Best Durham to Virginia Beach Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Durham to Virginia Beach Movers

Moving from the scholarly vibes of Durham, NC, to the soothing shores of Virginia Beach, VA, marks an exciting chapter in your life, beckoning with both new challenges and thrilling adventures. Leaving behind Durham's renowned academic institutions and the Bull City's vibrant culture for Virginia Beach's famed Boardwalk and majestic Atlantic waves is a journey not just of miles, but of lifestyle transformation. In this pivotal transition, it's crucial to have our trusted and reliable professional movers by your side, ensuring your move is as smooth and stress-free as the breezy coastal winds of your new home.

North Carolina iconArrow iconVirginia icon

Best Durham to Virginia Beach Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.42NRActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Marathon Moving Services9.27NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Capital Moving & Storage9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Prime Movers USA9.07NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Virginia Beach to Durham guide.

5 Best Durham to Virginia Beach 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
Marathon Moving Services Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 1,058+ data points

About Marathon Moving Services

Are you looking for an independently-owned moving company that provides affordable and reliable moving services in Virginia Beach? Marathon ...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Packing & Delivery

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3572153 / 1552140

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
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
Prime Movers USA Logo
Exceptional9.07/10
based on 628+ data points

About Prime Movers USA

Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Prime Movers offers premium moving services at unmatched prices. Founded in 2015, it takes pride in its highly-...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves (within 50 miles)
  • Long distance moves (over 50 miles)
  • Packing/unpacking services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2995403 / 21183

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved9,060 (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. Virginia Beach Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're unfamiliar with its neighborhoods. This guide is designed to make your transition smoother by providing a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Virginia Beach, VA . By understanding the similarities between neighborhoods in Durham and their counterparts in Virginia Beach, you can better anticipate which area might feel like home.

DurhamVirginia BeachHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkGreat NeckHistoric homes, family-friendly vibe
Old West DurhamChic's BeachLaid-back atmosphere, beach access
Downtown DurhamTown CenterUrban living, shopping, and dining
Hope ValleyAlantonExpansive homes, mature landscapes
WoodcroftKing's GrantQuiet suburbs, convenient location
American VillageThaliaDiverse community, suburban feel
Watts Hospital-HillandaleBaylake PinesFamily-oriented, close to nature parks
TreyburnRed Mill FarmSpacious properties, peaceful living
RockwoodShadowlawnEclectic vibes, close-knit community
Forest HillsCroatanBeachfront luxury, exclusive atmosphere

For those moving from Durham's beloved Trinity Park, with its historic homes and family-friendly atmosphere, Great Neck in Virginia Beach offers a remarkably similar vibe, complete with historic charm and a strong sense of community. If you're fond of the laid-back, artsy feel of Old West Durham, then Chic's Beach will capture your heart with its relaxed beachside living and unique local eateries like Citrus. Meanwhile, Downtown Durham's vibrant urban lifestyle finds its match in Virginia Beach's Town Center, where shopping, dining, and entertainment abound, including destinations like the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. For the more suburb-inclined, Woodcroft's serene environment is paralleled by King's Grant, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and access to excellent schools and parks. This comparison serves not just to acquaint you with your new surroundings but to help you find a place where you can truly feel at home.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Virginia Beach

  • Stroll along Virginia Beach Boardwalk
  • Explore Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
  • Enjoy hikes at First Landing State Park
  • Visit Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Take a dolphin watching tour
  • Surf at Sandbridge Beach
  • Experience Neptune Festival events

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Virginia Beach

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the benefits against the drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Durham, NC, to Virginia Beach, VA, showcasing the pros and cons. Understanding these aspects can help in making an informed decision about the relocation.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Fewer beaches
  • Lesser nightlife
  • Higher crime rates
  • Compact downtown
Virginia Beach, VA iconVirginia Beach, VA
  • Larger city amenities
  • Beach access
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Lower crime rates
  • Spacious layouts
Virginia Beach, VA iconVirginia Beach, VA
  • Less cultural variety
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Less intimate community
  • Longer wait times
  • More humidity
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Rich culture
  • Tech job hub
  • Cozy community
  • Accessible healthcare
  • Seasonal weather

Choosing Virginia Beach offers fantastic opportunities such as beachfront living and outdoor activities. Imagine weekend strolls along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, dining at oceanfront restaurants like Catch 31, or exploring the vibrant nightlife at venues like Eagles Nest. On the flip side, while Durham may have a more compact downtown, it’s renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and tight-knit community vibe which can be seen in neighborhoods like Brightleaf or the American Tobacco Historic District, bustling with local eateries such as Pizzeria Toro and innovative companies housed in the Research Triangle Park. The transition to Virginia Beach might introduce you to a different, more expansive layout with potential for beachside living, but it’s also worth noting the unique charm and offerings Durham provides.

