Moving from Oakland to Houston?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Oakland to Houston Movers

Moving from the bustling streets of Oakland, the Bay Area's own urban playground, to the expansive, vibrant metropolis of Houston, affectionately known as the "Space City," is undeniably a thrilling adventure that promises new beginnings. You're leaving behind the cool, foggy mornings of California for Texas' warmth, where barbecue reigns supreme and the skyline stretches as far as the eye can see. Given the considerable distance and the importance of your belongings, it's crucial to entrust this journey to professional movers who epitomize reliability and excellence in service. Our team at Great Guys Moving ensures you’re matched with the best, turning this significant life change into a seamless, stress-free experience.

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

5 Best Oakland to Houston 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
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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top 10 ranked movers in pasadena 2023 pinpoint movers image
top 10 ranked movers in pasadena 2022 pinpoint movers image
#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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top 10 ranked movers in friendswood 2022 movers of houston image

Relocating from Oakland to Houston Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can feel like navigating uncharted waters. To ease the transition, we're comparing popular Oakland, CA neighborhoods with their Houston, TX counterparts . This guide aims to help you find a new home that shares the vibe and amenities you love.

OaklandHouston
RockridgeMontrose

Diverse, vibrant culture

MontclairThe Heights

Thriving arts scene, historic

Piedmont AvenueRice Military

Trendy dining, nightlife

TemescalMidtown

Eclectic, urban living

Jack London SquareWashington Avenue

Entertainment hub, waterfront views

Grand LakeUpper Kirby

Rich in culture, upscale shops

West OaklandEaDo (East Downtown)

Edgy, rapidly developing

Lake MerrittMemorial Park

Urban green space, community focus

North OaklandSpring Branch

Diverse, family-friendly

UptownGalleria

Shopping, cosmopolitan living

If you're drawn to the diverse culture and vibrant street life of Rockridge, you'll likely find Montrose's eclectic mix of galleries, cafes, and hipster boutiques equally appealing. Montrose is known for its thriving LGBTQ+ community and robust nightlife, reminiscent of Rockridge's inclusive and lively atmosphere. For those who love the artsy and historic vibe of Montclair, The Heights will charm you with its Victorian homes, local art markets, and community events akin to the Montclair Village Farmers' Market. In Houston, Memorial Park gives you an urban oasis similar to Lake Merritt, with trails, sports facilities, and cultural events fostering a strong sense of community among locals. Moving to Houston doesn't mean giving up the neighborhood qualities you love about Oakland; it's about finding a new place to call home where your favorite aspects continue to thrive.

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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 Oakland to Houston

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the balance between the challenges and benefits. This guide provides an honest reflection through well-constructed charts to compare Oakland, CA to Houston, TX , highlighting significant factors to consider. Understanding these facets will help you navigate the decision-making process with clarity and confidence.

CONs
PROs
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less affordable housing
  • Tighter job market
  • Heavier traffic
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Lower cost of living
  • More affordable housing
  • Broader job market
  • Less traffic
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Hotter summers
  • Different vibe
  • Less sea access
  • Flatter landscape
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Diverse culture
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Proximity to nature

While Oakland, CA, boasts a milder climate, Houston, TX, counters with hot summers that lead many to explore indoor activities or cool off in one of the many local water parks. The transition may inspire a visit to the renowned Houston Space Center or enjoying the city's vibrant dining scene, featuring everything from Tex-Mex favorites at Ninfa's to upscale dining experiences in the Galleria area. Houston's diverse culture also means a rich calendar of festivals and cultural events, providing endless opportunities for entertainment and community engagement. Despite the flatter landscape, Houston is not without its green spaces, with popular areas like the Buffalo Bayou Park offering scenic views and outdoor activities close to the heart of the city.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Oakland to Houston

Food is an essential aspect of local culture and a significant factor in what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we're focusing on a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Houston to better inform you about the food scene in your new home.

OaklandHouston

Most iconic local food item

Sourdough BreadTexas BBQ Brisket

Most popular meat dish

Chicken and WafflesFajitas

Most popular street food item

TacosTacos

Most popular vegan food

Tempeh ReubenJackfruit BBQ Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • The Cheese Board Collective
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • Shakewell
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
  • Uchi

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

98

Foodie Scene

910

Vegan Friendly

98

Exploring Oakland's vibrant food scene reveals a delightful array of choices, from the legendary sourdough bread to creative vegan options like the Tempeh Reuben. Neighborhoods such as Temescal are home to innovative eateries like the Cheese Board Collective, showcasing the area's commitment to diverse and high-quality dining experiences. Meanwhile, in Houston, the food landscape is equally diverse, with an emphasis on hearty, meat-centric meals such as Texas BBQ brisket and fajitas. However, the city surprises with its range of vegan offerings, like jackfruit BBQ tacos, and boasts an impressive foodie scene with culturally rich neighborhoods like The Heights and Montrose, where establishments like Killen's Barbecue and The Original Ninfa's display the culinary depth of the city.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Oakland to Houston

Food plays a quintessential role in feeling at home in a new city. Through this restaurant comparison, you can discover new favorite food spots in Houston that resonate with the dining experiences you cherished in Oakland. This guide will serve as your culinary compass, making the transition tastier and smoother. Oakland to Houston restaurant comparison charts aim to recreate your dining experience, ensuring a seamless move.

