Best Portland to Denver Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the City of Roses to the Mile-High City is an adventure filled with exciting life changes and promising new beginnings. You’ll trade Portland’s lush landscapes and hipster coffee shops for Denver’s stunning mountain views and vibrant outdoor life. To ensure this significant transition is as smooth as possible, trust in our carefully vetted professional movers, ranked best in the country by Great Guys Moving, ensuring you start your new chapter on the right foot.
Best Portland to Denver Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movemasters, Inc. | 9.58 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Denver Door to Door Movers LLC | 9.49 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Northwest Grace Moving | 9.30 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| All Service Moving | 9.27 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| You Move Me Portland | 9.27 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Denver to Portland guide.
5 Best Portland to Denver Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Movemasters, Inc.
Located in Denver and serving customers locally and statewide for close to 40 years, Movemasters Inc. values trust, reputation, and results....Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Household Moving
About Denver Door to Door Movers LLC
Located in Mile High City, Denver Door to Door Movers is an experienced moving company providing residential and commercial moves. The famil...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Professional Packing Services
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
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. Denver Neighborhood Comparison
If you're planning a move from Portland, OR, to Denver, CO, and want to find a neighborhood that feels like home, you're in the right spot. This comparison aims to help you familiarize yourself with Denver by comparing it to Portland's neighborhoods . Whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife, quiet suburban life, or artsy vibes, we've got you covered.
| Portland | Denver | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl District | LoHi | Trendsetting restaurants & modern apartments |
| Alberta Arts District | RiNo | Creative art scene & craft breweries |
| Ladd’s Addition | Congress Park | Historic homes & lush gardens |
| Northwest District | Highland | Walkable with a mix of old & new architecture |
| Mississippi | Baker | Eclectic shopping & indie music venues |
| Mount Tabor | Washington Park | Expansive parks & recreational activities |
| Laurelhurst | Park Hill | Quiet residential with beautiful parkways |
| Sellwood-Moreland | Platt Park | Family-friendly with a small-town feel |
| Hawthorne | Capitol Hill | Vibrant nightlife & diverse culture |
| St. Johns | Sunnyside | Community focused with local charm |
If you adore the vibrant arts scene and the bustling streets of Alberta Arts District in Portland, with its independent galleries like Guardino Gallery, you'll find Denver's RiNo (River North Art District) equally enchanting. RiNo is a canvas for street artists, home to many craft breweries like Denver Beer Co., and creative spaces. Meanwhile, the serene beauty of Mount Tabor's park mirrors the lush expanses of Washington Park in Denver, where activities abound from jogging trails to boat rentals on Smith Lake. Both areas offer an escape from the urban hustle without leaving the city, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an urban oasis.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Denver
Moving from one city to another presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to reflect an honest perspective of relocating from Portland, OR to Denver, CO, showcasing both the benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these contrasting points will help you make an informed decision about your move.
Portland, OR- Higher rainfall
- Less sunshine
- Fewer big tech jobs
- Lower average altitude
- Smaller craft beer scene
Denver, CO- Dryer climate
- More sunny days
- Growing tech hub
- Higher elevation
- Larger craft beer landscape
Denver, CO- Less greenery
- Fewer coffee shops
- Smaller art community
- Less bike-friendly
- Fewer live music venues
Portland, OR- Lush, green landscape
- Strong coffee culture
- Rich art scene
- Extensive bike lanes
- Vibrant music scene
Whether you're bidding farewell to the verdant landscapes of Portland's Forest Park and the iconic Powell's City of Books, or eager to dive into Denver's burgeoning tech scene and expansive craft beer market, each city offers a distinctive living experience. Denver's RiNo (River North Art District) is bustling with art galleries, craft breweries like Epic Brewing Company, and unique eateries, creating a dynamic culinary and cultural landscape. On the other hand, Portland's commitment to nature and sustainability is evident in its numerous parklands and community gardens. While Denver provides sunny skies and a gateway to the Rockies, Portland's charm lies in its rain-soaked streets and cozy coffee shops, offering a stark contrast in environment and lifestyle.
Portland vs. Denver Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & Denver to shine a light on the culinary diversity and richness each city has to offer. Understanding the food scene is crucial for anyone looking to move, as it deeply influences the local culture and overall living experience in an area.
| Portland | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Voodoo Doughnut | Rocky Mountain Oysters |
| Most popular meat dish | Pork Belly | Buffalo Steak |
| Most popular street food item | Food Carts | Green Chili |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Denver, the food scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Rocky Mountain Oysters, a unique local delicacy, may raise some eyebrows, but they're a must-try for the adventurous eater. For meat lovers, Buffalo Steak represents the essence of Colorado cuisine, reflecting the state's rich ranching heritage. The city's fondness for Green Chili, found in various eateries around the city, especially in the historic neighborhoods of LoDo and RiNo, demonstrates Denver's love for bold flavors. Vegetarians and vegans are not left out, with places like City, O' City in Capitol Hill offering inventive plant-based dishes that even meat-eaters will enjoy. Denver's culinary scene is dynamically evolving, promising exciting culinary adventures for its residents.
