Best San Francisco to Richmond Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Richmond Movers

Moving from the tech-savvy hills of San Francisco, CA to the historic charm of Richmond, VA is an adventure that promises new beginnings and exciting challenges. You're leaving behind the Fog City's iconic Golden Gate for the River City's cobblestone streets and burgeoning food scene. To make this significant life transition as smooth as possible, it's crucial to entrust your journey to trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring peace of mind across the miles with our carefully vetted, top-rated experts.

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Best San Francisco to Richmond Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Kora Moving9.39A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.33DAuthorized For HHGContact
Estes SureMove9.21A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Two Men and a Truck8.96A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Richmond to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Richmond 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 10/17/2024)

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
Kora Moving Logo
Exceptional9.39/10
based on 1,517+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Packing and unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3139436 / 1425667

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
B
Exceptional9.33/10
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
3
Estes SureMove Logo
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 1,255+ data points

About Estes SureMove

The most significant cause of stress when moving is the cost. Traditional full-service movers can take care of everything for you, but at th...Read More >>

Services

  • Home moving
  • Employee relocations
  • Add-ons (such as same-day pickup)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

121018 / 97275

Authorized For Property

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans9,075
Registered Drivers8,573
Total Annual Miles Moved586,187,648 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Superb8.96/10
based on 3,899+ data points

About Two Men and a Truck

With over 30 years’ experience and 350 locations worldwide, Two Men and a Truck is a trusted name in the moving industry. Its Richmond locat...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2430443 / 837779

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers16
Total Annual Miles Moved240,000 (2023)
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. Richmond Neighborhood Comparison

Embarking on a move can feel like navigating uncharted territory, especially when shifting from one city's cultural landscape to another. To ease this transition, we've curated a guide that facilitates comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Richmond, VA . By identifying the characteristics of your current San Francisco neighborhood, we can match you with a Richmond neighborhood that shares similar vibes, amenities, and community feel, making your relocation smoother and more familiar.

San FranciscoRichmondHow They're Similar
The MissionCarytownEclectic shopping, diverse dining
Nob HillThe FanHistoric homes, vibrant culture
SoMaScott's AdditionIndustrial chic, breweries
Marina DistrictThe Museum DistrictArt & culture, green spaces
Haight-AshburyOregon HillHistoric, bohemian vibes
Pacific HeightsWindsor FarmsUpscale, stately homes
North BeachChurch HillRich history, local eateries
Outer SunsetForest HillLaid-back, community-focused
CastroFan DistrictLGBTQ+ friendly, nightlife
Financial DistrictShockoe SlipBusiness hub, historic charm

In Richmond, Carytown mirrors the vibrant, diverse nature of San Francisco's The Mission, boasting an array of boutique shops like Chop Suey Books and unique dining experiences akin to those found in The Mission. For those drawn to the historic elegance and upscale ambiance of Nob Hill, The Fan in Richmond offers a similar blend of historic architecture and lively cultural scene, featuring landmarks such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, San Francisco's Marina District, known for its picturesque scenery and cultural hotspots, finds its counterpart in Richmond's Museum District, where the green expanses of Byrd Park offer outdoor enthusiasts a perfect city escape. Whether you're seeking the bohemian charm of Haight-Ashbury or the laid-back community vibe of the Outer Sunset, Richmond's Oregon Hill and Forest Hill neighborhoods provide a seamless transition with their own unique historical and cultural offerings.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Richmond

  • Explore the historical Richmond National Battlefield Park.
  • Stroll through the lush Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
  • View contemporary art at the ICA at VCU.
  • Attend a concert at The National venue.
  • Paddleboarding on James River.
  • Family fun at the Children's Museum of Richmond.
  • Experience the vibrant Downtown Richmond nightlife.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Richmond

Making the move from San Francisco, CA to Richmond, VA brings a blend of new opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection on both the alluring qualities and potential downsides of this relocation. Whether you're drawn by the promise of a fresh start or considering the practicalities of such a change, understanding both the pros and cons is crucial.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High Living Costs
  • Earthquake Risk
  • Dense Urban Living
  • Challenging Traffic
  • Limited Seasonal Change
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Lower Living Costs
  • Less Natural Disasters
  • More Green Spaces
  • Easier Commutes
  • Distinct Seasons
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Less Diversity
  • Fewer Dining Options
  • Smaller Tech Community
  • Fewer Major Sights
  • Less Coastal Access
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Diverse Culture
  • Vibrant Food Scene
  • Innovative Tech Scene
  • Iconic Landmarks
  • Proximity to Nature

