Best Durham to Irvine Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Durham to Irvine Movers

Embarking on a journey from the Bull City to the City of Innovation is more than a move; it's an exciting leap into a new chapter of your life. You're trading the celebrated comfort of Durham, with its rich history and vibrant food scene, for Irvine's sunny skies, cutting-edge tech scene, and meticulously planned neighborhoods. In this significant life transition, it's essential to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best, ensuring your adventure starts on the right foot.

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Best Durham to Irvine Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.42NRActiveContact
Terry Moving & Storage9.36A+Authorized For HHGContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Capital Moving & Storage9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Irvine to Durham guide.

5 Best Durham to Irvine Moving Companies

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

Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Raleigh Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distan...Read More >>

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Athens Moving Experts Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residenti...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Capital Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,596+ data points

About Capital Moving & Storage

Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years. Th...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Durham vs. Irvine Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to an unfamiliar city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the right neighborhood. To ease this transition, we provide a comprehensive comparison of the local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Irvine, CA. This guide aims to match you with an area in Irvine that mirrors the spirit of your favorite Durham locale, making your move as seamless as possible.

DurhamIrvineHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkWoodbridgeFamily-friendly, historic charm
Old West DurhamUniversity ParkVibrant community spirit
Hope ValleyTurtle RockUpscale living, green spaces
Forest HillsShady CanyonExclusive, nature-focused living
BrightleafQuail HillQuaint shopping, green trails
Downtown DurhamWoodburyCentral location, shopping & dining
RockwoodNorthwoodDiverse, family-friendly vibe
American Tobacco DistrictIrvine SpectrumDynamic entertainment & dining
Warehouse DistrictGreat Park NeighborhoodsInnovative, community-focused
Ninth StreetUniversity Town CenterLively, young atmosphere

For those drawn to the historic charm and family-friendly atmosphere of Trinity Park, Woodbridge in Irvine mirrors this with its welcoming community and scenic lakes. On the other hand, the vibrant, artsy vibe of Old West Durham finds a match in University Park, known for its open green spaces and community events. If you're moving from the upscale Hope Valley, you'll find Turtle Rock's luxurious homes and extensive hiking trails a comparable haven. For those who love the urban energy and entertainment options of Downtown Durham and the American Tobacco District, Irvine's Woodbury and Irvine Spectrum offer a lively mix of shopping, dining, and cultural activities. These comparisons highlight just a handful of the unique characteristics that make each neighborhood special, from Irvine Company’s curated communities to the cherished local parks and restaurants that define them.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Irvine

  • Hike at Irvine Regional Park
  • Explore the Orange County Great Park
  • Visit the Irvine Spectrum Center
  • Enjoy dining at Diamond Jamboree
  • Study at Irvine Public Libraries
  • Attend a concert at FivePoint Amphitheatre
  • Relax at Newport Beach

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Irvine

Moving from one city to another offers a fresh start but also comes with its own set of challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Durham, NC to Irvine, CA , helping you weigh the decision carefully. These charts outline the pros and cons of such a significant life change.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Less diversity
  • Lower cost of living
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Lower humidity
  • Larger tech industry
  • More cultural diversity
  • Higher living expenses
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Fast-paced environment
  • Expensive real estate
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Less green space
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Affordable housing
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Accessible nature areas

Moving to Irvine, CA, you'll find yourself in a bustling tech hub, boasting a vibrant economy that attracts professionals from all over. The tech scene is a significant upgrade, with companies like Blizzard Entertainment and Broadcom headquartered here. However, the cost of living is notably higher, a common trade-off for access to Irvine's amenities and California's sunny climate. Irvine is known for its planned communities and parks, such as the Orange County Great Park, and its cultural diversity is reflected in its wide array of international restaurants and cultural festivals. In contrast, Durham's charm lies in its rich cultural heritage, with historic sites like the Duke Homestead and accessible nature areas like the Eno River State Park, which provide a more laid-back lifestyle and affordable living conditions.

