Best San Jose to Raleigh Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Jose to Raleigh Movers

Moving from the tech hub of Silicon Valley in San Jose to the lush landscapes and booming tech scene of Raleigh is an adventure that beckons a fresh start and thrilling possibilities. Leaving behind the "Capital of Silicon Valley" for the "City of Oaks" represents not just a change in scenery but a step into a new chapter filled with diverse cultures, flavors, and communities. It's critical to ensure this transition is smooth by entrusting your journey to professional movers who understand the importance of reliability and care in such a significant life change. At Great Guys Moving, we utilize an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, making sure your move is in the safest of hands.

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Best San Jose to Raleigh 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 Raleigh to San Jose guide.

5 Best San Jose to Raleigh 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 12/17/2024)

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
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
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. Raleigh 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 this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & Raleigh, NC . This guide aims to help you find a Raleigh neighborhood that mirrors the essence of your favorite San Jose area, so you feel right at home from day one.

San JoseRaleighHow They're Similar
Willow GlenFive PointsHistoric charm, community-focused
Downtown San JoseDowntown RaleighBustling city life, arts and dining
Almaden ValleyNorth RaleighSuburban feel, family-friendly
Los GatosWakefieldUpscale living, golf communities
Silver CreekBrier CreekAffluent, convenient amenities
Rose GardenBoylan HeightsHistorical homes, tight-knit community
Cambrian ParkNorth HillsFamily-friendly, shopping and dining
EvergreenBedford at Falls RiverSpacious homes, community events
The AlamedaCameron VillageUnique shopping, close to university
BerryessaMidtown RaleighDiverse, up-and-coming with transit access

In comparing neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Five Points, you'll find that both offer historic charm with a strong sense of community. Willow Glen is known for its tree-lined streets and bespoke local shops, much like Five Points, which hosts family-friendly events and has a rich arts scene. Downtown San Jose's vibrant nightlife and cultural amenities can be paralleled with Downtown Raleigh, where landmarks like the North Carolina Museum of Natural History and Raleigh Memorial Auditorium become the backdrop to your city life. For a more suburban and upscale environment, Los Gatos residents will appreciate Wakefield's prestigious golf courses and fine dining spots similar to Los Gatos Café and Testarossa Winery. Lastly, the serene and family-oriented atmosphere of Almaden Valley finds its match in North Raleigh, where sprawling parks like Durant Nature Preserve offer a perfect setting for weekend family outings, maintaining the essence of outdoor living with a suburban twist.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Raleigh

Moving from San Jose, CA to Raleigh, NC is a significant change that involves weighing the challenges against the rewards. This comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of the move, showcasing the pros and cons of leaving San Jose for the charms and opportunities in Raleigh.

CONs
PROs
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • High living cost
  • Dense traffic
  • Earthquake risk
  • Less greenery
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Lesser traffic
  • Safer from quakes
  • More parks
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Humid summers
  • Smaller airport
  • Less nightlife
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Tech job hub
  • Mild winters
  • Cultural diversity
  • Vibrant downtown

Migrating from the bustling tech hub of San Jose to the more laid-back atmosphere of Raleigh can be refreshing yet challenging. While you might miss the cutting-edge tech scene and the vibrant mix of cultures back in San Jose, Raleigh welcomes you with its lush greenery and an inviting lower cost of living. Places like the Umstead State Park Umstead State Park and the thriving restaurants and coffee shops such as Brewery Bhavana Brewery Bhavana flank the city, offering both natural serenity and a buzzing culinary scene. Raleigh's summers might be warmer, but the city's numerous parks and recreational areas provide plenty of opportunities to unwind and cool off. Although the tech jobs aren't as plentiful, the growth in sectors like biotech and clean energy offers new career avenues.

San Jose vs. Raleigh Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between San Jose & Raleigh is designed to inform you about the food scenes in both cities. Understanding the culinary culture of your new home is crucial, as food is an integral part of local culture and living experience.

San JoseRaleigh
Most iconic local food itemPhoBarbecue Pulled Pork
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQCarolina-style Barbecue
Most popular street food itemTacosFood Truck Burgers
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlVegan Barbecue
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Manresa
  • Aqui Cal-Mex
  • Original Joe's
  • The Pit
  • Poole's Diner
  • Brewery Bhavana
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Jose, the vibrant Vietnamese community ensures that pho is a local staple, while the city's Korean BBQ is unrivaled, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape. Places like Manresa offer a high-end dining experience that is a must-visit. Moving to Raleigh, the shift to a Southern cuisine is evident with its famous barbecue pulled pork, a signature dish that can be savored in spots like The Pit. Raleigh's food trucks, particularly those serving burgers, are a testament to the city's innovative and evolving food scene. Both cities boast a keen health consciousness, with plenty of options for vegan eaters and fitness enthusiasts alike.

San Jose vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison

When relocating from San Jose, CA, to Raleigh, NC, finding new go-to restaurants can be a pivotal part of feeling at home. This comparison aims at making that transition smoother by matching top dining options in San Jose with their Raleigh counterparts. By using San Jose to Raleigh restaurant comparison as a guide , you'll discover new favorite eateries that resonate with your culinary preferences.

