Moving from Boston to Detroit?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Boston to Detroit Movers

Moving from the historic avenues of Boston, MA, to the revitalizing energy of Detroit, MI, marks an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind the academic vibrancy and leafy streets of "Beantown" for the bustling, automotive heart of "Motor City" is a journey filled with new discoveries. To ensure this adventure begins on the right wheel, it's crucial to trust your move to professional movers, like those we've rigorously ranked at Great Guys Moving, who understand the nuances of such a long-distance transition.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Detroit to Boston guide.

5 Best Boston to Detroit Movers

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

#1
Stairhopper Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 9,261+ data points

Boston, MA
Local moves, Long distance moves, Commercial moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1696867 Verify

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in america 2023 image
top ranked movers in boston 2023 stairhopper movers image
#2
Centaur Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,675+ data points

Cambridge, MA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Relocations See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3638077 Verify

About Centaur Moving

Centaur Moving, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a fully licensed and insured moving company with services for local and nationwide mov...Read More >>

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#3
Intelligent labor & Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,979+ data points

Arlington, MA
Local moving services, Long-distance and interstate moving services, Cheap moving rates with two or three movers See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2065664 Verify

About Intelligent labor & Moving

Established in 2005, Intelligent Labor & Moving is a moving and storage company serving residential and corporate clients in the communi...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in boston 2023 intelligent labor moving image
top 10 ranked movers in boston 2022 intelligent labor moving image
#4
Professional Movers.com Logo
Fabulous

based on 270+ data points

Detroit, MI
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, International Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 266582 Verify

About Professional Movers.com

With three locations in Michigan, including one in Detroit, family-owned Professional Movers is an expert moving company specializing in sta...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in detroit 2023 professional movers com image
top 10 ranked movers in detroit 2022 professional movers com image
#5
B
Fabulous

based on 69+ data points

Livonia, MI
White Glove Service, Long Distance Moves, Small Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 4059339 Verify

About Balance Detroit

Located in Detroit, Balance Detroit is a reputable moving company offering a variety of services including white glove service, long-distanc...Read More >>

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Relocating from Boston to Detroit Neighborhood Guide

When relocating, understanding your new city can feel like decoding a complex puzzle. This guide is designed to compare local neighborhoods between Boston, MA & Detroit, MI , offering a baseline for those familiar with Boston to find their bearings in Detroit. By aligning similar neighborhoods, we provide a bridge to help you transition smoothly to your new home.

BostonDetroit
Beacon HillIndian Village

Historic homes, close-knit community

Back BayMidtown

Cultural hub, diverse dining

South EndCorktown

Trendy eateries, artsy vibe

North EndEastern Market

Rich history, food scene

Jamaica PlainWoodbridge

Diverse community, urban green spaces

Fenway-KenmoreNew Center

Historic architecture, cultural attractions

CharlestownWest Village

Charming, walkable streets

Seaport DistrictRivertown

Waterfront views, modern developments

East BostonSouthwest Detroit

Vibrant multicultural atmosphere

South BostonLafayette Park

Community-focused, green spaces

If you adore the quaint, historic charm of Beacon Hill, with its brick sidewalks and gas-lit streets, you'll find a similar vibe in Indian Village's expansive homes and meticulously preserved architecture. For those drawn to the diverse, artistic culture of the South End, Corktown offers a comparable blend of trendy shops, innovative restaurants like Sugar Rush, and an engaging arts scene with venues such as the Michigan Building. Meanwhile, Fenway-Kenmore sports enthusiasts and culture lovers will appreciate New Center's rich history and the architectural splendor of the Detroit Institute of Arts, mirroring Fenway's eclectic mix of cultural institutions and ballpark energy.

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Things to Do in Detroit

  • Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts
  • Visit the Belle Isle Park
  • Enjoy a game at Comerica Park
  • Walk along the Detroit Riverfront
  • Discover the Henry Ford Museum
  • Experience the Motown Museum
  • Try local eats at Eastern Market

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Boston to Detroit

Moving can be a rollercoaster of emotions and logistics. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Boston, MA to Detroit, MI. Understanding both the pros and cons will help you make a more informed decision about your big move.

