Best Riverside to Madison Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embarking on a journey from the sun-drenched streets of Riverside, the City of Arts & Innovation, to the serene beauty and collegiate charm of Madison, or the City of Four Lakes, represents a thrilling adventure and a significant life transformation. You're not just moving between cities; you're trading the warm, sprawling landscapes of California for the vibrant seasons and close-knit communities of Wisconsin. For such a pivotal long distance move, it's crucial to have trusted and reliable professional movers on your side. Our team at Great Guys Moving uses an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you have the best movers handling your journey, simplifying your transition every step of the way.
Best Riverside to Madison Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Riverside guide.
5 Best Riverside to Madison Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
This listing has been claimed by A Smooth Move, LLCAbout A Smooth Move, LLC
A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as one of the mos...Read More >>
Services
- Full-Service Moves
- Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
- Business and Residential Relocation Services
About Madison Smooth Moves
Founded in 2018, Madison Smooth Moves operates based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, preparation, and satisfaction. As a loc...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moves
- Local Moves
- Long-distance Moves
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 >>
Services
- Local Move
- Interstate Move
- Packing Services
About Antonio’s Moving Services LLC
Established in 2014, Antonio's Moving Services LLC is a professional moving company that offers customizable residential and commercial movi...Read More >>
Services
- Unloading & Loading
- Packing & Unpacking
- On-site Moving
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.
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.
Riverside vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be challenging, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've put together a comparison of local neighborhoods between Riverside, CA & Madison, WI , highlighting similarities that can help you find your next perfect home. Whether you're seeking an artsy vibe, outdoor activities, or a family-friendly environment, this guide aims to match you with a Madison neighborhood that feels just right.
| Riverside | Madison | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Streets | Maple Bluff | Historic homes and tight-knit community vibes |
| Canyon Crest | Shorewood Hills | Scenic views and upscale living |
| Mission Grove | Sunset Village | Family-friendly with a mix of urban and suburban |
| Arlington | Atwood | Eclectic mix of arts, dining, and unique shops |
| Orangecrest | Hilldale | Modern amenities and family-focused |
| Downtown Riverside | State Street | Vibrant nightlife and cultural hub |
| Hawarden Hills | Nakoma League | Quiet, affluent area with beautiful landscapes |
| La Sierra | Bay Creek | Diverse and laid-back atmosphere |
| Magnolia Center | Willy Street | Popular for its strong sense of community and local businesses |
| Alessandro Heights | Blackhawk | Exclusive, with sprawling homes and private feel |
If you're drawn to the historic charm and tight-knit community of Wood Streets in Riverside, you'll likely find a similar sense of belonging in Maple Bluff. Known for its well-preserved homes and friendly neighbors, Maple Bluff offers a serene environment reminiscent of a simpler time. For those who appreciate the arts and a diverse dining scene in Arlington, Madison's Atwood neighborhood—with its vibrant arts scene, variety of dining options, including the iconic Monty's Blue Plate Diner, and unique shops—will feel just like home. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the scenic trails and open spaces of Canyon Crest may find Shorewood Hills to be their ideal Madison counterpart, where natural beauty meets upscale living.
Things to Do in Madison
Explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens.- Discover history at Wisconsin State Capitol.
- Enjoy a concert at Overture Center for the Arts.
- Kayak on Lake Mendota.
- Sample cheese at Fromagination.
- Bike the Capital City Trail.
- Attend a Madison Mallards game.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Riverside to Madison
Moving can be a complex decision that requires weighing various factors carefully. This is particularly true when considering a move from Riverside, CA, to Madison, WI. To aid in this decision-making process, we've created charts to honestly reflect the Riverside, CA to Madison, WI move, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of such a relocation.
Riverside, CA- Higher crime rates
- Hot summers
- More traffic congestion
- Higher cost of living
Madison, WI- Lower crime rates
- Cozy, mild summers
- Less traffic
- More affordable living
Madison, WI- Colder winters
- Smaller cultural scene
- Lesser dining variety
- Far from large cities
Riverside, CA- Warmer winters
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Diverse dining options
- Proximity to LA
Madison, WI, offers a captivating blend of outdoor and cultural experiences that might be quite different from what you're used to in Riverside, CA. Enjoying summer days by Lake Mendota or Lake Monona could become your new routine, replacing hours spent navigating congested freeways. Madison's State Street offers a diverse array of dining and shopping alternatives less than what Riverside's close proximity to Los Angeles provides, yet it possesses its unique charm, with opportunities to enjoy food at establishments like Graze or to delve into history at the Wisconsin Historical Museum. While Riverside boasts a vibrant cultural scene due to its closeness to LA, Madison hosts an array of community events such as the annual Willy Street Fair, fostering a close-knit community vibe. Despite colder winters, you might find Madison's seasonal changes refreshing—a city where each season marks a distinct and beautiful transformation of the landscape.
