Moving from Boston to Vancouver?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Boston to Vancouver Movers

Moving from the historic charm of Boston, MA to the natural beauty of Vancouver, WA is an adventure that promises new beginnings and exciting opportunities. Leaving behind the storied streets of "Bean Town" for the scenic vistas of "The Couve" can feel like trading one treasure for another. In embarking on such a significant journey, the importance of choosing reliable professional movers cannot be overstressed, ensuring your treasured belongings make the trip safely. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best movers, using our unbiased algorithm to cut through the claims and find true moving excellence.

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

5 Best Boston to Vancouver 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 9/10/2024)

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 9/11/2024)

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 >>

top 3 boston 2024 centaur moving image
#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 9/10/2024)

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
Northwest Grace Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 605+ data points

Oregon City, OR
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Senior Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT: 1999959 Verify

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland Metro...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in salem 2023 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2022 northwest grace moving image
#5
All Service Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 9,065+ data points

Portland, OR
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Long Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 1863079 Verify

About All Service Moving

Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By using a ...Read More >>

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Relocating from Boston to Vancouver Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the right neighborhood to call home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison guide to help you familiarize yourself with Vancouver, WA, using Boston, MA & Vancouver, WA neighborhoods as a reference. By comparing popular neighborhoods in Boston with their Vancouver counterparts, you can find a new community that feels familiar.

BostonVancouver
Back BayFisher's Landing East

Upscale, vibrant community

Beacon HillDowntown Vancouver

Historic charm, walkable streets

South EndUptown Village

Artsy, diverse cultural scene

North EndOld Evergreen Highway

Waterfront proximity, culinary hotspot

Jamaica PlainShumway

Laid-back, community-focused

Fenway-KenmoreFruit Valley

Youthful energy, sports and entertainment

CharlestownRose Village

Rich history, sense of community

Allston-BrightonCarter Park

Lively, student-friendly environment

DorchesterHearthwood

Diverse, family-friendly vibes

South BostonCascade Highlands

Growing, vibrant community

In comparing these neighborhoods, consider Beacon Hill's counterpart in Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, where you'll discover a treasure trove of historic buildings along walkable streets, offering a similar charm. Similarly, the culinary delights and waterfront views that define North End find a match in Old Evergreen Highway, a neighborhood known for its restaurants and stunning river vistas. For those drawn to the youthful energy and sports culture of Fenway-Kenmore, Fruit Valley in Vancouver offers an exciting mix of recreational activities and entertainment options. Each of these pairs showcases how moving from Boston to Vancouver can be a journey of discovering new favorites while still finding comfort in the characteristics that made you love your Boston neighborhood.

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Things to Do in Vancouver

  • Explore Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
  • Stroll along Vancouver Waterfront Park.
  • Attend summer concerts at Esther Short Park.
  • Visit Pearson Air Museum.
  • Enjoy wine tasting at Maryhill Winery Tasting Room.
  • Take kids to Marshall Community Park.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Boston to Vancouver

Moving from one city to another is a significant life decision, made easier when weighing the ups and downs of your current location against your future one. This comparison aims at offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes tied to relocating from Boston, MA to Vancouver, WA. By venturing through these charts, you'll gain insights into what changes, for better or worse, await you.

CONs
PROs
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Higher living costs
  • Colder winters
  • Dense traffic
  • Smaller green spaces
Vancouver, WA iconVancouver, WA
  • More affordable living
  • Milder winters
  • Less congestion
  • More parks and greens
Vancouver, WA iconVancouver, WA
  • Less historical depth
  • Quieter cultural scene
  • More car dependence
  • More limited food variety
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant culture
  • Better public transit
  • Diverse cuisine

While both Boston and Vancouver offer unique living experiences, moving to Vancouver, WA, indeed brings a shift in lifestyle. The city's public parks, such as Esther Short Park, provide expansive greenery and recreational activities missing in the compact urban spaces back in Boston. Restaurant scenes might vary, but places like La Pella in Vancouver offer a gastronomic delight that could easily rival Boston's diverse cuisine. Though the historical charm and bustling city life of Boston are unmatched, Vancouver counters with a serene, more laid-back living style, nestled amidst nature and marked by a significant reduction in living costs. This comparative ease is especially felt in residential areas like Fisher's Landing East, characterized by its welcoming neighborhoods and easy access to both natural sights and urban amenities.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Boston to Vancouver

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Boston, MA & Vancouver, WA for those considering a move. Understanding the local food scene is essential as it's a vibrant part of living in a new area. Through this comparison, you'll gain insights into what culinary delights await you in your new home.

