Best Washington to Oakland Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the historic charm of DC to the vibrant energy of Oakland presents an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind the political heart of the nation for California's eclectic mix of culture, food, and the arts is a unique transition. It's crucial to entrust this significant move to professional movers who understand the importance of handling every detail with care and expertise, ensuring a smooth transition from coast to coast.
Best Washington to Oakland Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Washington guide.
5 Best Washington to Oakland Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
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
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
About Ap Pro Moving Llc
Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as local moving, lo...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3338902 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 4,000 (2021) |
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
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.
Washington vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we've crafted a comparison highlighting the Washington DC, DC & Oakland, CA local neighborhoods . This guide aims to match you with a new neighborhood in Oakland that feels like home, using your favorite Washington DC neighborhood as a baseline.
| Washington | Oakland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Dupont Circle | Rockridge | Vibrant retail and dining |
| Capitol Hill | Piedmont Avenue | Historical charm, lively commercial area |
| Georgetown | Montclair Village | Upscale, boutique shopping |
| Adams Morgan | Temescal | Diverse cuisine, artsy vibe |
| Logan Circle | Grand Lake | Cultural hub, weekend market |
| Columbia Heights | Fruitvale | Vibrant, diverse community |
| Shaw | Uptown | Nightlife, entertainment venues |
| Navy Yard | Jack London Square | Waterfront dining and activities |
| Cleveland Park | Glenview | Family-friendly, serene environment |
| Petworth | Dimond District | Strong community feel, park access |
If you're enchanted by Georgetown's historic architecture and exclusive boutiques, Montclair Village in Oakland will likely resonate with you, boasting a collection of unique shops and cafes amidst leafy streets. For those who thrive in the bustling, diverse atmosphere of Adams Morgan, Temescal offers an eclectic mix of eateries and indie shops, emphasizing community engagement and local art. Meanwhile, lovers of the waterfront and maritime activities of Navy Yard will find Jack London Square's harbor-side restaurants, canoe clubs like California Canoe & Kayak, and the iconic Jack London Square itself, an appealing new haunt. This guide aims not just to find a new neighborhood but to rediscover the comforts of home in the architecture, parks, and community spirit of Oakland.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Oakland
Moving across the country from Washington DC, DC to Oakland, CA presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. To help you weigh these factors, we've compiled comparative charts that honestly reflect the good and bad aspects of such a relocation. This comparison aims to provide clarity and assist in making an informed decision about this significant change.
Washington, DC- High cost of living
- Humid summers
- Dense traffic
- Political saturation
Oakland, CA- More affordable housing
- Milder climate
- Improved public transit
- Diverse cultural scene
Oakland, CA- Less historical sites
- Fewer museums
- Less political presence
- Different culinary scene
Washington, DC- Rich history
- Extensive museums
- Political center
- Global cuisine
When moving from Washington DC to Oakland, you'll transition from a city known for its sweltering summers to a region boasting a milder, more temperate climate, allowing for outdoor activities year-round. Oakland offers a respite from the dense traffic of DC, with its efficient public transit options like the BART, making commuting more manageable. The city's diverse cultural scene is reflected in its various neighborhoods, such as the bustling Uptown Oakland, with its array of restaurants, craft breweries, and art galleries, like the notable Oakland Museum of California. While you might miss the extensive historical sites and museums of the nation's capital, Oakland’s rich cultural tapestry, from the historic Jack London Square to the serene beauty of Redwood Regional Park, offers its own unique set of experiences and attractions.
Washington vs. Oakland Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington DC & Oakland to help you understand the food scene in the city where you're moving. Since food is an important part of local culture, this comparison will provide insights into what living in your new city will be like.
| Washington | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Half-Smoke | Oakland-Style BBQ |
| Most popular meat dish | Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings | Smoked Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Jumbo Slice Pizza | Taco Trucks Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Chickpea Bowls | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Washington DC boasts a unique blend of global cuisines, highlighted by the iconic half-smoke, a local interpretation of a hot dog found at Ben's Chili Bowl. Mumbo sauce, a mysterious sweet and tangy sauce, is another must-try, typically served with chicken wings in various eateries across the city. In contrast, Oakland's food scene is highlighted by its Oakland-style BBQ, with smoked brisket being a standout meat dish. Vegan food is on the rise in both cities, but Oakland's creativity shines with jackfruit tacos, a popular plant-based option. The city's taco trucks, found in neighborhoods like Fruitvale, exemplify Oakland's vibrant street food scene. Meanwhile, Washington DC's health conscious offerings and burgeoning food truck scene cater to a diverse palate, from Capitol Hill to Shaw. Moving to Oakland, you'll find a passionate food scene embracing sustainability and innovation, evident in restaurants like Brown Sugar Kitchen and Commis, which are deeply rooted in the city's culture and community.
