Best San Jose to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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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

Best San Jose to Durham Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.43NRActiveContact
D&L Movers9.35A+ActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Careful Movers9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC9.24A+ActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to San Jose guide.

5 Best San Jose to Durham Moving Companies

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

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
1
D&L Movers Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 1,789+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
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 12/5/2024)

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
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 12/5/2024)

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
4
Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC Logo
Exceptional9.24/10
based on 1,842+ data points

About Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC

Whether you're moving to the next street or city, Joshua's Moving, Packing & Storage offers worry-free relocation services within Califo...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/5/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3184868 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (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 Jose vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

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 JoseDurhamHow They're Similar
Willow GlenTrinity ParkHistorical charm, family-friendly
Downtown San JoseDowntown DurhamUrban living, cultural hotspots
Almaden ValleyHope ValleyLeafy suburbs, large homes
Los GatosWoodcroftUpscale, wooded area
Silver CreekTreyburnExclusive, golf community
EvergreenWoodlakeFamily-oriented, outdoor activities
JapantownNinth StreetEclectic dining, shopping
Rose GardenForest HillsHistoric homes, community feel
Cambrian ParkOld West DurhamQuaint, close-knit community
BerryessaParkwoodDiverse, 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.

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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.

San Jose vs. Durham Food Guide

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 itemPhởPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodVegetable 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💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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.

San Jose vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

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.

San JoseDurhamWhat You'll Love
AdegaMateo Bar de TapasSpanish cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere similar to Adega.
La ForetParizadeOffers an elegant dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean fare, reminiscent of La Foret's atmosphere.
Original Joe'sMetro 8 SteakhouseA classic American diner vibe with a similar menu focused on hearty dishes.
Dia de PescaSaltbox Seafood JointBoth offer fresh, delightful seafood in a casual setting.
ManresaNanaSteakThough known for steak, it offers an upscale dining experience equivalent to Manresa's.
Falafel Drive-InMediTerra GrillDelivers a similar quality of Middle Eastern cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.
Santouka RamenDashi RamenA haven for ramen lovers, offering a broth that competes with Santouka's richness.
Smoking Pig BBQBackyard BBQ PitFamous for its authentic barbeque flavors that rival those of Smoking Pig.
Purple Onion CafeFoster's MarketA cozy cafe offering a variety of sandwiches and salads, similar to Purple Onion's appeal.
CreamThe ParlourServes 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.

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Ready to start your move?

San Jose vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

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.

ComparisonSan JoseDurham
Typical Architecture StyleModern and MediterraneanColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen floor plans, smart homesLarge yards, historic neighborhoods

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.

San Jose vs. Durham Weather Considerations

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)

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

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.

ComparisonSan JoseDurham
Avg. Household Income$126,377$71,343
Cost of Living Index156.196.6
State Income Tax13.3%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.79%0.86%
Avg. Sales Tax9.25%7.5%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, RetailEducation, Health, Technology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighModerate

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.

San Jose vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

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-upPrimarily DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive, with emphasis on innovation and tech industrySocially progressive, with active community engagement
ReligionDiverse; 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.

San Jose vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

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.

ComparisonSan JoseDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3022
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingVery Difficult

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.

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