Riverside vs. Madison Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Riverside, CA, and Madison, WI, showcasing the importance of food as a part of the local culture and everyday lifestyle. Knowing the differences can help you feel more at home in your new city.
| Riverside | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Avocado Toast | Beer Cheese Soup |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Food Cart Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Burrito | Vegetable Pasty |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving to Madison, WI from Riverside, CA, you'll find that Madison's food scene is delightful, with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients and a proud representation of Wisconsin's culinary traditions. The iconic Beer Cheese Soup is a must-try, often found in cozy pubs and restaurants around the city, notably in areas like Capitol Square. Madison's embrace of vegan options is evident with innovative dishes such as the Vegetable Pasty available in various eateries, including the bustling State Street area. For a unique dining experience, Lombardino's presents an Italian twist to Madison's food scene, while Graze offers spectacular views of the Capitol alongside its farm-to-table menu. Embracing Madison's vibrant food landscape will provide a delicious start to your new life in this city.
Riverside vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison
When moving from one city to another, finding your new go-to spots for dining can make the transition feel more like coming home. This comparison between Riverside and Madison's top restaurants aims to help you quickly discover your new favorite eateries, using familiar tastes from your current city as a guide.
| Riverside | Madison | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Salted Pig | Graze | Farm-to-table dining with a similarly eclectic and pork-centric menu. |
| Mario's Place | L'Etoile | Offers gourmet, fine dining experiences with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. |
| Tio's Tacos | El Grito Taqueria | Known for their creative tacos and fresh, vibrant flavors aligning with Tio's eclectic vibe. |
| Simple Simon's | Gotham Bagels | Offers a casual, yet delicious, dining experience specializing in bagels but known for wide variety overall. |
| Woodfire Cafe | La Kitchenette | Known for its cozy atmosphere and wood-fired dishes, echoing the rustic charm of Woodfire Cafe. |
| Mission Inn Restaurant | The Old Fashioned | Iconic eatery known for its comfort food and embodiment of Wisconsin's food culture, much like the historic vibes of Mission Inn. |
| Duane's Prime Steaks & Seafood | Tornado Room | Esteemed for its classic steakhouse setting and high-quality meat cuts, mirroring the upscale experience at Duane's. |
| Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar | Habanero's Mexican Grill | Offers a Southwestern flair with a focus on flavor-packed dishes, aiming to match Anchos' zest. |
| Market Broiler | Sardine | Located by the water, both these restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes in a cozy, sophisticated setting. |
| Bobby's Detroit Coney Island | Michelangelo's Coffee House | Though not a diner, it's a local favorite for casual eats and has a quirky, inviting vibe similar to Bobby's. |
Transitioning your culinary habits from Riverside to Madison doesn't mean leaving behind the flavors you love. At Graze, you'll find an imaginative take on American favorites much like The Salted Pig's approach back in Riverside, embracing farm-to-table values that highlight the region's best produce. L'Etoile, akin to Mario's Place, stands out for its commitment to local, sustainable ingredients brought together in elegant dishes that are both visually and gastronomically pleasing. For a taste of nostalgia, The Old Fashioned captures the essence of historical dining experiences with its hearty, Wisconsin-centric dishes, echoing the nostalgia you'd find at Mission Inn Restaurant. In these Madison counterparts to your favorite Riverside eateries, you'll discover not just meals, but experiences that make the city feel like home.
Ready to start your move?
Riverside vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate markets between Riverside, CA, and Madison, WI, is crucial. This comparison will help you understand the housing aspects including costs, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle of each city, guiding you towards making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Riverside | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Spanish | Prairie, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large backyards, pools | Lakeside views, access to bike paths |
While Riverside and Madison offer distinct living environments, each has its charms and advantages. Riverside, known for its Spanish and ranch-style homes, offers large backyards and pools, reflecting its sunny Southern California climate. Critical for many, its walkability and bikeability scores are modest, suggesting a city more navigable by car. Conversely, Madison, with its prairie and craftsman-style homes, boasts better walkability and bikeability, affirming its reputation as a bike-friendly city with a higher urban lifestyle score. Homes in Madison often highlight lakeside views and nearby bike paths, emphasizing the city’s natural beauty and outdoor accessibility. The differences in median home prices and rental rates between the two cities also play a significant role for anyone considering relocation, pointing to Madison as a more affordable option with a strong urban and outdoor lifestyle appeal.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Madison, WI
1. Williamson-Marquette: This neighborhood is known for its community vibe and welcoming atmosphere, where you'll often see pets and their owners enjoying the many local parks and pet-friendly cafes.
