Best Rochester to Columbus Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Rochester to Columbus Movers

Moving from the bustling cityscape of Rochester, NY, to the vibrant streets of Columbus, OH, marks an exciting chapter in your life, packed with new adventures and possibilities. Leaving behind Rochester's famed Flower City moniker for Columbus, known passionately as The Arch City, invites an exciting blend of culture, cuisines, and communities. It's crucial for your peace of mind to entrust this significant journey to professional movers who are not only trustworthy but have been rigorously vetted by our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving, ensuring your transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Best Rochester to Columbus Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Blue Men Moving LLC9.57A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Zippboxx9.37NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Manifest Shipping Llc9.19A+Authorized For HHGContact
Interior Moving Services, Inc.8.96A+Authorized For HHGContact
Reliable Movers8.94A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Columbus to Rochester guide.

5 Best Rochester to Columbus Moving Companies

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

Blue Men Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.57/10
based on 1,226+ data points

About Blue Men Moving LLC

With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior moving experience...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3544037 / 1184394

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved78,500 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Zippboxx Logo
Exceptional9.37/10
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
Manifest Shipping Llc Logo
Exceptional9.19/10
based on 452+ data points

About Manifest Shipping Llc

Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and s...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3050908 / 49758

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved46,740 (2022)
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 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1498819 / 600823

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Reliable Movers Logo
Superb
claimed company icon
8.94/10
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 10/18/2024)

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. Columbus Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating to a new city can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new surroundings. To ease this transition, we've compiled a comparison of local neighborhoods between Rochester, NY & Columbus, OH , making it easier for you to find a new home that feels familiar. We'll help you match the vibe, amenities, and lifestyle of your current Rochester neighborhood to a similar one in Columbus.

RochesterColumbusHow They're Similar
Park AvenueVictorian VillageBoth known for their quaint, historic homes and vibrant local dining scenes.
East AvenueGerman VillageHistoric architecture with a strong sense of community and arts.
Highland ParkClintonvilleHighlighting expansive parkland and a community-oriented vibe.
South WedgeShort NorthArtsy, with a bustling nightlife and strong LGBTQ+ community support.
North Winton VillageGrandview HeightsFamily-friendly with community activities and local businesses.
CharlotteHilliardBoth offer a laid-back, family-oriented community with accessible waterfront recreation.
BrowncroftWorthingtonKnown for well-preserved historic homes and strong school districts.
Cobb's HillBexleyBoth have scenic parks and a mix of housing styles, appealing to various preferences.
Ellwanger-BarryItalian VillageBoth have a rich historical background with vibrant urban renewal energy.
Corn HillOlde Towne EastEnjoys a rich heritage with historic homes and a strong sense of community.

In exploring these neighborhood pairings further, imagine walking down the picturesque streets of Park Avenue in Rochester, known for its charming cafes and local boutiques, such as Joe Bean Roasters or Parkleigh. In Columbus, Victorian Village offers a similar charming experience, with brick-paved sidewalks leading to cozy coffee shops like Fox in the Snow Café and unique local stores. Meanwhile, Highland Park’s allure with its vast green spaces like Highland Park Conservatory finds its match in Clintonville’s Whetstone Park of Roses, creating an urban oasis for nature lovers. Both neighborhoods pride themselves on a tight-knit community feel, offering a seamless transition for those moving from Rochester to Columbus.

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Things to Do in Columbus

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Rochester to Columbus

Moving can be a challenge, but comparing the pros and cons helps you make an informed decision. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Rochester, NY to Columbus, OH , laying out the benefits and drawbacks through straightforward charts. Whether it's lifestyle, climate, or job opportunities, understanding these aspects will equip you with the knowledge to transition smoothly.

CONs
PROs
Rochester, NY iconRochester, NY
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Less job opportunities
  • Lower diversity
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Milder winters
  • Bigger city amenities
  • More job opportunities
  • Higher diversity
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Less intimate feel
  • More traffic
  • Less historical sites
  • More urbanized
Rochester, NY iconRochester, NY
  • Close-knit community
  • Easy navigation
  • Rich history
  • Scenic landscapes

Relocating from Rochester to Columbus represents a shift from a more intimate, manageable city to one bustling with broader job markets and more diverse cultural experiences. In Columbus, areas like the Short North Arts District and German Village offer unique restaurants and shops, such as Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and the Book Loft, providing a vibrant atmosphere that's hard to find elsewhere. However, this move also means leaving behind the deeply rooted community feels, the ease of getting around in Rochester, and the closeness to natural vistas like Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes region. While Columbus boasts greater job opportunities, an expansive restaurant scene including North Market, and impressive parks like the Scioto Mile, it's these trade-offs that make the decision so personal and significant.

