular meat dish

Carne AsadaFried Chicken

Most popular street food item

TacosHot Dogs

Most popular vegan food

Vegetable PhởBBQ Jackfruit

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Falafel's Drive-In
  • LaVazza
  • Original Joe's
  • Poole's Diner
  • Nana's Restaurant
  • The Pit

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

98

Foodie Scene

98

Vegan Friendly

97

When moving from San Jose to Durham, you'll notice a significant shift from the vibrant Vietnamese and Mexican influences to a more traditional Southern cuisine. For instance, the cornerstone of Durham's culinary landscape is barbecue, with pulled pork BBQ standing out as a must-try. You'll find some of the best examples at places like The Pit in the downtown area. While San Jose boasts a plethora of food trucks offering everything from tacos to gourmet bites, Durham's street food scene, though smaller, offers an authentic taste of the South with hot dogs and barbecue jackfruit for the vegan and health-conscious diners. Both cities prioritize fitness and health but approach it differently in their culinary offerings, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from San Jose to Durham

Finding a place that feels like home is often tied to discovering local eateries where the food speaks to your soul. This restaurant comparison between San Jose, CA, and Durham, NC, is designed to help you find your new favorite dining spots by leveraging what you already love about your current hometown.

AdegaMateo Bar de Tapas

Spanish cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere similar to Adega.

La ForetParizade

Offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean fare, reminiscent of La Foret's atmosphere.

Original Joe'sMetro 8 Steakhouse

A classic American diner vibe with a similar menu focused on hearty dishes.

Dia de PescaSaltbox Seafood Joint

Both offer fresh, delightful seafood in a casual setting.

ManresaNanaSteak

Though known for steak, it offers an upscale dining experience equivalent to Manresa's.

Falafel Drive-InMediTerra Grill

Delivers a similar quality of Middle Eastern cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

Santouka RamenDashi Ramen

A haven for ramen lovers, offering a broth that competes with Santouka's richness.

Smoking Pig BBQBackyard BBQ Pit

Famous for its authentic barbeque flavors that rival those of Smoking Pig.

Purple Onion CafeFoster's Market

A cozy cafe offering a variety of sandwiches and salads, similar to Purple Onion's appeal.

CreamThe Parlour

Serves up unique ice cream flavors that can fill the gap for Cream's fans.

As you embark on your culinary journey in Durham, you'll find that Mateo Bar de Tapas captures the essence of Spanish cuisine just as Adega does in San Jose, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Seafood enthusiasts who cherished Dia de Pesca will be delighted by the fresh catches at Saltbox Seafood Joint, where the simplicity of seaside dining is perfectly replicated. Meanwhile, Dashi Ramen stands as a pillar for ramen lovers, offering broths and noodles that evoke the hearty and comforting bowls from Santouka Ramen. These establishments in Durham encapsulate the diverse and rich flavors that San Jose residents have come to love, ensuring you'll find a new favorite spot in no time.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from San Jose to Durham

When planning a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison between San Jose, CA and Durham, NC highlights key aspects of housing to inform your decision. By examining cost, architecture, walkability, and more, you'll gain insight into what to expect in both cities.

In moving from San Jose to Durham, you'll find the housing market significantly more accessible, with median home prices and rent far lower in Durham. However, you might also notice a shift in architectural style, moving from the Modern and Mediterranean styles prevalent in San Jose to the Colonial and Craftsman styles that are more common in Durham. While San Jose offers a slightly more urban lifestyle with better walkability and bikeability, Durham presents the charm of large yards and historic neighborhoods, attracting those seeking a different pace of life and community feel.

Weather Considerations for Moving from San Jose to Durham

Moving from one city to another comes with its set of changes, and understanding how the weather in San Jose compares to Durham can significantly affect your adaptation to your new home. This comparison will help you gauge what to expect and how to prepare for your relocation.

Summer icon
82°F / 57°F

San Jose, CA

89°F / 68°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 42°F

San Jose, CA

52°F / 32°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15.82

San Jose, CA

41.4

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Jose, CA

4.6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While both cities enjoy a significant amount of sunshine annually, you'll find Durham to be a bit more humid and with a higher chance of precipitation than San Jose. This difference in humidity and rainfall can affect everything from your daily comfort to your choice of outdoor activities. Moreover, Durham experiences a mild winter with some snowfall, contrasting San Jose's snow-free winters. Considering air quality and seasonal allergies, individuals sensitive to these factors might experience some adjustments after the move. Overall, being aware of these differences can help in making an informed decision and a smoother transition.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, comparing the cost of living and other financial considerations is key in preparing for your new life. This chart compares important financial aspects between San Jose, CA and Durham, NC to help you understand how moving will affect your wallet.

While the average household income in San Jose is significantly higher than in Durham, the cost of living in San Jose is also considerably more, reflected by its index being almost double that of Durham. This discrepancy shows the economic trade-offs of each location, balancing higher incomes with higher living costs. State income, sales, and property tax rates further accentuate these differences, with San Jose having higher percentages across the board. Understanding these financial dynamics will help you make an informed decision about relocating and managing your finances effectively in your new city.

Political & Religious Comparison between San Jose, CA and Durham, NC

Understanding the cultural and political environment of your new home can significantly shape your relocation experience. This quick snapshot offers a glance at the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between San Jose & Durham, providing insights into the local communities you'll be moving into or out of.

San JoseDurham

Political Make-up

Primarily DemocraticStrongly Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive, with emphasis on innovation and tech industrySocially progressive, with active community engagement

Religion

Diverse; home to various faithsEcclectic mix with a strong Christian presence; notable locations include Duke University Chapel

While both San Jose and Durham favor Democratic leanings, their local politics and social issues reflect their unique community values and challenges. San Jose's focus on innovation drives its progressive politics, tied closely to the tech industry's influence. In contrast, Durham's socially progressive stance is more rooted in community engagement and activism. Religion in Durham features a strong Christian presence, highlighted by notable establishments like Duke University Chapel, hinting at the city's historical and cultural fabric. This blend of modern progressiveness with traditional values creates a unique environment for newcomers to explore and integrate.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from San Jose to Durham

Moving from San Jose, CA to Durham, NC requires adjusting to new daily routines, especially when it comes to your commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Jose & Durham is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in these two cities.

San JoseDurham
3022

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

63

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

ChallengingVery Difficult

Can you get by without car?

In San Jose, your average commute might stretch up to 30 minutes, typically due to higher traffic congestion—rated at 7 out of 10. Public transportation is somewhat accessible, with a score of 6 out of 10, but getting around without a car can still be a challenge. Durham, on the other hand, offers a shorter average commute time of just 22 minutes and less traffic congestion. However, the city scores lower in terms of public transit availability, making it very difficult to manage without owning a car. Considering these factors can help you plan your move and daily life in your new city more effectively.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best San Jose to Durham Movers Featured Image