Best Rochester to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Rochester to Durham Movers

Moving from the wintry charm of Rochester, NY, to the vibrant streets of Durham, NC, marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. Leaving behind the "Flower City" for the "Bull City" means swapping cold snow for warm sunshine, and embracing a different blend of food, culture, and community. Ensuring this transition is smooth demands hiring trusted and reliable professional movers, a task we take seriously by offering you the best options with an unbiased ranking to guide your choice for this significant long-distance move.

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Best Rochester to Durham Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.42NRActiveContact
Zippboxx9.36NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Interior Moving Services, Inc.8.96A+Authorized For HHGContact
Reliable Movers8.93A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Rochester guide.

5 Best Rochester to Durham 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
Zippboxx Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,089+ data points

About Zippboxx

Zippboxx is a top-rated moving and storage company based in Hauppauge, New York, providing residential and commercial moving services both l...Read More >>

Services

  • Local movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3077817 / 1043860

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2024)
View Full Review
2
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
3
Interior Moving Services, Inc. Logo
Superb
claimed company icon
8.96/10
based on 1,144+ data points

About Interior Moving Services, Inc.

Located in Rochester, New York, Interior Moving Services has close to three decades of moving expertise, serving both residential and commer...Read More >>

Services

  • Local residential moving
  • Local commercial moving
  • Long-distance residential moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1498819 / 600823

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Reliable Movers Logo
Superb
claimed company icon
8.93/10
based on 693+ data points

About Reliable Movers

Reliable Movers is a family-owned and operated business specializing in moves from New York to Florida. Since 1996, this Auburn-based moving...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving, local and long distance
  • Commercial factories and offices moving
  • Hot tubs, pianos, and gun safes moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1605981 / 837987

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved79,441 (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.

Rochester vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving cities can be daunting, especially when you're trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Rochester, NY & Durham, NC . This guide will help you familiarize yourself with an unfamiliar city by providing you with the closest resembling neighborhoods to those you've grown to love.

RochesterDurhamHow They're Similar
Park AvenueNinth StreetVibrant, mixed-use area
East AvenueTrinity ParkHistoric, community-centric
Highland ParkForest HillsLush, historic homes
South WedgeBrightleafEclectic, artsy vibe
Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA)Warehouse DistrictCreative, urban loft living
Corn HillOld West DurhamQuaint, with a strong sense of community
North Winton VillageWoodcroftSuburban, family-friendly
Ellwanger-BarryHope ValleyPeaceful, well-established
Plymouth-ExchangeGolden BeltHistoric, creative hub
BrowncroftWatts-HillandaleCozy, with historic charm

If you're charmed by the historic homes and lively atmosphere of Park Avenue in Rochester, you'll find a similar vibe in Durham's Ninth Street district, known for its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. North Winton Village provides a suburban, family-friendly environment, much like you'll find in Durham’s Woodcroft, with its community activities and serene parks. For those who appreciate the artsy and eclectic feel of South Wedge, Durham's Brightleaf area offers a similar creative spirit, hosting numerous local artists and galleries. These comparisons provide a starting point as you explore the unique character and community each Durham neighborhood has to offer.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Rochester to Durham

Moving from one city to another is a significant life event that involves weighing various factors to make an informed decision. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Rochester, NY to Durham, NC . By comparing the pros and cons, you'll gain insights into what to expect and how to prepare for your new life in Durham.

CONs
PROs
Rochester, NY iconRochester, NY
  • Cold winters
  • Higher taxes
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Smaller city
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Milder winters
  • Lower taxes
  • More cultural diversity
  • More job opportunities
  • Larger city
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Less familiar community
  • Higher cost of living
  • Urban environment
  • Younger city
  • Different education system
Rochester, NY iconRochester, NY
  • Close-knit communities
  • Lower cost of living
  • Natural beauty
  • Rich history
  • Good schools

While the decision to move from Rochester, NY to Durham, NC entails considering various lifestyle changes, there are unique advantages and challenges to each location. For instance, Durham's milder winters and vibrant cultural scene—as seen in places like the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Nasher Museum of Art—offer a refreshing change from Rochester's harsher winters and more homogenous culture. Additionally, the bustling Durham Central Park and the historic Brightleaf District are just a couple of the popular areas where new residents can explore and integrate into the community. Job opportunities, particularly in the booming tech and research sectors, are more plentiful in Durham, providing a promising prospect for career growth. However, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges of adapting to a new, possibly busier, urban environment and the feelings of nostalgia for the close-knit communities and the natural beauty that Rochester offers.

