Moving from Washington to San Jose?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Washington to San Jose Movers

Moving from the bustling political heart of Washington DC to the tech-savvy streets of San Jose is an adventure that promises to transform your life in exciting ways. You're about to exchange the historic charm and political urgency of the nation's capital for the innovative spirit and sunny skies that characterize the Capital of Silicon Valley. Given the considerable distance and the profound shift in lifestyle that awaits, it’s crucial to entrust your journey to professional movers who are not only trusted but have been objectively ranked as the best. Great Guys Moving ensures that your transition is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Washington guide.

5 Best Washington to San Jose Movers

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

#1
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 6,631+ data points

Hyattsville, MD
Local moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT: 2005212 Verify

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 >>

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top 3 ranked movers in washington dc 2023 bookstore movers image
top ranked movers in washington dc 2022 bookstore movers image
#2
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 4,108+ data points

Washington DC, DC
Local Move, Long Distance Moving, Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 2474176 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in gaithersburg 2023 mics moving image
top 10 ranked movers in washington dc 2022 mics moving image
#3
All Stars Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,557+ data points

San Jose, CA
LOCAL MOVING SERVICES, LONG DISTANCE MOVING SERVICES, BUSINESS MOVING SERVICES See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 2971368 Verify

About All Stars Movers

All Stars Movers is a San Jose moving company fully licensed and insured in the state of California. This locally owned business provides th...Read More >>

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#4
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo
Exceptional

based on 361+ data points

Alexandria, VA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT: 3338902 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in buchanan 2023 ap pro moving llc image
#5
D&L Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,789+ data points

Campbell, CA
Cheap moving, Local moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT: 2706648 Verify

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and busin...Read More >>

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Relocating from Washington to San Jose Neighborhood Guide

Moving across the country can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease this transition, we've embarked on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Washington DC, DC & San Jose, CA. By matching the top neighborhoods in Washington DC with their San Jose counterparts, we aim to help you find a new home that feels familiar.

WashingtonSan Jose
Dupont CircleWillow Glen

Vibrant, community-focused

Capitol HillShasta Hanchett Park

Historic, welcoming community

GeorgetownAlmaden Valley

Upscale, rich in history

Adams MorganSoFA District

Eclectic, artsy vibe

Logan CircleThe Alameda

Trendy, with a sense of community

Navy YardNorth San Jose

Modern, rapidly developing

Foggy BottomRose Garden

Historic, serene ambiance

ShawJapantown

Cultural, vibrant food scene

U Street CorridorDowntown San Jose

Energetic, entertainment-focused

Woodley ParkLos Gatos

Peaceful, surrounded by nature

Discovering a neighborhood that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences can significantly enhance your moving experience. If you're drawn to the historic and bustling atmosphere of Capitol Hill, you'll find a similar sense of community and heritage in Shasta Hanchett Park, which boasts beautiful homes and a tight-knit feel. For those who love the arts and nightlife of Adams Morgan, the SoFA District in San Jose offers an equally eclectic mix of galleries, theatres, and live music venues, making it a cultural hotspot. Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts who appreciate Woodley Park's proximity to green spaces will find Los Gatos an appealing San Jose neighborhood, where hiking trails and outdoor activities abound. Whether you fancy quiet, tree-lined streets or energetic, urban centers, this comparison aims to connect you with a San Jose neighborhood that feels like home.

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Things to Do in San Jose

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to San Jose

Moving from Washington DC, DC to San Jose, CA isn't just a change of scenery. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through these charts, you'll better understand how the advantages and disadvantages of your current city compare to what awaits you in your new home. Let’s explore together a balanced view to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Washington, DC iconWashington, DC
  • High living costs
  • Political focus
  • Dense population
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Thriving tech scene
  • Sunnier weather
  • Outdoor activities
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Expensive housing
  • Long commutes
  • Less public transit
Washington, DC iconWashington, DC
  • Rich history
  • Diverse culture
  • Public transportation

