Moving from San Francisco to Salem?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Salem Movers

Moving from the tech-infused hills of San Francisco to Salem's historically rich landscapes marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. Leaving behind the hustle of the "City by the Bay" for Salem's serene "Cherry City" vibe opens up a canvas of culinary delights, neighborhood charms, and welcoming communities. Understanding the significance of such a long-distance move, we emphasize the importance of entrusting your journey to reliable and professionally vetted movers, ensuring a seamless transition to your new beginning.

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

5 Best San Francisco 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 >>

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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
B
Exceptional

based on 634+ data points

San Francisco, CA
Long-distance moving, Small relocation , Full packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT: 1396171 Verify

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>

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#4
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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in salem 2023 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2022 northwest grace moving image
#5
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 >>

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Relocating from San Francisco to Salem Neighborhood Guide

Moving can be daunting, especially to a city you're not familiar with. To ease this transition, we're comparing San Francisco, CA & Salem, OR neighborhoods , helping you find familiar grounds in a new city. Drawing parallels between neighborhoods in both cities lets you quickly feel at home, navigating local spots with confidence.

San FranciscoSalem
Marina DistrictWest Salem

Waterfront views, active lifestyle

North BeachGrant

Rich in history, vibrant community

Pacific HeightsFairmount

Upscale, with stunning homes and views

Mission DistrictCandalite

Diverse, artsy with a vibrant nightlife

SOMA (South of Market)Downtown Salem

Urban, with a mix of residential and commercial

The CastroHighland

Inclusive, with a strong sense of community

Haight-AshburyEnglewood

Bohemian vibes, historic charm

Nob HillKaywood

Classic charm, peaceful streets

Richmond DistrictSunnyslope

Family-friendly, with access to parks

Sunset DistrictMorningside

Quiet, residential, great for families

Moving from the eclectic culture of San Francisco to Salem's diverse and inviting neighborhoods allows you to find a piece of home in a new setting. For example, if you were drawn to the Marina District for its waterfront views and vibrant lifestyle, West Salem offers a similar allure with its scenic beauty and active living spaces. Pacific Heights' residents will find Fairmount's upscale homes and breathtaking views a comfortable transition. The lively arts scene and dynamic nightlife of the Mission District echo in Candalite, Salem's hub for creativity and entertainment. Englewood, paralleling Haight-Ashbury's bohemian essence, entices with its historic charm and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a neighborhood with personality and cultural depth. Transitioning between these cities, you’ll discover new favorites while cherishing what you loved about your old neighborhood.

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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 San Francisco to Salem

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the bad against the good. This guide aims to paint an honest reflection upon relocating from San Francisco, CA to Salem, OR , helping you make an informed decision by understanding the trade-offs involved.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High living costs
  • Dense population
  • Heavy traffic
  • Foggy weather
Salem, OR iconSalem, OR
  • Lower living costs
  • Smaller community
  • Less congestion
  • Milder climate
Salem, OR iconSalem, OR
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer dining options
  • Lesser-known sights
  • Smaller cultural scene
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Cultural diversity

Moving from San Francisco to Salem is an exciting change that brings about a fusion of urban and natural landscapes. While you might miss the iconic SF MOMA and the bustling alleys of Chinatown, brimming with diverse cuisine, in Salem, you'll find a respite in the serene beauty of Silver Falls State Park and the historical allure of the Willamette Heritage Center. The local dining scene, while not as vast, boasts of its own gems like Word of Mouth Bistro and the famous Gilgamesh Brewing, offering a taste of Oregon's local cuisine and craft beers. Transitioning from San Francisco's iconic sights and tech buzz to Salem's slower pace and close-knit community presents a new landscape of opportunities and experiences to cherish.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from San Francisco to Salem

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Salem to help you get acquainted with the food scene in your new city. Understanding the culinary culture is vital as food plays a significant role in the local lifestyle and character of a place.

San FranciscoSalem

Most iconic local food item

Sourdough BreadMarionberry Pie

Most popular meat dish

CioppinoSmoked Salmon

Most popular street food item

Mission BurritoFood Cart Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Vegan RamenVeggie Burger

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Tadich Grill
  • Swan Oyster Depot
  • Boulevard
  • Word of Mouth Bistro
  • Busick Court
  • Archive Bar & Kitchen

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

97

Abundance of Food Trucks

87

Foodie Scene

108

Vegan Friendly

97

In your transition from San Francisco to Salem, you'll discover that while both cities have a vibrant food culture, the flavors and specialty dishes offer distinct local experiences. San Francisco, known for its sourdough bread and the iconic Mission burrito, boasts a variety of global cuisines with a strong emphasis on seafood and vegan options. Salem, while smaller, surprises with its unique food scene centered around local ingredients, especially the famous Marionberry pie. Notably, Salem's burgeoning food cart scene around the State Capitol area brings a diverse and accessible gourmet experience. As you settle in Salem, make sure to visit Word of Mouth Bistro for a taste of local breakfast dishes that have become a staple among residents.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from San Francisco to Salem

Making a new city feel like home starts with discovering where to eat. This comparison is designed to help you find your new favorite eateries in Salem by using popular San Francisco restaurants as a guide . Whether you're craving sophisticated dining, casual eats, or iconic food experiences, this chart aims to make your transition as delicious as possible.

Zuni CaféRafns' Restaurant

High-quality, local ingredients with a focus on sustainability and seasonality, reminiscent of Zuni Café’s iconic approach

Tartine BakeryGreat Harvest Bread Co.

