Best Durham to San Jose Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Durham to San Jose Movers

Moving from Durham, NC to San Jose, CA is an adventure that marks a significant chapter in your life, one filled with new opportunities and discoveries. You're trading the quaint, historic charm of Bull City for the innovative heartbeat of Silicon Valley, leaving behind tobacco roads for tech giants. In such a transformative journey, it's crucial to rely on trusted professionals for your move. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with top-rated movers, ensuring your transition is smooth and stress-free.

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Best Durham to San Jose Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.42NRActiveContact
D&L Movers9.34A+ActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Careful Movers9.31A+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 San Jose to Durham guide.

5 Best Durham to San Jose Moving Companies

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

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
1
D&L Movers Logo
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,789+ data points

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
2
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
3
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
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. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

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 local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & San Jose, CA . This comparison will help you find a new area in San Jose that feels like home, based on your favorite Durham locale.

DurhamSan JoseHow They're Similar
TreyburnAlmaden ValleySerene suburban living
Trinity ParkRose GardenHistoric charm, community vibe
Old West DurhamWillow GlenQuaint shops, tree-lined streets
Hope ValleyAlmaden ValleyUpscale, golf courses
WoodcroftEvergreenFamily-friendly, accessible parks
Forest HillsCambrian ParkQuiet, well-established
Downtown DurhamDowntown San JoseUrban, cultural events
Watts Hospital-HillandaleShasta Hanchett ParkHistoric homes, strong community
American VillageBerryessaDiverse, family-oriented
BrightleafSantana RowUpscale shopping, dining

When comparing neighborhoods between Durham, NC, and San Jose, CA, certain areas stand out for their unique characteristics. For instance, Willow Glen in San Jose mirrors Old West Durham with its quaint shops, tree-lined streets, and friendly community atmosphere, making it perfect for those who love charming, walkable neighborhoods. Downtown San Jose, similar to Downtown Durham, offers a vibrant urban experience with a rich cultural scene, including local farmers' markets, live music, and art exhibitions. If you're drawn to the upscale and tranquil ambiance of Hope Valley in Durham, you'll find a similar lifestyle in San Jose's Almaden Valley, where luxury homes are set against the backdrop of rolling hills and golf courses. These comparisons highlight how each San Jose neighborhood has its unique charm and amenities, making the transition from Durham smoother and more exciting for newcomers.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to San Jose

Moving from one city to another is a significant life decision that entails weighing multiple factors. Through a detailed comparison of Durham, NC, and San Jose, CA, this guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation from Durham, NC to San Jose, CA. Understanding the respective pros and cons will equip you with a balanced perspective, enabling you to make an informed choice about your move.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • More humid summers
  • Less diverse cuisine
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Vibrant tech industry
  • Greater employment prospects
  • Milder climate
  • World-class dining
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Less greenery
  • Fewer historical sites
  • More expansive urban sprawl
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Affordable living
  • Lush green spaces
  • Richer historical sites
  • Smaller, close-knit community

The transition from Durham to San Jose presents a distinct shift in lifestyle and opportunities. San Jose's vibrant tech industry, exemplified by the presence of companies like Apple and Google, promises numerous employment prospects. This promise of greater economic opportunities is coupled with a milder climate and a wide array of world-class dining options, with areas such as Santana Row providing a vibrant scene for foodies and shoppers alike. Though San Jose wins in terms of job opportunities and cultural diversity, it's also important to acknowledge the higher cost of living and the transform from Durham’s lush green spaces to San Jose’s urban spread. The Eno River State Park in Durham, known for its beautiful trails and picnic spots, represents the kind of green, open spaces residents might miss. Yet, San Jose’s own Guadalupe River Park and Gardens offer a different but equally enriching outdoor experience. Despite the challenges and changes, each city has its unique charm, inviting newcomers to explore and adapt.

Durham vs. San Jose Food Guide

Understanding local food is pivotal when relocating, as it reflects the essence and vibrancy of an area's culture. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & San Jose, aimed at giving you a taste of what each city offers, helping to make your transition smoother and more flavorful.