Relocating presents an excellent opportunity to weigh the distinct advantages between Washington DC's rich historical sites like The Smithsonian and Lincoln Memorial and San Jose's thriving tech-focused lifestyle. Imagine trading the dense, political focus of DC for the sunnier climes and outdoor-friendly lifestyle of San Jose. The Bay Area's tech scene, epitomized by places like Silicon Valley, promises vast opportunities for those in tech and entrepreneurship. However, it's important to prepare for the reality of California's higher cost of living, especially in housing. San Jose's Santana Row and The Tech Interactive offer a blend of shopping, dining, and educational experiences that differ from DC's traditional vibes. This move isn't just about changing locations; it's about embracing a lifestyle shift towards innovation and outdoor living, albeit with considerations for housing affordability and transportation changes.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Washington to San Jose

This comparison of the local cuisine between Washington DC & San Jose will help you understand the food scene in both areas. Knowing the culinary culture is crucial for getting a feel of what living in a new city will be like. Here, we provide a quick guide to what your taste buds can expect after moving.

WashingtonSan Jose

Most iconic local food item

Half-SmokePhở

Most popular meat dish

Mumbo Sauce Chicken WingsCarne Asada

Most popular street food item

Food Truck TacosBanh Mi

Most popular vegan food

Plant-Based BurgersTofu Phở

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Old Ebbitt Grill
  • Le Diplomate
  • Original Joe’s San Jose
  • Pho Hoa
  • Adega

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

87

Foodie Scene

98

Vegan Friendly

78

When settling into San Jose, you'll find the city's culinary scene is diverse, with numerous Asian cuisines dominating the landscape. This is vividly seen in local favorites like Phở from Vietnam, found in Little Saigon, and diverse fusion food trucks that blend various global flavors unprecedentedly. Neighborhoods including Japantown offer unique dining experiences, from traditional Japanese meals to innovative vegan options. Iconic restaurants like Adega bring Portuguese flavors to the city, showcasing San Jose's international palate. The city's slightly higher score in fitness/health conscientiousness and vegan-friendliness reflects a community that values dietary diversity and healthier eating options, making it an exciting new culinary world to explore.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Washington to San Jose

Food plays a significant role in making any place feel like home. If you're moving from Washington, DC to San Jose, CA, and worry about finding new favorite eateries, this restaurant comparison from Washington DC to San Jose can serve as your culinary compass. Explore similar dining experiences in your new city to ease the transition and delight your taste buds.

ZaytinyaNemea Greek Taverna

High-quality Mediterranean cuisine, similar ambiance

Le DiplomateLeft Bank Brasserie

Offers a slice of Paris with its authentic French dishes

Rose’s LuxuryOrchard City Kitchen

Creative and upscale, emphasizes seasonal ingredients

Ben’s Chili BowlOriginal Joe’s

Iconic to the area, known for comfort food with a side of history

Bad SaintADEGA

Award-winning, highlights unique culinary traditions with attention to detail

Fiola MareLe Papillon

Fine dining with a focus on seafood, elegant experience

BarminiPaper Plane

Renowned cocktail bar, creative and chic atmosphere

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabThe Grill on the Alley

Classic American steakhouse, known for quality meats and seafood

Thip KhaoDa Lat Café

Authentic touch, serves vibrant and exotic flavors from Southeast Asia

MakettoVietnoms

Modern dining with a twist on traditional dishes, similar fusion vigor

For those who relish the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, transitioning from Zaytinya in Washington, DC to Nemea Greek Taverna in San Jose will feel like discovering a second home, with Nemea's authentic dishes and warm ambiance. On the other hand, if French dining and atmosphere set your heart afire, swapping Le Diplomate for Left Bank Brasserie provides a similarly enchanting Parisian experience right in the heart of San Jose. Moreover, lovers of innovative dining would be thrilled to find that Orchard City Kitchen offers a comparable culinary adventure to Rose’s Luxury, highlighting the importance of seasonal ingredients in creating unique and delightful dishes.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Washington to San Jose

When planning a relocation, understanding the real estate differences between your current city and your future home is crucial. This comparison highlights the key aspects of housing between Washington DC and San Jose, CA, to help you make an informed decision on where to plant your roots next.

While both Washington DC and San Jose offer vibrant urban lifestyles with their unique perks, the housing market in each city tells its own story. In Washington DC, historic charm often comes with the territory, as listings frequently boast Colonial or Federal architectural styles plus proximity to the metro. San Jose, in contrast, leans towards modern living with homes more likely to feature smart technology and sustainable building practices. This is reflective of Silicon Valley's innovative spirit. Adding to the distinct real estate flavors of each city is the walkability and bikeability scores; whereas DC offers slightly more foot-friendly navigation, San Jose encourages biking with a higher bikeability score.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen: Known for its quaint, tree-lined streets, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere at Willow Glen's downtown area, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friends.

