Moving from Minneapolis to Oakland?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Minneapolis to Oakland Movers

Embarking on the journey from the snowy landscapes of Minneapolis, MN, to the bustling streets of Oakland, CA, marks an exhilarating chapter in your life. You're trading the City of Lakes and its comforting Midwestern charm for the vibrant diversity and dynamic spirit of the Bright Side of the Bay. Given the vast distance and the life-changing nature of such a move, securing the services of trusted and reliable professional movers is paramount; our team at Great Guys Moving ensures you're matched with the best, making your transition as smooth as possible.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Minneapolis guide.

5 Best Minneapolis to Oakland Movers

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

#1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,273+ data points

Location DotEl Sobrante, CA
GearLocal Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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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top 10 ranked movers in san francisco 2023 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in oakland 2022 ocd moving services llc image
#2
Metro Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,008+ data points

Location DotHopkins, MN
GearResidential Moving, Business Moving, Long Distance Residential Moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/12/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3742268 Verify

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared vision...Read More >>

top 3 minneapolis 2024 metro movers image
top 10 ranked movers in fertile 2023 metro movers image
#3
Kora Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,517+ data points

Location DotSan Bruno, CA
GearLocal moves, Long distance moves, Packing and unpacking See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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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top 10 ranked movers in san bruno 2023 kora moving image
#4
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 528+ data points

Location DotMinneapolis, MN
GearCheap moving, Local moving, Long-distance moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 2846187 Verify

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup truck back ...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in blaine 2023 general expert moving service llc image
top 10 ranked movers in bloomington 2022 general expert moving service llc image
#5
Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 331+ data points

Location DotMinneapolis, MN
GearExercise Equipment Moving, Exercise Equipment Disassembly, Exercise Equipment Assembly See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 3/14/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3914686 Verify

About Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI

Exercise Equipment Installation (EEI) has been providing quality service since 1995, specializing in professional and reliable disassembly, ...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in madelia 2023 exercise equipment installation eei image

Relocating from Minneapolis to Oakland Neighborhood Guide

When moving from Minneapolis, MN to Oakland, CA, it helps to compare what you know with what you're about to discover. This guide offers a comparison of popular neighborhoods in each city, helping you find a new community that reminds you of home. Below, you'll find a chart highlighting top neighborhoods in Minneapolis alongside their Oakland counterparts, offering a glimpse into similar vibes, amenities, and community feels.

MinneapolisOakland
UptownRockridge

Trendy eateries, boutique shopping

North LoopTemescal

Hip, vibrant nightlife

Lowry HillPiedmont Avenue

Historic charm, walkable streets

Linden HillsMontclair

Quaint shopping, family-friendly

NortheastJingletown

Artsy vibe, unique galleries

SouthwestGrand Lake

Lush parks, weekend markets

KennyRedwood Heights

Quiet, residential, good schools

WhittierOld Oakland

Diverse dining, historical architecture

Bryn MawrClaremont

Upscale, spacious homes

PowderhornFruitvale

Community-oriented, cultural hub

For those considering a move from Minneapolis's vibrant Uptown to Oakland, Rockridge offers a similarly eclectic mix of boutique shops and trendy eateries, such as Zachary's Chicago Pizza and the popular Rockridge Ice Cream & Gelato. If the artsy and diverse atmosphere of Northeast Minneapolis draws you in, you'll find a kindred spirit in Oakland's Jingletown, where local artistry thrives at spots like Jingletown Arts & Business Community. For those who appreciate the historic and walkable charm of Lowry Hill, Piedmont Avenue in Oakland mirrors this with landmarks like the Mountain View Cemetery, providing a picturesque setting alongside period architecture and cozy cafes. This detailed comparison underscores the unique qualities that make each neighborhood desirable, bridging the gap between the familiar and the new as you embark on this exciting relocation journey.

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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 Minneapolis to Oakland

Moving from one city to another can be a blend of excitement and apprehension. This guide aims to juxtapose the advantages and disadvantages of relocating from Minneapolis, MN to Oakland, CA, providing you with a balanced overview. By examining the pros and cons, you'll gain insights into how this move might affect your lifestyle, helping you to make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Minneapolis, MN iconMinneapolis, MN
  • Colder Winters
  • Less Cultural Diversity
  • Fewer Green Initiatives
  • Smaller Tech Scene
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Milder Climate
  • More Cultural Diversity
  • Strong Environmentalism
  • Larger Tech Industry
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher Expenses
  • Less Access to Water
  • Smaller Arts Community
  • Tougher Housing Market
Minneapolis, MN iconMinneapolis, MN
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Abundant Lakes
  • Rich Arts Scene
  • More Affordable Housing

