Moving from Oakland to Buffalo?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Oakland to Buffalo Movers

Moving from the vibrant energy of Oakland, CA to the historic charm of Buffalo, NY is an adventure that promises new beginnings and exciting opportunities. You're leaving behind the sunny landscapes and iconic Bay Area life for Buffalo's renowned architecture, passionate sports culture, and the inviting allure of the "City of Good Neighbors." To ensure this significant life transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible, it's crucial to hire trusted and reliable professional movers. With our expertise, we'll help you navigate this long-distance move, allowing you to focus on the exciting journey ahead.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Buffalo to Oakland guide.

5 Best Oakland to Buffalo Movers

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

#1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,273+ data points

El Sobrante, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2597230 Verify

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 >>

top 3 san francisco 2024 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in san francisco 2023 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in oakland 2022 ocd moving services llc image
#2
Kora Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,517+ data points

San Bruno, CA
Local moves, Long distance moves, Packing and unpacking See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 3139436 Verify

About Kora Moving

Kora Moving, based in San Francisco, was established in 2018 by Carlos Viera, who has over 17 years of experience in the moving industry. Th...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in san bruno 2023 kora moving image
#3
Rock 'n Roll Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 304+ data points

Oakland, CA
Residential moving, Packing and unpacking service, Dismantling and reassembling service See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/28/2022)

USDOT: 3277673 Verify

About Rock 'n Roll Moving

Rock 'n Roll Moving is a young company comprised of musicians and artists with years of experience in residential and local moving services....Read More >>

#4
Wayfinder Moving Services  Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,214+ data points

Buffalo, NY
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3104397 Verify

About Wayfinder Moving Services

Established in 2018, Wayfinder Moving Services has locations in both Buffalo, NY and Jamestown. As a business that specializes in customer ...Read More >>

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top ranked movers in buffalo 2023 wayfinder moving services image
top ranked movers in buffalo 2022 wayfinder moving services image
#5
J
Superb

based on 214+ data points

North Tonawanda, NY
Home & Apartment moving, Senior Moves, Business & Office moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 10/9/2022)

USDOT: 3348965 Verify

About Joey Z's Moving

Backed by over 35 years of experience, Joey Z’s Moving serves all of New York State with reliable residential and commercial moves. It is a ...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in lockport 2023 joey zs moving inc image
top 10 ranked movers in lockport 2022 joey zs moving inc image

Relocating from Oakland to Buffalo Neighborhood Guide

Moving can be challenging, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease this transition, we compare popular neighborhoods in Oakland, CA with the closest similar neighborhoods in Buffalo, NY. This comparison aims to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city using your existing city as a baseline. Let's dive into the local neighborhoods between Oakland, CA & Buffalo, NY to find your new home.

OaklandBuffalo
RockridgeElmwood Village

Vibrant arts scene and eclectic dining

MontclairParkside

Quiet streets, family-friendly vibe

TemescalAllentown

Bustling nightlife, diverse community

Piedmont AvenueHertel Avenue

Thriving local businesses and walkable

Grand LakeDelaware District

Proximity to parks and cultural attractions

Jack London SquareCanalside

Waterfront activities and entertainment

West OaklandBlack Rock

Historic district with a strong sense of community

Lake MerrittElmwood Village

Green spaces and a vibrant community atmosphere

North OaklandNorth Buffalo

Residential with a mix of local shops and eateries

Old OaklandCentral Park

Historic homes and architectural gems

In Buffalo's Elmwood Village, similar to Oakland's Rockridge, you'll find a vibrant arts scene along with an eclectic mix of dining, much like the variety of restaurants on College Avenue. Parkside, reflecting Montclair's quiet, family-friendly vibe, is surrounded by lush parks such as Delaware Park, mirroring the green spaces near Montclair. For those who enjoy the bustling nightlife and diverse community of Temescal, Allentown in Buffalo offers a similar experience with its array of bars, live music venues like Nietzsche's, and diverse dining options. Lastly, those moving from Piedmont Avenue will appreciate Hertel Avenue in Buffalo for its thriving local businesses, with places like Mes Que offering a cozy spot for soccer enthusiasts.

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Things to Do in Buffalo

  • Explore Albright-Knox Art Gallery
  • Watch a game at Sahlen Field
  • Visit Buffalo Zoo
  • Stroll through Botanical Gardens
  • Enjoy Niagara Falls tour
  • Skate at Canalside
  • Taste wings at Anchor Bar

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Buffalo

Moving across the country can be a daunting task, and comparing the pros and cons of leaving Oakland, CA for Buffalo, NY helps provide an honest reflection of such a significant change. This comparison aims to highlight the lifestyle differences you may encounter and to assist in making the transition smoother.