Rochester vs. Durham Food Guide

Food isn't just about sustenance; it's a rich part of local culture and an essential aspect of what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we'll offer a snapshot of culinary life through a comparison of the local cuisine between Rochester & Durham , aiming to provide a taste of what awaits in your new home.

RochesterDurham
Most iconic local food itemGarbage PlatePulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishWhite HotsFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemZweigle's Hot DogsFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan "Meat" SandwichesBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Nick Tahou Hots
  • Genesee Brew House
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
  • Poole's Diner
  • The Pit Authentic Barbecue
  • Dame's Chicken & Waffles
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Durham, the culinary scene is vibrant and extends well beyond traditional southern comfort food. For instance, The Pit Authentic Barbecue in the Warehouse District offers a modern twist on the Carolina barbecue tradition, while Dame's Chicken & Waffles blends sweet and savory in a way that's uniquely Durham. Vegan and vegetarian options are abundant as well, with places like the Plant-Based Café showcasing how BBQ Jackfruit can rival any meat-based dish in flavor. The abundance of food trucks and a high fitness/health consciousness reflect a city that values both innovation and tradition in its food scene.

Rochester vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Making a new area feel like home is essential, and what better way than through its culinary offerings? This restaurant comparison between Rochester and Durham will help you discover your new favorite eateries, using your current favorites as a guide.

RochesterDurhamWhat You'll Love
Genesee Brew HouseFullsteam BreweryBoth offer a combination of great local brews and hearty American cuisine.
Dinosaur Bar-B-QueThe PitAuthentic, pit-smoked barbecue reminiscent of Dinosaur’s legendary flavor profile.
Joe Bean Coffee RoastersCocoa CinnamonArtisan coffee and a commitment to quality, with a unique, welcoming atmosphere.
Ristorante LucanoMateo Bar de TapasThough Spanish, Mateo offers the same dedication to fine, regional ingredients and a cozy dining experience.
Highland Park DinerElmo's DinerBoth are iconic eateries with a homey vibe, serving classic diner favorites that comfort and delight.
Pane Vino on the RiverParizadeOffers an elegant dining experience with Mediterranean influences, similar to Pane Vino's riverside charm.
The RevelryCounting HouseCounting House presents innovative and upscale dining, akin to the distinctive experience at The Revelry.
Nick Tahou HotsHeavenly BuffaloesWhile famous for wings, they offer a taste of Rochester's classic "garbage plate" through their diverse and indulgent menu items.
French Quarter CaféVin RougeBoth bring the essence of French bistro dining, with an atmosphere that's both romantic and casual.
SEA RestaurantBanh's CuisineAuthentic Vietnamese dining reminiscent of SEA Restaurant's beloved dishes and warm atmosphere.

Amidst the transition from Rochester to Durham, finding culinary gems that remind you of your old haunts can make all the difference. For instance, those who relish the hearty, smoked flavors of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que will find solace in The Pit's meticulously prepared barbecue, which champions the North Carolina tradition. On the other hand, aficionados of fine dining who frequented Pane Vino on the River in Rochester may relish the Mediterranean elegance offered at Parizade, where the ambiance and exquisite flavors promise a memorable dining experience. Thus, as you explore Durham's vibrant culinary scene, these establishments provide not just meals, but bridges between your cherished memories of Rochester and your new adventures in Durham.

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Rochester vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When preparing for a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison between Rochester, NY, and Durham, NC, focuses on essential housing aspects to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into how these two cities stack up.

