Moving from Sacramento to Madison?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Sacramento to Madison Movers

Moving from the City of Trees to the City of Four Lakes is more than a change of scenery; it's an adventure that promises new experiences and opportunities. Leaving Sacramento's endless summer for Madison's vibrant fall colors, you embark on a journey from California's gold to Wisconsin's dairy land, trading in regions known for their distinct charms and challenges. Recognizing the magnitude of such a long-distance move, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring your transition is smooth and stress-free. Trust us at Great Guys Moving to help you find the best service for your relocation adventure.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Sacramento guide.

5 Best Sacramento to Madison Movers

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

#1
A Smooth Move, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,293+ data points

Appleton, WI
Full-Service Moves, Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking, Business and Residential Relocation Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 3350934 Verify

About 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 >>

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top 3 ranked movers in appleton 2023 a smooth move llc image
top ranked movers in appleton 2022 a smooth move llc image
#2
Madison Smooth Moves Logo
Exceptional

based on 894+ data points

Madison, WI
Residential Moves, Local Moves, Long-distance Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 3350934 Verify

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 >>

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#3
Rickey's Gold Country Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 375+ data points

Grass Valley, CA
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Cross-country moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/12/2024)

USDOT: 3065202 Verify

About Rickey's Gold Country Moving

Rickey's Gold Country Moving is a moving company based in Grass Valley, CA. They have received positive customer reviews for their efficient...Read More >>

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#4
U-Pack Logo
Fabulous

based on 727+ data points

Sacramento, CA
Long Distance Moving, Military Moves, Cross Country Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 3/15/2024)

USDOT: 3838392 Verify

About U-Pack

U-Pack Elk Grove movers can help you enjoy a convenient and affordable long-distance moving experience. If you need help with a cross countr...Read More >>

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#5
Workhorse Moving Co. Logo
Fabulous

based on 297+ data points

West Sacramento, CA
Local moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 3369346 Verify

About Workhorse Moving Co.

Workhorse Moving Co. is a locally-owned and operated moving company in Calaveras County that has been serving the Gold Country since 2012. I...Read More >>

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Relocating from Sacramento to Madison Neighborhood Guide

If you're planning a move and looking for a touch of the familiar in a new city, understanding the local neighborhoods can be a great start. This guide aims to help by comparing the local neighborhoods between Sacramento, CA & Madison, WI , offering a comparative view of similar communities. Find out which neighborhood in Madison feels like home, with its Sacramento counterpart as a baseline.

SacramentoMadison
MidtownWil-Mar

Vibrant arts scene

East SacramentoNakoma League

Historical homes, quiet ambiance

Land ParkMaple Bluff

Family-friendly with parks

NatomasSun Prairie

Growing community, newer homes

Oak ParkAtwood

Eclectic and diverse

Tahoe ParkMonroe Street

Quaint, with local businesses

Curtis ParkShenk-Atwood

Community-oriented, historic charm

Pocket-GreenhavenMiddleton

Suburban feel, well-planned

ElmhurstHill Farms

University feel, green spaces

DowntownState-Langdon

Bustling, near capitol and university

For those moving from Sacramento to Madison, finding a neighborhood that feels like "home" is crucial. In Madison, the Wil-Mar neighborhood offers a vibrant arts scene reminiscent of Midtown Sacramento, with local galleries and music venues that anchor the community. If you've enjoyed the historical charm and quiet streets of East Sacramento, you'll find a similar ambiance in Nakoma League, where you can admire the historical homes and lush greenery. Madison's Shenk-Atwood neighborhood shares Curtis Park's community-oriented spirit and historic charm, offering a mix of dining, entertainment, and recreational options. The comparison between Tahoe Park and Monroe Street highlights their quaint vibes and bustling local businesses, perfect for those who appreciate a strong sense of community with unique shopping and dining experiences. Through these comparisons, newcomers can navigate the relocation journey with a bit more ease, finding pieces of Sacramento in their new Madison neighborhood.

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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.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Sacramento to Madison

Moving from the West to the Midwest involves weighing numerous factors. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI . By examining the cons and pros side by side, prospective movers can make well-informed decisions about their futures.