CONs
PROs
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Earthquake risk
  • Dense traffic
  • Urban hustle
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Lower living costs
  • Safer seismically
  • Less traffic
  • Slower pace of life
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Less tech jobs
  • Less natural diversity
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Mild climate
  • Diverse culture
  • Robust tech scene
  • Scenic landscapes

Moving from Oakland to Buffalo offers a unique set of lifestyle changes. While Oakland is famed for its mild climate and diverse culture, Buffalo boasts a rich history and vibrant community life, albeit with colder winters. Buffalo's Canalside and Delaware Park provide ample green spaces and waterfront activities, contrasting with Oakland’s urbanized Lake Merritt and Redwood Regional Park. Additionally, Buffalo's lower cost of living allows for a more comfortable lifestyle, with popular areas like Elmwood Village showcasing unique local restaurants and shops that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. This transition may mean saying goodbye to the Bay Area’s tech hub and scenic coastlines but welcomes the charm and historic architecture of Buffalo, emphasizing a community-centric lifestyle.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Oakland to Buffalo

As you plan your move, understanding the local culture is crucial—and that includes what people eat! In this guide, we'll compare the local cuisine between Oakland & Buffalo to give you a taste of what culinary delights await you in your new home.

OaklandBuffalo

Most iconic local food item

Sour Sourdough BreadBuffalo Wings

Most popular meat dish

Barbecue RibsBeef on Weck

Most popular street food item

TacosBuffalo-style pizza

Most popular vegan food

Jackfruit TacosSeitan Wings

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Commis
  • ShakeWell
  • Tamarindo Antojeria
  • Anchor Bar
  • Gabriel's Gate
  • Ted's Hot Dogs

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

86

Abundance of Food Trucks

95

Foodie Scene

97

Vegan Friendly

96

Exploring Oakland and Buffalo through their cuisines reveals a fascinating contrast in food culture. In Oakland, the vibrant street food scene, including an impressive variety of tacos, mirrors the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Neighborhoods like Temescal are known for their foodie vibe, hosting a plethora of food trucks and vegan options that highlight the city's health-conscious ethos. Meanwhile, Buffalo, famous for inventing Buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar, takes pride in its hearty, meat-focused dishes such as Beef on Weck. Buffalo's food scene is also characterized by its unique Buffalo-style pizza and a growing number of spots catering to vegan tastes, though it's more traditional compared to Oakland's cutting-edge culinary experimentation. Whether you're indulging in Oakland's innovative vegan cuisine or savoring Buffalo's iconic comfort foods, each city offers a unique taste of local flavors.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Oakland to Buffalo

Finding a new culinary home is an essential part of settling into a new city. This comparison between Oakland’s top eateries and their Buffalo, NY counterparts aims to help you discover your next favorite dining spots by using familiar flavors from your current locale as a guide.

CommisTempo Restaurant

Fine dining with a focus on meticulous preparation and presentation

ShakewellTappo

Vibrant atmosphere with a mix of Mediterranean and Italian flavors

Brown Sugar KitchenCarla's Crumby Creations

Comfort food with a creative twist, highlighting soulful flavors

Zachary's Chicago PizzaLa Nova

Iconic for its Buffalo-style pizza, a taste reminiscent of Zachary’s deep dish

Cholita LindaCantina Loco

Fresh Mexican cuisine with a similar focus on street-style eats

The WolfHutch's

Offers a refined dining experience with a dynamic, seasonally inspired menu

Fentons CreameryAnderson's Frozen Custard

A local favorite for ice cream and sweet treats with a long-standing tradition

MuaAllen Burger Venture

Known for its eclectic menu and buzzing atmosphere, echoing Mua’s vibe

Nyum BaiPho Lantern Restaurant

Authentic flavors that take inspiration from traditional Cambodian cuisine

PizzaioloJay's Artisan Pizza

Craft pizzeria focusing on quality ingredients and wood-fired pies

When making the culinary transition from Oakland, CA, to Buffalo, NY, you'll find vibrant and diverse flavors awaiting you. Tappo in Buffalo mirrors Shakewell's Mediterranean flair, serving dishes that blend Italian and Spanish cuisine with a lively atmosphere. For those who relish the unique, soulful flavors of Brown Sugar Kitchen, Carla's Crumby Creations offers an inventive take on comfort food that resonates with warmth and creativity. Exploring these establishments will not only satiate your appetite but also foster a sense of community and belonging in Buffalo, just as your Oakland favorites have done.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Oakland to Buffalo

Real estate is a pivotal factor in relocating, highlighting the necessity to compare the housing characteristics of Oakland, CA and Buffalo, NY . This comparison aims to enlighten you on what to expect from each city, focusing on cost, architecture, and lifestyle.

