Best Portland to Birmingham Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the lush, rain-soaked streets of Portland, the "City of Roses," to the historic charm of Birmingham, the "Magic City," marks an exciting chapter in your life, full of new adventures and opportunities. You'll be trading the eco-conscious, coffee-loving Pacific Northwest for the rich cultural tapestry and warm Southern hospitality of Alabama. Given the distance and differences between these two unique cities, it's crucial to ensure a smooth transition by hiring trusted and reliable professional movers. Our team at Great Guys Moving employs an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, guaranteeing a hassle-free move to your new home.
Best Portland to Birmingham Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Birmingham to Portland guide.
5 Best Portland to Birmingham Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About MoveDaddy
Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor onl...Read More >>
Services
- Long Distance moving
- Local moving
- Cross-country moving
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
About You Move Me Portland
You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this l...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Packing services
About New Latitude Movers
New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving compa...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Storage Facilities
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.
Portland vs. Birmingham Neighborhood Comparison
When relocating, understanding your new environment can be daunting. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & Birmingham, AL. Our guide pairs the vibe and lifestyle of Portland neighborhoods with their Birmingham counterparts, helping you find a new place that feels like home.
| Portland | Birmingham | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl District | Avondale | Trendy area, vibrant food scene |
| Alphabet District | Forest Park | Historic homes, community-driven |
| Mississippi Avenue | Five Points South | Eclectic dining, nightlife |
| Ladd’s Addition | Highland Park | Charming, historic architecture |
| Hawthorne | Crestwood North | Bohemian vibe, local boutiques |
| Alberta Arts District | East Lake | Artsy, burgeoning art scene |
| Sellwood-Moreland | Homewood | Family-friendly, excellent schools |
| Northwest District | Mountain Brook | Upscale shops, lush landscapes |
| Eastmoreland | Vestavia Hills | Tranquil, golf courses nearby |
| St. Johns | Hoover | Suburban feel, shopping centers |
For those moving from the vibrant, arts-rich streets of the Alberta Arts District in Portland, the burgeoning art scene of Birmingham's East Lake neighborhood offers a similar cultural pulse. Both areas host a variety of local galleries, artists' markets, and community events that celebrate their unique local talent. Similarly, if you're drawn to the historic charm and lush landscapes of Northwest District in Portland, you'll find a kindred spirit in Birmingham's Mountain Brook. There, the upscale shops nestled amidst verdant greens and meticulously maintained properties echo the harmonious blend of natural beauty and refined urban living. Moreover, Mountain Brook's Jemison Trail and Portland's Forest Park offer outdoor enthusiasts picturesque settings for walking, biking, and reconnecting with nature, ensuring your new environment supports your lifestyle.
Things to Do in Birmingham
Explore Birmingham Zoo.- Visit Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Walk around Railroad Park.
- Enjoy McWane Science Center.
- Discover Vulcan Park and Museum.
- Attend a game at UAB Sports.
- Tour Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Birmingham
Moving can be a life-changing decision, often filled with both excitement and trepidation. In making the leap from Portland, OR, to Birmingham, AL, it is crucial to weigh the good and bad attributes of this relocation . The following charts aim to provide Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL a balanced view by contrasting the merits and drawbacks of each city.
Portland, OR- Higher cost of living
- Less sunny days
- Heavier traffic
- Fewer job opportunities
Birmingham, AL- Lower cost of living
- More sunshine
- Lighter traffic
- Emerging job market
Birmingham, AL- Smaller arts scene
- More conservative
- Fewer public parks
- Less coffee variety
Portland, OR- Vibrant arts scene
- Liberal atmosphere
- Extensive public parks
- Rich coffee culture
While the prospect of moving from the bustling, rain-soaked streets of Portland to Birmingham's sunnier climes and emerging markets is alluring, there are plenty of nuances to consider. Portland's diverse array of public parks, such as Forest Park, with its expansive trails and serene scenery, contrasts with Birmingham's historic Railroad Park. The cultural shift from Portland's well-known liberal vibe to Birmingham's more traditional Southern atmosphere may take some adjustment. However, Birmingham offers its own unique attractions, like the vibrant food scene found in the Avondale neighborhood or the historic charm of the Alabama Theatre. For those who relish the sunshine, Birmingham generously offers more sunny days to enjoy the outdoors, making it an appealing city for those looking to escape the Pacific Northwest's frequent drizzles.