DurhamSan Jose
Most iconic local food itemCarolina-style BBQPhở
Most popular meat dishPulled porkCarne asada
Most popular street food itemCheese-stuffed hushpuppiesTacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ jackfruitVegetable phở
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Dame's Chicken & Waffles
  • Poole's Diner
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Falafel's Drive-In
  • Orenchi Ramen
  • Original Joe's San Jose
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When you move to San Jose, the city's diverse culinary scene awaits you, where you can indulge in the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, such as phở, from local favorites like Falafel's Drive-In or dive into some of the finest ramen outside of Japan at Orenchi Ramen. The city's high health-conscious rating reflects in its abundance of fresh, local produce available, perfect for crafting delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. The street food scene in San Jose is vibrant, with local trucks serving up everything from traditional tacos to innovative vegan options, ensuring that your taste buds will never tire of exploring new delights around every corner.

Durham vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

When setting roots in a new city, discovering local eateries where you can feel at home is essential. By comparing top restaurants in Durham to the closest comparable spots in San Jose, this guide aims to help you find your new go-to dining destinations, seamlessly transitioning your culinary experiences from Durham to San Jose.

DurhamSan JoseWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasLa CatalanaAuthentic Spanish cuisine and tapas experience.
Pizzeria ToroBibo's Ny PizzaExceptional hand-tossed New York-style pizzas.
Mothers & SonsPaesano Ristorante ItalianoTraditional Italian with a cozy, family atmosphere.
Bar VirgilePaper PlaneCreative cocktails and vibrant bar atmosphere.
Guglhupf Bakery, Café & BiergartenLudwig's German TableAuthentic German fare with a great selection of beers.
Bull City Burger and BreweryOriginal Gravity Public HouseCraft beers and upscale burgers.
M SushiKumako RamenOffers both exquisite sushi and ramen options.
MandolinAdegaA touch of modern European cuisine with a local twist.
Dames Chicken & WafflesWaffle RoostDecadent chicken and waffles with a unique twist.
Elmo's DinerBill's CaféA friendly diner atmosphere with a diverse menu.

Exploring these San Jose equivalents, you'll discover that places like La Catalana offer a tapas dining experience reminiscent of Mateo Bar de Tapas, allowing you to savor flavors that span continents right in your new neighborhood. Meanwhile, Bibo's NY Pizza brings a slice of Durham's Pizzeria Toro to the West Coast with its dedication to quality and authenticity in every pie. For those who cherish a good, hearty German meal, Ludwig's German Table can become your new Guglhupf, serving traditional dishes in a setting that's perfect for both family dinners and social outings. With these suggestions, you're not just finding places to eat; you're discovering new dining experiences that echo the comfort and diversity of Durham's food scene.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, examining the real estate markets in Durham and San Jose can provide valuable insights. Let's delve into this critical component of relocation to understand how housing options, costs, and lifestyles differ between these dynamic cities.

ComparisonDurhamSan Jose
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchSpanish, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Quiet neighborhoodsProximity to tech hubs, Eco-friendly features

The metrics reveal significant differences between Durham and San Jose's housing markets. While Durham offers more affordable home prices and rents, accompanied by colonial and ranch-style homes that often boast spacious yards in quiet neighborhoods, San Jose caters to a different sensibility. With its higher cost of living, San Jose provides residents with closer proximity to Silicon Valley's tech hubs and a more urban lifestyle, reflected in its architecture that swings towards modern and Spanish styles. Additionally, San Jose's listings frequently highlight eco-friendly features, showcasing a community conscious of sustainability. The variance in walkability and bikeability scores between the two cities also emphasizes San Jose's urban appeal, suggesting a more accessible city layout for those who prioritize walking or biking as part of their daily routine.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen: Known for its quaint, tree-lined streets, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere at Willow Glen's downtown area, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friends.

