Best Rochester to Portland Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embarking on the journey from Rochester, NY, the Flour City, to Portland, OR, the City of Roses, marks an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind the snowy landscapes and familiar streets of Rochester for Portland's thriving arts scene and verdant, coffee-scented avenues is no small change. Given the distance and the life transition involved, it's crucial to ensure your belongings are in trusted and reliable hands. We at Great Guys Moving emphasize the importance of hiring professional movers who genuinely merit the title of the best, making your move as seamless as possible.
Best Rochester to Portland Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zippboxx | 9.37 | NR | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Northwest Grace Moving | 9.30 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| All Service Moving | 9.27 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Interior Moving Services, Inc. | 8.96 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Reliable Movers | 8.94 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Portland to Rochester guide.
5 Best Rochester to Portland Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
About Northwest Grace Moving
Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland Metro...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Senior Moving
This listing has been claimed by All Service MovingAbout All Service Moving
Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By using a ...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
This listing has been claimed by Interior Moving Services, Inc.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
This listing has been claimed by Reliable MoversAbout 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
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.
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. Portland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can feel like navigating uncharted waters, especially when relocating to an entirely different city. To ease the transition, we've crafted a guide that compares Rochester, NY & Portland, OR local neighborhoods , helping you find familiar comforts in your new surroundings. By aligning the top neighborhoods in Rochester with their Portland counterparts, we aim to make your move feel a little more like coming home.
| Rochester | Portland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Park Ave | Nob Hill | Vibrant with local shops |
| East Avenue | Irvington | Historic Homes and Streets |
| South Wedge | Hawthorne | Bohemian spirit |
| Highland Park | Laurelhurst | Stunning park and homes |
| Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) | Alberta Arts District | Cultural Hub |
| North Winton Village | Mississippi | Quirky and eclectic |
| Corn Hill | Ladds Addition | Historic and quiet |
| Browncroft | Eastmoreland | Elegant and residential |
| Ellwanger-Barry | Sellwood-Moreland | Family-friendly with antiques vibe |
| Swillburg | Richmond | Diverse community |
In your journey from Rochester to Portland, discovering comparable neighborhoods can truly make the new city feel like home. The artistic vibes of Neighborhood of the Arts in Rochester find a close match in Portland's Alberta Arts District, a neighborhood teeming with galleries, studios, and performance spaces that encourage creative expression. If you're drawn to the historical and serene atmosphere of Corn Hill, you'll appreciate the quiet streets and beautiful rose gardens of Ladds Addition. Similarly, the urban charm and community-oriented spirit of South Wedge is mirrored in Hawthorne's bohemian ambiance, renowned for its eclectic boutiques and vibrant nightlife. These parallels not only offer a sense of familiarity but also invite new experiences and discoveries in your new home city.
Things to Do in Portland
Hike in Forest Park- Stroll through Portland Japanese Garden
- Enjoy food carts at various locations
- Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Explore Powell's City of Books
- Sample brews on a craft brewery tour
- Watch a movie at Cinema 21
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Rochester to Portland
Making a move from one city to another is a major decision. In considering relocating from Rochester, NY to Portland, OR, it’s essential to weigh the characteristics of both cities honestly. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation.
Rochester, NY- Harsh winters
- Smaller job market
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer dining options
- Lower public transit use
Portland, OR- Milder climate
- Larger job market
- More cultural diversity
- Rich food scene
- Better public transit
Portland, OR- Higher cost of living
- Larger population
- Fewer sunny days
- More traffic
- Far from beaches
Rochester, NY- Affordable housing
- Close-knit communities
- Numerous local parks
- Low traffic congestion
- Proximity to lakes
Moving from Rochester, NY to Portland, OR, brings an exciting change in terms of climate, job opportunities, and lifestyle. Rochester’s residents are used to the severe snowfall and cold that characterizes Upstate New York winters, whereas Portland offers a milder climate conducive to year-round outdoor activities, such as exploring Forest Park and the Oregon Zoo. Portland's vibrant food scene, highlighted by establishments like Pok Pok for Thai cuisine, represents a significant leap in dining variety. However, this move also comes with drawbacks, including Portland's higher living expenses. This contrast is also evident in housing; while Rochester boasts more affordable living options, Portland's market is significantly more expensive, reflecting its expansive cultural offerings and booming job market.