The move from Minneapolis to Oakland introduces you to a world brimming with cultural diversity and a vibrant tech industry. Oakland's climate is notably more forgiving, making it an ideal location for those who prefer milder winters. The city is alive with green initiatives and a strong sense of environmentalism, found in its community events and local policies. However, this move means adjusting to a higher cost of living and navigating a challenging housing market. Yet, locations like Lake Merritt and the buzzing streets of Temescal offer unique urban and natural sights. Oakland's food scene, featuring restaurants like Shakewell and Belotti, showcases the city's culinary diversity. Despite the differences in lakes and arts compared to Minneapolis, Oakland presents ample parks and diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character, such as the historical charm of Jack London Square and the Redwoods' tranquility in Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Minneapolis to Oakland

This comparison of the local cuisine between Minneapolis & Oakland is essential for understanding the food scene in your new home. Food is a crucial part of local culture and experiencing life in a new area, and this guide aims to inform you about what culinary delights await.

MinneapolisOakland

Most iconic local food item

Hotdish
Sourdough Bread

Most popular meat dish

Juicy Lucy
BBQ Brisket

Most popular street food item

Mini Donuts
Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Wild Rice Burger
Vegan Burritos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Spoon and Stable
  • Surly Brewing Co.
  • Matt's Bar
  • Shandong Restaurant
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • The Cheeseboard

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)

7
8

Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)

6
9

Foodie Scene (out of 10)

7
9

Vegan Friendly (out of 10)

6
9

In Minneapolis, the Juicy Lucy—a cheese-stuffed burger patty—is a must-try for meat lovers, while in Oakland, the vibrant street food scene highlights tacos, with countless variations available throughout the city, especially in neighborhoods like Fruitvale. Oakland is also known for its vegan-friendly offerings, including innovative vegan burritos that can be found in various food trucks and restaurants like The Butcher's Son. Minneapolis offers a unique twist on vegan cuisine with the Wild Rice Burger, a nod to the state's indigenous food traditions. For those looking to dive deep into the local food cultures, Minneapolis's Spoon and Stable offers a cozy, locally sourced menu, while Oakland's Brown Sugar Kitchen is renowned for its soulful, modern approach to Southern cuisine.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Minneapolis to Oakland

Food plays a significant role in making a place feel like home. If you're moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Oakland, CA, finding your new go-to dining spots is crucial. This restaurant comparison between Minneapolis and Oakland will help bridge the familiarity gap, enabling you to discover your next favorite eateries by paralleling them with those from your former hometown.

Spoon and StableCommis

Both offer high-end, avant-garde dining experiences

Brasa Premium RotisserieBrown Sugar Kitchen

Soulful and comforting American cuisine

Matt’s BarTrueBurger

Both are known for their iconic, mouthwatering burgers

RevivalHomeroom

A focus on American comfort food with a unique twist

Sea Salt EaterySwan's Market

Fresh seafood options in a casual setting

Young JoniPizzaiolo

Artisanal pizzas in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere

AlmaCamino

Both focus on local, seasonal ingredients in a refined atmosphere

Butcher & The BoarBelcampo

Renowned for their meat-centric dishes and quality cuts

The Bachelor FarmerDuende

A modern and creative take on traditional dishes

Hola ArepaCholita Linda

Both are best known for Latin American street food favorites

Discovering a new favorite restaurant can be a thrilling part of moving to a new city. In Oakland, you'll find that Commis mirrors the high-end dining experience of Minneapolis's Spoon and Stable, but with its unique California twist on gastronomy. If your heart aches for the comforting embrace of soulful American cuisine, Oakland's Brown Sugar Kitchen will fill the void left by Brasa Premium Rotisserie, serving dishes that are as heartwarming as they are delicious. For burger aficionados, taking a bite of a TrueBurger burger delivers the same satisfaction and quality you'd expect from a visit to Matt’s Bar. These comparisons are just a starting point, designed to ease the transition, satisfying both your nostalgia for Minneapolis and your excitement for exploring Oakland's vibrant culinary scene.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Minneapolis to Oakland

Real estate is a crucial aspect when considering a relocation. Understanding how Minneapolis and Oakland compare will illuminate the differences in housing costs , living styles , and community vibe . This comparison aims to provide a clear perspective on what to expect from each city's real estate market.

