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Springfield to Oakland Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from the Queen City of the Ozarks to the bustling Bay Area marks an adventurous turn in your life, full of new opportunities and experiences. While you're trading in Springfield's laid-back charm and outdoor vistas for Oakland's vibrant culture, diverse communities, and iconic skyline, remember that a journey of over 1,800 miles starts with a single step — choosing the right movers. We understand how crucial it is to rely on professional, trustworthy movers for this long-distance transition, ensuring your belongings arrive safely in your new West Coast home.

4 Best Movers for Moving from Springfield 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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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
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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top 10 ranked movers in san bruno 2023 kora moving image
#3
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,340+ data points

Springfield, MO
Local Moving, Junk Removal, Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/14/2023)

USDOT: 842136 Verify

About Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck has been serving the greater Springfield area since 1994. This moving business doesn’t just relocate. It invests in its ...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in springfield 2023 two men and a truck image
top 3 ranked movers in springfield 2022 two men and a truck image
#4
Mck Moving Logo
Superb
claimed company icon

based on 134+ data points

Springfield, MO
Local moving in Missouri, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/25/2024)

USDOT: 4130795 Verify

About Mck Moving

McK Movers of Missouri, LLC, is a family-owned and operated full-service moving company based in Missouri. Licensed, bonded, and insured, th...Read More >>

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Relocating from Springfield to Oakland Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Springfield, MO & Oakland, CA, highlighting their similarities. This guide aims to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.

SpringfieldOakland
Rountree AreaRockridge

Vibrant, with historic charm

Phelps GrovePiedmont Avenue

Artsy and walkable

BrentwoodMontclair

Family-friendly with a quiet vibe

Cherry StreetTemescal

Up-and-coming, diverse eateries

Galloway VillageGrand Lake

Lakeside living, vibrant community

Tom WatkinsNorth Oakland

Community-focused, residential

Cinnamon SquareAdams Point

Urban, with green spaces

West CentralWest Oakland

Historic, with a creative edge

Southern HillsRedwood Heights

Suburban feel, scenic views

University HeightsClaremont

Academic vibes, affluent

For Springfield residents accustomed to the historic charm and vibrant community of the Rountree Area, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood, known for its bustling streets lined with quaint shops and historic homes. If you love Phelps Grove for its artsy feel and walkability, Oakland's Piedmont Avenue could be your next favorite spot, featuring unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Brentwood's family-friendly ambiance and quiet streets have a counterpart in Montclair, Oakland, offering a serene setting with easy access to nature trails and parks, perfect for weekend family hikes. For those who enjoy the diverse culinary scene and the up-and-coming vibe of Cherry Street, Temescal in Oakland will not disappoint, with its eclectic mix of restaurants and indie shops.

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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 Springfield to Oakland

Moving from one city to another is always a mix of excitement and apprehension. This guide aims to lay out an honest reflection of moving from Springfield, MO to Oakland, CA, highlighting the good and the bad to help you make an informed decision. By comparing the cons of staying in Springfield with the pros of moving to Oakland, and vice versa, we hope to provide a clear picture of what awaits you.

CONs
PROs
Springfield, MO iconSpringfield, MO
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Lower walkability
  • Fewer job opportunities
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Vibrant urban scene
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • High walkability
  • More job opportunities
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Urban noise
  • Less community feel
  • Challenging parking
Springfield, MO iconSpringfield, MO
  • Affordable living
  • Quiet neighborhoods
  • Close-knit communities
  • Easy parking

Moving to Oakland from Springfield introduces you to a pulsating urban scene, with vibrant neighborhoods like Temescal known for its eclectic shops and eateries such as Cholita Linda offering famed Baja fish tacos. Oakland's cultural tapestry is rich, evidenced by its numerous festivals and events celebrating diversity. For lovers of the outdoors, Lake Merritt provides a scenic backdrop for jogs and picnics. Despite the higher cost of living, Oakland's job market is robust, spanning various industries, providing ample career opportunities. However, transition may come with challenges such as adjusting to busier streets and a more competitive housing market, but the city's unique charm and opportunities often outweigh these cons.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Springfield to Oakland

Food is an integral part of experiencing local culture and understanding what it's like to live in an area. With this in mind, we're embarking on a culinary journey to highlight the differences and delights awaiting you. This guide will focus on a comparison of the local cuisine between Springfield and Oakland, giving you a taste of what to expect as you transition from one vibrant food scene to another.