Rochester vs. Columbus Food Guide

Understanding the local food scene is crucial when moving to a new city, as food is a significant part of local culture and what living in an area is like. We will delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Rochester & Columbus to help you become more familiar with the culinary landscape you're about to embrace.

RochesterColumbus
Most iconic local food itemGarbage PlateBuckeye Candy
Most popular meat dishWhite HotColumbus Hot Chicken Takeover
Most popular street food itemAbbott's Frozen CustardTaco Trucks on 4th Street
Most popular vegan foodThe Red Fern's Compost PlatePortia's Café Vegan Options
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Nick Tahou Hots
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
  • Genesee Brew House
  • North Market
  • Thurman Café
  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving to Columbus, you'll find a vibrant food scene that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Columbus is known for its Buckeye Candy, a chocolate and peanut butter confectionery that reflects Ohio's state tree. The city's love for food is evident in its bustling North Market, a haven for food lovers offering a diverse range of cuisines. For those with a special place in their heart for meat dishes, Columbus's Hot Chicken Takeover has become a local favorite, showcasing the city's flair for bold flavors. Vegans will feel right at home in Columbus, with eateries like Portia's Café providing an array of vegan options that highlight the city's commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs. Whether you're exploring the Short North's trendy food scene or enjoying the comforts of home cooking at iconic spots, Columbus's culinary landscape is as welcoming as it is delicious.

Rochester vs. Columbus Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This comparison of iconic Rochester eateries to their Columbus counterparts is tailor-made to help you transition smoothly by finding familiar flavors in a new city, Rochester to Columbus . Whether you're craving high-end dining or casual bites, you'll find a new favorite spot to make your own.

RochesterColumbusWhat You'll Love
Dinosaur Bar-B-QueRay Ray's Hog PitAuthentic smoked BBQ paying homage to Rochester's favorite
RoccoBasi ItaliaIntimate Italian dining with a menu that speaks to Rocco's heart
Genesee Brew HouseBrewDog FranklintonA craft brewery with a robust selection evocative of Genesee's tradition
RouxLa ChatelaineA French bistro offering a slice of Paris similar to Roux's atmosphere
Joe Bean Coffee RoastersStauf's Coffee RoastersSpecialty coffee with a commitment to quality and community
The Owl HouseComunePlant-based and sustainable eating that resonates with The Owl House's ethos
Nicky's Vietnamese SandwichesIndochine CafeAuthentic Vietnamese flavors capturing the essence of Nicky's
Swan MarketSchmidt’s Sausage HausGerman cuisine and sausages that reflect Swan Market's offerings
Good Luck RestaurantThe Guild HouseArtistic plates and inventive cuisine in line with Good Luck's approach
GrappaMartini Modern ItalianContemporary Italian dishes that parallel Grappa's sophistication

In Columbus, you'll find Ray Ray's Hog Pit, where the smoked BBQ rivals that of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Rochester, ensuring your barbecue cravings are well met with authenticity and flavor. Coffee aficionados will appreciate Stauf's Coffee Roasters for its dedication to quality, mirroring the community feel and expert brews of Joe Bean Coffee Roasters. For those special nights out, The Guild House in Columbus offers an imaginative culinary experience akin to what Good Luck Restaurant provides, with both places boasting creative dishes in a sophisticated setting. These pairings not only help maintain the flavors of your Rochester favorites but also introduce you to the rich culinary tapestry of Columbus.

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Rochester vs. Columbus Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, the real estate market is a pivotal factor. Understanding how housing options compare between Rochester, NY and Columbus, OH can influence your decision. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences and similarities in their housing landscapes.

ComparisonRochesterColumbus
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalsModern and Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious layouts, historic charmOpen floor plans, nearby amenities

Housing in Rochester, NY, tends to be more affordable, with the median home price significantly lower than in Columbus, OH. Despite this, Columbus boasts a higher walkability and bikeability score, indicating a potentially more active lifestyle. Columbus's architectural styles are more diverse, offering both modern designs and historic Victorian homes. The urban lifestyle in Columbus is slightly more vibrant, reflected in the slightly higher ratings in urban lifestyle and amenities mentioned in real estate listings such as access to parks and recreational areas like the Scioto Mile. Both cities offer unique charms, but your preference for traditional versus modern living spaces could sway your decision.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH

1. German Village: Recognized for its picturesque brick streets and cozy atmosphere, German Village is incredibly pet-friendly with Schiller Park being a central spot for dog walking and socializing.

