Best Durham to Portland Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the historic charm of Durham, NC, to the lush landscapes of Portland, OR, presents an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. While you're trading the "Bull City" for "City of Roses," preparing to leave behind those warm Southern vibes for the eclectic, coffee-fueled energy of the Pacific Northwest, the transition is about embracing change and new beginnings. Recognizing the distance and logistics involved, it’s crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure your journey is smooth. That's why we at Great Guys Moving use an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, making your move as seamless as possible.
Best Durham to Portland Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh Moving Company | 9.43 | NR | Active | Contact |
| Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Northwest Grace Moving | 9.30 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| All Service Moving | 9.27 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Capital Moving & Storage | 9.27 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Portland to Durham guide.
5 Best Durham to Portland Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving ExpertsAbout 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
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 >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Senior Moving
This listing has been claimed by All Service MovingAbout 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 >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
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...Read More >>
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Packing
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.
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. Portland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be a whirlwind of emotions and logistics, especially when relocating to a completely new city. To ease the transition, we're offering a comparison of Durham, NC & Portland, OR local neighborhoods . This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your existing city as a baseline, connecting you with a corresponding community vibe and lifestyle. Let's find your new neighborhood!
| Durham | Portland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity Park | Irvington | Historic homes, community feel |
| Old West Durham | Belmont | Artsy, with vibrant street life |
| Hope Valley | Laurelhurst | Upscale, with beautiful parks |
| Downtown Durham | Pearl District | Urban living, trendy spots |
| American Tobacco District | Alberta Arts District | Eclectic, historic charm |
| Woodcroft | Sellwood-Moreland | Family-friendly, with a cozy vibe |
| Brightleaf | Mississippi Ave | Hip, with unique shops |
| Warehouse District | Eastside Industrial District | Creative, with an edge |
| Walltown | St. Johns | Diverse, community-centered |
| Forest Hills | Westmoreland | Serene, with grand homes |
Exploring neighborhoods like Belmont in Portland can recalibrate your expectations if you're coming from Old West Durham, where the streets are alive with an artsy vibe and eclectic eateries such as Pompieri Pizza. Similarly, if the green spaces and historic homes of Hope Valley captivate you, Laurelhurst will enchant with its picturesque parks and elegant architecture. For those drawn to the urban heartbeat of Downtown Durham, Portland's Pearl District offers an array of trendy spots and urban living solutions, standing as a beacon for artists and professionals alike. Walking through the Pearl, you might find yourself charmed by spots like Powell's City of Books, a testament to the neighborhood's rich, cultural fabric. The comparison is meant to build bridges between what you know and what you're about to discover, making the streets of Portland feel a bit more like home.
Things to Do in Portland
Hike in Forest Park- Stroll through Portland Japanese Garden
- Enjoy food carts at various locations
- Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Explore Powell's City of Books
- Sample brews on a craft brewery tour
- Watch a movie at Cinema 21
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Portland
Moving from one city to another is always filled with anticipation and apprehension. Understanding the cons of Durham, NC, and the pros of Portland, OR, is crucial for an informed decision. This comparison aims to highlight the good and bad aspects of relocating to help you weigh your options.
Durham, NC- Humid summers
- Smaller tech scene
- Less bike-friendly
- More traditional cuisine
Portland, OR- Cooler climate
- Larger tech community
- Extremely bike-friendly
- Diverse food scene
Portland, OR- Higher living costs
- More rainy days
- Fewer sunny days
- Less emphasis on history
Durham, NC- Affordable housing
- Friendly community
- Rich history
- Vibrant local arts
While the humid summers of Durham make way for Portland's cooler climate, it's the cultural and environmental changes that might take some getting used to. Portland is renowned for its bike-friendly streets and an impressively diverse food scene, making culinary explorations an adventure, with local gems like Pok Pok for authentic Thai cuisine, and the bustling Portland Farmers Market, a heaven for organic produce enthusiasts. However, transitioning from Durham's affordable housing market to Portland's pricier living situation can be a challenge. Despite this, the inclusive community and vibrant green spaces, such as the sprawling Washington Park, make Portland a city full of opportunities to explore and thrive in.