ComparisonRochesterDurham
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodColonial Revival, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, backyardOpen floor plans, granite countertops

While evaluating the housing market, you'll notice significant differences between Rochester and Durham, particularly in terms of median home price and the monthly rent, reflecting the overall cost of living increase as you move from Rochester to Durham. This increase is somewhat balanced by Durham's slightly higher scores in walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, indicating a more vibrant, potentially more convenient urban life. For example, Durham's focus on open floor plans and granite countertops in listings highlights a modern aesthetic in homes that might appeal to those looking for a more contemporary living space. Architectural styles also vary, with Rochester favoring traditional Colonial and Cape Cod homes, whereas Durham leans towards Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles, offering aesthetic and cultural differences that might influence your relocation choice.

Rochester vs. Durham Weather Considerations

When moving from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the weather will compare. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help you anticipate changes in temperatures, sunshine, and more, highlighting the differences between Rochester, NY and Durham, NC. Knowing these variations will better prepare you for your relocation.

Summer icon
79°F/59°F

Rochester, NY

89°F/67°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32°F/18°F

Rochester, NY

51°F/32°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34.3

Rochester, NY

47.8

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
99.5

Rochester, NY

5.8

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRochesterDurham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstormsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Rochester and Durham experience a variety of seasons, mild winters and longer summers will likely stand out the most to you after relocating to Durham. With Durham receiving more days of sunshine annually, you will have more opportunities to explore the outdoors. However, it's also important to note that Durham's summer high temperatures average about 10 degrees warmer than Rochester's, which could be a significant adjustment. Additionally, whereas snow is a major feature of Rochester winters, accumulating nearly 100 inches annually, Durham sees significantly less snowfall. This drastic change might impact your winter sports activities but could also mean less need for winterizing your home.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances might change in the process. This comparison aims to shed light on the financial differences you'll encounter when moving from Rochester, NY to Durham, NC, covering aspects such as income, taxes, and cost of living. Knowing these differences will help make your transition smoother.

ComparisonRochesterDurham
Avg. Household Income$41,980$71,343
Cost of Living Index10096.6
State Income Tax6.33%-8.82%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax2.87%0.84%
Avg. Sales Tax8%7.5%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, ManufacturingEducation, Health Services, Technology
AffluenceModerateModerately High
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessNoticeableLess Noticeable

Moving from Rochester to Durham, you'll find a somewhat higher average household income, which can be a significant factor if you're looking for financial growth. However, this comes with a slightly increased cost of living in Durham. The lower state income and property taxes in Durham could offset some of these costs, potentially making homeownership more attainable and leaving more disposable income in your pocket. Furthermore, the shift in dominant industries could present new career opportunities, particularly if you have a background in technology. Understanding these financial nuances ensures you are better prepared for your move.

Rochester vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the social and cultural environment of your new home is paramount. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Rochester, NY & Durham, NC , giving you a feel for the community you’re about to join.

RochesterDurham
Political Make-upLiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic MayorDemocratic Mayor
ReligionChristianity Predominates, with a mix of other faithsChristianity Predominates, but diverse religious communities exist

In both Rochester and Durham, the political landscape leans liberal with each city's administration being led by a Democratic mayor. This might offer a sense of continuity in governance and local politics for you. On the religious front, Christianity is the predominant faith in both cities, though Durham boasts a slightly more diverse religious landscape, hosting various faith-based institutions and communities. Embracing this diversity might allow you a vast array of cultural and community engagement opportunities as you settle into your new home in Durham.

Rochester vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial when moving from one city to another. This guide offers a comparison of traffic and transportation options between Rochester & Durham, helping you to plan your move more effectively.

ComparisonRochesterDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2223
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possibly, with some difficultyChallenging

In Rochester, the average commute time is slightly less, and traffic is generally lighter compared to Durham. However, both cities have their own set of challenges regarding public transit. Rochester offers a decent public transit system, making it slightly easier to get by without a car than in Durham, where public transit options are less extensive, hence more challenging. Navigating daily life without a car is possible in Rochester, though it may include planning your routes and schedules carefully. In Durham, relying solely on public transit may require more patience and flexibility, as the options are not as robust.

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