Best Durham to Knoxville Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Durham to Knoxville Movers

Moving from the Bull City to the Marble City marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. Leaving behind Durham's renowned academic institutions and cutting-edge tech scene for Knoxville's vibrant arts community and gateway to the Smoky Mountains brings a tapestry of experiences. Recognizing the importance of this transition, we emphasize choosing trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure this significant journey unfolds smoothly, safeguarding your peace of mind.

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Best Durham to Knoxville Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.42NRActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Boundless Moving & Storage9.33A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Capital Moving & Storage9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Buster’s Box’s Moving8.98NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Knoxville to Durham guide.

5 Best Durham to Knoxville 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
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
2
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,378+ data points

About Boundless Moving & Storage

Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers re...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

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
3
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
4
Buster’s Box’s Moving Logo
Superb8.98/10
based on 430+ data points

About Buster’s Box’s Moving

Buster’s Box’s Moving is a Knoxville, TN-based moving company that offers a variety of services including local moves, out of state moves, o...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4125824 / 1578852

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (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. Knoxville Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown. To ease the transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Knoxville, TN . This guide will help you find a neighborhood in Knoxville that resonates with the vibe of your favorite Durham locale, making the unknown feel a little more like home.

DurhamKnoxvilleHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkSequoyah HillsHistoric charm, green spaces
Old West DurhamFourth and GillVibrant community, historic homes
Downtown DurhamDowntown KnoxvilleBustling urban core, arts scene
WoodcroftWest HillsFamily-friendly, well-established
BrightleafOld CityTrendy shops, nightlife
American Tobacco DistrictMarket SquareHistoric, entertainment hub
Hope ValleySequoyah Hills againUpscale, sprawling estates
Duke ParkIsland Home ParkLush parks, community feel
Watts Hospital-HillandaleFountain CityQuaint, tight-knit community
SouthpointBeardenShopping, dining diverse options

In Knoxville, Old City mirrors Durham's Brightleaf with its dynamic blend of trendy shops and vibrant nightlife, offering a lively scene for those who cherish the buzz. If you admire the historic charm and green spaces of Trinity Park, Sequoyah Hills in Knoxville presents a picturesque setting with its majestic trees and scenic boulevards, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls. Meanwhile, lovers of arts and bustling urban centers will find Downtown Knoxville reminiscent of Downtown Durham, thanks to its thriving arts scene and blend of modern and historic architecture. This shared cultural vibrancy ensures you won't miss out on engaging urban experiences, from attending live performances to exploring art galleries.

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Things to Do in Knoxville

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Knoxville

Moving from one city to another brings a mix of challenges and advantages. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Durham, NC to Knoxville, TN . It's designed to help you weigh Durham's disadvantages against Knoxville's benefits and vice versa, ensuring you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher crime rate
  • More expensive housing
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • Hotter summers
Knoxville, TN iconKnoxville, TN
  • Lower crime rate
  • More affordable housing
  • More outdoor activities
  • Milder summers
Knoxville, TN iconKnoxville, TN
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Fewer academic institutions
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Less public transit
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Rich academic community
  • More diverse cuisine
  • Better public transit

The move from Durham to Knoxville offers a blend of changes. In terms of crime rate and housing costs, Knoxville has an edge, offering a safer, more affordable living environment. For outdoor enthusiasts, the transition might be particularly pleasing as Knoxville prides itself on natural beauty and an array of activities, thanks to destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being within reach. While Durham offers a richer cultural scene with landmarks like the North Carolina Museum of History, Knoxville holds its charm with historic sites such as the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Moreover, foodies moving from Durham's diverse culinary landscape might find Knoxville's growing food scene intriguing, with hidden gems like Stock & Barrel offering unique dining experiences.

Durham vs. Knoxville Food Guide

When relocating, it's crucial to explore the tastes and flavors of your new home as food is an important part of local culture and what it’s like to live in an area. This guide offers a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham, NC & Knoxville, TN to help you understand the food scene in these cities better.