CommisMarch

High-end dining with a strong focus on innovative cuisine

Brown Sugar KitchenLucille's

Southern comfort food with a modern twist

MuaBCN Taste & Tradition

Eclectic, artsy space with a creative menu

ShakewellState of Grace

Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a cozy ambiance

Cholita LindaHugo's

Authentic Latin American cuisine in a vibrant setting

PizzaioloPizaro's Pizza Napoletana

Offers a similarly passionate approach to Neapolitan pizza

XoloTaqueria del Sol

Fast-casual with a focus on Mex-California flavors

Donut SavantGlazed The Doughnut Cafe

Eclectic doughnuts for the adventurous palate

The Cook and Her FarmerCrawfish & Noodles

Emphasizing fresh seafood with a local twist

HomeroomJus' Mac

Gourmet mac and cheese, creating comfort food heaven

For aficionados of high-end dining, the transition from Commis in Oakland to March in Houston promises an unforgettable culinary journey, with both establishments dedicated to innovative and intricate dishes. If comfort food with a unique twist is what you crave, swapping Brown Sugar Kitchen's soulful flavors for Lucille's modern Southern cuisine will feel like home. Craving authentic Latin American flavors? Hugo's in Houston captivates the essence and vibrancy of Cholita Linda, ensuring your taste buds a seamless transition. Each restaurant has been selected not just for their culinary parallels but also for the atmosphere and dining experience they offer, aiming to make your move from Oakland to Houston as delightful on the palate as it is in every other aspect of your new life.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Oakland to Houston

When planning a move, comparing real estate in your current city to your future one is critical. Knowing how Oakland's and Houston's housing options stack up against each other can provide valuable insights into what to expect. This guide focuses on the key aspects of housing to help you make an informed decision.

While Oakland and Houston both offer unique living experiences, their housing markets are quite distinct. Oakland's typical Victorian and Craftsman homes, combined with higher living costs, contrast sharply with Houston's more affordable Ranch and Contemporary styles. The walkability and bikeability scores significantly favor Oakland, reflecting its more urban lifestyle compared to Houston’s car-centric culture. However, Houston's homes often boast spacious yards and open floor plans, catering to those prioritizing space and modern amenities. This comparison highlights the importance of considering your lifestyle preferences and budget when deciding between these two diverse cities.

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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 Oakland to Houston

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the differences in weather you'll encounter is crucial. This comparison between Oakland and Houston's climates will help you anticipate the changes and adapt more easily to your new environment. Learn how temperatures, humidity, and other weather-related factors differ, preparing you for your relocation.

Summer icon
75°F / 56°F

Oakland, CA

94°F / 75°F

Houston, TX

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

62°F / 43°F

Houston, TX

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23"

Oakland, CA

50"

Houston, TX

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Oakland, CA

0"

Houston, TX

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While both Oakland and Houston offer warm climates, Houston's summers are significantly hotter and more humid, with average high temperatures in the 90s compared to the mid-70s in Oakland. This entails a considerable adjustment to the heat and might influence your daily activities and how you cool your home. Furthermore, whereas Oakland residents deal mostly with earthquakes as natural disasters, Houston is prone to hurricanes, requiring different preparedness strategies. Additionally, Houston experiences a higher annual rainfall, doubling Oakland's, which could impact your outdoor plans and how often you encounter rainy days. Understanding these differences ensures you're better prepared for your move.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how your finances will be impacted is crucial. This comparison between Oakland and Houston focuses on key money and finance aspects to help you gauge the cost of living shift and economic environment you're transitioning into.

While the average household income in Oakland is significantly higher than in Houston, the difference in cost of living index numbers (Oakland's being almost double that of Houston's) might offset the income advantage. The absence of a state income tax in Texas can also contribute to more disposable income for Houston residents. A striking contrast is observed in the property tax rates, reflecting the higher burden on homeowners in Houston compared to Oakland, potentially affecting long-term financial planning for homebuyers. Additionally, the economic landscape is diversified in both cities, with Oakland leaning more towards technology and healthcare, while Houston is known for its dominance in energy, manufacturing, and aerospace industries.

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

When planning your relocation from Oakland, CA, to Houston, TX, understanding the comparison of the politics between Oakland & Houston and the general religious climate is invaluable. This quick overview aims to provide a snapshot of what to expect regarding the political and religious makeup of residents in both cities.

OaklandHouston

Political Make-up

Strongly DemocraticModerately Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive on social issuesDiverse; combines progressive and conservative views

Religion

Plurality are unaffiliated; various religious communities including Catholic and Buddhist establishmentsHighly religious; strong Christian majority with significant Catholic, Baptist, and Evangelical communities

While both cities lean Democratic, their political landscapes show clear distinctions. Oakland is known for its progressive stance on many social issues, significantly influencing local policies and governance. Contrarily, Houston's political environment is more diverse, embodying both progressive and conservative values, which is reflected in its local politics and may present a nuanced scene for newcomers. Religion in Houston plays a more significant role in the community than in Oakland. The strong Christian majority in Houston, encompassing various denominations like Catholic, Baptist, and Evangelical, contrasts with Oakland's religious landscape, where there's a larger unaffiliated population alongside established Catholic and Buddhist communities. This variety in political and religious makeup between the two cities reflects the broader diversity that you’ll encounter moving from Oakland to Houston.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Houston

Moving from Oakland, CA, to Houston, TX, necessitates an understanding of how daily commutes and traffic differ between these cities. This guide aims to help you better grasp the nuances of driving and transiting in Oakland & Houston, ensuring a smoother transition for your relocation.

OaklandHouston
29.327.0

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

78

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

64

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Yes, with some planningNo, it's challenging

Can you get by without a car?

In transitioning from Oakland to Houston, you'll find distinct differences in your daily commute. Although the average commute time in Houston is slightly shorter, traffic congestion is notably higher, demanding patience and possibly altering your commute times. The availability of public transit in Oakland offers more flexibility, making it easier to navigate the city without a car. In contrast, Houston's public transit system is less expansive, which can make car ownership almost a necessity for reliable and efficient travel. Understanding these differences is key to planning your move and daily life in your new city.

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