Moving from New York City to Durham?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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New York City to Durham Movers

Moving from the bustling streets of the Big Apple to the charming vibes of Bull City is an adventure brimming with new opportunities and lifestyle changes. You're transitioning from the iconic skyscraper-laden skyline and fast-paced lifestyle of New York City to the laid-back, community-focused atmosphere of Durham, known for its vibrant food scene and rich history. Recognizing the significance of this long-distance move, it's essential to secure trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure a smooth transition, and that's where we come in, offering peace of mind with our rigorously ranked moving services.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to New York City guide.

5 Best New York City to Durham Movers

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

#1
JP Urban Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 4,145+ data points

Location DotBrooklyn, NY
GearLocal NYC Moving, Long Distance Moving, Office Moving, Business Moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 2096754 Verify

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to give you the best custo...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in new york city 2023 jp urban moving image
top 10 ranked movers in new york city 2022 jp urban moving image
#2
Metropolis Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,535+ data points

Location DotBrooklyn, NY
GearLocal moving services, Long-distance moving services, Commercial moving services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 2781573 Verify

About Metropolis Moving

Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and ...Read More >>

top 3 new york city 2024 metropolis moving image
top 10 ranked movers in queens 2023 metropolis moving image
top 10 ranked movers in queens 2022 metropolis moving image
#3
Flex Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,380+ data points

Location DotBrooklyn, NY
GearLocal moves, Commercial moves, Long distance moves See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3610638 Verify

About Flex Moving and Storage

With its domicile in Astoria, New York, Flex Moving and Storage carries a decade long European establishment. The company's range of service...Read More >>

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#4
Raleigh Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 954+ data points

Location DotRaleigh, NC
GearFree estimates, Full Value Protection (FVP), Fully licensed and insured See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3344628 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in rocky mount 2023 raleigh moving company image
top 10 ranked movers in rocky mount 2022 raleigh moving company image
#5
Athens Moving Experts Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 4,516+ data points

Location DotRaleigh, NC
GearLocal Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3205320 Verify

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 >>

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top ranked movers in raleigh 2023 athens moving experts image
top ranked movers in raleigh 2022 athens moving experts image

Relocating from New York City to Durham Neighborhood Guide

Preparing to move can be daunting, especially when relocating to a completely new city. To ease the transition, it's helpful to compare popular neighborhoods in New York City, NY & Durham, NC . This comparison aims to help someone familiarize themselves with an unknown city by using their existing knowledge of their current city as a baseline. The intention is to match top neighborhoods from New York City with their most similar counterparts in Durham.

New York CityDurham
WilliamsburgCentral Park

Vibrant arts scene, eclectic food

Upper East SideTrinity Park

Historic homes, family-friendly

Greenwich VillageNinth Street

Bohemian atmosphere, unique shops

SoHoWarehouse District

Trendy, art galleries

HarlemHayti District

Rich cultural history, community events

Financial DistrictAmerican Tobacco District

Revitalized, commercial hub

DUMBOGolden Belt

Industrial chic, artist lofts

ChelseaBrightleaf

Creative spaces, local eateries

MidtownDowntown Durham

Bustling, entertainment options

Upper West SideHope Valley

Quiet, upscale residential

For those enamored with the historic charm and upscale residential feel of New York City's Upper East Side, Trinity Park in Durham will feel like home, with its serene streets lined with historic homes and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. If you've enjoyed the eclectic and vibrant arts scene of Williamsburg, Central Park in Durham offers a similar vibe, hosting food truck rodeos and local farmer's markets that draw a diverse crowd. Lovers of SoHo's trendy art scene and upscale shopping will find Durham's Warehouse District a haven of creativity, featuring contemporary art galleries and chic dining experiences similar to those found in SoHo. Lastly, if the bohemian lifestyle and unique shops of Greenwich Village have been your go-to, Ninth Street in Durham mirrors this atmosphere, offering an eclectic mix of bookstores, cafes, and shops that cater to both the student population and local residents seeking a unique and quirky neighborhood feel.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from New York City to Durham

Moving from the bustling streets of New York City, NY, to the enchanting locales of Durham, NC, entails navigating a complex landscape of pros and cons. This detailed comparison aims to provide an honest reflection—highlighting both the benefits and challenges of such a relocation. Through discerning New York City's vigorous pace against Durham’s laid-back charm , we hope to illuminate the multifaceted nature of this transition.