CONs
PROs
Sacramento, CA iconSacramento, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Hot summers
  • Less snow activities
  • Longer commutes
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • More affordable living
  • Cooler summers
  • Winter sports available
  • Smaller city, shorter commutes
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Smaller diversity pool
  • Longer winters
  • Less outdoor variety
  • Seasonal allergies maybe worse
Sacramento, CA iconSacramento, CA
  • Diverse culture
  • Year-round events
  • Vast outdoor activities
  • Better air quality

While moving from Sacramento to Madison presents some changes, such as shorter commutes in Madison’s smaller urban landscape compared to Sacramento’s bustling environment, it offers a significant benefit in affordability. Madison is known for its vibrant outdoor activities, including ice fishing and skiing, thanks to its cooler summers and snowy winters. Though you might find Sacramento’s diverse cultural events and extensive outdoor activities like biking along the American River Parkway hard to leave behind, Madison welcomes newcomers with its own charm. The city boasts of excellent neighborhood parks like Tenney Park, fantastic local restaurants like Graze, and iconic sights such as the Wisconsin State Capitol building, ensuring you will always have something to explore.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Sacramento to Madison

When contemplating a move, local cuisine plays a pivotal role in understanding the cultural landscape of your new home. Through this guide, we will embark on a flavorful journey, providing a comparison of the local cuisine between Sacramento & Madison, so you can anticipate the culinary delights that await in your new city.

SacramentoMadison

Most iconic local food item

Farm-to-Fork CuisineCheese Curds

Most popular meat dish

Grilled Tri-tipBratwurst

Most popular street food item

TacosFried Cheese Curds

Most popular vegan food

Açai BowlsVegan Cheese Options

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • The Kitchen
  • Mulvaney's B&L
  • Ella Dining Room and Bar
  • Graze
  • Lombardino's
  • A Pig in a Fur Coat

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

76

Foodie Scene

98

Vegan Friendly

87

In Sacramento, you'll quickly notice the emphasis on farm-to-fork dining, a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage. Exploring neighborhoods like Midtown or the R Street Corridor, you'll find an array of restaurants offering everything from freshly prepared farm-to-fork dishes at places like The Kitchen to vibrant food trucks serving globally-inspired street food. Moving to Madison introduces you to a different culinary scene where cheese curds reign supreme, both in traditional diners and innovative eateries like Graze. Madison's State Street and the Capitol Square area are hubs for foodies seeking both local fare and international cuisine, ensuring that your transition to this city comes with an exciting gastronomic exploration.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Sacramento to Madison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Sacramento and Madison aims to ease your transition by pinpointing where you can find your next culinary favorites, using your current favorites as a guide.

The KitchenL'Etoile

Fine dining with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients

Mulvaney's B&LGraze

Farm-to-table dining with a casual yet upscale vibe

Ella Dining Room and BarHarvest

Offers a similar elegant dining experience with an emphasis on local ingredients

Frank Fat'sImperial Garden

Renowned for its authentic Chinese cuisine, akin to Frank Fat's reputation

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi BarMuramoto

Sushi and contemporary Japanese dishes that rival Mikuni's

La Trattoria BohemiaOsteria Papavero

Offers an Italian dining experience that closely mirrors La Trattoria Bohemia's charm

Tower CafeMonty's Blue Plate Diner

A diner with an eclectic menu and a unique atmosphere reminiscent of Tower Cafe

Gunther's Quality Ice CreamBabcock Hall Dairy Store

Famous for their ice cream, offering a nostalgic taste similar to Gunther's

Fixins Soul KitchenQuivey's Grove

Known for its hearty American fare with a soul food twist

ZócaloCanteen

The go-to for modern Mexican cuisine in Madison, reminiscent of Zócalo's flavors

For those missing the intricate flavors of The Kitchen in Sacramento, you'll discover L'Etoile in Madison offers a similarly exceptional fine dining experience, with dishes prepared using the best local and seasonal produce. Similarly, fans of the laid-back, farm-to-table vibe of Mulvaney's B&L will find Graze in Madison a perfect match, with its focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. On the international front, Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar enthusiasts will be pleased with Muramoto’s comparable quality of sushi and innovative Japanese cuisine. Furthermore, for those who have a soft spot for Gunther's Quality Ice Cream's nostalgic treats, Babcock Hall Dairy Store in Madison stands as a beloved institution, promising similarly crafted, rich-flavored ice cream that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Sacramento to Madison

Real estate significantly impacts your moving experience, understanding the differences in housing aspects between Sacramento, CA, and Madison, WI, is essential. These cities offer unique living experiences, and comparing their housing costs, architecture, walkability, and more will help you make an informed decision.

