Best Durham to Alexandria Movers and Practical Moving Guide

Get a Quote Now!

Durham to Alexandria Movers

Moving from the scholarly vibes of Durham, NC, to the historic charm of Alexandria, VA, marks not just a change of address but an exciting leap into a new chapter of your life. While you’re swapping the Bull City’s vibrant research hub for Alexandria's picturesque waterfronts and cobbled streets, the essence of what makes both cities unique follows you. It's vital, then, to ensure this transition is smooth by choosing trusted and reliable professional movers, something we specialize in by ranking the best through an unbiased algorithm so your journey begins on the right foot.

North Carolina iconArrow iconVirginia icon

Best Durham to Alexandria Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
ARS Movers9.63A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.42NRActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Capital Moving & Storage9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alexandria to Durham guide.

5 Best Durham to Alexandria Moving Companies

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

ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,704+ data points

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a wide r...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
2
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
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
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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. Alexandria Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we offer a comparison of local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Alexandria, VA. This guide aims to help you find a new neighborhood in Alexandria that feels like home by matching you with areas similar to your favorite Durham locales.

DurhamAlexandriaHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkOld TownHistoric charm, community feel
WoodcroftKingstowneFamily-friendly, green spaces
American VillageDel RayLively, local shops and eateries
Duke ParkRosemontQuiet, near parks and transit
Hope ValleyBelle HavenUpscale, golf community
TreyburnMount VernonHistoric estates, scenic
BrightleafPotomac WestVibrant, close to amenities
RockwoodParkfairfaxQuiet, established neighborhood
Nine StreetsCameron StationPlanned, community oriented
Old North DurhamWest End AlexandriaCultural, diverse

For those charmed by the historic and community-focused vibe of Durham's Trinity Park, Old Town Alexandria will feel instantly familiar with its cobblestone streets and waterfront parks, such as Founders Park and Waterfront Park. Similarly, if you enjoy the local shops and vibrant eateries of American Village, Del Ray's Mount Vernon Avenue, with spots like The Stomping Ground for breakfast or coffee, will become your new go-to. Should your Durham days have been filled with visits to the Duke Park, Alexandria's Rosemont neighborhood, known for its proximity to parks such as Hooffs Run Park and Greenway, and easy access to King Street Metro, offers a similar laid-back environment, embedding a seamless transition for your recreational routines.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Alexandria

Moving from one city to another offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of both the good and bad aspects of relocating from Durham, NC, to Alexandria, VA. Our charts will compare the cons of Durham, NC, against the pros of Alexandria, VA, and vice versa, helping you weigh your options carefully.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Less walkability
  • Fewer cultural events
  • More suburban
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Temperate climate
  • High walkability
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Urban environment
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Higher living costs
  • Faster pace
  • Fewer parks
  • More transient
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower living costs
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Abundant green spaces
  • Strong local community

In Durham, the local community thrives with a laid-back lifestyle and a strong sense of belonging, largely attributed to its abundant green spaces like West Point on the Eno and the Durham Central Park. On the other hand, Alexandria offers a faster-paced, urban environment with a vibrant cultural scene. Places like Old Town Alexandria brim with history, boutique shops, and exquisite dining options, such as Waterfront dining by ARP. Alexandria's walkability allows residents to explore an array of cultural events, historic sites, and waterfront activities, presenting a dynamic lifestyle albeit at a higher living cost.

Durham vs. Alexandria Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & Alexandria, outlying the significant aspects of what makes the food scene unique in each city. Knowing your new local cuisine is an essential step towards immersing yourself in the cultural fabric of where you'll be living.

DurhamAlexandria
Most iconic local food itemNorth Carolina BBQShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork SandwichLamb Shawarma
Most popular street food itemTacosFalafel
Most popular vegan foodVegan BarbecueVegan Mediterranean Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Rose's Noodles
  • Bull City Burger and Brewery
  • Restaurant Eve
  • Hank's Oyster Bar
  • Virtue Feed & Grain
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to Alexandria, you’ll find an eclectic mix of culinary delights that reflect its historic roots and contemporary influence. Shrimp and grits, a Southern classic, can be enjoyed at many local establishments, notably Restaurant Eve for a refined take. The city’s lamb shawarma reflects a strong Middle Eastern influence, best experienced in the bustling neighborhoods of Old Town. Alexandria’s commitment to diverse and health-conscious options is evident in its vegan and vegetarian offerings, with Hank's Oyster Bar and others providing innovative plant-based dishes. The food scene here warmly embraces both tradition and modern trends, making it a delightful culinary journey for newcomers.