CONs
PROs
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • High living costs
  • Crowded spaces
  • Noisy environment
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Limited greenery
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower living costs
  • More open spaces
  • Quieter surroundings
  • Relaxed pace of life
  • Abundant greenery
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Lesser dining variety
  • Car-dependent
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Smaller communities
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • Vibrant culture
  • Endless dining options
  • Public transportation
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Diverse communities

Leveraging the quieter surroundings and abundant greenery, Durham, NC offers a sensational change of pace for those accustomed to New York City's relentless hustle. Spaces like the Durham Central Park and Sarah P. Duke Gardens provide serene escapes not easily found in NYC. Though Durham may have a smaller cultural scene, it's still vibrant with gems like the Durham Performing Arts Center and unique dining experiences at places like Poole's Downtown Diner. The community might be smaller, but it's tightly-knit, offering a warm welcome to newcomers—a sharp contrast to NYC's sprawling, yet often impersonal, way of life.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from New York City to Durham

Food plays a pivotal role in understanding the local culture and the essence of living in any area. In this guide, we’ll dive into a comparison of the local cuisine between New York City & Durham to help you get acclimated to the culinary scene of your new home.

New York CityDurham

Most iconic local food item

Bagel with Lox
Barbecue Pork

Most popular meat dish

Pastrami Sandwich
Pulled Pork Sandwich

Most popular street food item

Hot Dog
Food Truck Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Vegan Bagel Sandwich
Vegan BBQ Jackfruit

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Le Bernardin
  • Joe's Pizza
  • The Pit
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Viceroy

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

8
7

Abundance of Food Trucks

9
8

Foodie Scene

10
8

Vegan Friendly

9
7

In moving from New York City to Durham, you'll transition from the bagel and pastrami haven to a locale celebrated for its barbecue and innovative takes on classic Southern cuisine. Durham's food scene might surprise you with its depth and creativity, especially found in neighborhoods like Brightleaf and the American Tobacco District. Here, spots like The Pit offer traditional and modern takes on North Carolina BBQ, while Mateo Bar de Tapas presents a Southern twist on Spanish fare. Despite having a slightly smaller vegan scene than NYC, Durham is increasingly catering to plant-based diets, with places like Viceroy offering vegan options that delight even the most discerning foodies.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from New York City to Durham

Finding comfort in cuisine can significantly ease the transition to a new city. This restaurant comparison from New York City to Durham, NC aims to help you discover your next culinary haven by leveraging your familiar favorites as a guide.

Le BernardinMateo Tapas

Spanish-style dining with an emphasis on seafood, echoing Le Bernardin's quality and presentation.

Katz's DelicatessenParker and Otis

Offers a quality delicatessen experience, maintaining the iconic sandwich culture similar to Katz's.

Shake ShackOnlyBurger

A beloved local burger joint with a focus on quality ingredients and taste, akin to Shake Shack's philosophy.

Per SeThe Restaurant at The Durham

Offers a fine dining experience with meticulous attention to detail, much like Per Se.

Joe's PizzaPizzeria Toro

Known for their excellent wood-fired pizzas, capturing the essence of a classic New York slice.

CarboneGocciolina

A cozy Italian spot with a menu that rivals the authentic and bold flavors of Carbone.

Xi'an Famous FoodsHappy + Hale

Offers a healthy and flavorful menu with items that remind one of Xi'an's distinctive spices and tastes.

Momofuku Noodle BarDashi

A noodle bar in Durham that presents ramen with depth of flavor and innovation, echoing Momofuku's reputation.

Dominique Ansel BakeryLoaf

A bakery that provides inventive and high-quality pastries, much like the celebrated Dominique Ansel Bakery.

The Halal GuysMediTerra Grill

While offering a broader menu, the essence of Middle Eastern flavors is very much alive, reminiscent of The Halal Guys.

While no two cities are exactly alike, the culinary jump from New York City's bustling, diverse food scene to Durham's vibrant gastronomy landscape is less daunting than one might think. Durham's Mateo Tapas captures the spirit of Le Bernardin with its Spanish-influenced seafood, demonstrating that quality dining experiences are a universal language. On the casual side, Parker and Otis echoes the charm of Katz's Delicatessen, ensuring that you won't miss out on enjoying a satisfying sandwich in your new city. For the nights when only a slice will do, Pizzeria Toro stands ready to deliver an experience reminiscent of stepping into Joe's Pizza. These establishments in Durham not only offer a taste of home but also invite you to explore and appreciate the local culinary culture.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from New York City to Durham

Real estate is a crucial factor when considering a move. Understanding how housing characteristics like cost, architecture, walkability, and lifestyle compare between New York City and Durham can significantly impact your decision-making process.