Portland vs. Birmingham Food Guide
As an essential part of local culture and lifestyle, food significantly contributes to the overall living experience in any area. With this in mind, we have prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & Birmingham to help you better understand what culinary delights await you as you transition from one vibrant food scene to another.
| Portland | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Dungeness Crab | Fried Green Tomatoes |
| Most popular meat dish | Portland-style BBQ | Alabama BBQ with White Sauce |
| Most popular street food item | Voodoo Doughnuts | Gourmet Popsicles |
| Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Portland, you'll find a robust and innovative dining scene. From the legendary Voodoo Doughnuts located in Old Town to the groundbreaking vegan dishes served at multitude of eateries, the city boasts an array of food experiences that cater to every palate. Meanwhile, moving to Birmingham introduces you to a rich Southern cuisine heritage, highlighted by the famous Alabama BBQ with its unique white sauce and innovative vegan options like BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches. Places like Highlands Bar and Grill showcase the city's upscale culinary offerings, while Saw's BBQ provides a more down-to-earth, yet equally mouthwatering experience. Both cities offer a vibrant food scene, but the transition from Portland's health-conscious and food truck-laden streets to Birmingham's hearty Southern fare and burgeoning gourmet markets reveals a deliciously different way of life.
Portland vs. Birmingham Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a significant role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Portland and Birmingham will help guide you to your new favorite dining spots, using your current favorites in Portland as a reference. Whether you're craving high-end dining experiences or iconic casual bites, this guide has got you covered.
| Portland | Birmingham | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Le Pigeon | Highlands Bar and Grill | Both offer innovative French-inspired cuisines in an upscale setting. |
| Pok Pok | Bamboo on 2nd | Known for authentic, bold Asian flavors that are reminiscent of Pok Pok's Thai dishes. |
| Voodoo Doughnut | Hero Doughnuts | Both are cult-favorites for their unique, creative doughnut flavors and quirky atmospheres. |
| Screen Door | Saw’s Soul Kitchen | Soul food classics with a twist, offering a similar hearty and homey dining experience. |
| Tusk | Bottega Cafe | Quality, fresh ingredients in a chic setting, serving Mediterranean fare akin to Tusk’s ethos. |
| Nong's Khao Man Gai | Blue Pacific at Hoover Food Mart | Authentic Thai cuisine that echoes Nong's simple yet flavorful approach. |
| Mother’s Bistro & Bar | Irondale Cafe | Both bring comfort food to the table, creating a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a home kitchen. |
| Ox | Automatic Seafood and Oysters | Both specialize in high-quality, wood-fired meats and seafood in a chic atmosphere. |
| Salt & Straw | Big Spoon Creamery | Artisanal ice cream spots offering innovative flavors and local ingredients. |
| Kachka | The Filling Station | Celebrating diverse culinary traditions with a focus on Eastern European flavors, similar to Kachka. |
Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham offers an experience parallel to that of Le Pigeon in Portland, with both restaurants emphasizing French-inspired dishes in elegant settings. If you're missing the Asian flavors of Pok Pok, Bamboo on 2nd serves up a range of bold, authentic dishes that capture the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine. For those who long for the unique and quirky doughnut creations of Voodoo Doughnut, Hero Doughnuts brings a similar whimsical approach to its offerings, making it a must-visit for sweet treat aficionados. Meanwhile, fans of Salt & Straw's inventive ice cream will discover a kindred spirit in Big Spoon Creamery, where the commitment to artisanal production and local ingredients mirrors the beloved Portland-based ice cream parlor's ethos.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. Birmingham Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding how the real estate markets of Portland, OR, and Birmingham, AL compare is crucial. These insights can help you make informed decisions about where you'll live next. This comparison highlights key aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle to guide your choice.
| Comparison | Portland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Colonial Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Green spaces, Proximity to cafes | Quiet streets, Large yards |
When moving from Portland to Birmingham, you'll notice significant differences in housing costs and styles. Portland's median home prices are considerably higher than Birmingham's, reflecting the city's vibrant urban lifestyle and high demand. However, Birmingham offers a more affordable entry point into homeownership, alongside a quieter, yet growing, urban scene. The typical architectural styles also differ, with Portland favoring the Craftsman style, noted for its simplicity and natural materials, and Birmingham leaning towards the Colonial Revival style, known for its historic appeal and grandeur. These differences underline the distinct character and lifestyle each city offers, with Portland's higher bikeability and urban lifestyle scores indicating a more dynamic city environment compared to Birmingham's quieter, more laid-back atmosphere.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
1. Highland Park: Known for its expansive parks like Rhodes Park, it's a paradise where your pets can enjoy long walks and meet other animals in a friendly neighborhood.