Durham vs. Alexandria Restaurant Comparison

Understanding the importance of food in making a location feel like home is crucial when relocating. This restaurant comparison chart will assist in transitioning from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA , by identifying equivalents to your favorite dining spots. Discover your next go-to eateries with ease.

DurhamAlexandriaWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasBrabo Tasting RoomOffers a European flair with a focus on Belgian cuisine, mirroring Mateo's Spanish tapas experience.
Pizzeria ToroDel Ray PizzeriaKnown for their artisan pizzas, similar in spirit to Pizzeria Toro's wood-fired offerings.
Bull City Burger and BreweryPort City BrewingWhile primarily a brewery, it offers food trucks and events, akin to Bull City's brewpub vibe.
Dame's Chicken & WafflesHen QuarterSouthern comfort food with an upscale twist, echoing Dame's soul food classics.
Nana's RestaurantVermilionOffers farm-to-table new American cuisine, reminiscent of Nana's focus on quality ingredients and sophisticated dishes.
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenLena's Wood-Fired Pizza & TapThough more Italian-focused, Lena's offers a similar European café atmosphere with an emphasis on quality baked goods.
SushiokiMomo Sushi & CafeOffers a variety of fresh sushi rolls and Japanese dishes, catering to the same audience as Sushioki.
Foster's MarketStomping GroundKnown for its locally sourced, home-cooked meals, it shares Foster's commitment to community and quality ingredients.
The Saltbox Seafood JointWharfside Seafood GrilleBoth specialize in fresh, locally-sourced seafood with a menu that changes based on availability.
LocopopsDolci GelatiThough focused on gelato, offers a similar artisan approach to sweet treats, reminiscent of Locopops' gourmet popsicles.

When exploring Alexandria's culinary scene, look no further than Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap for a cozy European café vibe, bringing a slice of Durham's beloved Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten atmosphere to Virginia. For those missing Dame's soulful comfort food, Hen Quarter will satiate your cravings with its upscale Southern cuisine, offering a thoughtful twist on classics. Meanwhile, sushi enthusiasts will appreciate Momo Sushi & Cafe, bearing a resemblance to Sushioki's inventive rolls and Japanese fare. These carefully selected Alexandria restaurants not only promise to replicate the essence of your Durham favorites but also invite you to embrace the local flavors of your new city.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Alexandria Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is vital when relocating. Knowing how Durham, NC, and Alexandria, VA compare in housing costs, styles, and livability helps you make an informed decision. This comparison aims to give a clear perspective on each city's real estate landscape to ease your transition.

ComparisonDurhamAlexandria
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, ColonialColonial, Townhouse
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Proximity to Duke UniversityHistoric charm, Proximity to Washington, D.C.

In comparing the elements listed, several distinctions stand out. Alexandria, with its higher median home price and rent, reflects it's closer proximity to the urban sprawl of Washington, D.C., offering a more urban lifestyle as indicated by its higher urban lifestyle score. This is further exemplified through its better walkability and bikeability scores, making it favorable for those preferring to minimize car usage. Meanwhile, Durham presents a more affordable option, with its real estate listings often highlighting spacious yards, an appealing feature for families or those seeking more living space. The architecture in both cities leans towards Colonial, yet Durham also showcases a significant number of Ranch-style homes, giving potential homeowners a variety of options to choose from based on their architectural preferences.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA

1. Del Ray: Known for its welcoming community and variety of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, Del Ray lets you enjoy outdoor dining experiences with your furry friend by your side.

2. Old Town: With its waterfront parks, such as Founders Park, and abundance of pet-friendly shops, Old Town is perfect for leisurely strolls and shopping with your pet.

