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Jacksonville to Durham Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from the bustling beachside city of Jacksonville to the innovative heart of the Research Triangle, Durham, presents an adventure filled with new opportunities and experiences. Leaving behind the "River City" for the rich history and vibrant cultural scene of "Bull City," you're embarking on a journey that promises growth and excitement. Recognizing the significance of this long-distance move, it's crucial to entrust your belongings to professional movers who uphold the highest standards of reliability and care, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home.

5 Best Movers for Moving from Jacksonville to Durham

#1
Raleigh Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC
Free estimates, Full Value Protection (FVP), Fully licensed and insured See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 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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#2
Athens Moving Experts Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 4,516+ data points

Raleigh, NC
Local Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 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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#3
Skinner Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 855+ data points

Jacksonville, FL
Local moving, Residential moving, Commercial moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3693001 Verify

About Skinner Moving & Storage

Skinner Moving & Storage is a family-owned and operated moving company based in the First Coast area. Their service offers include resid...Read More >>

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#4
MoveBright Van Lines Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,204+ data points

Jacksonville, FL
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/24/2022)

USDOT: 3379394 Verify

About MoveBright Van Lines

MoveBright Van Lines provides exceptional service to First Coast residents, delivering on-demand moves at the best prices in town. Located i...Read More >>

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#5
Helping Hands Movers Inc Logo
Superb

based on 1,170+ data points

Jacksonville, FL
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Commercial moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/24/2022)

USDOT: 3392506 Verify

About Helping Hands Movers Inc

Since 2002, Helping Hands has been providing stress-free moves at affordable prices to residents and businesses in Jacksonville, Florida. Wh...Read More >>

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Relocating from Jacksonville to Durham Neighborhood Guide

Relocating can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease this transition, we've conducted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Jacksonville, FL, & Durham, NC . By identifying neighborhoods in Durham that share similarities with your Jacksonville favorites, we aim to help you quickly feel right at home.

JacksonvilleDurham
RiversideTrinity Park

Historic homes, artsy vibe

San MarcoNinth Street

Boutique shopping, dining

AvondaleOld West Durham

Cozy, walkable community

MandarinHope Valley

Family-friendly, spacious homes

SpringfieldWatts-Hillandale

Historic, tight-knit community

OrtegaTreyburn

Upscale living, golf community

Murray HillWarehouse District

Emerging arts scene

BeachsideCentral Park

Urban, lively environment

Five PointsBrightleaf

Eclectic mix of shops, nightlife

DeerwoodWoodcroft

Suburban, with extensive amenities

Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Riverside, Jacksonville, with its unique blend of charm and modern amenities. If that's your scene, you'll find Trinity Park in Durham equally enchanting, offering stately historic homes nestled within leafy streets, a stones' throw away from vibrant arts and dining spots like the Durham Central Park. If the boutique shopping and alfresco dining of San Marco have won your heart, Ninth Street in Durham promises a similar experience, boasting an eclectic selection of shops and restaurants like Monuts Donuts that cater to every palette. For those who enjoy the upscale, golf community vibe of Ortega, Treyburn stands out as Durham’s premier destination, offering luxurious living opportunities with unparalleled access to recreational amenities, mirroring the relaxed yet opulent lifestyle you're accustomed to.

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Things to Do in Durham

  • Explore Sarah P. Duke Gardens
  • Watch a movie at Carolina Theatre
  • Try food at Durham Farmers' Market
  • Attend a DPAC performance
  • Visit Museum of Life and Science
  • Experience Dashi for ramen and sake

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Jacksonville to Durham

Moving from one city to another is a significant decision that comes with its set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Jacksonville, FL to Durham, NC , helping you weigh your options. We've crafted two charts to contrast the cons with the pros and vice versa, offering a balanced view of what to expect.

CONs
PROs
Jacksonville, FL iconJacksonville, FL
  • Higher humidity
  • Longer commutes
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Less tech jobs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Milder summers
  • Compact city
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Thriving tech scene
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • No beach access
  • Higher living costs
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Colder winters
Jacksonville, FL iconJacksonville, FL
  • Beaches nearby
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious suburbs
  • Warmer winters

Moving from Jacksonville to Durham offers a change in lifestyle that includes shifting from Jacksonville's expansive beaches like Jacksonville Beach to exploring Durham's vibrant downtown area, filled with cultural venues like the Carolina Theatre and the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. You'll swap the convenience of a car-dependent city for the compact, walkable streets of Durham, where tech jobs at Research Triangle Park are more abundant. While you might miss the spacious living of Jacksonville's suburbs, Durham's eclectic neighborhoods, including the popular Brightleaf Square, offer a unique charm with an array of dining and shopping options, pointing towards a lively urban experience amidst a thriving tech scene.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Jacksonville to Durham

Understanding local food culture is an essential part of relocating. In this guide, we'll embark on a journey to explore how the food scenes in Jacksonville, FL, and Durham, NC compare, furnishing you with a taste of what to expect culinary-wise in your new home.