Durham vs. Irvine Food Guide

Food deeply influences the local culture and living experience of a place. In this guide, we're diving into a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham, NC, and Irvine, CA, enabling you to understand the culinary landscape you're moving into.

DurhamIrvine
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishFried chickenKorean BBQ
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosBanh Mi
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Piedmont Restaurant
  • Nanasteak
  • Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
  • Habana
  • Annapoorna
  • CUCINA enoteca
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Durham to Irvine, you'll notice a shift towards more health-conscious and diverse international cuisines. Irvine's abundance of vegan options and health-centric dishes reflect its vibrant Asian and Hispanic influences, notably visible in its popular Korean BBQ spots and the legendary fish tacos found in neighborhoods like Tustin and Irvine Spectrum. Comparatively, Durham's soulful Southern flavors, best experienced through iconic establishments like Piedmont Restaurant and Ponysaurus Brewing Co., offer a hearty welcome with dishes like pulled pork BBQ and fried chicken. This culinary exploration is a flavorful indication of each city's unique culture and lifestyle.

Durham vs. Irvine Restaurant Comparison

Moving to a new city is an adventure, with food playing a crucial role in turning a place into a home. This restaurant comparison between Durham and Irvine helps you find your next favorite spots, using your current favorites as a guide.

DurhamIrvineWhat You'll Love
Pizzeria ToroNorth ItaliaSimilar attention to fresh, quality ingredients in their handcrafted pizzas
Mateo Bar de TapasPuestoBoth offer a modern twist on traditional dishes, Puesto with Mexican cuisine
NanaSteakRuth's Chris Steak HouseHigh-end steak dining with a focus on quality meats and service
Bull City Burger and BreweryBurger LoungeBoth focus on sustainable, organic ingredients in their handcrafted burgers
Durham Food HallTrade Food HallAn array of culinary offerings, promoting local chefs and diverse flavors
Foster's MarketUrth CafféBoth are cozy spots offering fresh, wholesome meals and baked goods
Elmo's DinerStacks Pancake HouseHomey feel with a wide selection of breakfast and comfort food
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenMokkojiOffers a unique dining experience combining elements of European and Asian cuisine
Backyard BBQ PitHeritage BarbecueFamous for their dedication to traditional smokehouse flavors and techniques
Saltbox Seafood JointBear Flag Fish Co.Casual spots focusing on providing fresh, high-quality seafood dishes

When you're ready to discover culinary delights in your new city, consider heading to North Italia for a pizza experience reminiscent of Pizzeria Toro's fresh, artisanal approach. If it's the warmth of a homey diner you miss from Elmo's Diner, Stacks Pancake House offers a comforting menu that's sure to make you feel right at home. And for those times when nothing but the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue will do, Heritage Barbecue stands out as Irvine's answer to Durham's celebrated Backyard BBQ Pit, promising an authentic smokehouse experience. Each of these establishments, through their individual culinary expertise, reflects the vibrant and diverse food scene of their respective cities, assuring you that the transition from Durham to Irvine can be a flavorful journey.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Irvine Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. Comparing housing aspects between Durham, NC, and Irvine, CA highlights key differences that could influence your decision. This comparison aims to elucidate factors like cost, architecture, and lifestyle qualities, ensuring you make an informed choice.

ComparisonDurhamIrvine
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalModern and Spanish
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, proximity to Duke UniversityEco-friendly features, community amenities

The stark contrast in the median home prices and monthly rents between Durham and Irvine reflects both the economic and geographical disparities. While Durham presents a more affordable housing market, Irvine's prices are indicative of its desirability and status as a premium living location in California. The architectural preferences also hint at the local culture and history, with Durham showcasing traditional Colonial Revival homes versus Irvine's modern and Spanish influences, pointing towards a newer, more planned city structure. The higher walkability and urban lifestyle score in Irvine align with its well-designed, accessible urban areas and abundant community amenities, which cater to a more active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. These elements combined underline the broader lifestyle differences awaiting anyone considering a move from Durham to Irvine.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Irvine, CA

1. Woodbridge: Known for its two large artificial lakes, numerous parks, and pet-friendly walking paths, Woodbridge offers you and your furry friends ample outdoor spaces for play and relaxation.