2. Avondale: With its pet-friendly patios at local establishments like Avondale Brewing Company, you and your furry friend can enjoy a day out in the community together.
3. Homewood: Home to the Homewood Central Park, offering spacious areas for pets to play and paths for walking, making it ideal for pet owners looking for an active community.
Portland vs. Birmingham Weather Considerations
Moving can significantly change your lifestyle, especially when it comes to weather. If you're considering a move from Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL, it's crucial to understand how the climate, humidity, and chances of natural disasters compare in both cities. This knowledge can help you prepare for the new weather conditions you'll face.
Portland, OR
Birmingham, AL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Birmingham, AL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Birmingham, AL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, OR
Birmingham, AL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Floods | Tornadoes, Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Portland to Birmingham will introduce you to warmer summers, with highs around 90°F, and a significant increase in days of sunshine—from Portland's 144 days to Birmingham's 210 days. Although both cities share a similar average humidity level, the type of natural disasters they're prone to differs greatly, with Birmingham facing a higher risk of tornadoes and hurricanes. Additionally, the higher average UV index in Birmingham means more sunny days but also calls for more vigilant sun protection. This climatic change implies a need for a wardrobe update and potentially more household cooling solutions.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Birmingham
When considering a move from Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might change. This comparison will illuminate the differences in money and finance to prepare you for your new life.
| Comparison | Portland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,057 | $36,614 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.3 | 90.8 |
| State Income Tax | 9.9 | 5.0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.91 | 0.42 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 0 | 10 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | Banking, Healthcare, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to Low |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | High | Low to Moderate |
Moving from Portland to Birmingham could mean a significant shift in your financial landscape. Not only would the average household income likely decrease, but the overall cost of living and state income tax would also be much lower in Birmingham, thus preserving your spending power. Despite the variance in average sales tax—an absence in Portland versus a higher rate in Birmingham—this increase is offset by the city's significantly lower cost of living. Additionally, while both cities boast strengths in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, the financial services sector is more prominent in Birmingham, hinting at possible career opportunities in banking and related industries.
Portland vs. Birmingham Political & Religious Comparison
This guide offers a quick comparison between your current city and your future home to give you a snapshot of the political and religious landscape. Discover how the politics between Portland & Birmingham and their residents' religious affiliations might differ, offering insights into your new community.
| Portland | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Progressive | Conservative, with some progressive areas |
| Local Politics | Strong emphasis on environmental and social issues | Focus on economic development and traditional values |
| Religion | Less religious, with a diverse range of spiritual practices | Mostly Christian, with a significant presence of Baptist and Methodist communities |
Exploring the political and religious landscapes of Portland and Birmingham presents a vivid contrast. In Portland, you might be accustomed to a heavily liberal atmosphere, with local politics often revolving around environmental sustainability and progressive social policies. The city's less religious demographic tends towards a variety of spiritual expressions. On the other hand, Birmingham leans more conservative, particularly in its dominant Christian faith, reflected in the local culture and values. As you transition, you'll encounter a community where economic initiatives and traditional values guide local political conversations, and where religious institutions play a significant role in the community. This contrast can be both refreshing and challenging as you adapt to your new surroundings.
Portland vs. Birmingham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL? This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Birmingham to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experience will be like. Whether you're planning on driving or taking public transit, knowing these differences could significantly influence your daily life.
| Comparison | Portland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | No |
In Portland, you'll find a friendlier environment for public transit users, with the city scoring high in terms of availability. The TriMet system, consisting of buses, light rail, and commuter rail, offers extensive coverage, making it feasible for many to forgo owning a car. On the other hand, Birmingham's public transit system is less developed, leading to a higher reliance on personal vehicles for commuting. With lower traffic congestion, driving in Birmingham might be less stressful, but the city's infrastructure makes it challenging to live there without a car. This contrast highlights the importance of considering your preferred mode of transportation when planning your move.
Popular Portland, OR to Alabama Moving Routes