JacksonvilleDurham

Most iconic local food item

Shrimp and GritsCarolina-style BBQ

Most popular meat dish

Blackened Mahi MahiPulled Pork Sandwich

Most popular street food item

Fish TacosSmoked Brisket Taco

Most popular vegan food

Jackfruit TacosBBQ Tofu

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Restaurant 1
  • Restaurant 2
  • Restaurant 3
  • Restaurant A
  • Restaurant B
  • Restaurant C

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

68

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

58

When you move to Durham, you'll step into a world rich in barbecue traditions with the Carolina-style BBQ leading the charge. The city prides itself on a vibrant foodie scene that features both innovative dishes and traditional Southern comfort foods. Look for gourmet food trucks and vibrant eateries in neighborhoods like Brightleaf and the American Tobacco Historic District, where the range of options will cater to any diet, including a growing variety of vegan choices. Durham's top restaurants often showcase local, farm-to-table ingredients, reflecting the city's commitment to freshness and quality in its culinary creations.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Jacksonville to Durham

Relocating can be a culinary adventure as much as a physical one. While Jacksonville, FL, and Durham, NC, each have their own unique flavors, finding your new favorite eateries in Durham by comparing top restaurants from Jacksonville can ease the transition. This guide aims to match your current loves with potential new favorites, making Durham feel like home in no time.

OrsayMateo Bar de Tapas

Both offer a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on local ingredients.

Town HallParizade

Upscale dining with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine and an inviting atmosphere.

Maple Street Biscuit CompanyMonuts

Both are loved for their creative takes on breakfast, with a focus on biscuits and donuts respectively.

Safe Harbor Seafood Market & RestaurantBlu Seafood and Bar

Both places offer fresh, high-quality seafood in a casual setting.

Hawkers Asian Street FareM Kokko

Offers a comparable casual vibe with a focus on Asian-inspired street food.

Bold Bean Coffee RoastersCocoa Cinnamon

Both cafes are beloved for their high-quality, artisan coffee and unique atmosphere.

Moon River PizzaPompieri Pizza

Both places are highly rated for their artisan pizzas and commitment to quality ingredients.

Black Sheep RestaurantMothers & Sons Trattoria

While offering different cuisines, both are known for their farm-to-table concept and modern twist on classic dishes.

French PantryFoster's Market

Both are cherished for their delicious bakery items, casual lunch fare, and cozy vibes.

BiscottisGuglhupf Bakery, Café & Biergarten

Both offer a unique dining experience with a focus on baked goods, desserts, and a mix of European-inspired dishes.

Discovering places like Monuts in Durham can remind you of Maple Street Biscuit Company's charm, with both specializing in breakfast that's guaranteed to start your day right. On the other end of the dining spectrum, evenings at Mateo Bar de Tapas can echo the refined experiences found at Orsay in Jacksonville, with both establishments showcasing a commitment to local ingredients and inventive cuisine. Meanwhile, for those who appreciate the art of a good brew, the transition from Bold Bean Coffee Roasters to Cocoa Cinnamon will be seamless, offering a similarly earnest approach to coffee culture and community engagement. These equivalencies not only illustrate how Durham can cater to a wide range of palates but also highlight the importance of local eateries in making a new city feel like home.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Jacksonville to Durham

Real estate plays a crucial role in the decision to move. Understanding how Jacksonville and Durham compare in terms of housing can provide valuable insights for your transition. This comparison will cover aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle, highlighting the key differences and similarities between the two cities.