When diving deeper into the real estate nuances between Minneapolis and Oakland, a few key details stand out. For starters, Minneapolis’ housing market is significantly more affordable, with the median home price being notably lower than in Oakland. This affordability does not come at the cost of lifestyle, as Minneapolis offers impressive lake views and easy access to lush parks which commonly feature in real estate listings. On the other hand, Oakland presents a higher urban lifestyle score, boasting superior walkability and bikeability, which reflects the city's dense, vibrant nature. Architecture enthusiasts moving to Oakland will appreciate the blend of Victorian and modern designs that mark its neighborhoods. For those who prioritize public transit and bay views, Oakland's real estate listings consistently highlight these attributes, catering to a more urban-centric living experience.

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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 Minneapolis to Oakland

Understanding how the weather compares between your current city and your new home is crucial when relocating. This comparison between Minneapolis, MN, and Oakland, CA, focuses on various aspects of the climate to help you prepare for your move. Knowing these differences ensures you adjust smoothly to the new weather patterns and enjoy your new environment.

Summer icon
83°F / 63°F

Minneapolis, MN

73°F / 57°F

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
24°F / 9°F

Minneapolis, MN

58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
30.6 inches

Minneapolis, MN

23 inches

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
54 inches

Minneapolis, MN

0 inches

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When moving from Minneapolis to Oakland, you’ll say goodbye to harsh winters and welcome a milder, Mediterranean climate. A striking difference lies in the winter temperatures and snowfall; Oakland experiences mild winters with almost no snow, contrasting sharply with Minneapolis’s snowy and cold winters. This change alone can significantly impact your daily life, from your wardrobe to your outdoor activities. Additionally, Oakland enjoys more sunshine days a year, which can positively affect your mood and vitamin D levels. However, it’s also important to note that the risk of natural disasters shifts from blizzards and tornadoes to earthquakes and wildfires. Understanding these climatic changes will help in making your transition smoother and preparing you for a new lifestyle in Oakland.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one city to another, comparing financial aspects such as income, taxes, and the cost of living is crucial. Understanding these differences will prepare you financially for your new environment. This comparison focuses on Minneapolis, MN and Oakland, CA, highlighting the key economic factors that could impact your decision and budgeting.

While both Minneapolis and Oakland offer vibrant economies, moving to Oakland from Minneapolis typically means adjusting to a significantly higher cost of living, specifically a 151 index in Oakland compared to Minneapolis's 105. This includes higher expenses for housing, as reflected in the difference in average property taxes, though Oakland residents pay a bit less in this regard. State income tax is also notably higher in California. Affluence in Oakland is described as "highly affluent," indicating a strong economy driven by leading sectors such as technology and health care. However, it's also important to consider social issues such as homelessness, which is described as severe in Oakland, part of the broader challenges facing many California cities. Preparing for these economic and social realities will be crucial for a smooth transition.

Political & Religious Comparison between Minneapolis, MN and Oakland, CA

In preparing for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Oakland, CA, it's valuable to grasp a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities. This guide offers a concise comparison of the politics between Minneapolis & Oakland to help you understand the community you're moving into or leaving behind.

MinneapolisOakland

Political Make-up

Liberal/DemocraticVery Liberal/Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive policies, strong emphasis on social issuesHighly progressive, significant activism and community organizing

Religion

Mix of Protestant, Catholic, and non-religious groupsDiverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents

Both Minneapolis and Oakland are known for their liberal political landscapes, yet Oakland stands out for its high level of activism and community organizing, reflecting its citizens' commitment to progressive ideals. While Minneapolis has a mix of religious affiliations with a notable presence of Protestant and Catholic communities, Oakland showcases a more diverse religious scene with a larger proportion of non-religious individuals. Understanding these nuances can help you better integrate into the local culture and community activities of your new home.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Minneapolis to Oakland

Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Oakland, CA brings a notable change in your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison between Minneapolis & Oakland is designed to help you better understand what to expect in terms of traffic and transportation options in your new city.

MinneapolisOakland
2530

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

67

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

78

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Possible, but challengingYes, more feasible

Can you get by without car?

In Minneapolis, although possible, getting by without a car can be challenging due to the sprawling nature of the city and its suburbs. The public transit system, which includes buses and light rail, is fairly robust, but doesn't cover all areas comprehensively. In contrast, Oakland offers a slightly more congested traffic situation, which is counterbalanced by a higher availability and convenience of public transit options, like BART and buses, making it more feasible to live without a personal vehicle. The average commute time in Oakland is slightly longer, suggesting that while you might spend more time in transit, the efficiency and coverage of public transportation can ease your daily travel.

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