DurhamKnoxville
Most iconic local food itemCarolina-style BBQBiscuits and Gravy
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosHot Chicken Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodBBQ Jackfruit SandwichVeggie Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Piedmont Restaurant
  • Dame's Chicken & Waffles
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • Tupelo Honey
  • Dead End BBQ
  • Aubrey's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Durham, the fusion of traditional Southern flavors with innovative culinary techniques makes places like Piedmont Restaurant a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Meanwhile, in Knoxville, the city's culinary scene is highlighted by its deep-rooted tradition, exemplified by dead-end bbq's take on smoked meats. Both cities offer unique dining experiences tailored to their cultural heritage, with Durham leading slightly in terms of vegan options and food truck diversity. If you're moving to Knoxville, downtown is a bustling hub with venues like Tupelo Honey and Aubrey's that showcase the local palate through comfort food with a twist.

Durham vs. Knoxville Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be an adventure, especially when finding your new favorite dining spots. This restaurant comparison between Durham, NC, and Knoxville, TN, is designed to ease your transition. Discover places that will satisfy your cravings and make Knoxville feel like home, using Durham’s top eateries as your culinary compass.

DurhamKnoxvilleWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasJ.C. HoldwayA focus on Southern ingredients with an innovative twist.
Pizzeria ToroA Dopo Sourdough PizzaSpecializing in sourdough crust and a commitment to quality toppings.
Dame's Chicken & WafflesSweet P’s Barbeque & Soul HouseSouthern comfort food with a hearty soul food influence.
Bull City Burger and BreweryStock & BarrelKnown for burgers and a vast selection of bourbon.
NanaSteakThe Chop HouseOffers high-end steak and seafood options.
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenWild Love BakehouseExceptional pastries and a cozy café atmosphere.
Foster's MarketMarket Square KitchenA quick, casual spot with a focus on fresh and local ingredients.
Rue ClerThe French Market CrêperieAuthentic French café vibes and a variety of crêpes.
M SushiBida SaigonWhile known for Vietnamese, Bida Saigon has an excellent sushi bar, mirroring M Sushi’s quality.
Elmo's DinerPete's Coffee Shop RestaurantA classic diner offering home-style meals.

Discovering local flavors and dining atmospheres akin to your favorites back in Durham is an essential step to making Knoxville feel like home. The transition from Mateo Bar de Tapas to J.C. Holdway embodies a seamless switch with both establishments celebrating Southern ingredients with a twist. If you're nostalgic for Dame's Chicken & Waffles, Sweet P’s Barbeque & Soul House promises that heartwarming Southern comfort food with a flair. For those who cherish the uniqueness of Pizzeria Toro’s pies, A Dopo Sourdough Pizza offers a similar dedication to quality and taste, making it easier to find your new go-to pizza joint. Each Knoxville equivalent not only mirrors the dining experience you had in Durham but also presents an opportunity to create new memories around the table.

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Durham vs. Knoxville Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison of Durham, NC and Knoxville, TN provides insights into each city's housing characteristics, helping you make an informed decision.

ComparisonDurhamKnoxville
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanCraftsman, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Research Triangle Park, Energy-efficient homesHistoric neighborhoods, Mountain views

Between Durham and Knoxville, home prices and rents differ significantly, making Knoxville a more affordable option for many. However, Durham boasts a slightly higher urban lifestyle rating, attributed to its proximity to the Research Triangle Park, a major employment center. The architectural styles in both cities reflect their unique cultural heritages, with Craftsman styles prominent in both, but Colonial styles favored in Durham and Ranch styles in Knoxville. Despite Knoxville scoring higher in walkability, both cities offer a range of amenities to suit various lifestyles, including vibrant historic neighborhoods in Knoxville and energy-efficient housing options in Durham.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Knoxville, TN

1. Sequoyah Hills: With expansive green spaces like Sequoyah Park, your pets can enjoy long walks along the Tennessee River, making it a haven for dog owners.

2. Bearden: Bearden offers a pet-friendly community vibe, with numerous farmers' markets and outdoor cafes where your pets are welcome to join you.