CONs
PROs
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • High living costs
  • Dense traffic
  • Severe winters
  • Smaller city
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • More affordable
  • Less congestion
  • Milder winters
  • Larger area
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • Less historical sites
  • Fewer top colleges
  • Varying healthcare quality
  • Fewer landmarks
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Rich history
  • Elite universities
  • Robust healthcare
  • Cultural landmarks

While the transition from Boston to Detroit might seem daunting, it's packed with opportunities for renewal and growth. Detroit's affordability means you might be able to enjoy a spacious home in neighborhoods like Midtown or Corktown, both of which are known for their vibrant arts scene and a growing number of eateries like Selden Standard for those who cherish farm-to-table dining. Although you might miss Harvard's historic campuses or the architectural grandeur of the Boston Public Library, Detroit offers its own unique cultural experiences, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Motown Museum. Moreover, Detroit’s revitalization efforts in areas like the Detroit Riverwalk and Campus Martius Park provide refreshing outdoor spaces that are quickly becoming the city's pride, blending modernity with Detroit's rich cultural tapestry.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Boston to Detroit

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Boston, MA & Detroit, MI because food is a significant part of local culture and contributes to the overall living experience in an area. By examining the food scene in both locations, you'll gain insights into what culinary delights await you after your move.

BostonDetroit

Most iconic local food item

Clam ChowderConey Dog

Most popular meat dish

Lobster RollDetroit-Style Pizza

Most popular street food item

Fish and ChipsGreek Gyros

Most popular vegan food

Quinoa SaladVegan Coney

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

    1. Union Oyster House
    2. Neptune Oyster
    3. Legal Sea Foods
    1. Lafayette Coney Island
    2. Supino Pizzeria
    3. Slows Bar BQ

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

75

Foodie Scene

97

Vegan Friendly

87

When moving from Boston to Detroit, the transformation in the local food scene can be significant. In Boston, you might be used to the rich flavors of Clam Chowder and Lobster Rolls, quintessential to New England's culinary identity found in iconic establishments like the Union Oyster House. Transitioning to Detroit introduces you to the Deep-Dish Square Pizza, a hearty alternative iconic to the city, with top spots such as Supino Pizzeria showcasing the best. Detroit's Coney Dogs, served at places like Lafayette Coney Island, offer a unique twist to a classic American dish. Each city boasts a vibrant food scene reflective of its cultural diversity, with an array of options from street food to high-end dining that caters to all tastes, including those with a penchant for vegan cuisine.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Boston to Detroit

Relocating to a new city doesn't mean leaving your favorite meals behind. Recognizing food's importance in making somewhere feel like home, this comparison aims to connect you with delicious parallels in your new locale. Through comparing top restaurants in Boston with their Detroit counterparts, you'll uncover your next go-to spots, ensuring a seamless culinary transition.

OleanaSelden Standard

Artisanal dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients

Neptune OysterVoyager

Exceptional seafood creations in a cozy, inviting atmosphere

ToroLa Feria

Authentic Spanish tapas bar offering a vibrant, shared dining experience

Mike's City DinerDime Store

Classic diner fare with a modern twist and an emphasis on quality ingredients

Craigie On MainChartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails

Known for creative dishes and a dynamic, friendly setting

UniTakoi

Innovative Asian fusion, delivering unique flavors and meticulously plated dishes

GiuliaOttava Via

Cozy Italian trattoria offering handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas

Santarpio's PizzaSupino Pizzeria

Famous for its thin crust pizza and casual, friendly environment

No. 9 ParkThe Apparatus Room

Elegant dining with a focus on inventive American cuisine

Flour Bakery + CafeAvalon International Breads

Beloved bakery known for organic breads and a welcoming vibe

For those moving from Boston to Detroit, the transition won't mean sacrificing culinary excellence. Selden Standard in Detroit mirrors Oleana’s commitment to local, seasonal ingredients, both offering plates that are as beautiful as they are delicious. If it's the cozy buzz of a Spanish tapas bar you'll miss from Toro, Detroit's La Feria stands ready to envelop you in a shared dining experience reminiscent of warm nights in Boston. And for pizza aficionados lamenting the departure from Santarpio’s characteristic crust, Supino Pizzeria will soon become a new favorite, its thin-crust pizzas earning a special place in the hearts of Detroit locals and newcomers alike. This guide not only helps find equivalences but ensures the culinary journey continues unabated in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Boston to Detroit

Real estate is a pivotal factor in relocating. Understanding how Boston, MA and Detroit, MI housing particulars stack against each other can significantly influence your decision-making. This guide will explore costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle features pertinent to each city.

