Moving from Oakland to Salem?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Oakland to Salem Movers

Moving from Oakland, CA to Salem, OR, is not just a relocation; it's embarking on a thrilling new chapter in your life. You're leaving behind the dynamic energy of "Oaktown," famous for its bustling port and vibrant culture, for the serene allure of "Cherry City," renowned for its rich history and tranquil parks. To make this significant journey smoothly, it's crucial to entrust your move to professional movers that uphold reliability and trustworthiness, ensuring your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

California iconArrow iconOregon icon
U-turn icon

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

5 Best Oakland to Salem 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 >>

top 10 san bruno 2024 kora moving image
top 10 ranked movers in san bruno 2023 kora moving image
#3
Northwest Grace Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 605+ data points

Oregon City, OR
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Senior Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT: 1999959 Verify

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland Metro...Read More >>

top 10 portland 2024 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2023 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2022 northwest grace moving image
#4
All Service Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 9,065+ data points

Portland, OR
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Long Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1863079 Verify

About All Service Moving

Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By using a ...Read More >>

top 10 salem 2024 all service moving image
top 25 ranked movers in america 2023 image
top ranked movers in portland 2023 all service moving image
#5
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 >>

Relocating from Oakland to Salem Neighborhood Guide

When planning a move from Oakland, CA to Salem, OR, it helps to compare neighborhoods to find your perfect new home. This guide aims to compare local neighborhoods between Oakland, CA & Salem, OR , using what you already love about where you live as the baseline for what you'll love about where you're going. We've matched top neighborhoods in Oakland with their Salem counterparts to ease your transition.

OaklandSalem
RockridgeFairmount

Vibing small-town feel, boutique shops

MontclairLaurel Springs

Quiet, forested, family-friendly

Piedmont AvenueEnglewood

Artsy, eclectic atmosphere, historic sites

TemescalGrant

Young, diverse, with a lively restaurant scene

Jack London SquareDowntown Salem

Waterfront dining, entertainment hub

Grand LakeWest Salem

Great local eateries, weekend market

Adam's PointCandalaria

Picturesque views, well-loved parks

UptownCentral Area

Nightlife and cultural festivals

Trestle GlenBush Park

Historic homes, extensive parkland

GlenviewSunnyslope

Cozy, with a small community vibe

In making the transition from Oakland's vibrant neighborhoods to Salem's inviting communities, you'll encounter plenty of local gems to make you feel right at home. Jack London Square, known for its waterfront dining and bustling nightlife, finds its match in Downtown Salem, where you can enjoy a similar waterside ambience at spots like Gilgamesh Brewing. If you're charmed by Rockridge's boutique-lined streets, you'll find Fairmount's quaint shops and eateries, such as Busick Court Restaurant, equally delightful. And for those who appreciate Piedmont Avenue's artsy and eclectic vibe, Englewood's historic character, with attractions like the Salem Multicultural Institute and World Beat Gallery, will surely engage your cultural curiosity. Each Salem neighborhood mirrors the unique atmosphere of Oakland's communities, promising a smooth transition and a welcoming new home.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Salem

  • Stroll through the colorful Bush's Pasture Park
  • Discover gothic horrors at Witch's Castle
  • Visit the Willamette National Forest
  • Book a ticket to an event at El Sinai Center
  • Explore craft brews at Gilgamesh Brewing
  • Enjoy a show at Elsinore Theatre
  • Join a Salem Saturday Market

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Salem

Moving can be both an exciting and daunting process. This guide aims to weigh the pros and cons of relocating from Oakland, CA to Salem, OR, offering an honest reflection of the changes you may encounter. By understanding the good alongside the bad, you'll be better equipped to make this significant transition.

CONs
PROs
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • More traffic congestion
  • Dense urban environment
  • Lower air quality
  • Less green space
Salem, OR iconSalem, OR
  • More affordable housing
  • Less traffic
  • Close-knit community feel
  • Better air quality
  • More parks and nature
Salem, OR iconSalem, OR
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • More limited dining
  • More car-dependent
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Colder winters
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Diverse dining options
  • Robust public transit
  • Many job opportunities
  • Warmer winters

While Salem, OR may not boast the vast culinary landscape Oakland, CA is known for, it does offer gems like Word of Mouth Bistro and the Schreiner's Iris Gardens, balancing smaller-city charm with quality places to eat and explore. The move from Oakland's bustling streets means trading dense urban living for Salem's spacious parks like Bush's Pasture Park, promising more green space and a closer community feel. Though you might find Salem's cultural scene smaller, the quality of life and the embrace of nature—alongside events like the Oregon State Fair—create a welcoming environment for newcomers.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Oakland to Salem

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland, CA & Salem, OR to help you get acquainted with the food scene in your new city. Understanding the local cuisine is essential to experiencing the culture and lifestyle of an area. This guide aims to give you a taste of what to expect from your new culinary landscape.