The contrast in housing costs between Oakland and Buffalo is stark; with Oakland's median home prices and rent significantly higher, this reflects the broader cost of living and economic dynamics of the two cities. Buffalo's allure lies in its more affordable housing market and rich historical architecture, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing cultural heritage. Oakland, while pricier, offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with its proximity to San Francisco, diverse architecture ranging from Victorian to Craftsman styles, and robust public transit options, illustrating the trade-offs between these two distinct urban environments.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Buffalo, NY

1. Elmwood Village: Known for its walkable streets and the Elmwood Village Farmers Market, where you can often find pet-friendly vendors and plenty of space for your furry friends to explore.

2. Allentown: This vibrant neighborhood not only boasts a variety of pet-friendly dining options but is also home to the Allentown Association, which organizes events that are welcoming to pets.

3. Hertel Avenue: Famous for its Hertel Avenue Poutine & Cream, which offers outdoor seating where pets are welcome, and its close proximity to several parks where you can enjoy a day out with your pet.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Buffalo

Moving from one location to another significantly impacts your daily life, and understanding how the weather varies between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison between Oakland, CA and Buffalo, NY, emphasizes the weather differences to help you prepare for what's ahead.

Summer icon
72°F / 56°F

Oakland, CA

79°F / 62°F

Buffalo, NY

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

31°F / 18°F

Buffalo, NY

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23 inches

Oakland, CA

40 inches

Buffalo, NY

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0 inches

Oakland, CA

95 inches

Buffalo, NY

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When relocating from Oakland to Buffalo, you'll notice a significant shift in your weather experience. Oakland's milder climate with more sunny days transitions to Buffalo's distinct seasons, featuring cold, snowy winters. Additionally, Buffalo experiences more humidity and rainfall, contributing to its lush summers but also heavy snowfall in winter, which is a stark contrast to Oakland's virtually snow-free climate. Moreover, understanding the prevalence of different natural disasters and top seasonal allergies in each region can help you prepare better for the local environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Buffalo

When moving from Oakland, CA to Buffalo, NY, understanding how aspects related to money and finance in both cities will impact your expenses is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge the economic differences and prepare for a smooth transition.

Moving from Oakland to Buffalo, you'll notice significant differences in the cost of living and average household income. While the income in Buffalo might be lower, the cost of living is considerably less, offering a potentially similar standard of living. State income tax and sales tax rates are lower in Buffalo, providing slight relief in taxes. However, be prepared for a higher property tax rate in Buffalo compared to Oakland. Also, the economic landscape is diverse, with Buffalo having a focus on education, health services, and manufacturing, which contrasts with Oakland's strong technology and retail sectors. Considering these factors can aid in your financial planning and adjustments.

Political & Religious Comparison between Oakland, CA and Buffalo, NY

Moving from one city to another can be a transformative journey, not just in terms of geography but also in the cultural, political, and spiritual environments you'll immerse yourself in. This guide provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in Oakland & Buffalo, aiming for you to better understand the fabric of the communities you're transitioning between.

OaklandBuffalo

Political Make-up

Liberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive policies, strong advocacy on social issuesHistorically Democratic, with a focus on economic revitalization

Religion

Diverse, with no single denomination dominatingMajorly Christian, with significant Catholic and Protestant populations

Both Oakland and Buffalo share a tendency towards liberal politics, though the issues at the forefront can vary. Oakland is well-known for its progressive stance on social issues, reflecting its diverse population's aspirations. Buffalo, while also Democratic, has been more focused on economic issues and revitalization projects. Religiously, you'll find Oakland incredibly diverse, with a variety of faiths practiced across the city. Buffalo's religious landscape is predominantly Christian, with a significant presence of Catholic and Protestant communities. This comparison illustrates not just differences but also the shared ideals and challenges in these communities.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Buffalo

Moving from Oakland, CA, to Buffalo, NY, necessitates understanding the differences in commuting experiences. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Oakland & Buffalo will outline what you can expect regarding daily commute times, traffic congestion, public transit availability, and the feasibility of living without a car in both cities.

OaklandBuffalo
29.321.4

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

7.54.2

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

65

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Possible, but challengingYes, with planning

Can you get by without car?

While the average commute time in Oakland is longer than in Buffalo, it's not just about the numbers. Oakland's traffic congestion is significantly higher, which means you might often find yourself stuck in traffic. However, Oakland benefits from a slightly better public transit system, thanks to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and bus services that connect various neighborhoods efficiently. Living without a car in Oakland is feasible, especially if you work and live within the city core or close to BART stations. In contrast, Buffalo's less congested roads make driving more pleasant. Despite a lower public transit score, Buffalo's Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) provides comprehensive bus and rail services that make getting around without a car possible with some planning.

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