Best San Francisco to Alexandria Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Alexandria Movers

Moving from the foggy hills of San Francisco to the historic cobblestones of Alexandria represents an exciting turn in your life's playbook. You're trading in the Golden City's tech-infused hustle for the charming, colonial backdrops of the nation's capital's neighbor, a leap from coast to coast that's as thrilling as it comes. To ensure this major life transition goes smoothly, it's crucial to trust your move to professional movers whose reliability and efficiency stand tested across miles—let us connect you with the best, so your adventure starts on the right foot.

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Best San Francisco to Alexandria Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
ARS Movers9.63A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.32DAuthorized For HHGContact
Careful Movers9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alexandria to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Alexandria Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,704+ data points

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a wide r...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
3
B
Exceptional9.32/10
based on 634+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Francisco vs. Alexandria Neighborhood Comparison

Moving between cities can be a daunting experience, especially when you're not familiar with your new home's neighborhoods. To ease the transition, we've compared local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Alexandria, VA , highlighting the similarities between popular areas in both cities. This guide will help you find a new neighborhood in Alexandria that feels like home, using San Francisco as a familiar baseline.

San FranciscoAlexandriaHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictOld TownHistoric charm, waterfront views
Outer SunsetDel RayWelcoming, community vibe
Hayes ValleyCarlyle DistrictTrendy shopping, dining
Pacific HeightsRosemontUpscale homes, peaceful streets
North BeachPotomac GreensLively, with strong community ties
Mission DistrictArlandriaDiverse, vibrant nightlife
Nob HillOld Town NorthElegant, with rich history
The CastroDel Ray againInclusive, artsy, and laid back
SOMA (South of Market)Eisenhower EastModern, urban living
Russian HillBeverley HillsQuiet, with stunning views

For those considering a move from the Marina District in San Francisco to Alexandria, the historic charm and waterfront views of Old Town will resonate well, featuring cobblestone streets and waterfront dining options like Chart House. Similarly, if you're accustomed to the artsy and inclusive atmosphere of The Castro, Del Ray in Alexandria offers a vibrant community feel with a plethora of art events and inclusive festivities. For those who admire SOMA's modern, urban living, Eisenhower East in Alexandria will not disappoint with its contemporary condos and proximity to attractions such as the National Harbor. This comparison aims to bridge the familiarity gap, offering a seamless transition to your new neighborhood in Alexandria that closely mirrors the cherished aspects of your San Francisco locale.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Alexandria

Moving from one city to another is a journey that holds both promise and challenge. This comparison aims to reflect on the transition from San Francisco, CA to Alexandria, VA, highlighting the nuances that make each location unique. It's important to consider both the pros and cons to make an informed decision about your next chapter.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High living costs
  • Dense population
  • Frequent fog
  • Steep hills
  • Less historical sites
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Smaller town feel
  • More sunny days
  • Flatter terrain
  • Rich in history
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Less variety
  • Humid summers
  • Quieter nightlife
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Multicultural food
  • Mild weather year-round
  • Abundant nightlife

While Alexandria may lack the grandiose tech scene of San Francisco, it compensates with a charm that's steeped in American history. You'll find yourself wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria, where centuries-old buildings now house quaint boutiques and renowned eateries like the Restaurant Eve. Although you might miss the iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the panoramic vistas of the Potomac River from Jones Point Park provide a tranquil escape. The move from San Francisco's ubiquitous fog to Alexandria's sunny, albeit humid, summers brings a change in wardrobe but also an opportunity to explore the numerous outdoor activities in the region's historical parks and waterfronts.

San Francisco vs. Alexandria Food Guide

Understanding the culinary landscape of a new city is key to embracing local culture. This guide offers a direct comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco, CA & Alexandria, VA to help you get acquainted with the food scene you’re moving into.

