Moving from Irvine to Houston?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Irvine to Houston Movers

Moving from Irvine, CA, to Houston, TX, is more than a change of address; it's embarking on an exciting adventure that brings a whole new lifestyle. You’re trading the laid-back vibe and perpetual sunshine of "The Bubble" for the energetic, culturally rich tapestry of "Space City," known for its booming job market and diverse culinary scene. Given the distance and difference between these two worlds, it’s crucial to ensure a smooth transition by entrusting your move to reliable and professional movers, like those we've meticulously selected at Great Guys Moving, ensuring you start your new chapter on the right foot.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Houston to Irvine guide.

5 Best Irvine to Houston Movers

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

#1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,688+ data points

Santa Monica, CA
Residential moving, Commercial moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3207734 Verify

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

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#2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,308+ data points

Lake Forest, CA
Local Move, Interstate Move, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 649215 Verify

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

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#3
Safe-Way Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,724+ data points

Foothill Ranch, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT: 1677218 Verify

About Safe-Way Moving, Inc.

As a family-owned and operated moving company, Safe-Way Moving, Inc. has served all of Orange County since 2007. It offers both residential ...Read More >>

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#4
Pinpoint Movers Logo
Superb

based on 2,347+ data points

Houston, TX
Homepage:, Residential moving, Commercial moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3070055 Verify

About Pinpoint Movers

Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all you...Read More >>

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#5
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo
Fabulous

based on 3,973+ data points

Houston, TX
Residential Moving, Labor Only, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 2200927 Verify

About Right Rate Movers of Houston

Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability and efficie...Read More >>

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Relocating from Irvine to Houston Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be an adventure but also daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using what you already know. Let's explore the comparison of the local neighborhoods between Irvine, CA & Houston, TX , identifying similar vibes, amenities, and communities to make you feel right at home.

IrvineHouston
WoodbridgeThe Heights

Family-friendly, vibrant local scene

NorthwoodWest University

Safe, upscale, with great schools

Turtle RockRiver Oaks

Affluent, with scenic views and parks

Quail HillBellaire

Quiet, upscale, access to nature trails

Shady CanyonTanglewood

Exclusive, with luxurious homes

University ParkRice Military

Young professionals, near parks

Irvine SpectrumMidtown

Bustling with nightlife and shopping

WoodburyKaty

Family-oriented, with excellent amenities

Portola SpringsClear Lake

Diverse, with a variety of outdoor activities

Great Park NeighborhoodsSugar Land

Planned communities, family-friendly

For those moving from Irvine to Houston, finding a neighborhood that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences is crucial. For example, if you've enjoyed the outdoor activities and community feel of Turtle Rock, you'll find River Oaks in Houston to be a seamless transition with its lush landscapes and exclusive local parks like Buffalo Bayou. Similarly, if the bustling nightlife and shopping in Irvine Spectrum was more your pace, you'll appreciate Midtown Houston for its vibrant bars, retail options, and ecclectic eateries, such as Reno's Wine Cellar for a taste of local flavors and social scene. These comparisons aim to bridge the gap between what is familiar and the exciting opportunities awaiting you in your new Houston neighborhood, ensuring a smoother adjustment to your new life.

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Things to Do in Houston

  • Explore the Space Center Houston
  • Stroll through Buffalo Bayou Park
  • See a show at Houston Theater District
  • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
  • Shop at The Galleria
  • Enjoy the Houston Zoo
  • Catch an Astros game at Minute Maid Park

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Irvine to Houston

Moving from one city to another offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to showcase an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Irvine, CA to Houston, TX. By comparing the pros and cons, you'll gain a balanced view of what awaits in your new home city.

CONs
PROs
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • High living costs
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Less employment opportunities
  • Strict zoning laws
  • Smaller city feel
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Lower living costs
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • More employment opportunities
  • Relaxed zoning laws
  • Larger city feel
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Hotter summers
  • Lower air quality
  • Far from beaches
  • Varied safety rates
  • Varied education quality
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Mild climate
  • Better air quality
  • Close to beaches
  • Safe neighborhoods
  • Excellent education

In moving from Irvine to Houston, you'll trade the temperate weather and proximity to California's stunning beaches for Houston's vibrant urban environment and more affordable living. Houston offers a dynamic cultural scene, with areas such as Montrose and The Heights bustling with unique restaurants like Uchi and cozy coffee shops like Blacksmith. Meanwhile, Houston's museum district, with treasures like the Museum of Fine Arts, offers endless exploration, and the expansive Hermann Park provides a green oasis in the heart of the city. This transition might mean getting used to hotter summers and a more significant reliance on air conditioning, but the trade-offs include immersing yourself in a city known for its economic opportunities and diverse cultural landscape.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Irvine to Houston

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Irvine, CA & Houston, TX, highlighting the importance of food in understanding the cultural vibrancy and living experience of an area. If you're moving, knowing about the local food scene helps you taste the flavor of your new home ahead of time.