Durham vs. Portland Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham, NC, and Portland, OR to give you a taste of what culinary delights await. Food is an essential part of local culture and living experiences. Through this comparison, you'll be better informed about the food scene in your new city.
| Durham | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Carolina-style BBQ | Dungeness Crab |
| Most popular meat dish | Pulled pork | Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Voodoo Doughnuts |
| Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich | Tempeh Reuben |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Portland stands out with its highly vibrant food scene, especially notable for its street food culture prominently featuring an array of food trucks serving everything from gourmet doughnuts like those found at Voodoo Doughnuts to diverse international cuisines. Not to be missed is the city's dedication to sustainable dining and locally sourced ingredients, making spots like Pok Pok and Salt & Straw emblematic of Portland's culinary ethos. Whether you're exploring the food carts in the Hawthorne District or enjoying a farm-to-table dining experience at Le Pigeon, Portland offers a gastronomic adventure that caters to both meat lovers and vegans alike, ensuring that every palate is satisfied.
Durham vs. Portland Restaurant Comparison
As you embark on your relocation journey from Durham, NC, to Portland, OR, the quest for culinary comforts can turn a new city into home. This restaurant comparison chart leverages your Durham favorites to help discover your next go-to spots in Portland. It highlights how even though cities change, the flavors can stay remarkably consistent, making Durham to Portland transitions smoother for food enthusiasts.
| Durham | Portland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Mateo Bar de Tapas | Toro Bravo | Both specialize in Spanish-inspired small plates, offering a cozy, communal dining atmosphere. |
| Pizzeria Toro | Ken's Artisan Pizza | Famed for their wood-fired pizzas with a focus on quality ingredients. |
| Bull City Burger and Brewery | Little Big Burger | Both are known for their craft burgers and local brews, emphasizing sustainability. |
| Scratch Bakery | Bakeshop | A close match for sourcing locally and dedication to the art of baked goods, from pastries to artisan bread. |
| The Pit | Pok Pok | While not a direct match, both offer a strong sense of place through their respective signature cuisines, BBQ and Thai. |
| M Sushi | Bamboo Sushi | Sustainability is key at both sushi spots, offering a fresh and conscientious dining experience. |
| Dashi | Afuri Ramen | Afuri offers a similar dedication to craft with their yuzu-scented ramen, mirroring Dashi's passion for Japanese cuisine. |
| Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten | Zum Stammtisch | Both provide a German dining experience, offering authentic dishes and a selection of beers in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| Vin Rouge | Le Pigeon | Both establishments share a commitment to French cuisine with a creative twist, ideal for a special dining experience. |
| NanaSteak | RingSide Steakhouse | A Portland staple for steak lovers, offering a similar upscale dining experience with exceptional meats. |
Portland's culinary scene offers an intriguing mix of familiarity and new flavors for someone moving from Durham. Toro Bravo in Portland, much like Durham's Mateo Bar de Tapas, serves up a vibrant array of Spanish tapas, perfect for social dining experiences. Meanwhile, the transition from enjoying the cozy, boutique burgers of Bull City Burger and Brewery to embracing the sustainable ethos and equally delicious bites at Portland's Little Big Burger demonstrates just how well Portland can cater to Durham expatriates' established culinary preferences. Given Portland's known dedication to sustainability, venues like Bamboo Sushi continue this trend, offering ethically sourced sushi that would no doubt appeal to patrons of Durham's M Sushi, ensuring that the essence of dining out remains intact amidst the backdrop of a new city.
Ready to start your move?
Durham vs. Portland Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate encompasses pivotal elements when relocating, hence understanding how Durham and Portland match up in terms of housing highlights the essence of effective planning. This comparison illuminates each city’s real estate landscape to inform your transition.
| Comparison | Durham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Craftsman, Mid-Century Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Open floor plans | Eco-friendly features, Proximity to Nature |
While both Durham and Portland charm with their unique architectural styles, it's Portland’s higher walkability and bikeability scores that cater to a more dynamic urban lifestyle. The Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern homes prevalent in Portland often boast eco-friendly features, appealing to those prioritizing sustainability. Durham, with its Colonial and Craftsman homes, offers spaciousness both inside and out, highlighting the city's preference for large yards and open floor plans. This juxtaposition of home styles and amenities reflects the distinct personalities of each city, guiding you to choose the environment that best matches your lifestyle preferences.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Portland, OR
1. Pearl District : Known for its modern, upscale vibe, the Pearl District is pet-friendly thanks to its numerous pet stores, dog-friendly restaurants, and the Fields Park, a popular spot for dog owners.