OaklandSalem

Most iconic local food item

Sourdough BreadMarionberry Pie

Most popular meat dish

Korean BBQSmoked Salmon

Most popular street food item

TacosFood Truck Burgers

Most popular vegan food

Organic Tofu BowlsVegan Burritos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Commis
  • Shakewell
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • Word of Mouth Bistro
  • Bentley's Grill
  • Archive Coffee & Bar

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

98

Foodie Scene

97

Vegan Friendly

108

When moving from Oakland to Salem, you'll find a delightful shift in the local food scene. Oakland, known for its diverse culinary landscape, offers everything from gourmet sourdough bread to Korean BBQ, reflecting its rich cultural mosaic. The city's vegan scene is particularly vibrant, with establishments like Brown Sugar Kitchen catering to a health-conscious crowd. Salem, on the other hand, boasts its own culinary identity with local specialties like Marionberry Pie and an array of vegan options such as Vegan Burritos. Restaurants like Word of Mouth Bistro highlight the local flavor. Although Salem's foodie scene may feel more intimate compared to Oakland's bustling environment, it offers a warm, welcoming community and a growing emphasis on health and sustainability.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Oakland to Salem

Deciding on a new favorite restaurant can truly make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison, highlighting top spots in Oakland to find the closest comparable in Salem, aims to ease your transition and excite your palate. Whether you're seeking high-end dining or a casual spot, use this guide to discover your next go-to eatery in Salem.

CommisDaVinci Ristorante

Both offer an upscale dining experience with a focus on intricate dishes.

Brown Sugar KitchenEZ Orchards

Farm to table fare that highlights local produce with a comfort food vibe.

ShakewellRudy's Steakhouse

Known for their meats, but offers a range of well-crafted dishes.

Drake's DealershipGilgamesh Brewing

Both have a vibrant setting with a strong focus on craft beers and quality eats.

HomeroomSassy Onion

Casual dining with a strong emphasis on comfort food, akin to Homeroom's macaroni focus.

PizzaioloFirehouse Subs

For a uniquely artisan approach to their offerings, reminiscent of Pizzaiolo's craft.

Grand Lake KitchenWord of Mouth

Both are neighborhood favorites for brunch and have a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

DyafaAl Aqsa

Similar in offering a traditional and authentic Middle Eastern dining experience.

MuaArchive Coffee & Bar

While Archive leans more towards a café bar, both offer a trendy atmosphere and eclectic menu options.

Sequoia DinerBusick Court Restaurant

Both excel in American diner classics, with a focus on quality ingredients and a homey feel.

For those moving from Oakland to Salem and looking for familiar tastes or dining experiences, this guide bridges the culinary gap between the two cities. At DaVinci Ristorante, you will discover a level of fine dining that mirrors the experience at Commis, with meticulously crafted plates that emphasize flavor and presentation. Meanwhile, EZ Orchards brings a slice of Brown Sugar Kitchen's soul food brilliance to Salem, featuring local, farm-fresh ingredients in a casual, friendly setting. And for those weekend brunch outings that became a tradition in Oakland, Word of Mouth offers a cozy and delightful atmosphere with dishes that will instantly make you feel at home. Each of these Salem eateries not only provides a comparable dining experience but also introduces you to the local flavors and community spirit of your new city.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Oakland to Salem

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in housing costs, style, and livability between Oakland, CA and Salem, OR, assisting you in making an informed decision.