2. Northwood: This neighborhood prides itself on spacious dog parks and trails, like the ones you'll find at Northwood Community Park, making it an ideal environment for pet owners seeking outdoor adventure with their pets.

3. Quail Hill: Quail Hill provides easy access to nature preserves and hiking trails suitable for all levels, including the Quail Hill Loop Trail, making it perfect for active pets and their owners who love to explore the outdoors together.

Durham vs. Irvine Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, it's essential to understand how the weather will vary, especially when moving from Durham, NC to Irvine, CA . This comparison aims to prepare you for the differences in climate and environmental factors you'll encounter, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

Summer icon
89/71

Durham, NC

83/64

Irvine, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/32

Durham, NC

70/47

Irvine, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
41

Durham, NC

14

Irvine, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Durham, NC

0

Irvine, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamIrvine
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In transitioning from Durham to Irvine, you'll enjoy more sunny days and milder winters in California. Irvine's annual rainfall is significantly less, emphasizing the drier climate compared to Durham's more humid environment. While both locations experience their own forms of natural disasters—hurricanes and tornadoes in Durham versus earthquakes and wildfires in Irvine—it's crucial to prepare accordingly. Additionally, Irvine offers better air quality, which can be a considerable advantage for those sensitive to air pollution or with respiratory concerns. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more quickly to your new surroundings.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Durham to Irvine

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape of your new home is crucial. This comparison between Durham, NC, and Irvine, CA, highlights key economic factors. It provides insight into how costs and incomes may adjust in your transition, ensuring you make an informed decision suited to your financial well-being.

ComparisonDurhamIrvine
Avg. Household Income$71,343$105,774
Cost of Living Index96.6136.4
State Income Tax5.2513.3
Avg. Property Tax0.780.72
Avg. Sales Tax7.57.75
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, TechnologyTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

While the average household income in Irvine is significantly higher than in Durham, the cost of living in Irvine is also remarkably higher, especially considering the soaring cost of living index which sits at 167.2 compared to Durham’s 72.5. This means that while you may earn more in Irvine, the cost of day-to-day expenses, housing, and taxes (notably the state income tax which peaks at 13.3% in California compared to North Carolina's 5.25%) will also increase. Additionally, both cities share a focus on technology, education, and healthcare sectors, suggesting potentially stable employment opportunities in these growing industries. The move from Durham to Irvine would therefore not just be a geographical change but a significant financial transition requiring preparation and adaptation.

Durham vs. Irvine Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Durham, NC, to Irvine, CA, it's not only the weather and landscapes that will change. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the comparison of the politics between Durham & Irvine and the religious landscape in both cities, giving you a glimpse into the community you'll be joining.

DurhamIrvine
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesModerate to Progressive
ReligionDiverse; Predominantly ChristianDiverse; Significant Asian Religious Groups

In Durham, you'll find a community with a strong Democratic leaning, marked by progressive policies that are reflective of the city's vibrant academic and culturally diverse background. As you move to Irvine, expect a slight shift towards moderate politics, although still leaning Democratic, influenced by the city's diverse and educated population. Religion in both cities offers a rich tapestry; however, Irvine stands out for its significant representation of Asian religious groups, reflecting its diverse Asian American community. This transition not only introduces you to a new political climate but also immerses you in varied cultural and religious experiences, broadening your understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Durham vs. Irvine Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC to Irvine, CA, it's essential to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options to better prepare for your daily commute. This comparison will help you grasp what driving and transiting are like between these two cities, adjusting expectations accordingly.

ComparisonDurhamIrvine
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2422
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingPossible

In Durham, the average commute time is slightly longer, with less traffic congestion compared to Irvine. However, Irvine boasts a higher availability of public transit options, making it easier to get by without a car. While Durham does have some public transit available, it might not be as convenient or extensive, making car dependency more common. Considering these differences will help you plan your move effectively, especially if you're hoping to rely less on personal vehicles and more on public transportation.

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