Moving from Washington to Durham?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Washington to Durham Movers

Moving from city to city marks an exhilarating chapter in life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. You're trading the historic streets and political hustle of DC, affectionately nicknamed the "Capital City," for Durham's vibrant culture and the "Bull City's" renowned research and tech hubs. Understanding the importance of this transition, it's crucial to enlist trusted and reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving utilize an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you're paired with the best, turning a long-distance move into a smooth journey.

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

5 Best Washington to Durham 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

Location DotHyattsville, MD
GearLocal moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/15/2021)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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

Location DotWashington DC, DC
GearLocal Move, Long Distance Moving, Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo
Exceptional

based on 361+ data points

Location DotAlexandria, VA
GearLocal Moving, Long Distance Moving, Packing Services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2022)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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
#4
Raleigh Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 954+ data points

Location DotRaleigh, NC
GearFree estimates, Full Value Protection (FVP), Fully licensed and insured See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3344628 Verify

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distan...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in rocky mount 2023 raleigh moving company image
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#5
Athens Moving Experts Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 4,516+ data points

Location DotRaleigh, NC
GearLocal Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3205320 Verify

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residenti...Read More >>

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top ranked movers in raleigh 2023 athens moving experts image
top ranked movers in raleigh 2022 athens moving experts image

Relocating from Washington to Durham Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison between Washington DC, DC & Durham, NC neighborhoods . This guide aims to help you find a new community in Durham that feels like home, by matching it with a familiar neighborhood from Washington DC.

WashingtonDurham
Dupont CircleTrinity Park

Historic homes, vibrant local scene

Capitol HillOld North Durham

Community-oriented, historic

GeorgetownHope Valley

Upscale, rich history

Adams MorganWarehouse District

Eclectic, artsy vibe

ShawBrightleaf

Trendy, with a mix of old and new

Logan CircleNinth Street

Hip, with an active nightlife

Columbia HeightsLakewood

Diverse, family-friendly atmosphere

NoMa (North of Massachusetts Ave)American Tobacco District

Innovative and modern urban space

Navy YardGolden Belt

Industrial chic, up-and-coming

PetworthCleveland-Holloway

Growing, with a strong sense of community

In exploring Durham's neighborhoods, you'll find places that resonate with the vibes of Washington DC. Trinity Park, similar to Dupont Circle, boasts historic homes and a bustling atmosphere perfect for those who appreciate a vibrant community. Fans of Georgetown's upscale charm might find themselves at home in Hope Valley, where the blend of luxury and history creates a unique allure. For a dynamic arts scene paralleling that of Adams Morgan, the Warehouse District in Durham offers an eclectic mix of galleries, studios, and entertainment options. Meanwhile, Ninth Street presents a hip vibe reminiscent of Logan Circle, featuring an engaging nightlife with trendy bars and restaurants like Fullsteam Brewery and Mateo Bar de Tapas. Moving to a new city is an opportunity to discover local gems and form new connections, and Durham's diverse neighborhoods provide a rich tapestry of experiences awaiting your exploration.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Durham

Moving from one city to another can be a significant life change, involving both exciting opportunities and challenging adjustments. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Washington DC, DC to Durham, NC , helping you make an informed decision about your next big adventure.

CONs
PROs
Washington, DC iconWashington, DC
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Dense urban environment
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower housing costs
  • Less congestion
  • More green spaces
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller arts scene
  • Fewer historic attractions
  • Narrower job prospects
Washington, DC iconWashington, DC
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Rich historical sites
  • Strong job market

While Washington DC boasts a vibrant cultural scene and rich historical sites such as the Smithsonian Museums and the National Mall, Durham offers its own unique set of attractions. Durham's Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) provides a rich array of performances, though it may seem a smaller arts scene compared to DC's. The city's green spaces, like the Eno River State Park, offer a contrasting environment to DC's dense urban center, providing serene landscapes and outdoor activities. Moreover, Durham is known for its burgeoning food scene, highlighted by establishments like Pizzeria Toro and Matera Caffe, securing its place as a notable destination for foodies. The move might mean a shift in job markets, but both cities offer unique opportunities and community vibes to explore and embrace.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Washington to Durham

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington DC & Durham, highlighting how food is an integral aspect of local culture and can vastly influence the living experience in a new city. Understanding the culinary landscape of where you're moving can enrich your transition and ensure you're not missing out on delicacies that define the area.

WashingtonDurham

Most iconic local food item

Half-smoke
Carolina-style BBQ

Most popular meat dish

Mumbo sauce with chicken wings
Pulled pork

Most popular street food item

Jumbo Slice Pizza
Food Truck Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Vegetable curry
BBQ jackfruit sandwich

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Zaytinya
  • Nana's Restaurant
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

8
7

Abundance of Food Trucks

7
8

Foodie Scene

9
8

Vegan Friendly

8
7

In Washington DC, you can discover a vibrant food scene marked by diverse culinary offerings from around the globe. The city is known for its unique half-smoke sausages, available in historic eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl. Durham, on the other hand, is steeped in the rich traditions of Carolina-style BBQ, with restaurants such as Nana's Restaurant showcasing the best of southern cuisine. Durham's food truck scene is bustling, providing an eclectic mix of gourmet options on the go. Washington DC's health and foodie scene scores slightly higher, reflecting its wide array of international and high-end dining experiences, but Durham offers a close-knit community vibe with a burgeoning vegan scene and an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Washington to Durham

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This restaurant comparison between Washington DC and Durham, NC, is designed to help you find your next go-to dining spots by leveraging your current favorites.

