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Kansas City to Oakland Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from Kansas City, KS, to Oakland, CA, heralds an exciting chapter in your life, brimming with new adventures and opportunities. You're transitioning from the heartland, known for its jazz heritage and BBQ delights, to the bustling Bay Area, famous for its progressive vibes and iconic Golden Gate. Considering the distance and the life change ahead, it's crucial to rely on trusted and professional movers for a smooth transition. Our team at Great Guys Moving ensures you're matched with the best, making your cross-country journey as seamless as possible.

5 Best Movers for Moving from Kansas City to Oakland

#1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,273+ data points

El Sobrante, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 2597230 Verify

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 >>

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#2
Kora Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,517+ data points

San Bruno, CA
Local moves, Long distance moves, Packing and unpacking See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3139436 Verify

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 >>

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#3
God's Movers, LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 503+ data points

Kansas City, MO
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Cross-country moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 2417601 Verify

About God's Movers, LLC

God’s Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company that has served Greater Kansas City, MO for more than 20 years. It provides compl...Read More >>

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#4
Golden Rule Relocation Logo
Superb

based on 318+ data points

North Kansas City, MO
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Interstate Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3420954 Verify

About Golden Rule Relocation

Golden Rule Relocation is a premier residential and commercial moving and storage company based in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the ent...Read More >>

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#5
Courtesy Movers LLC Logo
Superb

based on 1,051+ data points

Kansas City, MO
Cheap Moving Services, Local Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3241776 Verify

About Courtesy Movers LLC

Courtesy Movers LLC is a client-oriented, Kansas City-based company that provides quality moving services at an affordable price. Its priori...Read More >>

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Relocating from Kansas City to Oakland Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Kansas City, KS & Oakland, CA , helping you find a familiar community vibe in an unfamiliar place. Whether you're seeking lively urban districts or peaceful residential areas, this guide is designed to bridge the gap between two distinct cities.

Kansas CityOakland
RosedaleRockridge

Trendy, family-friendly atmosphere

Strawberry HillPiedmont Avenue

Cultural hub, diverse dining options

ArmourdaleFruitvale

Rich cultural history, vibrant community

MuncieMontclair

Quiet, surrounded by nature

PiperRedwood Heights

Family-oriented, scenic views

TurnerLaurel District

Diverse, strong sense of community

WestheightTemescal

Hip, with a vibrant nightlife

WyandotteGlenview

Residential, with a small-town feel

RiverviewJoaquin Miller Park

Lush, outdoor activities abound

Bethel WelbornAdams Point

Urban, with access to green spaces

Exploring neighborhoods like Rockridge in Oakland can remind Kansas City natives of Rosedale, with both offering a trendy yet family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for those who value a sense of community along with access to chic cafes and shops. For those drawn to the rich cultural tapestry and dining diversity of Strawberry Hill, Piedmont Avenue presents a similar cultural hub in Oakland, bustling with unique restaurants and boutiques. If the peaceful, nature-enclosed vibe of Muncie is what you're leaving behind, Montclair in Oakland will welcome you with its tranquil streets and proximity to lush parks and trails, such as the nearby Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Each of these Oakland neighborhoods offers a distinct charm and character, ensuring that newcomers from Kansas City, KS, can find a new home that resonates with their preferences and lifestyle.

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Things to Do in Oakland

  • Explore Chabot Space & Science Center
  • Stroll through Oakland Zoo
  • Enjoy Lake Merritt on paddleboat
  • Watch a game at Oakland Coliseum
  • Visit Oakland Museum of California
  • Sample at Jack London Square eateries
  • Hike in Redwood Regional Park

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas City to Oakland

Moving across the country from Kansas City, KS to Oakland, CA, offers a blend of both exciting opportunities and potential challenges. This comparison aims to reflect honestly on the good and bad attributes associated with this relocation. By weighing the cons of Kansas City, KS against the pros of Oakland, CA, and vice versa, you'll be better equipped to make this significant life decision.