Moving from San Francisco to Richmond presents a significant change in lifestyle, primarily reflected in the cost of living and access to natural environments. San Francisco's vibrant food scene, with places like Gary Danko and Mission District’s numerous eateries, is unparalleled. Richmond, though smaller, counters with its own culinary gems such as Sub Rosa Bakery in the Church Hill neighborhood, known for its artisan bread. Furthermore, Richmond's historical sights like the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and plentiful green spaces such as Maymont offer a different but enriching cultural and recreational experience. This move invites a shift towards a less hurried lifestyle, with more room to breathe and explore a rich historical tapestry, albeit with some trade-offs in diversity and coastal access.

San Francisco vs. Richmond Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Richmond, highlighting how food reflects the unique culture and lifestyle of a region. Understanding the food scene is essential for anyone considering a move, as it offers a taste of what life could be like in their new home.

San FranciscoRichmond
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadPimento Cheese
Most popular meat dishCioppinoVirginia BBQ
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoFried Catfish
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastJackfruit BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Scoma's
  • La Taqueria
  • Sub Rosa Bakery
  • Mama J's
  • Sally Bell's Kitchen
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Francisco, neighborhoods like the Mission District have become synonymous with innovative and diverse food scenes. Places like La Taqueria offer a taste of the famous Mission Burrito, a staple for locals and a must-try for visitors. On the other hand, Richmond boasts its own unique culinary identity, with areas like Jackson Ward (the heart of the city's African American culture) offering gems like Mama J's where comfort cuisine reigns supreme. Whether it's the health-conscious offerings of San Francisco's eateries or the heartwarming southern flavors found in Richmond, both cities cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

San Francisco vs. Richmond Restaurant Comparison

Making a new city feel like home often boils down to discovering your go-to dining spots. This restaurant comparison between San Francisco, CA, and Richmond, VA, aims to ease the transition by guiding you to delightful eateries reminiscent of your old favorites. Let's find your new culinary love in Richmond.

San FranciscoRichmondWhat You'll Love
Tartine BakerySub Rosa BakeryBoth renowned for exquisite, freshly baked bread and pastries.
Zuni CaféHeritageCelebrated for their innovative cuisine and embodiment of the farm-to-table ethos.
NopaThe RooseveltSimilar focus on upscale, rustic American fare paired with a unique wine list.
La TaqueriaDon’t Look Back TripleBoth spots are go-tos for authentic, mouthwatering tacos and Mexican cuisine.
Gary DankoL’OpossumOffers a fine dining experience with a blend of innovation and classic sophistication.
Swan Oyster DepotRappahannock Oyster BarKnown for fresh, sustainable seafood in a casual and inviting setting.
Bi-Rite CreameryCharm SchoolUniting locals and visitors alike over uniquely flavored, artisanal ice cream.
Foreign CinemaStella’sBoth offer a memorable dining experience with a combination of fine cuisine and distinctive ambiance.
The Slanted DoorPeter Chang China CaféEsteemed for delivering a modern twist on traditional dishes, reflecting both chefs’ innovative visions.
LihoLiho Yacht ClubMetzger Bar & ButcheryShowcasing unique, upscale dishes that highlight the chefs' diverse backgrounds and culinary vision.

Richmond's dining scene excels in offering culinary experiences that mirror the quality and diversity found in San Francisco's renowned eateries. For example, Sub Rosa Bakery and Tartine Bakery create a sense of community through their exceptional baked goods, capturing the essence of local and organic ingredients. Meanwhile, the transition from Nopa to The Roosevelt is seamless for those seeking inventive American cuisine in a setting that's both sophisticated and welcoming. When it comes to fine dining, Gary Danko enthusiasts will find L’Opossum's unique charm and culinary creativity a perfect match. As you embark on this gastronomic journey in Richmond, you'll discover that each restaurant not only resembles your San Francisco favorites but also brings its unique flair and Southern hospitality to the table, promising new favorite spots for every occasion.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Richmond Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate the key differences and similarities in housing between San Francisco and Richmond. By exploring elements such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, you can make an informed decision best suited to your preferences and needs.