3. Old City: The Old City neighborhood is bustling with pet-friendly bars and restaurants, alongside stylish boutiques that often allow pets to accompany their owners while shopping.

Durham vs. Knoxville Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Durham, NC to Knoxville, TN, understanding how the weather compares between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust your lifestyle and wardrobe accordingly, ensuring a smoother transition.

Summer icon
89°F / 68°F

Durham, NC

88°F / 67°F

Knoxville, TN

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

47°F / 29°F

Knoxville, TN

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
41

Durham, NC

48

Knoxville, TN

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5

Durham, NC

6

Knoxville, TN

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamKnoxville
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, Severe Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Durham to Knoxville, you'll find the weather relatively similar, with slight variations in temperature and rainfall that may influence your daily life. Knoxville experiences slightly colder winters and more annual rainfall, which might mean changing your outdoor and commuting habits. Despite the minimal difference in summer temperatures, Knoxville's slightly lower UV index could be a subtle but appreciated benefit for those sensitive to the sun. Air quality and top seasonal allergies are crucial points to consider for respiratory health, with Knoxville having moderately worse air quality than Durham. This comprehensive understanding will help you better prepare for the change in environment.

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

When relocating, understanding the financial differences between your current and future homes is crucial. This comparison will shed light on how the cost of living, taxes, and incomes in Durham stack up against Knoxville, providing a clearer picture of what to expect. The aim here is to make your transition as smooth as possible by aligning expectations with reality.

ComparisonDurhamKnoxville
Avg. Household Income$71,343$45,700
Cost of Living Index96.689.4
State Income Tax5.250 (No state income tax)
Avg. Property Tax0.890.74
Avg. Sales Tax7.59.5
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, ManufacturingManufacturing, Retail, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyNoticeableSignificant
HomelessnessManagedConcerning

Though Durham boasts a higher average household income compared to Knoxville, the latter offers a significantly lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for some. Notably, Tennessee's lack of state income tax presents a unique financial advantage over North Carolina, which enforces a 5.25% state income tax. Nonetheless, sales tax in Knoxville is higher. These contrasts highlight the importance of looking beyond just income when considering relocation, as living expenses, taxes, and the economic landscape can notably impact your financial well-being.

Durham vs. Knoxville Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Durham, NC, to Knoxville, TN, it's useful to have a quick glance at how these cities compare. This comparison will provide you with a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Durham & Knoxville . Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the cultural shift and community vibe you might experience.

DurhamKnoxville
Political Make-upLiberalConservative
Local PoliticsDemocrat-leaningRepublican-leaning
ReligionDiverse, with a significant presence of churchesPrimarily Christian, with a strong evangelical influence

Transitioning from Durham to Knoxville, you'll notice shifts in community dynamics due to the differences in political and religious backgrounds. Durham's more liberal and Democrat-leaning atmosphere contrasts with Knoxville's conservative, Republican tilt. Such distinctions reflect not only in local governance but in community events and public discussions. Regarding religion, while both cities boast a Christian majority, in Knoxville, the evangelical presence is more pronounced, influencing local culture and social gatherings. This transition might require an adjustment period as you engage with your new community's unique cultural and social fabric.

Durham vs. Knoxville Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC to Knoxville, TN offers a new lifestyle, especially when it comes to navigating daily commutes. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham & Knoxville is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experience will be like in these cities.

ComparisonDurhamKnoxville
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2221.5
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Possible but challengingDifficult

While the average commute time in Durham and Knoxville is fairly similar, with Durham just half a minute longer on average, the traffic congestion in Durham rates higher, suggesting busier roads during peak hours. However, Durham scores better in terms of public transit availability, making it slightly easier for those without cars to navigate the city, albeit still challenging. In Knoxville, the lower score in public transit availability coupled with less traffic congestion indicates a city less reliant on public transportation and more on personal vehicles for commuting. For those moving from Durham to Knoxville, it might mean reevaluating the necessity of owning a car for a smoother daily commute.

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