CONs
PROs
Kansas City, KS iconKansas City, KS
  • Harsh winters
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • Less food variety
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Larger job market
  • Abundant outdoor activities
  • Greater food variety
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Bigger city, less intimacy
  • More traffic congestion
  • Less BBQ variety
  • More crowded
Kansas City, KS iconKansas City, KS
  • Affordable living
  • Friendly community
  • Streetcar downtown
  • Great BBQ culture
  • Less crowded

While Kansas City, KS, may pride itself on a friendly community vibe and a renowned BBQ culture, complete with joints like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, the move to Oakland, CA, opens up a world of new experiences. Oakland's inclusive atmosphere is mirrored in its rich cultural diversity and food scene, featuring restaurants like ShakeWell for Mediterranean cuisine or the famed Nyum Bai for Cambodian fare. The city's milder climate also means more year-round outdoor activities, ranging from exploring the vast trails of Redwood Regional Park to enjoying lakeside views at Lake Merritt. Yet, it's essential to factor in the higher cost of living and denser population, which might adjust your lifestyle compared to the spaciousness and affordability found back in Kansas City, KS.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Kansas City to Oakland

Food is an integral part of local culture and living experience. Through this comparison, we aim to enlighten you about the differences and similarities in the food scene where you're moving to. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between Kansas City & Oakland , highlighting each city's unique flavors, popular dishes, and renowned dining establishments.

Kansas CityOakland

Most iconic local food item

Barbecue RibsChicken and Waffles

Most popular meat dish

BrisketCarne Asada

Most popular street food item

Burnt EndsTacos

Most popular vegan food

Jackfruit BBQMushroom Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Arthur Bryant's
  • Q39
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • Shakewell
  • Dragon Gate

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

68

Abundance of Food Trucks

79

Foodie Scene (out of 10)

89

Vegan Friendly (out of 10)

69

Exploring Kansas City's food scene means diving into the heart of American barbecue culture, with restaurants like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Arthur Bryant's leading the charge. Burnt ends, a local delight, are a must-try street food item for any visitor. Meanwhile, in Oakland, the culinary landscape is notably diverse, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Neighborhoods such as Temescal are known for innovative vegan options, like mushroom tacos, and the city's food trucks offer an impressive variety of cuisines, from Mexican to Asian fusion. If you're moving from Kansas City to Oakland, prepare to embark on an exciting and flavorful journey, enhanced by the city's health-conscious and diverse food scene.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Kansas City to Oakland

Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. For those moving from Kansas City, KS to Oakland, CA, this restaurant comparison will guide you to find your new favorite eating spots by using your current favorite eateries as a reference. Whether you're seeking high-end dining, a casual brunch spot, or the best street food, this list has you covered.

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-QueHorn Barbecue

Authentic and acclaimed BBQ experience

Lidia's Kansas CityBellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar

Offering exquisite Italian cuisine

Garozzo's RistorantePietisserie

Unique and creative Italian-inspired dishes

The RiegerWood Tavern

Known for its innovative and refined American cuisine

Blvd TavernDrake's Dealership

Cool vibes and great American eats

GrünauerSuppenküche

Authentic German cuisine in a friendly atmosphere

Q39Smoakland

Offering a modern take on classic BBQ dishes

Boulevard Brewing CompanyFaction Brewing

Craft beers with a wide selection in a casual setting

NovelCommis

High-end dining with an emphasis on creativity

Town TopicShake Shack

Iconic burgers and shakes, beloved by many

When comparing the dining scenes of Kansas City and Oakland, one can't help but appreciate the diversity and quality of options available in both cities. For BBQ enthusiasts moving from Kansas City, Horn Barbecue in Oakland provides an authentic and highly acclaimed BBQ experience that rivals the best of Kansas City's offerings, like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Italian food lovers who frequented Garozzo's Ristorante will find Pietisserie's unique and creative Italian-inspired dishes a delightful new favorite. Moreover, those seeking a high-end dining experience similar to Novel in Kansas City will be thoroughly impressed by the creativity and exceptional culinary artistry at Commis in Oakland. This move is an opportunity to expand your culinary horizons while finding comforting similarities that make Oakland feel like home.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Kansas City to Oakland

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to understand how Kansas City, KS and Oakland, CA compare in terms of housing. This comparison will give you insight into cost, architecture, walkability, and more, helping you make an informed decision.

When moving from Kansas City, KS, to Oakland, CA, you'll notice significant differences in housing costs and styles. Oakland's median home price and rent are substantially higher, reflecting the city's higher cost of living. However, Oakland scores higher in walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, offering a denser, more walkable urban environment compared to Kansas City's sprawl. The architecture in Oakland features charming Victorian and Craftsman-style homes, while Kansas City tends to have more Bungalows and Ranch-style houses. Additionally, Oakland listings often highlight eco-friendly features and proximity to public transit, indicative of the city's emphasis on sustainability and accessibility.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA

1. Rockridge: Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Rockridge offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and a local pet shop, ensuring your furry friends are always pampered.