ComparisonSan FranciscoRichmond
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ModernColonial and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingBay views, rooftop gardensHistoric details, spacious yards

When analyzing housing between San Francisco and Richmond, the sharp contrast in median home prices and rent underlines the cost of living difference; San Francisco's real estate is significantly pricier. However, this cost comes with benefits, including better walkability and a more vibrant urban lifestyle, highlighted by offerings such as Museums and parks. Richmond, on the other hand, while more affordable, boasts rich historical architecture and larger living spaces, making it an attractive option for those seeking a slower pace of life with easy access to modern conveniences.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Richmond, VA

1. The Fan: Famed for its high walkability scores, dog-friendly restaurants like City Dogs, and numerous pet boutiques, The Fan ensures your furry friend will be well-catered to.

2. Shockoe Bottom: With access to places like Chimney Park, a dedicated dog park, and a plethora of pet-friendly housing options, Shockoe Bottom offers a bustling, pet-friendly environment.

3. Museum District: Known for its tree-lined, walkable streets, the Museum District combines convenience for you and quality of life for your pets with places like Barky's, a popular pet store.

San Francisco vs. Richmond Weather Considerations

When planning a move from San Francisco, CA to Richmond, VA, it's essential to understand how the weather will shift. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and similarities in climate you'll experience, ensuring San Francisco and Richmond newcomers are well-prepared for their new environment.

Summer icon
67/53

San Francisco, CA

89/71

Richmond, VA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57/46

San Francisco, CA

48/29

Richmond, VA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

43.76

Richmond, VA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

10

Richmond, VA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

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

Moving from San Francisco to Richmond, you'll notice significant differences in temperature, humidity, and the amount of sunshine you'll experience. Richmond sees hotter summers and colder winters compared to the mild climate of San Francisco. The shift in humidity levels might also call for an adjustment in your daily comfort and skin care routines. The varied climate conditions can influence local flora, impacting seasonal allergies differently. Richmond's higher annual rainfall and the distinct experience of all four seasons will mark a notable change for anyone moving from the West Coast.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from San Francisco, CA to Richmond, VA, grasping the financial implications is crucial. Understand how the cost of living, taxes, and income levels in San Francisco compare to those in Richmond to make an informed decision and prepare accordingly.

ComparisonSan FranciscoRichmond
Avg. Household Income$121,826$51,770
Cost of Living Index164104.5
State Income Tax13.35.75
Avg. Property Tax0.60.8
Avg. Sales Tax8.55.3
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismGovernment, Finance, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighLower

Shifting from San Francisco to Richmond introduces a notable change in financial landscape. While San Francisco boasts a much higher average household income, this is balanced by its significantly higher cost of living and tax rates. Richmond offers a more moderate lifestyle, reflected in its lower cost of living and average income rates. However, the economic environment in Richmond is supported by stable industries like government and education, offering a different but stable employment landscape. Understanding these contrasts can help you prepare financially for your move, setting realistic expectations for income, expenses, and taxes in Richmond compared to San Francisco.

San Francisco vs. Richmond Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from San Francisco, CA to Richmond, VA, it's useful to know who your neighbors might be. This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between San Francisco & Richmond, helping you understand the community vibe.

San FranciscoRichmond
Political Make-upStrongly DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive policies, emphasis on social equityDemocratic with traditional Southern influences
ReligionMore secular, diverse religious communitiesMixture of secular and religious, strong Protestant presence

San Francisco and Richmond are both cities with a Democratic leaning, though San Francisco is known for its very strong Democratic and progressive stance compared to Richmond's slightly more moderate position which mixes Democratic values with traditional Southern influences. Religion plays a different role in each city; San Francisco is highly secular with an array of diverse religious communities, including Buddhists, Jews, and Muslims, among others. In contrast, Richmond has a more pronounced religious presence, particularly of Protestant denominations which have historically played a significant role in the city's culture and community events.

San Francisco vs. Richmond Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Francisco to Richmond means adjusting to new daily routines, especially when it comes to commuting. This comparison between the traffic and transportation options in San Francisco & Richmond is designed to help you better understand what to expect on a day-to-day basis.

ComparisonSan FranciscoRichmond
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3425
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?YesMore challenging

While moving from San Francisco to Richmond, you'll notice a stark difference in your daily commute, primarily because of the reduced traffic congestion in Richmond. With an average commute time of 25 minutes, Richmond offers a more manageable daily journey compared to San Francisco's 34 minutes. However, the availability and convenience of public transit in San Francisco are superior, making it easier to get by without a car. In contrast, in Richmond, while there is public transit available, you might find it more challenging to rely solely on it for your daily commute. This transition might prompt you to reconsider your current transportation plans or even to embrace cycling or other alternatives for shorter distances.

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