San FranciscoAlexandria
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadChesapeake Bay Blue Crabs
Most popular meat dishMission-style BurritoVirginia Ham
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks offering diverse cuisinesHalal food trucks
Most popular vegan foodVegan RamenVegan Brunch Fare
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Nopalito
  • Sotto Mare
  • Restaurant Eve (Closed)
  • Hank's Oyster Bar
  • Virtue Feed & Grain
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Francisco, neighborhoods like the Mission District and Richmond are hotspots for discovering the city's iconic eats, including sourdough bread and Mission-style burritos. Renowned bakeries and eateries, such as Tartine Bakery, offer a taste of local flavors that are both traditional and innovative. Conversely, Alexandria's Old Town brings the taste of Southern comfort and seafood to the forefront, with establishments like Hank's Oyster Bar illustrating the city’s culinary identity. Both locations offer unique dining experiences reflective of their local culture and heritage.

San Francisco vs. Alexandria Restaurant Comparison

Food places a pivotal role in making somewhere feel like home. This restaurant comparison from San Francisco to Alexandria is designed to ease your transition by helping you find new favorite spots with familiar tastes. Below, you'll discover a curated comparison of top restaurants from each city, giving you a taste of home in your new locale.

San FranciscoAlexandriaWhat You'll Love
State Bird ProvisionsRestaurant EveCreative American cuisine
Zuni CaféBraboClassic French and contemporary American
Tartine BakeryBread & Water CompanyArtisanal bakery and café
The Slanted DoorMyron Mixon’s Pitmaster BarbequeHigh-end BBQ with a twist
Gary DankoVermilionRefined dining with seasonal menus
NopaEvening Star CafeNeighborhood bistro with a seasonal menu
La TaqueriaTaqueria PoblanoAuthentic Mexican cuisine
Mission Chinese FoodMomo Sushi & CaféInventive sushi and Asian dishes
Tony’s Pizza NapoletanaFaccia LunaWood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes
Swan Oyster DepotHank’s Oyster BarFresh seafood and raw bar

Discovering flavors that remind you of home is a treasured aspect of moving to a new city. For those accustomed to the vibrant and inclusive food scene of San Francisco, Alexandria offers a similarly rich culinary landscape. For instance, Restaurant Eve brings a creative American dining experience reminiscent of State Bird Provisions, with a touch of the local charm that Alexandria is known for. Similarly, the artisanal bread and pastries at Bread & Water Company will satisfy those who miss Tartine Bakery's famed offerings. Each of these establishments in Alexandria not only serves as a bridge to your San Francisco favorites but also stands out with its unique flair and commitment to quality, promising a seamless transition into your new culinary adventures.

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San Francisco vs. Alexandria Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison will illuminate how San Francisco, CA, and Alexandria, VA, measure up in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle. Knowing these differences helps make an informed decision.

ComparisonSan FranciscoAlexandria
Typical Architecture StyleVictorianColonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingPanoramic Views, Tech-ReadyHistoric Charm, Proximity to Parks

In both San Francisco and Alexandria, housing significantly influences lifestyle and daily experiences. San Francisco's high median home price and rent reflect its vibrant urban lifestyle, with the city scoring highly in walkability and bikeability. This is complemented by its picturesque Victorian architecture and tech-ready homes, catering to a fast-paced, modern lifestyle. Alexandria, by contrast, offers more affordable living options, with a focus on historic colonial charm and a quieter, more suburban feel. Its proximity to green spaces and lower urban intensity create a different, but equally appealing living environment. Deciding between the two vastly different cities depends on your preference for an energetic city life or a more laid-back, historical setting.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA

1. Del Ray: Known for its welcoming community and variety of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, Del Ray lets you enjoy outdoor dining experiences with your furry friend by your side.

2. Old Town: With its waterfront parks, such as Founders Park, and abundance of pet-friendly shops, Old Town is perfect for leisurely strolls and shopping with your pet.

3. Potomac Yard: This neighborhood features spacious pet-friendly apartments and easy access to the Potomac Yard Park, which includes a dedicated dog park for your pet to play and meet other dogs.