Durham vs. Virginia Beach Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisines between Durham, NC and Virginia Beach, VA is designed to give you a taste of what to expect in your new home. Understanding the food scene is crucial to getting to know the local culture and settling in. Here's a closer look at the culinary delights awaiting you.

DurhamVirginia Beach
Most iconic local food itemNorth Carolina BBQSeafood (Crab Cakes)
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkGrilled Fish
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosBoardwalk Fries
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitSeaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Bull City Burger and Brewery
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Waterman's Surfside Grille
  • Tautog's Restaurant
  • Doc Taylor's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to Virginia Beach, you'll find a vibrant food scene with a strong emphasis on seafood, given its coastal location. The iconic Crab Cakes and Grilled Fish dishes are local favorites, best enjoyed at spots like Waterman's Surfside Grille or Tautog's Restaurant, which capture the essence of Virginia Beach's culinary culture. For those seeking vegan options, the Seaweed Salad is a popular choice, reflecting the city's creativity in catering to all dietary needs. And let's not forget about the Boardwalk Fries - a must-try street food item that embodies the casual, ocean-side spirit of Virginia Beach.

Durham vs. Virginia Beach Restaurant Comparison

Relocating comes with its own set of challenges, but finding your next favorite dining spot shouldn't be one. This restaurant comparison focuses on transitioning from Durham, NC, to Virginia Beach, VA, guiding you towards culinary delights that will make your new city feel like home. Let this be your roadmap to delicious discoveries!

DurhamVirginia BeachWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasTapas 24Serves a vast array of Spanish cuisines, reminiscent of Mateo's approach
Pizzeria ToroWaterman's Surfside GrilleKnown for its atmosphere and pizzas that rival Toro's quality
Bull City Burger and BreweryRepeal Bourbons and BurgersOffers a variety of burgers and beers much like Bull City
NanaSteakRuth's Chris Steak HouseProvides a high-end steak experience similar to NanaSteak
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenCommuneOffers fresh, locally sourced dishes in a European-style setting akin to Guglhupf's
Fosters MarketBay LocalKnown for its cozy atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients like Foster's
Backyard BBQ PitBeach Bully BBQA spot for authentic BBQ that can satisfy those Backyard cravings
M SushiZushi Japanese BistroOffers a high-quality sushi experience similar to that at M Sushi
The ParlourLolly's CreameryDelivers handmade, innovative ice cream flavors much like The Parlour
Durham Food HallThe VB HiveProvides a variety of dining options, echoing the diverse choices of Durham Food Hall

As you transition from the dynamic and diverse culinary scene of Durham to the vibrant offerings of Virginia Beach, you will find comforting similarities. The VB Hive, like Durham Food Hall, presents a collection of unique dining experiences under one roof, catering to various tastes and preferences. If your palate leans towards the refined and intricate flavors of sushi, Zushi Japanese Bistro is the Virginia Beach equivalent to Durham's M Sushi, promising an equally memorable dining experience with their bespoke sushi selections. And for those days when only the comfort of Southern BBQ will do, Beach Bully BBQ stands ready to fill the void left by Backyard BBQ Pit, ensuring your transition is not only smooth but delicious as well.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Virginia Beach Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your moving experience, making it essential to understand how Durham, NC, and Virginia Beach, VA, measure up in terms of housing options. This comparison aims to provide insights on housing costs, architectural styles, walkability, and more, to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonDurhamVirginia Beach
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanBeachfront, Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, proximity to research institutionsBeach access, family-friendly neighborhoods

When comparing Durham and Virginia Beach, several key differences emerge. Durham houses, typically in Colonial or Craftsman styles, have a lower median home price but a higher monthly rent compared to Virginia Beach, where beachfront and Colonial styles prevail, emphasizing the city’s scenic coastline and vibrant community lifestyle. Virginia Beach scores higher in walkability and bikeability, reflecting its more accessible urban areas and outdoor lifestyle advantages. Moreover, real estate listings in Virginia Beach often highlight unique attractions such as beach access, while Durham's listings focus on spacious yards and proximity to prestigious research institutions, showcasing the distinct lifestyles each city offers.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, VA

1. ViBe Creative District: Known for its artistic vibe, the ViBe Creative District hosts numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, making it a perfect neighborhood for you and your furry friend to explore together.