Rochester vs. Portland Food Guide
Understanding the local food scene is crucial as it greatly impacts the cultural fabric and day-to-day life in any area. In this spirit, we've designed a comparison focused on the vibrant and distinct culinary worlds of Rochester, NY, and Portland, OR. This comparison aims to help you get a taste of what's waiting for you in terms of eateries, local dishes, and the overall food atmosphere of your new city.
| Rochester | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Garbage Plate | Donuts |
| Most popular meat dish | Beef on Weck | Pulled Pork Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Italian Sausage | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Rochester and Portland offer distinct culinary experiences reflective of their unique local cultures. In Rochester, the infamous Garbage Plate from Nick Tahou Hots offers a taste of the city's comfort food scene. Meanwhile, Portland is renowned for its innovative food scene, exemplified by the legendary donuts from Voodoo Doughnut. Portland's focus on health and fitness is mirrored in its culinary offerings, with an abundance of vegan and vegetarian options like the jackfruit tacos found in the Alberta Arts District. Both cities boast a vibrant food truck scene, but Portland takes the lead with its extensive variety. Moreover, Iconic restaurants such as Pok Pok in Portland offer a culinary journey through its innovative use of traditional ingredients, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts moving to the city.
Rochester vs. Portland Restaurant Comparison
Making a new city feel like home starts with discovering your go-to spots for great food. This restaurant comparison chart is specifically designed to help transition your favorite Rochester flavors into new Portland favorites, making it easier to settle in. Comparing Rochester's top eateries to Portland's equivalents helps in finding your new favorite dining spots.
| Rochester | Portland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Dinosaur Bar-B-Que | Podnah’s Pit BBQ | Classic, slow-smoked BBQ |
| Good Luck Restaurant | Tusk | Inventive, seasonal plates |
| Joe Bean Coffee Roasters | Heart Coffee | Exceptional espressos and coffees |
| Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches | Banh Mi Up | Authentic Vietnamese sandwiches |
| Swan Market | Edelweiss Sausage & Delicatessen | German-style lunch and meats |
| Ristorante Lucano | Nostrana | Italian cuisine with a local twist |
| Roux | Le Pigeon | French-inspired dishes with creativity |
| Genesee Brew House | Hair of the Dog Brewery | Craft Brewery with a pub menu |
| Highland Park Diner | Stepping Stone Cafe | Quirky diner with all-day breakfast |
| Roc Brewing Co. | Breakside Brewery | Innovative craft beers |
For those who cherish the art of perfectly smoked meats, the transition from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Rochester to Podnah’s Pit BBQ in Portland will be seamless, as both places thrive on their mastery of barbeque. Similarly, lovers of creative and seasonal dishes will find Tusk in Portland an exciting parallel to Rochester's Good Luck Restaurant, where the menus are crafted with a focus on innovative and fresh ingredients. For coffee enthusiasts, the move from Joe Bean Coffee Roasters to Heart Coffee is almost a lateral one, with both establishments committed to offering superior quality brews and a great atmosphere for their patrons. This guide makes it easy to find your new local favorite in Portland by drawing parallels with the cherished Rochester staples.
Ready to start your move?
Rochester vs. Portland Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate profoundly impacts your relocation experience, making it crucial to compare the living environments of your current and future cities. This comparison gives you a comprehensive view of what to expect from Rochester and Portland's real estate markets , highlighting aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle compatibility. This knowledge will guide your decision-making process, ensuring a smoother transition.
| Comparison | Rochester | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Northwest, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, historical details | Eco-friendly features, proximity to nature |
When comparing Rochester and Portland, the architectural styles and lifestyle features stand out significantly. Rochester homes often boast historical elements typical of Colonial and Cape Cod designs, accompanied by spacious yards that cater to family and suburban living. In contrast, Portland's real estate market emphasizes eco-friendly features within its Northwest and Craftsman style homes, reflecting the city's close relationship with nature and a strong preference for green living. The walkability and bikeability scores in Portland also suggest a city layout that favors pedestrians and cyclists, catering to residents who value sustainability and convenience in their urban lifestyle. This alignment with ecological values and urban amenities makes Portland a distinct real estate landscape compared to Rochester.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Portland, OR
1. Pearl District : Known for its modern, upscale vibe, the Pearl District is pet-friendly thanks to its numerous pet stores, dog-friendly restaurants, and the Fields Park, a popular spot for dog owners.