2. Northwest District : This neighborhood offers easy access to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the US, with numerous trails for you and your pet to explore, plus a variety of pet-friendly cafes and bars.
3. Sellwood-Moreland : With a more laid-back, residential feel, Sellwood-Moreland is great for pets due to its welcoming community, several parks, and the Sellwood Riverfront Park which provides a great space for dogs to play and swim.
Durham vs. Portland Weather Considerations
When moving from one city to another, it's vital to understand how the weather might differ from what you're accustomed to. Comparing the climates of Durham, NC, and Portland, OR will help you prepare for the changes and plan accordingly. This comparison aims to outline the key weather differences to assist in your transition.
Durham, NC
Portland, OR
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Portland, OR
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Portland, OR
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Durham, NC
Portland, OR
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Durham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Durham, NC, to Portland, OR, you'll notice several key differences in weather patterns that might affect your daily life. For starters, Portland experiences more mild summers but also sees fewer days of sunshine annually, which could impact activities and moods. While both cities receive nearly the same annual rainfall, the type of precipitation and how it presents throughout the year vary. In Durham, summer highs can climb higher, but Portland's lower average UV index indicates less intense sun exposure. Adjusting to these changes, along with the distinct differences in air quality and prevalent natural disasters, will be an important part of your relocation process.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Durham to Portland
When contemplating a move from Durham, NC to Portland, OR, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison sheds light on the vital money and finance aspects that will affect your living expenses. Understanding the cost of living, average income, and taxes is pivotal to making an informed decision about relocating from Durham to Portland.
| Comparison | Durham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $71,343 | $79,057 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 111.3 |
| State Income Tax | 5.25 | 9.9 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.8 | 1.07 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.5 | 0 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Biotechnology | Technology, Manufacturing, Apparel |
| Affluence | moderately affluent | affluent |
| Poverty | lower | moderate |
| Homelessness | moderate | high |
Moving from Durham to Portland will see a shift in your financial landscape. The average household income in Portland is higher, but this comes with a cost of living index significantly above the national average, largely due to housing costs. The absence of sales tax in Oregon is a unique financial benefit, unlike in Durham where a sales tax applies. However, Portland's higher state income and property taxes can offset this advantage. The industry landscape is diverse in both cities, with Durham thriving in educational and healthcare sectors and Portland being a hub for technology and apparel. Consider these financial factors alongside the quality of life each city offers to find the right balance for your relocation.
Durham vs. Portland Political & Religious Comparison
This succinct comparison offers you a quick glance at the comparison of the politics between Durham & Portland , alongside the religious backdrop of both cities. It’s designed to provide insights into the type of community you’ll be moving into.
| Durham | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | City of Durham Government | City of Portland Government |
| Religion | Diverse, with a significant Christian population | Diverse, less religious overall |
When moving from Durham to Portland, you'll notice a shift towards a more liberal political atmosphere, which is reflected in local policies and community initiatives. Durham has a diverse religious community with a strong Christian presence, while Portland's community is famously less religious on the whole, showcasing a more secular lifestyle. Understanding these nuances will help you acclimate to your new surroundings, making your transition smoother and more informed.
Durham vs. Portland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Durham, NC to Portland, OR presents unique changes, especially when it comes to your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison highlights the differences in traffic and transportation options between Durham & Portland, helping you better understand what your daily commute might look like in your new city.
| Comparison | Durham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possibly, but difficult | Yes, more feasible |
In Durham, while the average commute time is slightly less than in Portland, you'll find that having a car might be more of a necessity due to the limited public transit options. On the other hand, Portland boasts a more robust public transit system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars, making it easier to get around without a personal vehicle. Typically, traffic congestion in Portland is slightly higher than Durham, but the city's commitment to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure offers alternative commuting options, enhancing your ability to navigate through the city without relying solely on car travel.
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