2. Nakoma League: With its close proximity to the UW Arboretum, your pets will love the extensive trails and natural areas ideal for long walks and exploration.
3. Shorewood Hills: This area boasts ample green spaces and a pet-friendly attitude, with easy access to the Shorewood Hills Pool for summer dog swims and several off-leash parks nearby.
Riverside vs. Madison Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another requires understanding how the weather compares to what you are used to. This comparison between Riverside, CA, and Madison, WI, highlights the key weather differences to help you prepare for your new environment.
Riverside, CA
Madison, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Riverside, CA
Madison, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Riverside, CA
Madison, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Riverside, CA
Madison, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Riverside | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Earthquakes | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Riverside to Madison, prepare for a significant change in winter temperatures and snowfall. Madison experiences chilly winters with average lows hitting 11°F, quite a shift from Riverside’s milder winters. Furthermore, Madison sees around 42 inches of snow annually, a stark contrast to Riverside’s virtually snowless climate. This significant difference in winter weather will require an adjustment in clothing, driving habits, and possibly even your hobbies. Additionally, the higher humidity in Madison might influence your daily comfort and activities compared to the drier climate of Riverside.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Riverside to Madison
Understanding the financial implications of relocating is crucial. If you're planning a move from Riverside, CA to Madison, WI, comparing their economic landscapes will illuminate what changes to expect. This comparison centers on cost of living, taxes, housing, and job markets between Riverside and Madison, offering a comprehensive glimpse into your potential new financial reality.
| Comparison | Riverside | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $76,558 | $67,270 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112.5 | 95.65 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3 | 7.65 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.8 | 1.94 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.75 | 5.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Education, Health Services | Education, Health Services, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderately high |
| Poverty | High | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
In transitioning from Riverside to Madison, you'll find distinct financial landscapes awaiting you. A noteworthy aspect is the Cost of Living Index, showing Madison as more affordable. However, this relief is somewhat counterbalanced by Madison's higher property taxes, nearly double those in Riverside. The contrast extends to sales taxes as well; your everyday purchases will be lighter on the wallet in Madison due to its lower rate. Median household incomes in Madison slightly edge out those in Riverside, suggesting a somewhat more affluent community. Tax rates, especially state income taxes, tilt in favor of Madison too, offering a potentially friendlier tax environment. Job markets show differing focuses, with Madison placing a significant emphasis on Information Technology alongside Education and Health Services, promising sectors for career opportunities.
Riverside vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison
As you consider making the leap from Riverside, CA to Madison, WI, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Riverside & Madison is vital. This quick comparison aims to provide you with an at-a-glance snapshot that might influence your adjustment to your new city.
| Riverside | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Moderate, bipartisan efforts on some issues | Progressive, with active local governance |
| Religion | Mixed, with significant Christian communities | Varied, with a strong secular presence |
When moving from Riverside to Madison, you'll find that both cities offer a vibrant, albeit different, political and religious landscape. Riverside's political environment is more balanced, with leanings towards Democratic but with a good measure of bipartisan collaboration, reflecting a more moderate populace. On the other hand, Madison is known for its heavily Democratic and progressive stance, especially visible in local governance and public policies. Religion in Riverside shows a diverse range, with notable Christian communities, such as those attending Harvest Christian Fellowship. Conversely, Madison's population includes a significant number of individuals identifying as secular, alongside a variety of religious beliefs, symbolized by organizations like the Freedom from Religion Foundation. This shift not only marks a change in spiritual surroundings but could also influence your community engagements and social circles.
Riverside vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Riverside, CA, to Madison, WI, requires adjusting to new traffic and transportation dynamics. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Riverside & Madison.
| Comparison | Riverside | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30 | 19 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Easier |
Riverside and Madison offer distinct living experiences, especially when it comes to commuting. In Riverside, you might find yourself dependent on a car due to its average commute time and the moderate availability of public transit. The traffic congestion level could add significant time to your daily commutes. On the other hand, Madison presents a more convenient scenario where shorter average commute times and a higher score in public transit availability imply that living without a car is far more manageable. This ease of getting around in Madison is complemented by its lower traffic congestion, highlighting a potentially less stressful daily commute.
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