2. Northwest District : This neighborhood offers easy access to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the US, with numerous trails for you and your pet to explore, plus a variety of pet-friendly cafes and bars.
3. Sellwood-Moreland : With a more laid-back, residential feel, Sellwood-Moreland is great for pets due to its welcoming community, several parks, and the Sellwood Riverfront Park which provides a great space for dogs to play and swim.
Rochester vs. Portland Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to compare the living conditions you're about to embrace, especially the weather. This comparison between Rochester, NY, and Portland, OR, will help you understand the change in climate and weather components you should prepare for, making your transition smoother.
Rochester, NY
Portland, OR
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Rochester, NY
Portland, OR
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Rochester, NY
Portland, OR
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Rochester, NY
Portland, OR
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Rochester | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Cold Waves | Earthquakes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both cities enjoy similar summer temperatures, a major difference is the winter climate. Rochester experiences harsher winters with significant snowfall, making it essential to prepare for cold weather and snow activities. On the other hand, Portland offers milder winters but has a higher average humidity, leading to a different kind of cold - wet and chilly, which might require a wardrobe adjustment. Natural disasters vary between the two, with Rochester facing snowstorms and Portland susceptible to earthquakes. Air quality is generally better in Portland, providing a fresher environment due to its proximity to vast natural landscapes. Understanding these differences will help you acclimate more easily to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Rochester to Portland
When considering a move from Rochester, NY to Portland, OR, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape you'll be transitioning into. This comparison aims to illuminate the disparities in living costs, taxes, and economic environments between Rochester and Portland , providing a clearer picture of what to expect. Both cities offer unique financial climates, each influencing your lifestyle and budget in distinct ways.
| Comparison | Rochester | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $41,980 | $79,057 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 111.3 |
| State Income Tax | 6.33 to 10.9 | 5.0 to 9.9 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.87 | 1.07 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.00 | 0.00 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Services, Manufacturing | Technology, Manufacturing, Health Services |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Elevated | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | High |
Moving from Rochester to Portland, you'll encounter notable financial adjustments. Rochester offers a more affordable cost of living and significantly lower property taxes, beneficial for homeowners on a budget. However, Portland boasts a higher average household income and a thriving tech industry, presenting potentially lucrative career opportunities. The absence of a sales tax in Portland can also make day-to-day expenditures more manageable, even with its higher cost of living index. Both cities have challenges with poverty and homelessness, indicating a need for robust community support and resources.
Rochester vs. Portland Political & Religious Comparison
This quick comparison aims to provide you with an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Rochester & Portland. Understanding these aspects will help you better anticipate the community vibes and integration process in your new city.
| Rochester | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal-leaning | Strongly liberal |
| Local Politics | City Supported Initiatives | Progressive Policies |
| Religion | Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence | Less religious, with a notable "none" population |
While both Rochester and Portland are known for their liberal political landscapes, Portland stands out for its particularly strong liberal leanings and progressive policies. You'll find that local politics in Portland often take a front seat, with the city pioneering in environmental sustainability, social equity, and other progressive initiatives. Religious makeup also differs; Rochester hosts a diverse religious landscape, including a significant Catholic community. In contrast, Portland is less religious overall, with a large portion of the population identifying with no particular religious affiliation. This might influence the social and cultural events that dominate the public spaces in Portland, making it a unique experience from Rochester.
Rochester vs. Portland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Rochester, NY to Portland, OR, it's essential to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities. This comparison aims to provide a clearer picture of what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like, helping you navigate life in your new home more smoothly.
| Comparison | Rochester | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Easier, with effort |
When you move from Rochester to Portland, you'll notice some significant changes in how you can navigate the city. Portland's average commute time is slightly longer, primarily due to its higher traffic congestion. However, this city compensates with more robust public transit options, scored 7 out of 10, compared to Rochester's 5 out of 10. This difference signifies Portland's investment in buses, a light rail system, and bike paths, making it feasible to live without a car. Although it's possible in Rochester, you might find it more challenging due to less frequent public transit services and a more car-dependent infrastructure.
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