2. Cambrian Park: Boasting a serene suburban vibe, Cambrian Park is home to several parks, including the dog-friendly Butcher Dog Park, where your pets can play off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment.

3. Downtown San Jose: If you're looking for a more urban experience, Downtown San Jose offers many pet-friendly living spaces and amenities, alongside dog-friendly dining options like Original Joe’s, making it an ideal place for pet owners who love city living.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Washington to San Jose

Moving from one location to another requires understanding how the weather between Washington DC, and San Jose will impact your daily life. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and similarities in climate to help prepare you for the transition.

Summer icon
87°F / 71°F

Washington, DC

82°F / 58°F

San Jose, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 29°F

Washington, DC

60°F / 42°F

San Jose, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40"

Washington, DC

15"

San Jose, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15"

Washington, DC

0"

San Jose, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When moving from Washington DC to San Jose, you'll experience a significant reduction in humidity and rainfall, offering more comfortable and drier conditions. San Jose enjoys more sunny days a year, which enhances outdoor activity options but also emphasizes the importance of regular sunscreen use due to the higher average UV index. The notable absence of snow in San Jose compared to Washington DC means you can say goodbye to heavy winter gear and shoveling. However, preparing for earthquakes in San Jose, versus the occasional hurricane or snowstorm in Washington DC, requires different emergency planning and supplies.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington to San Jose

When preparing for a move from Washington DC, DC to San Jose, CA, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape awaiting you. This comparison emphasizes money and finance aspects essential for your transition, from average incomes to the cost of living indexes. Discover what changes in the economic environment mean for your budget and lifestyle.

Relocating from Washington DC to San Jose, you'll find financial contrasts that could impact your lifestyle significantly. Although the average household income in San Jose is higher, reflecting the city's tech-driven economy, this is balanced by a markedly higher cost of living index. Taxes in California vary widely based on income, possibly affecting your paycheck differently than in DC. While both cities boast diverse economies, San Jose's tech dominance presents a different job landscape. Additionally, despite both cities experiencing issues with homelessness, the economic profiles—from affluence to poverty—paint distinct social pictures. Aligning your expectations with these realities is key for a smooth transition.

Political & Religious Comparison between Washington, DC and San Jose, CA

In this section, we'll offer a brief comparison to give you an at-a-glance understanding of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Washington DC & San Jose. This snapshot aims to provide key insights that might help you feel more at home in your new city.

WashingtonSan Jose

Political Make-up

Strongly DemocraticLeans Democratic

Local Politics

Highly engaged, policy-focusedInnovation and tech-oriented

Religion

Diverse religious landscapeDiverse, with a significant Catholic community

Both Washington DC and San Jose display a political inclination towards the Democratic Party, but the nature of their engagement differs. In DC, politics often revolve around national policy and government activity, reflecting the city's role as the nation's capital. On the other hand, San Jose's political scene is more influenced by the tech industry, with discussions frequently centered around innovation, tech policy, and economic growth. Additionally, while both cities feature a diverse religious makeup, San Jose has a noteworthy Catholic presence, fostered by institutions like the Diocese of San Jose. This unique blend of politics and religion in each city contributes to their distinct local cultures and communities.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Washington to San Jose

Moving from one city to another is a big step, especially when it involves adjusting to new commuting patterns. This guide aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like between Washington DC & San Jose. By comparing these elements, you'll gain a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home.

WashingtonSan Jose
34.530.3

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

7.56.2

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

8.56.0

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Yes, easilyChallenging

Can you get by without car?

In Washington DC, the availability and convenience of public transit, rated 8.5 out of 10, means you can comfortably get by without a car. The city prides itself on an extensive network of metro and bus services that connect all major areas, making it easier for residents and commuters alike to navigate the city. On the other hand, San Jose, with its lower public transit rating of 6.0, presents more of a challenge for those trying to get by without a car. While San Jose does have public transit options like the VTA, the layout and lifestyle of the city lean more towards driving. The average commute time in DC is a bit longer, possibly due to higher traffic congestion. Understanding these differences is crucial for planning your daily travel in your new city.

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