BostonVancouver

Most iconic local food item

Clam ChowderSmoked Salmon

Most popular meat dish

Lobster RollElk Burger

Most popular street food item

CannoliTaco Trucks

Most popular vegan food

Quinoa SaladTofu Scramble

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

    1. Union Oyster House
    2. Neptune Oyster
    3. Mike's Pastry

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

67

Foodie Scene

87

Vegan Friendly

78

Upon arriving in Vancouver, WA, you'll find a transition from Boston's famed seafood to Vancouver's embrace of Pacific Northwest flavors. Vancouver shines with its smoked salmon, a regional staple, readily found in local markets or as a feature in upscale dining rooms like those at Beaches Restaurant and Bar. Vegan and health-conscious eaters moving from Boston will appreciate Vancouver's slightly higher vegan-friendly rating, with spots like Bleu Door Bakery offering delicious plant-based brunch options. Food trucks, such as those serving up fresh Pacific Northwest tacos, paint Vancouver’s streets with a casual, culinary charm, catering to a bustling foodie scene amid the city's outdoor-centric culture.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Boston to Vancouver

Finding a new favorite eatery can make a new city feel like home. This comparison of top restaurants from Boston to their closest counterparts in Vancouver, WA, is designed to ease your transition. Food plays a crucial role in settling into a new place, and this guide will help you discover places where you can relish meals that remind you of Boston's top restaurants with Vancouver's culinary offerings.

Neptune OysterWildFin American Grill

Offers fresh seafood reminiscent of Neptune Oyster's premium offerings.

OleanaRelevant Coffee

Known for innovative dishes and a cozy ambiance similar to Oleana.

SarmaLapellah

Delivers a farm-to-table experience akin to Sarma's inventive Mediterranean fare.

ToroLa Bottega

Serves Spanish-influenced dishes and wines, capturing Toro's essence.

Regina PizzeriaApizza Scholls

Famous for wood-fired pizzas that rival Regina Pizzeria's much-loved slices.

Pammy’sNonavo Pizza

Offers a unique dining experience with handmade pizzas and natural wines, akin to Pammy’s vibe.

GiuliaIlani

Fine dining with an Italian twist, channeling Giulia’s upscale atmosphere.

CoppaThe Grocery Cocktail & Social

Known for its small plates and craft cocktails, echoing Coppa's intimate experience.

HarvestFarmers Market

While not a restaurant, it offers fresh, local produce similar to Harvest’s farm-to-table concept.

MistralHudson’s Bar and Grill

Offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients, much like Mistral.

Among the notable mentions, Apizza Scholls in Vancouver captures the essence of Boston's beloved Regina Pizzeria, offering wood-fired pizzas that come remarkably close to the iconic slices found in the North End. For a taste of the Mediterranean similar to Sarma and Toro, La Bottega in Vancouver serves up Spanish-inflected dishes and a notable wine list that brings a piece of Boston's vibrant dining scene to the Pacific Northwest. Transitioning from Boston's eclectic food scene to Vancouver doesn't mean sacrificing quality or diversity in dining experiences. These Vancouver establishments not only promise to satisfy your cravings but also offer the warmth and ambiance you’ve cherished back in Boston.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Boston to Vancouver

When considering a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison between Boston, MA and Vancouver, WA will guide you in making an informed decision about where to call home next. Let’s dive into the housing aspects of both cities.

Examining real estate across cities reveals significant differences, particularly in costs and lifestyles. While Boston's median home price and monthly rent are considerably higher, reflecting its historic and high-demand urban environment, Vancouver offers a more affordable and spacious living option. The architectural styles also hint at the cities' cultural backgrounds, with Boston showcasing Colonial and Victorian homes indicative of its rich history, while Vancouver leans towards practical Ranch and Craftsman designs suitable for family living. Moreover, Boston's excellent walkability score is indicative of its dense, urban landscape, where most amenities and vibrant city life are within walking distance. Meanwhile, Vancouver's higher bikeability score aligns with its laid-back, outdoor lifestyle supported by extensive bike paths. Each city captures a unique essence, catered to diverse preferences and lifestyles.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Vancouver, WA

1. Fisher's Landing East: Known for its extensive walking trails and dog-friendly parks, such as the popular Dogwood Dog Park, Fisher's Landing East is perfect for pets who love to explore outdoors.