SpringfieldOakland

Most iconic local food item

Cashew ChickenOakland Sourdough

Most popular meat dish

Smoked BrisketKorean BBQ

Most popular street food item

Corn DogsTacos

Most popular vegan food

Black Bean BurgersJackfruit Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

    1. Leong's Asian Diner
    2. City Butcher and Barbecue
    3. Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes
    1. Nyum Bai
    2. Brown Sugar Kitchen
    3. Everett & Jones Barbeque

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

68

Abundance of Food Trucks

59

Foodie Scene

69

Vegan Friendly

58

In moving from Springfield to Oakland, you're stepping into a rich, diverse culinary landscape deeply influenced by global cuisines. Oakland, a city known for its vibrant street food scene, offers an exciting array of choices for food lovers, from the authentic Korean BBQ in the heart of the Temescal neighborhood to the innovative vegan offerings like jackfruit tacos found across the city. Landmark Oakland restaurants such as Nyum Bai, celebrating Cambodian cuisine, or the soulful flavors at Brown Sugar Kitchen, provide quintessential experiences of the city's food culture. The higher ratings across categories for Oakland reflect a bustling foodie scene with an abundance of food trucks and vegan options, illustrating the city's commitment to health consciousness and culinary diversity. As you immerse yourself in Oakland's food scene, you'll discover a community that values sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring there's something delicious on offer for everyone.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Springfield to Oakland

Finding a new favorite dining spot can turn a new city into home. This restaurant comparison between Springfield and Oakland will guide you to eateries that echo your tastes from back home. With options ranging from high-end to casual, there's a table waiting for you in your new city.

Black Sheep Burgers & ShakesTrueBurger

Handcrafted burgers and milkshakes with a similar vibe and commitment to quality

Metropolitan GrillCommis

A high-end experience focusing on innovative and beautifully prepared dishes

Café CuscoCholita Linda

Latin American flavors with a focus on fresh ingredients and vibrant dishes

City Butcher and BarbecueHorn Barbecue

Authentic Texas-style barbecue that captures the essence and simplicity of great meat

Rama Thai CafeChai Thai Noodles

Authentic Thai cuisine offering a similar cozy and inviting dining experience

Aviary CafeDona Tomas

Offers a similar approach to food, with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in a cozy setting

Leong's Asian DinerShandong Restaurant

Classic Chinese dishes prepared with care and tradition in mind

Japanese KitchenUmami Mart

Combines a unique shopping experience with a tasting space for Japanese delicacies

The WheelhouseBurma Superstar

Similar in offering exotic flavors and dishes that are hard to find elsewhere

MaMa Jean's Natural Market & DeliGrand Lake Kitchen

Both serve as great spots for fresh, healthy eats and locally-sourced food

In the search for a culinary experience that brings a taste of Springfield to Oakland, you'll discover places like Horn Barbecue, which lays on the heavy, smoky flavors reminiscent of City Butcher and Barbecue. The artisan burgers and shakes at TrueBurger offer a nostalgic trip similar to that of Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes, ensuring the transition in your move is just a little bit tastier. Commis, taking the place of Metropolitan Grill, elevates your dining experience with Michelin-starred creativity in the culinary heart of Oakland. For those longing for the vibrant and exotic flavors akin to Café Cusco, Cholita Linda will engulf your senses with its Latin American flair, proving that home isn't just where the heart is—it's also where the food is.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Springfield to Oakland

Comparing real estate in Springfield, MO, and Oakland, CA is crucial for understanding your new home environment. Real estate encompasses cost, style, and lifestyle, making it one of the most significant aspects to consider when moving. This comparison aims to outline the key differences and similarities to aid in your transition.