Offering a cozy atmosphere with freshly baked breads and pastries, akin to the famed Tartine experience

NopaWord of Mouth Bistro

Known for their brunch and comfort food, much like Nopa’s approach to upscale American cuisine

The Slanted DoorDaVinci Ristorante

While Italian, it mirrors The Slanted Door's sophistication in flavor and presentation in a different cuisine

La TaqueriaLos Arcos

Captures the essence of a truly vibrant Mexican taqueria experience found at La Taqueria

Swan Oyster DepotTurner Roadhouse

Offers a selection of seafood that pays homage to the quality and simplicity of Swan Oyster Depot’s offerings

Gary DankoBentley's Grill

Elegant dining with a focus on fine ingredients and inventive dishes echoing the culinary excellence of Gary Danko

Foreign CinemaAmadeus Café

Unique dining experience with artistic flair, comparable to the cinematic charm and creativity of Foreign Cinema

Bi-Rite CreameryIce Cream Renaissance

Artisanal ice cream selections that bring a similar delight to the senses as Bi-Rite Creamery’s beloved scoops

Mission Chinese FoodKwan's Cuisine

Offers a modern take on traditional dishes, capturing the innovative spirit of Mission Chinese Food

Moving from the bustling city of San Francisco to the serene landscape of Salem doesn't mean sacrificing culinary delights. Places like Rafns' Restaurant in Salem offer a dining experience that honors the ethos of sustainable and high-quality ingredients found at Zuni Café. On the other hand, Los Arcos brings to life the vibrant Mexican flavors that many come to love at La Taqueria. For those who adore the combination of food, art, and a unique dining atmosphere, Amadeus Café in Salem serves as a perfect counterpart to San Francisco's Foreign Cinema, ensuring the transition to your new home is filled with memorable food experiences.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from San Francisco to Salem

Real estate is crucial when planning your move, knowing how the markets compare will help ease the transition. Here's a visual comparison of real estate aspects between San Francisco, CA and Salem, OR , highlighting the differences in housing costs, architecture, walkability , and more to make your decisions clearer.

While San Francisco is renowned for its iconic Victorian and modern architecture, offering vibrant urban living with maximum walkability and bikeability, life in Salem presents a different allure. In Salem, you'll find more mid-century and ranch-style homes, emphasizing spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods. The contrast in median home prices and monthly rents between these two cities speaks volumes about the cost of living differences. San Francisco’s high-paced, urban lifestyle is unparalleled, but Salem’s serene setting, coupled with its moderate urban lifestyle score, offers a peaceful yet engaging environment for those moving from the bustling streets of San Francisco.

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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 San Francisco to Salem

When relocating from San Francisco, CA to Salem, OR, appreciating differences in climate is pivotal. This side-by-side weather comparison between San Francisco and Salem gives you a clear understanding of what to expect. It's crucial for wardrobe planning, assessing potential health impacts, and envisioning your daily life in a new setting.

Summer icon
67°F / 54°F

San Francisco, CA

82°F / 52°F

Salem, OR

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

47°F / 36°F

Salem, OR

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23

San Francisco, CA

40

Salem, OR

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

6

Salem, OR

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While San Francisco enjoys a moderate climate year-round with fog being a signature feature, Salem presents a different climate scenario with hotter summers and colder winters. Notably, Salem experiences nearly double the annual rainfall of San Francisco, contributing to its lush landscapes but also more overcast days. The higher humidity in Salem can affect comfort and health, necessitating adjustments for those accustomed to the dryer San Francisco air. Taking these differences into account will help you adjust more seamlessly to your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison between San Francisco, CA, and Salem, OR, aims to illuminate the key differences in money and finance you'll experience, helping you make an informed decision.

Moving from San Francisco to Salem, you'll find significant financial differences. The average household income in Salem is less than half that of San Francisco, which is influenced by the predominant industries in each city: technology and finance versus government and agriculture, respectively. However, the cost of living in Salem is significantly lower, making it possible to stretch your dollars further. Additionally, Oregon's lack of sales tax can provide considerable savings compared to California's 8.5%. These economic disparities between the two cities reflect not just in wealth but also in the living standards, including the levels of poverty and homelessness.

Political & Religious Comparison between San Francisco, CA and Salem, OR

This is a comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Salem, providing a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. This comparative insight aims to help you understand the social and cultural differences you may encounter as you move from San Francisco, CA, to Salem, OR.

San FranciscoSalem

Political Make-up

Strongly DemocraticModerately Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive policiesBlend of progressive and conservative values

Religion

Variety, with a significant percentage of residents identifying as non-religiousChristianity predominant, but diverse religious communities exist

Moving from San Francisco to Salem will introduce you to a different political climate. Although both cities lean Democratic, Salem has a more moderate approach compared to San Francisco's progressive stance. In terms of religion, while San Francisco has a vast array of beliefs with a significant non-religious population, Salem has a stronger presence of Christianity. However, just like San Francisco, Salem also prides itself on its religious diversity, hosting various faith communities. This transition might bring a new perspective on political and religious coexistence, enriching your understanding of local dynamics in Salem.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to Salem

Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Salem, OR, requires understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Salem will help you navigate your new city easily.

San FranciscoSalem
3424

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

84

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

96

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

YesPartially

Can you get by without car?

While both cities offer unique living experiences, the daily commute in Salem is significantly shorter compared to San Francisco, reflecting lesser traffic congestion overall. San Francisco boasts an extensive public transit system, rated highly because of the BART, MUNI buses, and cable cars, making it easier to live without a car. In Salem, the public transit options are more limited, and while it's possible to get around without a car, it might be more challenging depending on your work location and lifestyle. Understanding these differences will help you plan your daily travel in your new home more effectively.

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