Washington vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a vital role in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to help you find your new favorite Oakland eateries by using Washington DC as a guide , ensuring a smooth culinary transition during your move.
| Washington | Oakland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Le Diplomate | Mägo | Rustic, refined ambiance with French flair |
| Bad Saint | Lucky Three Seven | Bold flavors, unique Filipino dishes |
| Rose's Luxury | Commis | High-level dining with a cozy, innovative touch |
| Zaytinya | Oasis Food Market | Authentic Mediterranean in a casual setting |
| Blue Duck Tavern | Wood Tavern | American cuisine, emphasis on artisan ingredients |
| Beneath the Streets | The Wolf | Offers an underground dining vibe, innovative menu |
| Fiola Mare | Lungomare | Waterfront view, impeccable Italian seafood |
| Maydan | Bissap Baobab | Vibrant fusion of Middle Eastern and African cuisine |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Rockridge Grill | Classic surf and turf with a local twist |
| Komi | Shakewell | Mediterranean inspired, creative and modern dishes |
By exploring Mägo, you'll discover a remarkable resemblance to Le Diplomate, albeit with a unique Oakland twist, offering an immersive dining experience reminiscent of the French-inspired ambiance yet distinctly Californian in spirit and flavor. Meanwhile, venturing into Lucky Three Seven unveils a treasure trove of Filipino delights that mirror the memorable experiences of Bad Saint, albeit through Oakland's vibrant and diverse culinary lens. On the higher end, Commis presents itself as a beacon of culinary innovation, much like Rose's Luxury. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a constantly evolving menu, Commis captures the essence of what makes fine dining truly memorable, delivering an experience steeped in luxury and creativity that aligns closely with the high standards gastronomes have come to appreciate in Washington DC.
Ready to start your move?
Washington vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison between Washington DC and Oakland aims to illuminate key aspects of housing such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Such insights can greatly inform your relocation decisions.
| Comparison | Washington | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Federal | Victorian, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to monuments, historical sites | Access to parks, natural scenery |
Understanding the housing market nuances between Washington DC and Oakland helps you grasp what to expect in terms of living experience and costs. While Oakland generally has a higher median home price, the cost of renting is slightly less than in DC. Washington DC boasts a rich collection of Colonial and Federal-style homes, reflecting its historical significance, whereas Oakland takes pride in its Victorian and Craftsman architecture, offering a distinct aesthetic charm. Moreover, both cities score high on urban lifestyle; however, Washington DC edges out with better walkability and bikeability, likely due to its meticulously planned streets and abundance of bike lanes. If urban exploration and ease of getting around are higher on your priority list, DC might suit you better. But for those drawn to unique architectural styles and proximity to natural landscapes, Oakland's real estate offerings might prove more enticing.
Washington vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
When considering a move from Washington DC, DC to Oakland, CA, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the differences in climate you should expect, helping you prepare for your new environment.
Washington, DC
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Washington, DC
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Washington, DC
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Washington, DC
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Washington | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Storms, some flooding | Earthquakes, wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Washington DC and Oakland offer vibrant lifestyles, their climates differ significantly. Washington DC experiences hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, whereas Oakland enjoys a more temperate climate with mild winters and dry summers. This means you can expect fewer extreme weather days in Oakland, more sunshine, and no snow. However, the natural disaster risks shift from storms and some flooding in Washington DC to earthquakes and wildfires in Oakland. Air quality in Oakland is generally better, benefitting from the coastal breezes that keep the air fresher. Adjusting to the weather in Oakland will involve getting used to milder temperatures and planning for different types of natural disasters.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington to Oakland
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison focuses on Washington DC and Oakland to help you grasp how the cost of living, taxes, and income might change. This knowledge is key to preparing for your relocation.
| Comparison | Washington | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $90,088 | $82,236 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140.1 | 139.1 |
| State Income Tax | 4.0 - 8.95% | 1.0 - 13.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.56% | 0.79% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 9.25% |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Education, Tourism | Technology, Healthcare, Retail |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Higher than DC |
| Homelessness | Significant | More significant |
While both Washington DC and Oakland offer a vibrant urban lifestyle, they differ significantly in financial landscapes. Although the average household income is higher in DC, the cost of living and taxes in Oakland also present unique challenges and opportunities. For instance, the property tax rate in Oakland is higher, yet the state income tax can vary widely, potentially affecting your take-home pay. Moreover, the presence of technology and healthcare industries in Oakland suggests a dynamic job market, contrasting with DC's government and education-focused economy. Understanding these nuances is crucial as they directly impact your daily life and financial well-being after the move.
Washington vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Washington DC, DC to Oakland, CA brings not just a change in scenery, but also a notable shift in the community's ethos. This comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Washington DC & Oakland, helping you better understand the social climate you’re about to immerse yourself in.
| Washington | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Federal government influence | Local government and activist influence |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious communities | Christianity prevalent, significant non-religious population |
When transitioning from Washington DC to Oakland, you'll find both cities share a strong Democratic leaning politically, ensuring a somewhat familiar political environment. However, the nature of local politics can feel quite different. In Washington DC, the presence and influence of the federal government permeate the local political scene, whereas in Oakland, local government actions and community activism play a pivotal role in shaping policies and public opinion. Regarding religious makeup, while Christianity is predominant in both cities, Oakland boasts a more significant portion of non-religious residents, reflecting its diverse and inclusive community. This diversity enriches the cultural fabric of Oakland, potentially offering you a broader spectrum of communal and spiritual connections.
Washington vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Washington DC to Oakland, CA, means adapting to new daily commutes and traffic conditions. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Washington DC & Oakland is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute might look like in these two very different urban environments.
| Comparison | Washington | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34.9 | 29.8 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | Yes, but less convenient |
In Washington DC, public transit is highly robust, boasting an impressive score that reflects the efficiency of the WMATA's services, including the Metro and buses. This makes living in the city without a car much more feasible, particularly if your activities are concentrated within the city limits or nearby suburbs. Oakland, while also offering public transit options like BART and buses, has a lower public transit availability score, indicating that residents might find themselves more reliant on cars for certain commutes. However, Oakland's milder traffic congestion compared to DC's denser traffic patterns may make driving a more pleasant experience. Overall, your commute in Oakland may be shorter on average, but the city's lesser dependency on public transit could mean having a car is more of a necessity than a convenience.
Popular Washington, DC to California Moving Routes
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