2. Cambrian Park: Boasting a serene suburban vibe, Cambrian Park is home to several parks, including the dog-friendly Butcher Dog Park, where your pets can play off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment.

3. Downtown San Jose: If you're looking for a more urban experience, Downtown San Jose offers many pet-friendly living spaces and amenities, alongside dog-friendly dining options like Original Joe’s, making it an ideal place for pet owners who love city living.

Durham vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Durham, NC to San Jose, CA, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This comparison will highlight key differences in climate between Durham and San Jose, preparing you for what to expect.

Summer icon
89/69

Durham, NC

82/58

San Jose, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/30

Durham, NC

60/42

San Jose, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Durham, NC

15

San Jose, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5

Durham, NC

0

San Jose, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamSan Jose
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, StormsEarthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Durham to San Jose, you'll enjoy milder summers and warmer winters in San Jose, a boon for those averse to extreme temperatures. The significant increase in sunny days per year in San Jose offers more opportunities for outdoor activities. However, it's important to note the shift in natural disaster risks, from the hurricanes and storms common in Durham to the earthquakes in San Jose. Additionally, San Jose's air quality and top seasonal allergies are influenced by its urban setting and lesser rainfall, which might affect those sensitive to such changes.

Ready to start your move?

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

Understanding the financial implications of relocating is crucial. This comparison sheds light on the differences in money and finance you will encounter when moving from Durham to San Jose. Knowing this will help you adjust your budget and expectations accordingly.

ComparisonDurhamSan Jose
Avg. Household Income$71,343$126,377
Cost of Living Index96.6156.1
State Income Tax5.2513.3 max
Avg. Property Tax0.840.79
Avg. Sales Tax7.59.25
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, ManufacturingTechnology, Agriculture, Manufacturing
Affluencemoderatehigh
Povertymoderatelow
Homelessnessnoticeablesignificant

Moving from Durham to San Jose involves significant financial adjustments. San Jose, with its high cost of living index, requires a considerably larger budget than Durham. This is partially offset by the higher average household income in San Jose. However, the state income tax can be substantially higher in California, up to 13.3%, compared to a more moderate 5.25% in North Carolina. The technology-driven economy of San Jose offers lucrative opportunities but also contributes to its high affluence and lower poverty rates, although homelessness remains a significant issue needing attention. Understanding these nuances will aid in making an informed decision about your move.

Durham vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents moving from Durham, NC to San Jose, CA . Through this lens, you'll get a clearer view of the cultural and social climate awaiting you in your new city.

DurhamSan Jose
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive policies & initiativesTechnology-focused policies
ReligionVaried, with a strong historical presence of Christian churchesDiverse, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and more

Both Durham and San Jose have populations that lean Democratic, reflecting a potential ease of transition for you politically. Durham is known for its progressive politics, often engaging in initiatives surrounding social justice and community development. San Jose, being at the heart of Silicon Valley, has policies heavily influenced by technology and innovation. As for religion, while both cities embrace a diverse range of beliefs, Durham tends to have a stronger historical presence of Christian denominations, whereas San Jose's cultural diversity is mirrored in its religious practices, with significant communities of Buddhists, Hindus, and others. This diversity in San Jose might offer you a broader spectrum of cultural experiences.

Durham vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC, to San Jose, CA, brings a significant change, especially when it comes to your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison aims to better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Durham and San Jose.

ComparisonDurhamSan Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2430
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possibly, with effortYes, but not as conveniently

While the average commute time in San Jose is notably longer than in Durham, this is often attributed to the higher traffic congestion levels. San Jose experiences a higher frequency of traffic jams, particularly during peak hours. However, it also boasts a slightly better public transit system, courtesy of services like the VTA, which serves as a vital part of the city's transportation network. Unlike Durham, where having a car might still be necessary to comfortably navigate the city, San Jose offers a bit more flexibility in terms of public transport options. Despite this, both cities present unique challenges and conveniences that could affect your daily commute.

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