IrvineHouston

Most iconic local food item

PokeTex-Mex

Most popular meat dish

Korean BBQBrisket

Most popular street food item

Banh MiTacos

Most popular vegan food

Acai BowlVegan Tex-Mex

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Din Tai Fung
  • Habana
  • Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
  • Uchi

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

79

Foodie Scene

89

Vegan Friendly

78

In Irvine, fresh, multicultural cuisines thrive, exemplified by places like Din Tai Fung, known for their exquisite dumplings. Moving on to Houston, you'll find a deep love for Tex-Mex and barbecue, particularly brisket, revered at spots like Killen's Barbecue. Houston's food trucks and vibrant street food scene, especially in neighborhoods like Montrose and The Heights, offer an abundance of tacos that encapsulate the city's multicultural influence. Furthermore, both cities are embracing vegan options, but Houston's adaptation of Vegan Tex-Mex showcases an innovative blend of traditional tastes with modern dietary preferences.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Irvine to Houston

Finding a new favorite spot to dine can turn a new city into home. This restaurant comparison guide is designed to help bridge the transition from Irvine to Houston , making it easier for you to discover your next go-to eatery that mirrors the culinary experience you cherished back home.

Taco RosaHugo's

Authentic Mexican cuisine with a similar upscale atmosphere

North ItaliaNorth

Modern Italian dishes with a similar trendy vibe

Din Tai FungOne Dragon

Renowned for exceptional dumplings, similar to Din Tai Fung's quality

HiroNori Craft RamenTiger Den

Offers a rich, flavor-packed ramen, capturing a similar cult following

Urban PlatesLocal Foods

Both focus on healthy, locally-sourced ingredients with a casual dining experience

Mendocino FarmsCommon Bond Café & Bakery

Both have a strong focus on sandwiches and salads with fresh, high-quality ingredients

Boiling CrabLA Crawfish

Both are known for their messy, delicious seafood boils with a casual atmosphere

Squid InkKata Robata

Offering high-quality sushi and Japanese dishes, with an inventive culinary approach similar to Squid Ink

Sidecar DoughnutsHugs & Donuts

Both specialize in gourmet doughnuts with unique flavors and high-quality ingredients

Portola Coffee RoastersBlacksmith

Similar dedication to craft coffee, with an emphasis on sourcing and roasting

When you move from Irvine to Houston, the culinary transition can be as smooth as your morning cup of coffee from Portola Coffee Roasters to Houston's Blacksmith, where the dedication to caffeinated perfection is just as palpable. North Italia's fans will find comforting similarities in North's approach to modern Italian dishes, ensuring you don't miss out on an exquisite dining experience. And for those nights when only a bowl of warm ramen will do, Tiger Den stands out in Houston with its robust flavors and delicate noodles—paying homage to the revered dishes found at HiroNori Craft Ramen in Irvine. This guide is not just about finding equivalent restaurants but about continuing your food journey with familiar comforts that remind you of home.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Irvine to Houston

When contemplating a move, diving into the real estate landscapes of your potential new home is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and similarities of the housing market in Irvine, CA and Houston, TX, focusing on various vital aspects such as cost, architecture, and walkability, to assist in making an informed decision.

While Irvine boasts a high median home price influenced by its location in Orange County and its modern + Spanish-style architectures, Houston offers more economical housing options, reflecting the city's vast urban sprawl and preference for ranch-style and modern homes. The rental market shows a similar disparity, making Houston an attractive option for those looking to rent. Despite Irvine's superior bikeability, Houston edges out with a slightly more vibrant urban lifestyle. Notably, real estate listings in Irvine often highlight energy efficiency and smart home features, aligning with California's environmental ethos, whereas Houston listings tend to emphasize spacious yards and outdoor kitchens, catering to the city's love for outdoor living and entertainment.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Houston, TX

1. Montrose: Known for its vibrant arts scene, Montrose is incredibly pet-friendly with various cafes and dog parks where your furry friends are more than welcome.