San Francisco vs. Alexandria Weather Considerations

When moving from San Francisco, CA to Alexandria, VA, it's essential to know how the weather differs between these locations. This comparison will guide your preparation to adapt to your new environment effectively. Understand how the weather in San Francisco and Alexandria will impact your lifestyle and comfort.

Summer icon
69°F / 55°F

San Francisco, CA

89°F / 71°F

Alexandria, VA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

47°F / 30°F

Alexandria, VA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

43.4

Alexandria, VA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

15.4

Alexandria, VA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoAlexandria
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHurricanes, Winter Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from the mild, dry summers and cool winters of San Francisco to Alexandria's humid summers and potentially snowy winters requires some adjustment. Alexandria experiences significantly more humidity and rainfall throughout the year, leading to lush, green landscapes but also more frequent cloudy days compared to San Francisco's abundant sunshine. Moreover, while earthquakes are a concern in San Francisco, Alexandria residents prepare for different natural threats, such as hurricanes and winter storms. Adaptation to these changes, especially in clothing, home maintenance, and seasonal activities, will help ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

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

When considering a move, it's critical to compare the financial landscapes of your current and future homes. This guide highlights the most relevant monetary factors, offering a snapshot of what to expect. By understanding these differences, you'll be better prepared for your transition from San Francisco, CA to Alexandria, VA.

ComparisonSan FranciscoAlexandria
Avg. Household Income$121,826$101,162
Cost of Living Index164140.1
State Income Tax13.35.75
Avg. Property Tax0.60.8
Avg. Sales Tax8.56
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, HospitalityGovernment, Defense, Professional Services
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighModerate

While the average household income in San Francisco is notably higher than in Alexandria, this figure is somewhat offset by San Francisco's significantly higher cost of living. The state income tax rate in California is more than double that of Virginia, presenting a potential savings for residents making the move. Additionally, the industries driving each city's economy differ greatly, which might influence job opportunities depending on your field. Despite its higher cost of living, San Francisco's technology and finance sectors are thriving, whereas Alexandria benefits from its proximity to the nation's capital, offering plentiful government and defense jobs.

San Francisco vs. Alexandria Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to this quick comparison designed to give you a snapshot of the political and religious landscape you're moving from and into. We'll explore the political and religious differences between San Francisco & Alexandria , aiming to help you understand the community you'll soon call home.

San FranciscoAlexandria
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesModerately progressive
ReligionDiverse religious communitiesDiverse with historical Christian roots

San Francisco, a city known for its inclusive and progressive atmosphere, has a political and religious landscape that might differ significantly from what you'll find in Alexandria. While both cities have Democratic leanings, San Francisco is known for its heavily Democratic influence and progressive policies, a characteristic that has shaped much of its culture and local legislation. In contrast, Alexandria, while also leaning Democratic, may present a more moderate political climate. Religion represents a spectrum of diversity in both cities; however, Alexandria uniquely intertwines its historical Christian roots within its modern makeup, presenting an interesting blend of the past and present that you'll have the chance to explore. Your move from San Francisco to Alexandria offers an exciting opportunity to engage with these differences firsthand.

San Francisco vs. Alexandria Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When relocating from San Francisco, CA to Alexandria, VA, it's crucial to grasp the differences in traffic and transportation options. This comparison will assist you in understanding what to expect in terms of your daily commute and overall traffic experience in both cities.

ComparisonSan FranciscoAlexandria
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3430
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesDepends on location

In comparing the daily commute and traffic in San Francisco and Alexandria, it's clear that both cities have their unique challenges and advantages. San Francisco offers an extensive public transit system, making it easy for residents to navigate the city without a car, thanks to services like SFMTA. Meanwhile, Alexandria, with its proximity to Washington, D.C., presents a different scenario. While public transit options exist, including the WMATA services, the coverage may not be as comprehensive, influencing some residents to depend more on personal vehicles. The ability to get by without a car in Alexandria largely depends on your specific location within the city, highlighting the importance of planning your commute and considering where to live based on accessibility.

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