When making the move from Springfield to Oakland, you’ll find striking differences in housing costs and lifestyle. Springfield's real estate market is significantly more affordable, whether you’re buying or renting. However, Oakland offers an urban lifestyle with higher walkability and bikeability scores, reflecting its dense, city-oriented layout. The architecture in Oakland tends more towards Victorian and modern designs, often highlighted in listings alongside eco-friendly home features. Springfield, conversely, boasts traditional and ranch-style homes with larger yards and an emphasis on quiet, suburban neighborhoods. This comparison illustrates the vast differences in living environments between the two cities, underscoring the importance of examining your preferences and necessities before relocating.

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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 Springfield to Oakland

When planning a move from Springfield, MO to Oakland, CA, it's crucial to consider the differences in weather you'll experience. Understanding how the climate contrasts between your current and future homes can ease the transition. This comparison aims to highlight the weather variations between Springfield and Oakland to help you prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
89/68

Springfield, MO

75/56

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
42/23

Springfield, MO

58/44

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
45

Springfield, MO

23

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
17

Springfield, MO

0

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While Springfield experiences a more pronounced range of temperatures, from hot summers to cold winters, Oakland offers a milder climate year-round. This difference can significantly affect your daily life and wardrobe preparations. In Oakland, you'll enjoy more sunshine days but with higher average humidity levels. Additionally, it's important to consider the contrasting types of natural disasters each area faces—tornadoes and severe storms in Springfield versus earthquakes and wildfires in Oakland—and plan accordingly for your safety.

Ready to start your move?

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

When contemplating a move from Springfield, MO to Oakland, CA, understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes compare in these cities is crucial. This comparison caters specifically to your financial planning and adaptation needs.

When moving from Springfield to Oakland, you'll notice a stark contrast in the cost of living and average household income. Oakland's cost of living index significantly exceeds that of Springfield, necessitating a higher income to maintain a comparable standard of living. While both cities prioritize healthcare and retail among their top industries, Oakland's economic landscape is notably affluent, partly due to the tech industry's prominent presence. The higher state income and sales taxes in Oakland reflect California's more expensive cost of living. However, it's also important to acknowledge the social challenges, as evidenced by significant poverty and homelessness rates, contrasting with the less acute but still present issues in Springfield.

Political & Religious Comparison between Springfield, MO and Oakland, CA

This quick comparison offers a glance at the politics between Springfield, MO & Oakland, CA alongside the religious composition of their populations. It aims to provide a snapshot of the community atmosphere you're moving from and into.

SpringfieldOakland

Political Make-up

ConservativeLiberal

Local Politics

Republican-dominatedDemocratic stronghold

Religion

Primarily ChristianDiverse religious practices

Moving from Springfield to Oakland, you'll transition from a community with a conservative, predominantly Republican political landscape to one that's distinctively liberal and a Democratic stronghold. Springfield's religious atmosphere is mainly Christian, with numerous churches characterizing the city's spiritual life. Meanwhile, Oakland offers a tapestry of diverse religious practices, reflecting its multicultural fabric. This shift not only suggests a change in political dialogues and community priorities but also indicates a broader diversity in religious and cultural representation. Understanding these dynamics can help you navigate and integrate into Oakland's vibrant community.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Springfield to Oakland

Moving from Springfield, MO to Oakland, CA, it's essential to understand how your daily commute and traffic experiences will change. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Springfield & Oakland is designed to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in your new city.

SpringfieldOakland
2032

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

37

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

48

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

ChallengingYes

Can you get by without car?

In Springfield, the average commute time is relatively short, and you can expect lighter traffic congestion. However, the city scores lower in terms of public transportation availability, making it more challenging to get by without a car. On the other hand, Oakland offers a more extensive public transit system, evidenced by its higher score. This makes it possible and more convenient to live car-free. The downside is the longer average commute time and higher traffic congestion. However, for those prioritizing eco-friendly living and wishing to avoid the costs associated with owning a vehicle, Oakland presents a viable and attractive option.

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