In both Boston and Detroit, the character of the community directly impacts lifestyle preferences, as reflected in real estate trends. Boston’s higher median home price and rent reflect its dense, historic neighborhoods with a high degree of walkability, especially noting the city's fondness for Victorian and Federal architectural styles. On the other hand, Detroit offers a significantly more affordable entry point into the housing market, with an emphasis on Art Deco and Colonial Revival styles, larger lot sizes, and a value on space which influences its urban lifestyle score. Deciding between Boston’s bustling, compact urban charm and Detroit’s spacious, historical allure requires weighing these distinctive living experiences against personal preferences and priorities.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI

1. Midtown: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Midtown is ideal for you and your pets due to its numerous parks and green spaces, along with pet-friendly cafes and grooming salons.

2. Corktown: This historic neighborhood offers a welcoming community for pet owners, featuring dog-friendly restaurants and the popular Roosevelt Park, perfect for afternoon walks.

3. Woodbridge: With its quiet, tree-lined streets and close-knit community, Woodbridge offers a peaceful environment for pets, including easy access to spacious parks and the Michigan Humane Society for your pet’s needs.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Boston to Detroit

Moving from one city to another requires a deep dive into various aspects, among which weather plays a critical role. It’s essential to understand how the climate in Boston, MA compares to Detroit, MI, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
82°F/65°F

Boston, MA

83°F/63°F

Detroit, MI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
36°F/22°F

Boston, MA

35°F/20°F

Detroit, MI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43.8"

Boston, MA

33.5"

Detroit, MI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
48"

Boston, MA

42.7"

Detroit, MI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When comparing the weather between Boston and Detroit, you'll notice a few key differences and similarities that may influence your daily life. Detroit experiences slightly harsher winters with more snow and less sunshine than Boston, possibly affecting your commute or outdoor plans. However, both cities face significant humidity and seasonal allergies, particularly with pollen and mold, which could impact those sensitive to these allergens. Adjusting to Detroit's weather might require a few tweaks to your wardrobe and seasonal preparations, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. Understanding these nuances helps ease the transition between these two cities.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Boston to Detroit

When moving from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will delve into the cost of living, taxation, and economic environments between Boston and Detroit , helping you make an informed decision about your relocation.

While Boston boasts a significantly higher average household income and a stronger perception of affluence compared to Detroit, it also comes with a higher cost of living, reflected in its Cost of Living Index. Detroit, despite a lower average income, presents a potentially easier financial adjustment due to its lower living costs. Taxes vary slightly between the two, with Massachusetts having a higher state income tax but Michigan levying a higher property tax, impacting long-term residencies considerably. Understanding these aspects is crucial for planning your move and ensuring financial stability in your new city.

Political & Religious Comparison between Boston, MA and Detroit, MI

Embarking on a relocation journey not only involves a change of address but also immersing yourself into a new cultural and socio-political environment. This comparison of the political and religious makeup between Boston & Detroit offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot aimed at providing insights into the communities you'll be joining or leaving behind.

BostonDetroit

Political Make-up

Mostly DemocraticHeavily Democratic

Local Politics

Moderately progressive on various urban issuesFocus on economic revitalization and social equity

Religion

Largely Catholic, Boston CatholicDiverse, with a significant African-American Christian community

While both Boston and Detroit lean heavily Democratic in terms of political makeup, the focus and flavor of local politics in each city reflect their unique histories and current priorities. In Boston, a city that combines historical heritage with educational and technological innovation, the political landscape is moderately progressive, tackling a variety of urban issues. Detroit, on the other hand, emphasizes economic revitalization and social equity, reflecting its journey through significant economic challenges and its vibrant African-American heritage. Religion in Boston is largely influenced by its historical Catholic majority, while Detroit presents a more diverse religious scene, with a significant presence of African-American Christian communities. Understanding these nuances will help you texture your expectations and engagement with your new community.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Boston to Detroit

Moving from Boston, MA to Detroit, MI, this comparison of the traffic and transportation options is essential for understanding what your daily commute and traffic experience would be like. By understanding these differences, you can better plan your daily routine and transportation needs in your new city.

BostonDetroit
30.424.5

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

85

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

YesNo

Can you get by without car?

In Boston, thanks to a more extensive public transportation system, including the MBTA, also known as the "T", you might find it easier to get by without a car. The average commute time is slightly longer in Boston, reflective of its higher traffic congestion levels. However, the city's commitment to public transit accessibility eases this burden. In contrast, Detroit, while having less traffic congestion and a shorter average commute time, relies more heavily on personal vehicles. The public transit system in Detroit, consisting mainly of buses and the People Mover, is not as comprehensive as Boston's. This makes owning a car almost a necessity for efficient daily commuting.

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