When comparing Sacramento and Madison, it's evident that the cost of living, especially the housing market, leans more favorably towards Madison with both lower median home prices and monthly rents. However, Sacramento's Mediterranean and Craftsman architectural styles contrast with Madison's Prairie and Cape Cod influences, reflecting their divergent historical and cultural backdrops. Notably, Madison scores higher in terms of walkability and bikeability, making it an ideal city for those who prioritize a more active and accessible urban lifestyle. Furthermore, while Sacramento listings often highlight large backyards and pools, Madison's real estate tends to boast about its lakeside views and ample green spaces, showcasing the cities' different appeals.

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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.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Sacramento to Madison

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the differences in weather is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather conditions in Sacramento and Madison might affect your daily life. By comparing key weather aspects, you will be better prepared for what awaits you in your new home.

Summer icon
92°F / 58°F

Sacramento, CA

82°F / 62°F

Madison, WI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
54°F / 39°F

Sacramento, CA

29°F / 16°F

Madison, WI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
18

Sacramento, CA

37

Madison, WI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Sacramento, CA

42

Madison, WI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

In transitioning from Sacramento to Madison, you'll notice significant differences, particularly in winter weather and annual snowfall. Madison experiences cold winters with substantial snowfall, a stark contrast to Sacramento's milder and wetter winters. This change means preparing for snow-related activities and possibly adjusting your wardrobe. Additionally, Madison's higher humidity and fewer sunny days can influence lifestyle and outdoor activities. Understanding these differences can help you adapt more comfortably to your new surroundings.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Sacramento to Madison

When considering a move from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. Analyzing differences in costs of living and economic conditions between your current and future homes helps in planning and ensures a smoother transition.

The move from Sacramento to Madison presents a notable change in the cost of living and tax rates. Sacramento's higher cost of living index reflects its more expensive lifestyle, partly due to California’s higher income tax and sales tax rates. However, this is balanced by the higher average household income there. Madison, while cheaper in day-to-day expenses, has a higher property tax rate which could impact long-term residency costs. Yet, its lower cost of living and sales tax rate make daily life more affordable. Both cities boast robust economies but differ in industry strengths, which could influence job opportunities. Understanding these financial dynamics will aid in your planning and adjustment process.

Political & Religious Comparison between Sacramento, CA and Madison, WI

When considering a move from Sacramento, CA, to Madison, WI, it's not just the weather and landscape that will change. This comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Sacramento & Madison offers a quick snapshot of the cultural atmosphere you're moving into, setting the stage for a smoother transition.

SacramentoMadison

Political Make-up

Liberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive policies on environment and social issuesStrong emphasis on community and equality initiatives

Religion

Diverse; significant Christian and non-religious populationDiverse; prominent non-religious demographic

Both Sacramento and Madison showcase a liberal/democratic political leaning, meaning your adjustment to local politics might be smoother than expected. However, Madison tends to place a stronger emphasis on community involvement and equality initiatives which can offer a new dynamic to your civic participation. While both cities celebrate religious diversity, you might find Madison's prominent non-religious demographic and public policies reflecting a slightly different social atmosphere compared to Sacramento's balance. This blend of political and religious climates crafts unique cultural experiences in each city, enriching your relocation.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Sacramento to Madison

Moving from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI, involves significant changes, especially regarding your daily commute and traffic experience. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between these two cities.

SacramentoMadison
2622

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

64

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

76

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

With DifficultyMore Easily

Can you get by without car?

When moving from Sacramento to Madison, you'll notice a slight reduction in average commute time, reflecting Madison's smaller city layout and less congested roads. Traffic in Sacramento is a bit more intense compared to the more manageable roads of Madison. Although both cities offer public transit options, Sacramento boasts a slightly more extensive network, which includes buses and light rail systems. However, Madison's smaller size and comprehensive cycling infrastructure make it more navigable without a car. This aspect is crucial if you're leaning towards a more sustainable lifestyle or looking to reduce dependence on a vehicle.

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