San JoseRaleighWhat You'll Love
Original Joe'sAngus BarnSteakhouse with a similar upscale vibe and classic American fare
AdegaSaint Jacques French CuisineAuthentic French dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients
La ForetSecond EmpireElegant dining with superb service, akin to La Foret's fine dining
ManresaHeronsHigh-end dining with an emphasis on artfully crafted, locally sourced dishes
Falafel's Drive-InSassoolOffers a casual, flavorful Middle Eastern dining experience similar to Falafel's Drive-In
Santana RowNorth HillsOffers a mix of upscale and casual dining options in a vibrant, open-air setting
Dia de PescaJose and SonsBlends traditional with contemporary, offering a fresh take on Mexican cuisine
Back A YardJamaica Jerk MastersOffers authentic Caribbean flavors that match the soul of Back A Yard
Minato Japanese RestaurantSushi TsuneProvides a similarly authentic Japanese dining experience focusing on quality sushi
Henry's Hi-LifeThe PitOffers a similar vibe with its focus on BBQ and hearty American comfort food

Finding a new favorite eatery that reminds you of home can significantly enhance your relocation experience. For fans of French cuisine missing Adega in San Jose, Saint Jacques French Cuisine in Raleigh offers a similar commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring a sublime dining experience. Meanwhile, if the unique Caribbean flavors of Back A Yard are what you crave, Jamaica Jerk Masters in Raleigh serves authentic dishes bursting with the same vibrant spices and soulful cooking. As you explore Raleigh's dining scene, each of these establishments provides a comforting echo of San Jose's diverse culinary offerings, allowing for a seamless transition to your new surroundings.

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Ready to start your move?

San Jose vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the decision-making process when moving. Understanding how San Jose and Raleigh compare in terms of housing can provide important insights. This comparison covers various aspects including cost, architecture, and lifestyle to assist in your decision.

ComparisonSan JoseRaleigh
Typical Architecture StyleModern and MediterraneanColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to tech companies, Energy-efficient appliancesLarge yards, Community amenities

In comparing the real estate markets of San Jose and Raleigh, it's clear that the former is significantly more expensive, both in terms of median home prices and monthly rent. San Jose's close ties to Silicon Valley not only drive up prices but also influence the prevalent modern and Mediterranean architecture styles in the area. Despite this, San Jose offers a higher degree of urban lifestyle and is more conducive to walking and biking than Raleigh, partly due to its dense, tech-centric environment. On the other hand, Raleigh offers a more affordable housing market with a preference for Colonial and Craftsman designs, large yards, and community amenities, reflecting a more suburban lifestyle which might be appealing for those looking for a balance between urban benefits and suburban comfort.

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 Jose vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather contrasts between San Jose and Raleigh is crucial. This knowledge ensures you're well-prepared for the climate differences and can make the transition more comfortable.

Summer icon
82°F / 57°F

San Jose, CA

89°F / 68°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 42°F

San Jose, CA

52°F / 32°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15.82

San Jose, CA

43.34

Raleigh, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Jose, CA

4.3

Raleigh, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

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

While San Jose offers a drier climate with more days of sunshine annually, moving to Raleigh, you'll experience a significant increase in both summer and winter temperatures, coupled with higher annual rainfall and some snow. The transition also means adapting to different types of natural disasters—from earthquakes in California to hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina. Understanding these climatic and environmental differences prepares you for Raleigh's distinct seasons, ensuring a smoother adjustment to everything from daily wardrobe choices to emergency preparedness plans.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how your financial situation might shift. This comparison aims to shed light on the monetary distinctions you'll encounter when relocating from San Jose, CA to Raleigh, NC . Understanding these differences will help you prepare for the economic realities of your new home.

ComparisonSan JoseRaleigh
Avg. Household Income$126,377$74,612
Cost of Living Index156.198.2
State Income Tax13.35.25
Avg. Property Tax0.790.84
Avg. Sales Tax9.257.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, EducationTechnology, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceVery HighModerate
PovertyLowLower than national average
HomelessnessNoticeableLess noticeable

While both San Jose and Raleigh are thriving in sectors like technology, healthcare, and education, the financial contrasts between the two cities are significant. San Jose's average household income far outstrips that of Raleigh, reflecting the high cost of living and affluence commonly associated with Silicon Valley. However, this comes at a price, including the highest state income tax in the country and a substantially higher cost of living index. On the other hand, Raleigh offers a more moderate lifestyle with a lower cost of living and lower state income tax, making it an attractive option for those looking for a balance between economic opportunity and affordability.

San Jose vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison

When considering relocating from San Jose, CA, to Raleigh, NC, understanding the makeup of the population you're moving into is vital. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between San Jose & Raleigh, offering insights into local politics, the overall political leanings, and the religious landscape of both cities.

San JoseRaleigh
Political Make-upLean liberalLean liberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic majority in city decisionsMixed, with a slight Democratic lean in local governance
ReligionHigh diversity, with Christianity being predominantPrimarily Christian, with a significant presence of other faiths

Moving from San Jose to Raleigh, you'll find both cities have a liberal leaning, though Raleigh's political landscape can be somewhat more mixed, reflecting North Carolina's traditional swing state status. Local politics in Raleigh might showcase a variety of viewpoints, but tend to maintain a slight Democratic lean, much like what you're used to in San Jose. When it comes to religion, both cities host a majority Christian population, but they also celebrate religious diversity, housing numerous faiths and places of worship for their residents. This landscape provides a rich cultural tapestry that can be both familiar and new for someone moving from the West to the East Coast.

San Jose vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Jose, CA to Raleigh, NC requires understanding the differences in driving and transiting experiences. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Jose & Raleigh is designed to help you adapt to your new environment and plan your daily commute more effectively.

ComparisonSan JoseRaleigh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3025
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?PossiblyDifficult

In San Jose, you'll find yourself facing moderate traffic congestion, with an average commute time of about 30 minutes. However, the city's public transit system, including the VTA, offers respectable coverage, making it possible to get around without a personal vehicle for some residents. In contrast, Raleigh has lighter traffic with a shorter average commute time but lacks the robust public transit infrastructure found in San Jose. This makes owning a car almost a necessity in Raleigh, despite the ease of driving compared to San Jose. Understanding these dynamics can significantly impact your decision on whether or not to bring or buy a car after your move.

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