2. Short North: Known as the art and soul of Columbus, Short North is bustling with pet-friendly patios, boutiques like One Line Coffee that welcome furry friends, and several pet shops ensuring your pet's needs are always met.

3. Clintonville: Offering a more laid-back vibe, Clintonville is full of green spaces and parks such as the Whetstone Park of Roses, making it an ideal neighborhood for leisurely walks and outings with your pets.

Rochester vs. Columbus Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Rochester, NY to Columbus, OH, it's crucial to compare the weather conditions you're accustomed to with what awaits in your new city. Understanding how the climate varies between Rochester and Columbus will help you adjust smoothly to your new environment.

Summer icon
80°F / 60°F

Rochester, NY

85°F / 65°F

Columbus, OH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32°F / 18°F

Rochester, NY

36°F / 22°F

Columbus, OH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34"

Rochester, NY

39"

Columbus, OH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
99"

Rochester, NY

22"

Columbus, OH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRochesterColumbus
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Cold WavesTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In terms of weather differences between Rochester, NY, and Columbus, OH, one of the most notable contrasts is in winter conditions and snowfall. While both cities experience cold winters, Rochester gets significantly more snow, averaging about 99 inches annually compared to Columbus's 22 inches. This means you'll deal with less snow in Columbus but prepare for slightly warmer and more humid summers. Additionally, Columbus has a higher average number of sunny days per year, which could positively impact your outdoor activities and overall mood.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape is critical. This comparison between Rochester, NY and Columbus, OH is designed to illuminate the differences in living costs, taxes, and economic conditions you're about to encounter.

ComparisonRochesterColumbus
Avg. Household Income$41,980$58,202
Cost of Living Index10092
State Income Tax6.33 to 8.822.85 to 4.797
Avg. Property Tax2.872.05
Avg. Sales Tax87.5
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, ManufacturingEducation, Government, Insurance
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessConcerningManaged

Moving from Rochester to Columbus could financially favor you, especially with the average household income being notably higher in Columbus alongside a lower cost of living index. Additionally, Columbus enjoys a relatively lower state income tax and property tax rate, potentially translating into more disposable income. While both cities boast strong education sectors among their top industries, Columbus's government and insurance sectors contribute to its higher affluence levels and better management of poverty and homelessness, indicating a potentially smoother transition for newcomers.

Rochester vs. Columbus Political & Religious Comparison

Moving can bring about significant lifestyle changes, especially when transitioning between cities with distinct community profiles. This quick comparison aims to give you an inside look at the politics between Rochester & Columbus , covering the political and religious makeup of these vibrant communities. Whether you lean more towards participating in local politics or engaging with community religious groups, understanding the landscape can help ease your transition.

RochesterColumbus
Political Make-upGenerally liberalLean liberal
Local PoliticsActive community engagementHigh participation in local initiatives
ReligionMixed, with notable Catholic and Protestant communitiesDiverse, significant Christian community including Evangelical and Catholic

Both Rochester and Columbus boast vibrant, engaging communities but with slight variations in their makeup. Rochester, with its generally liberal stance, places a large emphasis on community engagement, which directly influences local politics. Meanwhile, Columbus, while also leaning liberal, shows a higher rate of participation in local initiatives, possibly due to its larger population and more diverse demographic. Religiously, both cities offer diversity, yet Columbus has a notably significant Evangelical Christian community, making it an integral part of the city's religious fabric. These distinctions offer a glimpse into the cultural and social textures that could play a significant part in your new life in Columbus.

Rochester vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial when moving from Rochester, NY to Columbus, OH. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Rochester & Columbus will help you navigate your new city with ease.

ComparisonRochesterColumbus
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)21.423.5
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?DifficultModerately Difficult

When comparing the daily commute between Rochester and Columbus, you'll find both cities offer unique challenges and advantages. Rochester's average commute time is slightly lower, meaning you might spend less time on the road. However, traffic congestion is a bit smoother in Columbus, with a slightly higher rating. Public transit seems to be more readily available in Columbus, indicating a slightly easier time getting around without a car compared to Rochester. While it's possible to live in either city without a vehicle, doing so in Columbus might offer a marginally more convenient day-to-day experience based on available public transit options.

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