Considering the notable difference in the median home prices and monthly rents, moving from Oakland to Salem could offer substantial savings. Oakland's urban lifestyle and higher walkability scores reflect its dense, vibrant city life, complete with Victorian and Craftsman-style homes. In contrast, Salem offers more spacious living with its ranch and Craftsman homes, favoring larger backyards and access to nature parks, such as Minto-Brown Island Park. This highlights Salem's appealing blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, providing a quieter yet enriching living environment.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salem, OR

1. West Salem: This area is highly pet-friendly due to its numerous walking trails such as Wallace Marine Park and pet services like Taylor Street OB/GYN Veterinary Clinic.

2. South Salem: Your pet will enjoy South Salem's selection of pet-friendly restaurants and services, including All-In-One Pet Grooming and Garry's Pub which has a pet-friendly patio.

3. Morningside: Known for its large number of dog-friendly parks such as Morningside City Park, this neighborhood also hosts a favorite pet supply store, Petco.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Salem

Moving from one city to another can be a huge adjustment, especially when it comes to weather. It's crucial to understand how the climate in Oakland, CA compares to Salem, OR, to better prepare for what lies ahead. This comparative analysis will highlight key weather differences to help manage your expectations and adapt more swiftly.

Summer icon
72°F / 57°F

Oakland, CA

82°F / 53°F

Salem, OR

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

48°F / 36°F

Salem, OR

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23"

Oakland, CA

40"

Salem, OR

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Oakland, CA

6"

Salem, OR

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When moving from Oakland to Salem, you'll notice a significant change in the weather patterns. Salem experiences a cooler and more pronounced change in seasons compared to Oakland, with more rainfall and some snowfall during the winter months. While Oakland boasts more sunny days annually, Salem's higher humidity and greater annual precipitation mean you might need to adjust your outdoor activities and wardrobe. Understanding these changes will help you adapt more comfortably to your new home in Salem.

Ready to start your move?

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

When contemplating a move from one city to another, it is crucial to weigh how the cost of living in Oakland stacks up against Salem. This comparison will guide you in understanding the financial landscape you're stepping into, from average incomes to the tax implications of your new home.

Moving from Oakland to Salem, you'll notice a significant shift in the cost of living, making daily and long-term expenses more manageable. While the average household income in Salem is lower than in Oakland, the cost of living adjustment means your dollar stretches further, especially when you consider Oregon's lack of sales tax. This difference can have a substantial impact on your budgeting, potentially allowing for a better quality of life despite the lower average income. The variability in state and property taxes between the two states further reflects these financial contrasts, with Oregon offering a more favorable tax environment for many.

Political & Religious Comparison between Oakland, CA and Salem, OR

This brief guide offers a quick comparison on the political and religious landscape of Oakland, CA, and Salem, OR, providing insights into the regions' community values. This comparison of the politics between Oakland & Salem aims to help you grasp the civic and cultural atmosphere you're transitioning into.

OaklandSalem

Political Make-up

Heavily DemocraticMore balanced, but leans Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive policies; environmental and social justice initiativesMixed; social issues and economic development are focal points

Religion

Diverse; includes Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and other practicesPrimarily Christian, but with growing diversity in belief systems

In Oakland, you might have noticed a strong push towards progressive policies, particularly in areas of social justice and environmental preservation, reflective of its heavily Democratic political makeup. The city prides itself on its cultural and religious diversity, hosting numerous places of worship and community centers catering to a wide array of beliefs and practices. Moving to Salem, while you'll still find a Democratic leaning, the political scene is somewhat more balanced, with a notable focus on both social issues and economic development. Salem's religious landscape, though primarily Christian, is becoming progressively diverse, mirroring broader demographic changes within the city. Understanding these nuances can help you better engage with your new community.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Salem

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial when moving from one city to another. This comparison highlights the differences in transportation between Oakland, CA, and Salem, OR, helping you navigate your new environment with ease.

OaklandSalem
3223

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

73

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

85

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Yes, with effortChallenging

Can you get by without a car?

The average commute time in Oakland is longer than in Salem, mainly due to the higher traffic congestion Oakland experiences. Although Oakland's traffic can be demanding, its public transit system is robust, including options like the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and buses, making it possible to live without a car, albeit with some effort. On the other hand, Salem offers a more relaxed driving experience due to less congestion but has fewer public transit options. Consequently, living in Salem without a car can be more challenging, indicating a greater reliance on personal vehicles for daily commutes.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Oakland to Salem Movers Featured Image
Popular moving routes background image

Popular Oakland, CA to Oregon Moving Routes