Le DiplomateVin Rouge

Authentic French bistro vibe and cuisine

ZaytinyaTarik’s Café

Mediterranean flavors with a Southern twist

Blue Duck TavernThe Refectory Cafe

Farm-to-table, American style cuisine

Founding FarmersBull City Burger and Brewery

Focus on locally-sourced, crafted dishes

Fiola MareNanaSteak

Elegant seafood with an impressive wine list

RasikaViceroy

Modern approach to traditional Indian dishes

Bens Chili BowlKing’s Sandwich Shop

Iconic spot for comfort food

1789 RestaurantParizade

European dining with a sophisticated ambiance

KomiMateo Bar de Tapas

Eclectic, high-end tapas dining experience

Little SerowM Sushi

Unique and high-quality seafood dishes

As you explore Durham, places like Mateo Bar de Tapas stand out for their high-end, yet eclectic dining experience, reminiscent of what Komi offers in Washington DC. Viceroy brings a modern twist to traditional Indian dishes, much like Rasika in DC, promising a culinary adventure for your taste buds. Similarly, Vin Rouge recreates the authentic French bistro experience akin to Le Diplomate, making it ideal for your Francophile cravings. These comparisons not only highlight the similarity in quality and dining experience but also reassure you that Durham's food scene is equipped to become a new favorite.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Washington to Durham

When planning a move, comparing real estate options in your current and future cities is essential. This guide highlights key differences in housing between Washington DC and Durham, NC, providing a comprehensive overview to inform your decision.

In comparing Washington DC and Durham, NC, you'll find vast differences in housing costs, with Durham offering significantly more affordable options for both buying and renting. While DC's urban lifestyle rates high due to its walkability, bikeability, and proximity to an array of amenities, Durham presents a more laid-back urban vibe with a strong emphasis on community and access to green spaces. An interesting contrast also emerges in the typical architecture styles; with DC showcasing Victorian and Federal styles indicative of its historical significance, whereas Durham boasts Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles reflecting its rich cultural heritage. These differences mirror the cities' unique characters, making your choice heavily dependent on your lifestyle preferences.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Washington to Durham

When planning a move from Washington DC to Durham, NC, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge how your lifestyle might change with the climate and what you can expect in your new city. Key aspects such as temperature, sunshine, and seasonal changes in both Washington DC and Durham are outlined below.

Summer icon
87/71

Washington, DC

89/68

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
44/29

Washington, DC

50/32

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40

Washington, DC

42

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.4

Washington, DC

4.3

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

In transitioning from Washington DC to Durham, you'll enjoy milder winters and slightly more sunshine throughout the year. Although both cities experience humidity, Durham's slightly higher percentages might influence your daily comfort during the warmer months. Furthermore, Durham experiences less snowfall, which could significantly change your winter experiences and needs for seasonal clothing. Lastly, the air quality in Durham is generally rated better than Washington DC, potentially contributing to a healthier living environment.

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

When moving from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison offers insight into the cost of living, taxes, and average income between Washington DC and Durham, NC , helping you to budget and plan your relocation effectively.

The financial landscape between Washington DC and Durham, NC highlights a stark contrast in average household income, with Washington DC leading significantly. However, the cost of living in Durham is notably lower, which could offset the income disparity for many individuals or families considering the move. The consistent flat state income tax rate in Durham might also simplify financial planning. Additionally, Durham's growing tech industry presents burgeoning career opportunities which, combined with lower living costs, makes it an increasingly attractive destination for people moving from Washington DC.

Political & Religious Comparison between Washington, DC and Durham, NC

This brief comparison offers a quick glance at the comparison of the politics between Washington DC & Durham , providing insight into the political and religious makeup of the populations in both cities.

WashingtonDurham

Political Make-up

Heavily DemocraticLean Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive policiesProgressive, with community focus

Religion

Diverse religious communitiesChristian majority with diverse faiths present

In the journey from Washington DC to Durham, you'll find that both cities share a Democratic political leaning, though the intensity may vary, with Washington DC known for its heavily Democratic voters compared to Durham's lean Democratic populace. Both cities embrace progressive politics, though Durham tends to spotlight community engagement and initiatives more prominently. Religion-wise, Washington DC presents a mosaic of faiths reflecting its cosmopolitan nature, while Durham, though primarily Christian, also celebrates a variety of other religious practices within its community. This transition invites a unique blend of similar yet distinct cultural and political atmospheres.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Washington to Durham

Moving from Washington DC to Durham requires understanding the differences in daily commutes and traffic congestion. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between these two cities.

WashingtonDurham
34.522.1

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

84

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

93

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

YesNo

Can you get by without a car?

When deciding to move from Washington DC to Durham, it's crucial to consider how daily life, especially commuting, will change. In Washington DC, the average commute time is longer, and traffic congestion is high, but the city makes up for it with its excellent public transit system, allowing residents to easily get by without a car. Conversely, Durham offers a significantly shorter average commute time and less traffic congestion but has limited public transit options, making car ownership more of a necessity. This nuanced understanding can help you prepare for the lifestyle adjustments required when relocating.

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