Moving from New York City to Durham, you'll find a drastic difference in housing costs. The median home price and monthly rent in Durham are significantly lower, offering greater affordability. The lifestyle in Durham leans towards a quieter, more suburban atmosphere with larger yards being a common attribute in real estate listings, compared to the hustle and bustle of New York City which prides itself on its urban sprit, epitomized by its high walkability scores and iconic Art Deco and Modern architecture. This contrast extends to the typical lifestyle, with New York scoring higher in urbanity and walkability, indicative of its dense, lively character and readily accessible amenities.

Weather Considerations for Moving from New York City to Durham

Moving from one city to another brings many changes, among which weather plays a significant role in daily life. This guide compares the weather aspects of New York City, NY to Durham, NC , to help you understand how your new environment might feel different from what you are used to.

Summer icon
84°F / 69°F

New York City, NY

89°F / 71°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
39°F / 26°F

New York City, NY

52°F / 33°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.9

New York City, NY

47.8

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
25.8

New York City, NY

4.6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Relocating to Durham from New York City, you'll experience milder winters and slightly hotter summers. The notable difference in winter temperature allows for a more comfortable outdoor experience during what would be colder months in NYC. Durham also sees a decrease in snowfall, which could mean less hassle during winter seasons but also fewer days enjoying snow-related activities. While both cities share concerns over natural disasters, the types and frequencies vary, with Durham facing a higher risk of hurricanes and tornadoes. For those sensitive to allergies, similar triggers exist in both environments, though the severity and timing might differ. These weather-related changes could impact your daily life and activities, making it crucial to prepare for a smoother transition.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from New York City to Durham

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape of your new home is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on the economic differences between New York City, NY, and Durham, NC , focusing on cost of living, taxes, and income to help you better prepare for your move.

Moving from New York City to Durham will bring a significant change in your financial landscape. Notably, your money might go further in Durham due to a substantially lower cost of living index. The average household income is lower than NYC, but the reduced taxes and cost of living may balance this difference. Durham's flat state income tax rate, coupled with a lower sales tax, can result in noticeable savings on day-to-day expenditures. Furthermore, while both cities boast strong healthcare and education sectors, Durham's growing technology industry offers new job opportunities not as available in New York City. Understanding these financial facets will help you navigate your move and plan for a successful future in your new home.

Political & Religious Comparison between New York City, NY and Durham, NC

The relocation journey from New York City to Durham invites not only a change in scenery but a transition into distinct cultural landscapes. This analysis compares the politics between New York City & Durham , offering an initial glance at the political and religious composition of their populations, setting the stage for a more informed move.

New York CityDurham

Political Make-up

Liberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic

Local Politics

Diverse, with a significant focus on social issuesCommunity-oriented, progressive policies

Religion

Multifaceted, with a wide representation including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and morePrimarily Christian, with a growing diversity of faiths

While both New York City and Durham lean liberal politically, the scale and focus of political engagement differ significantly. New York's melting pot crafts a broad political spectrum, passionately covering global and national issues. In contrast, Durham adopts a more localized approach, with tight-knit communities driving progress in areas directly affecting their collective and individual lives. Religious life in Durham, though predominantly Christian, mirrors a broader trend of increasing diversity, a shift that New Yorkers moving to Durham might find familiar yet distinct. Understanding these nuances offers valuable insights into the cultural transition you're about to experience.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from New York City to Durham

Moving from New York City, NY to Durham, NC, it's crucial to understand the differences in their traffic and transportation options. This comparison aims to provide insight into what your daily commute and traffic experiences will be like in each city.

New York CityDurham
4124

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

83

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

104

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

YesNo

Can you get by without car?

In New York City, the extensive public transit system means you can easily navigate the city without owning a car. The average commute time is longer due to higher traffic congestion, but the availability and convenience of public transit options like the subway and buses mitigate this. On the other hand, Durham's shorter commute times and lower congestion levels reflect a more car-dependent lifestyle. The public transportation in Durham is less extensive, making owning a car almost a necessity for getting around efficiently.

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