2. The Heights: This neighborhood boasts numerous walking trails, like those along White Oak Bayou, and pet-friendly restaurants, making it perfect for pet owners who love outdoor activities with their pets.

3. Midtown: With its central location, Midtown offers easy access to several dog parks, including Elizabeth Glover Park, and pet-friendly patios, ensuring you and your pet never run out of things to do.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Houston

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the differences in weather is crucial. This comparison will illuminate how the climate varies between Irvine, CA, and Houston, TX, providing you with a clear idea of what to expect. Knowing these differences will help you adapt to your new environment more easily.

Summer icon
83°F / 64°F

Irvine, CA

94°F / 75°F

Houston, TX

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 48°F

Irvine, CA

62°F / 43°F

Houston, TX

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
14

Irvine, CA

50

Houston, TX

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Irvine, CA

0

Houston, TX

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

In comparing Irvine and Houston's climates, it's evident that moving from Irvine to Houston, you'll experience a drastic increase in both humidity and rainfall. While Irvine offers a more temperate and dry climate with a fair number of sunny days, Houston greets its residents with a warmer, more humid environment and significantly more rain, which might require a period of adjustment. Additionally, be mindful of the different natural disaster risks in each area. Preparing for hurricanes and floods in Houston is as crucial as preparing for earthquakes and wildfires in Irvine. Understanding these differences will greatly assist in your transition.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Houston

When planning a move from Irvine, CA to Houston, TX , it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and other financial metrics will contrast with your current circumstances. This comparison aims to illuminate the financial landscape you're transitioning into, focusing on various economies, taxes, and cost indices to prepare you for your new life effectively.

Moving from Irvine to Houston, you'll notice significant financial differences. For instance, Irvine’s average household income is substantially higher than Houston's, reflecting the overall affluence in the area. However, this comes with a higher cost of living and state income tax, which Houston completely lacks. While property taxes are notably higher in Houston, the city's cost of living index is significantly lower, making everyday expenses more manageable. Also, the shift in top industries illuminates the economic diversities between the two cities, where Irvine's economy is driven by technology and education, while Houston leads with energy and manufacturing. This variance outlines not just a financial adjustment, but also a professional landscape shift for new residents.

Political & Religious Comparison between Irvine, CA and Houston, TX

In this swift comparison, we aim to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the differences between Irvine and Houston in terms of their political and religious landscapes. By highlighting these aspects, you'll gain insights into the politics between Irvine & Houston and the religious affiliations that characterize the residents of both cities. This brief overview will help you understand the cultural and ideological environments of your current and future homes.

IrvineHouston

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticDiverse, with a Democratic tilt

Local Politics

Eco-friendly policies, Tech innovation focusEnergy sector influence, Diverse economic policies

Religion

Varied, with a notable Christian communityMulticultural religious landscape, including large Christian churches and significant Muslim community

Irvine and Houston, while both embracing a lean towards Democratic values, showcase distinct differences in their local politics and religious makeup. Irvine is known for its environmentally friendly policies and focus on technological innovation, which is reflective of the city's modern, progressive ethos. Houston, powered by its energy sector, presents a more diverse array of economic and political initiatives, demonstrating its role as a multicultural metropolis. The religious landscape in both cities is varied, with Irvine housing an active Christian community while Houston boasts a multicultural religious scene, highlighted by its large Christian churches and a significant Muslim community. These aspects provide a window into the sociocultural fabric that defines each of these vibrant cities.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Houston

This comparison aims to better understand the daily commute and traffic differences between Irvine and Houston, two cities with distinct transportation landscapes. By examining these differences, you can anticipate the changes needed in your commuting habits.

IrvineHouston
2427

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

67

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

56

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

ChallengingDifficult

Can you get by without car?

The average commute time in Irvine is slightly shorter than in Houston, reflecting a difference in city size and infrastructure. Irvine, with its somewhat lower traffic congestion rating, offers a less stressful driving experience compared to Houston. However, the challenge in both cities lies in the dependency on cars for transportation. Even though Houston scores higher in terms of public transit availability, it's still considered difficult to get by without a car. This highlights the importance of owning a vehicle in both cities, despite the availability of public transportation options like buses and, in Houston's case, a light rail system.

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