2. Great Neck: With spacious parks like Great Neck Park, this area offers ample green space for your pets to play in, along with pet-friendly walking trails.

3. Shore Drive: This neighborhood is renowned for its close proximity to First Landing State Park, providing you and your pet miles of beaches and nature trails to enjoy year-round.

Durham vs. Virginia Beach Weather Considerations

If you're moving from Durham , NC to Virginia Beach , VA , grasping how the weather will change is vital. Understanding the climate differences prepares you for what to expect, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home. This comparison will highlight the key weather aspects you should be aware of.

Summer icon
88 / 68

Durham, NC

87 / 70

Virginia Beach, VA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50 / 30

Durham, NC

48 / 32

Virginia Beach, VA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
45

Durham, NC

47

Virginia Beach, VA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Durham, NC

6

Virginia Beach, VA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

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

While Durham and Virginia Beach share similar temperatures and days of sunshine, the climate in Virginia Beach tends to be slightly more humid, with a modestly higher UV index. This can affect everything from how you dress to your outdoor activities. Additionally, while both locations experience their share of natural disasters, Virginia Beach’s coastal position makes it more susceptible to hurricanes and coastal storms. This information is crucial for preparation, especially during hurricane season. Air quality and common allergies also vary between these cities, potentially impacting your daily comfort and health. Being aware of these differences allows you to take appropriate measures, like investing in air purifiers or preparing for seasonal allergies.

Ready to start your move?

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

When relocating, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison between Durham and Virginia Beach highlights key economic variables. It helps you gauge how your expenses, taxes, and potential earnings might shift, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new environment.

ComparisonDurhamVirginia Beach
Avg. Household Income$71,343$81,634
Cost of Living Index96.696.6
State Income Tax5.255.75
Avg. Property Tax0.780.99
Avg. Sales Tax7.56.0
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, BiotechnologyDefense, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowVery Low

While both Durham and Virginia Beach boast strong economic indicators, there are notable differences. For instance, the slightly higher average household income in Virginia Beach, coupled with a higher cost of living index, suggests you might find everyday expenses more substantial here. State and property taxes are also higher. However, Virginia Beach's stronger position in affluence and lower poverty rates indicates a potentially more stable local economy, bolstered by its significant defense and tourism industries. Making an informed decision requires weighing these financial factors alongside what you value in a living environment.

Durham vs. Virginia Beach Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from Durham, NC to Virginia Beach, VA, it's beneficial to understand how the communities compare. This quick overview provides a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Durham & Virginia Beach . This insight can help you anticipate the cultural landscape of your new home.

DurhamVirginia Beach
Political Make-upLean LiberalModerately Conservative
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesMixed, with a Strong Military Presence Influencing Voter Base
ReligionDiverse, with a Strong Presence of Mainline Protestant and Black Protestant CommunitiesDiverse, with Notable Christian (Including Evangelical) and Catholic Communities

While Durham tends to have a more liberal political leaning, characterized by progressive policies, Virginia Beach's political climate is moderately conservative, reflecting its strong military community. In terms of religion, both cities enjoy a diverse religious landscape, but Durham has a significant presence of Mainline and Black Protestant communities. In contrast, Virginia Beach has a larger concentration of Evangelical Christians and Catholics, aligning with its more conservative political stance. Whether you're moving for a new job, family, or just a change of scenery, understanding these dynamics can ease the transition and help you connect with your new community more deeply.

Durham vs. Virginia Beach Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Making a move between cities can be a hefty decision, especially when it comes to daily commutes and transportation options. This guide is aimed to help you compare the traffic and transportation options between Durham, NC, and Virginia Beach, VA, giving you a better insight into what to expect on the roads and how feasible public transit options are.

ComparisonDurhamVirginia Beach
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2224
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Possibly, with some planningChallenging

In both Durham and Virginia Beach, the average commute times hover around the national average, though you may find yourself spending a couple of extra minutes in transit in Virginia Beach. Durham boasts a slightly more robust public transit system, making it somewhat easier to navigate the city without a car, as opposed to Virginia Beach, where the limited public transit options make having a car more of a necessity. Traffic congestion in Virginia Beach scores a bit higher than in Durham, likely due to its status as a popular tourist destination during the summer months. These factors are crucial to keep in mind when planning your commute or considering the feasibility of living without a personal vehicle in your new city.

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