When comparing the housing markets of Jacksonville and Durham, it’s notable that Durham’s median home price and rent are higher. This can be attributed to its robust educational and research hub atmosphere, primarily driven by institutions like Duke University. Durham's architecture tends to feature more Colonial and Craftsman styles, indicative of its rich history and cultural heritage. In contrast, Jacksonville's coastal location influences its ranch and coastal architecture styles, offering spacious yards ideal for those seeking more open space. Walkability and bikeability are higher in Durham, reflecting its more urban lifestyle and compact city design, making it easier to get around without a car. Understanding these differences can significantly impact your choice, especially if you're looking for specific neighborhood characteristics or a particular type of urban lifestyle.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Durham, NC

1. Trinity Park: This historic neighborhood offers lush parks and open spaces where your pets can play, plus easy access to Rockwood Park, a favorite among local pet owners.

2. Woodcroft: Known for its pet-friendly trails and community atmosphere, Woodcroft provides a serene setting for pet owners, with access to the American Tobacco Trail for long walks or runs.

3. Southpoint: This neighborhood is adjacent to the Streets at Southpoint mall which allows pets in many areas, and it hosts several pet-friendly restaurants and shops.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Jacksonville to Durham

When relocating, it's important to adjust expectations regarding your new home's climate. This comparison aims to demonstrate the weather differences between Jacksonville, FL, and Durham, NC , helping you prepare for what awaits. Understanding seasonal variations, humidity levels, and potential natural disasters can significantly impact your comfort and lifestyle choices.

Summer icon
90°F / 72°F

Jacksonville, FL

89°F / 68°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
65°F / 41°F

Jacksonville, FL

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
52

Jacksonville, FL

45

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Jacksonville, FL

3-6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When moving from Jacksonville to Durham, you'll notice certain changes, such as cooler winter temperatures with occasional snowfall—a rare event in Florida. While both cities enjoy a substantial number of sunny days, Durham experiences a slightly lower average humidity, potentially offering a more comfortable summer climate. Additionally, being further inland, Durham deals with different types of natural disasters, like ice storms and occasional tornadoes, contrasting with Jacksonville's hurricane threats. These variances underscore the importance of adapting your lifestyle and preparedness strategies to fit Durham's distinct seasonal patterns.

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

When relocating, it's vital to compare financial aspects to avoid surprises. This comparison focuses on how the cost of living and key financial indicators between Jacksonville and Durham will impact your wallet. Understanding these differences ensures a smoother transition to your new home.

While Jacksonville offers a more affordable cost of living index at 93 compared to Durham's 101, moving to Durham might slightly raise your everyday expenses. However, it is essential to note the state income tax difference; Florida (Jacksonville) has no state income tax, whereas North Carolina (Durham) levies a 5.25% tax. The average property tax and sales tax are somewhat higher in Durham too. Though the average household income in Durham is marginally higher, these taxes could impact your take-home pay. The economic environment varies as well, with Durham boasting strengths in education, health services, and technology, potentially offering diverse job opportunities compared to Jacksonville's healthcare, finance, and transportation industries.

Political & Religious Comparison between Jacksonville, FL and Durham, NC

In this quick overview, we aim to provide a snapshot of what you might expect moving from Jacksonville, FL, to Durham, NC, especially focusing on this is a comparison of the politics between Jacksonville & Durham and the prevailing religious views. This glimpse into the political and religious makeup will help you understand the community vibe in your new city.

JacksonvilleDurham

Political Make-up

Moderately ConservativeLiberal

Local Politics

Divided governmentDemocratic stronghold

Religion

Predominantly ChristianMixed, with a strong university influence on diversity

When you move from Jacksonville to Durham, you'll notice a shift in political climate. Jacksonville's moderate conservatism contrasts with Durham's more liberal atmosphere, reflecting Durham's status as a university town with a diverse population. Local politics in Durham is largely influenced by a strong Democratic presence, a change from Jacksonville's more divided political landscape. Religion in both cities is predominantly Christian, but Durham, influenced by its educational institutions like Duke University, showcases a broader diversity in religious beliefs and practices. This transition might be refreshing or challenging, depending on your perspective, but it's a significant aspect of the local culture in your new home.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Jacksonville to Durham

Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Durham, NC requires understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Jacksonville & Durham will help you better plan your daily routines.

JacksonvilleDurham
2522

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

64

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

36

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

NoYes

Can you get by without car?

The average commute time in Jacksonville is slightly longer than in Durham, reflecting differences in city size and traffic congestion. Public transit is more accessible in Durham, with services like GoDurham offering extensive routes that effectively connect the city. This makes living in Durham without a car more feasible than in Jacksonville, where the public transit system does not cover as many areas comprehensively. Understanding these differences will allow you to better prepare for your move and daily life in Durham.

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