2. Lincoln: With its welcoming vibe, Lincoln boasts pet-friendly dining options and the beautiful Esther Short Park, where you can enjoy open spaces and community events with your four-legged friends.

3. Shumway: Close to the heart of Vancouver, Shumway offers easy access to pet services and supplies, including numerous Petco locations, and is a stone's throw away from several pet-friendly cafes and shops.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Boston to Vancouver

If you're considering a move from one location to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This guide is specifically designed to help you grasp the climatic differences between Boston, MA and Vancouver, WA, ensuring you're well-prepared for what lies ahead.

Summer icon
82°F / 65°F

Boston, MA

80°F / 58°F

Vancouver, WA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
37°F / 22°F

Boston, MA

47°F / 35°F

Vancouver, WA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43.8"

Boston, MA

41.5"

Vancouver, WA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
48"

Boston, MA

3"

Vancouver, WA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While both Boston and Vancouver enjoy a comparable average summer temperature, you'll find winters considerably milder in Vancouver, WA. Sunshine is more abundant in Boston, with 200 days of sunshine a year compared to Vancouver's 144. This could influence your daily lifestyle, potentially requiring more indoor activities in Vancouver. Understanding the prevalence of natural disasters, like Boston's blizzards versus Vancouver's earthquakes, is also key for emergency preparedness. Additionally, Boston experiences more snowfall, which might mean investing in different winter gear if moving to Vancouver, where snow is a rarity.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one city to another, it's critical to gauge how your finances might be affected. This comparison between Boston, MA and Vancouver, WA aims to highlight key economic differences to help you plan your transition effectively.

When moving from Boston to Vancouver, you'll notice significant differences financially. The average household income is lower in Vancouver, but this is offset by a much lower cost of living and the absence of state income tax, which can be a real game-changer for your budget. The cost of living in Boston is considerably higher, which can strain finances despite potentially higher incomes. Understanding the economic landscape, including the dominant industries and tax structures of your new city, is crucial for a smooth transition and financial stability.

Political & Religious Comparison between Boston, MA and Vancouver, WA

When considering a move from Boston, MA to Vancouver, WA, it’s helpful to get an understanding of how the communities compare. This comparison of the politics between Boston & Vancouver provides a quick snapshot of the political leanings and religious affiliations of residents in each city, offering insights into what you might expect in your new home.

BostonVancouver

Political Make-up

Liberal/DemocraticModerate, with a mix of Liberal and Conservative

Local Politics

Democratic dominance in local governmentMore balanced with both Democratic and Republican representation

Religion

Largely secular with Catholic presenceReligiously diverse with Protestant, Catholic, and non-affiliated groups

In Boston, the political scene is strongly liberal, largely influenced by its history, universities, and Democrat-led governance. Local politics reflect this with a significant Democratic presence. Religion in Boston tends to be more secular overall, but there is a notable Catholic community due in part to the city's Irish and Italian heritage. Moving to Vancouver, WA, you'll find a more politically diverse environment. The local political landscape is not as skewed towards one party and reflects a mix of both liberal and conservative values. Religion in Vancouver is more varied, with no single denomination dominating the scene, reflecting the city's broad mix of cultures and beliefs. This contrast in political and religious makeup can offer a refreshing change and new perspectives for those relocating from Boston.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Boston to Vancouver

Moving from Boston, MA to Vancouver, WA involves adjusting to different daily commutes and traffic scenarios. This comparison will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in each city.

BostonVancouver
30.425.4

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

7.54.5

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

96

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Yes, easierPossible, but harder

Can you get by without car?

In Boston, the vast MBTA public transportation system makes it significantly easier to navigate the city without a car compared to Vancouver, where the public transit options are more limited. While Vancouver enjoys less traffic congestion, potentially leading to quicker commute times, the need for a car is more pronounced due to its less dense public transportation network. This shift in reliance on personal transportation in Vancouver could be a notable change from Boston's more walkable and transit-friendly infrastructure. Adapting to these differences will be an essential aspect of your move, especially considering your daily commute and overall lifestyle adjustments in a new city.

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