2. Lake Merritt: This area surrounds a picturesque lake with a 3.4-mile walking path that's perfect for dog-walking, alongside veterinary services easily accessible for your pets' health needs.

3. Montclair Village: Nestled in the hills, Montclair Village is not only scenic but also boasts a pet-friendly environment with holistic pet care, and numerous trails for adventurous walks with your pets.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Kansas City to Oakland

If you're making the move from Kansas City, KS to Oakland, CA, understanding how the weather contrasts between these cities is crucial. This comparison will give you insight into what kinds of changes you can expect in terms of weather patterns and conditions in Kansas City versus Oakland, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new climate.

Summer icon
89/68

Kansas City, KS

72/56

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
39/20

Kansas City, KS

58/44

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Kansas City, KS

23

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
19

Kansas City, KS

0

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from Kansas City to Oakland will introduce you to a milder climate with less extreme temperatures. Oakland enjoys more days of sunshine annually and significantly less snow, making it an ideal location for those who prefer milder winters without the hassle of snow. While both cities experience their own forms of natural disasters, it's important to prepare for the risks unique to each area, be it tornadoes in Kansas City or earthquakes in Oakland. Additionally, favorable air quality in Oakland is a plus for those with respiratory concerns or outdoor lifestyles. Understanding these differences ensures you adjust more comfortably to your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Kansas City to Oakland

Moving from one city to another involves understanding the financial implications. Comparing Kansas City, KS and Oakland, CA highlights critical differences in finance and economy relevant to your relocation. This comparison aims to provide a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of cost of living , taxation , and the overall economic environment .

While the average household income in Oakland is considerably higher than in Kansas City, this comes with a significantly higher cost of living. Oakland's cost of living index is much above the national average, suggesting that your expenses on housing, utilities, and groceries will increase notably. Although California has a progressive state income tax that can be higher, the property tax in Oakland is lower. However, the higher cost of living might offset the benefits of lower property taxes. Understanding the backbone industries of both cities elucidates potential employment opportunities and the economic climate you’d be moving into. Despite the higher affluence in Oakland, both cities face notable issues with poverty and homelessness, which are important social factors to consider.

Political & Religious Comparison between Kansas City, KS and Oakland, CA

When considering a move from Kansas City, KS, to Oakland, CA, it's useful to look at the comparison of the politics between Kansas City & Oakland and their respective religious landscapes. This will provide you with a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities, helping you gauge the cultural climate you're moving into.

Kansas CityOakland

Political Make-up

Lean ConservativeStrongly Liberal

Local Politics

Moderate mix of Republican & Democrat influencesPrimarily Democrat with progressive tendencies

Religion

Christian majority with diverse faith communitiesVaried religious backgrounds with a strong secular lean

As you plan your move from Kansas City to Oakland, you'll find significant differences in the political and religious landscapes. Kansas City shows a moderate political stance with a balanced mix of Republican and Democrat influences, reflecting its Midwestern roots. Unlike Kansas City, Oakland's political scene is overwhelmingly liberal, deeply influencing local policies and social climate. On the religious front, while Kansas City hosts a predominantly Christian population that includes diverse faith communities, Oakland presents a mosaic of varied religious backgrounds mirrored by a notable secular approach to life. These factors, combined with the city’s progressive tendencies, shape a unique and vivid cultural tapestry that will be part of your new life in Oakland.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Kansas City to Oakland

Moving from Kansas City, KS to Oakland, CA brings significant changes, especially when comparing the daily commute and traffic. This comparison aims to help you better understand what to expect in terms of traffic and transportation options between these two cities.

Kansas CityOakland
2530

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

47

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

58

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

DifficultEasier

Can you get by without car?

In Kansas City, driving is generally less stressful due to lower traffic congestion than in Oakland, as indicated by the scores of 4 and 7 out of 10, respectively. However, Oakland shines when it comes to public transportation, scoring an 8 out of 10, in comparison to Kansas City's more modest score. This makes getting around without a car much easier in Oakland, a benefit to consider if you're looking to lower your carbon footprint or avoid the costs associated with car ownership. Whether it's hopping on BART in Oakland or navigating the wider roads of Kansas City, each city offers a distinct commuting experience.

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