3. Potomac Yard: This neighborhood features spacious pet-friendly apartments and easy access to the Potomac Yard Park, which includes a dedicated dog park for your pet to play and meet other dogs.

Durham vs. Alexandria Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Durham, NC, to Alexandria, VA, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This guide aims to highlight how the climate varies between these two locations, shedding light on what adjustments may be necessary. With weather comparisons between Durham and Alexandria , this section provides insights into average temperatures, rainfall, and more to prepare you for your new environment.

Summer icon
89/68

Durham, NC

88/71

Alexandria, VA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
51/32

Durham, NC

44/29

Alexandria, VA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47.8"

Durham, NC

43.4"

Alexandria, VA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.3"

Durham, NC

15.4"

Alexandria, VA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamAlexandria
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesHurricanes, Winter Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In comparison, Durham offers slightly warmer winters and more days of sunshine, which can be a significant factor for those accustomed to vibrant, sunny days. However, it's Alexandria that experiences a greater degree of snowfall, a factor that might necessitate a winter wardrobe refresh and possibly adopting new commuting habits in snowy conditions. Though both cities are similar in terms of annual humidity and UV index, Alexandria's slightly more moderate summer temperatures might be a relief during the hot months. Additionally, the presence of different predominant seasonal allergies in each city highlights the need for newcomers to Alexandria to potentially revise their allergy management strategies.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA, understanding the financial implications is crucial. Comparing the cost of living, tax rates, and economic conditions between Durham and Alexandria helps you make informed decisions about your relocation. Here's a snapshot of how these two cities differ financially.

ComparisonDurhamAlexandria
Avg. Household Income$71,343$101,162
Cost of Living Index96.6140.1
State Income Tax5.255.75
Avg. Property Tax0.840.99
Avg. Sales Tax7.56
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health, BiotechnologyGovernment, Defense, Technology
AffluenceEmergingAffluent
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessConcerningManaged

Despite Durham's growing economy, Alexandria offers higher average household incomes, which is reflective of its higher cost of living index. However, Alexandria's property and state income tax rates are slightly higher, a consideration for those pondering the move. The distinct top industries in each city—Durham's focus on education and biotech versus Alexandria's government and defense sectors—highlight economic opportunities and possible career paths. While both cities have their own challenges with poverty and homelessness, the data suggests Alexandria manages these issues more effectively, potentially offering a higher quality of life. Moving from Durham to Alexandria, you'll encounter different financial landscapes, but understanding these nuances ensures a smoother transition.

Durham vs. Alexandria Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA brings changes in scenery, lifestyle, and communities. This quick comparison provides a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Durham & Alexandria . It offers insights into what you might expect from your new neighbors and the local atmosphere.

DurhamAlexandria
Political Make-upLiberal-leaningLiberal-leaning
Local PoliticsActive community engagementHigh voter turnout with strong civic participation
ReligionChristian majority with diverse religious communitiesChristian majority with a blend of other faiths

Both Durham and Alexandria boast a liberal-leaning populace, which could provide a smooth transition for you in terms of political climate. However, you might find Alexandria's political scene to be more vibrant, characterized by its high voter turnout and robust civic participation. This reflects a highly engaged community that values political involvement and public discourse. On the religious front, both cities host a Christian majority alongside a spectrum of other faiths, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. This comparison suggests a welcoming atmosphere where you can find common ground and engage in meaningful community and civic activities.

Durham vs. Alexandria Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

As you consider the move from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA, it's essential to understand how your daily commute might change. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham & Alexandria aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of travel times, congestion, and public transit availability in your new city.

ComparisonDurhamAlexandria
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2230
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?ChallengingEasier

Digging deeper into the comparison, it's clear that while Durham offers a relatively shorter average commute time, it lacks when it comes to public transportation options. For those used to driving in Durham, the idea of shifting to a more public transit-reliant lifestyle in Alexandria might seem daunting at first. However, Alexandria's robust public transit system, including its Metro services and DASH bus lines, makes getting around without a car much more feasible than in Durham. This could be a significant change for you, offering not only a different way to commute but also a chance to explore the city in a way you might not have considered before.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Durham to Alexandria Movers Featured Image