Portland vs. Denver Restaurant Comparison
Finding your gastronomic home in a new city can be a thrilling journey. This restaurant comparison between Portland and Denver will guide you in discovering your next favorite dining spots, easing the transition and enriching your culinary experiences in your new locale.
| Portland | Denver | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Le Pigeon | Frasca Food & Wine | Both offer a passionate take on local ingredients with a fine dining atmosphere. |
| Screen Door | Lucile's Creole Cafe | Both are renowned for their exceptional takes on classic Southern breakfast and brunch. |
| Pok Pok | Uncle | Matched in their innovative approach to Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly noted for Thai dishes. |
| Ken's Artisan Pizza | Cart-Driver | Both highly praised for their wood-fired pizzas and cozy, welcoming environment. |
| Nong's Khao Man Gai | ChoLon Modern Asian | While ChoLon offers a broader Asian menu, its approach to flavors and ingredients draws parallels with Nong's focused excellence on chicken rice. |
| Salt & Straw | Little Man Ice Cream | Offering innovative and delightful flavor combinations that make each visit an adventure. |
| Tasty n Daughters | Denver Biscuit Company | Both excel in comforting, hearty American breakfast and brunch dishes with a unique twist. |
| Blue Star Donuts | Voodoo Doughnut | Both cult favorites for donut lovers, offering creative flavors and high-quality ingredients. |
| Apizza Scholls | Blue Pan Pizza | Both have earned accolades for their authentic and meticulously crafted pizzas, focusing on quality above all. |
| Stumptown Coffee Roasters | Huckleberry Roasters | With a dedication to the art of coffee, both serve expertly brewed cups along with a passionate commitment to their communities. |
For those who relish in the culinary arts, moving from Portland to Denver doesn’t mean leaving behind the eclectic and vibrant food scene you've grown to love. In Denver, you’ll find places like Frasca Food & Wine that echo the fine dining experiences similar to Le Pigeon, with both restaurants priding themselves on innovative uses of local ingredients. Missing the unique ice cream flavors Portland's Salt & Straw is known for? Little Man Ice Cream in Denver churns out imaginative concoctions that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. It's this bespoke transition from one beloved establishment to another that makes moving to a new city an exciting gastronomic adventure.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. Denver Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate ranks among the most crucial factors to consider when moving. It's vital to understand how the two cities compare in this aspect. This guide will delve into the housing details of Portland, OR and Denver, CO, including costs, architecture, and lifestyle scores.
| Comparison | Portland | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian & Craftsman | Modern & Mid-Century |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Green spaces, Proximity to cafes | Mountain views, Outdoor activities |
When comparing Portland and Denver, it's evident that both cities offer unique advantages for prospective homeowners and renters. Portland's Victorian and Craftsman homes often include lush green spaces and are close to vibrant cafes. This dovetails with its high walkability and bikeability scores, making it a haven for those who value a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle. Denver, while slightly less walkable, compensates with breathtaking mountain views from your backyard and easy access to outdoor activities, reflective of its modern and mid-century architectural leanings. The slightly higher home prices and rent in Denver are offset by its appeal to those who cherish an outdoor lifestyle and urban convenience.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Denver, CO
1. Wash Park: With the expansive Washington Park at its heart, your pets will love the vast green spaces and two lakes perfect for your morning jogs or leisurely evening walks.
2. Highlands: Renowned for its walkability, the Highlands neighborhood boasts pet-friendly patios, several dog-friendly restaurants, and boutiques, making it a perfect place for you and your furry friend to explore.
3. Capitol Hill: Capitol Hill is filled with pet-friendly apartments and is close to several parks, including the Cheesman Park, making it ideal for pet owners looking for a vibrant urban community with plenty of green space for their pets.
Portland vs. Denver Weather Considerations
When moving from Portland, OR to Denver, CO, it's crucial to grasp how the weather landscapes differ. Understanding these variances ensures you are well prepared for the climate shifts in your new home.
Portland, OR
Denver, CO
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Denver, CO
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Denver, CO
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, OR
Denver, CO
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Floods, Earthquakes | Snowstorms, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
The transition from Portland to Denver means adapting to more extreme seasonal temperatures, with colder winters and hotter summers in Denver. The significant increase in sunshine days in Denver, compared to Portland, contributes to lower humidity levels, making Denver's air drier. This climate can impact daily life, from hydration habits to the choice of skin care products. While both cities experience seasonal allergies primarily from trees and grass, the drier Denver climate might alter the severity and timing of these allergies. Being prepared for these differences ensures a smoother adjustment to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Denver
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living, taxes, and overall economic health in your new home—Portland or Denver—will compare to what you're accustomed to. This breakdown will guide you through the essential financial differences between these two vibrant cities.
| Comparison | Portland | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,057 | $81,630 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.3 | 103.2 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75 - 9.9 | 4.55 (flat) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.91 | 0.55 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 0 | 8.81 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Manufacturing, Health Care | Technology, Aerospace, Bioscience |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Visible | Noticeable |
| Homelessness | Significant | Challenging |
While both Portland and Denver offer dynamic economic environments, certain differences could influence your decision to move. Despite having a slightly higher average household income, Portland's cost of living index and state income tax rates are also higher compared to Denver. However, Portland balances this with no sales tax, whereas Denver's sales tax nears 9%. It's also noteworthy that both cities are hubs for the technology sector among their top industries, but Denver distinguishes itself with aerospace and bioscience. Deciding factors may include your industry, preferred tax structure, and how you weigh the cost of living against job opportunities and quality of life.
Portland vs. Denver Political & Religious Comparison
This brief comparison aims to provide a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both Portland, OR, and Denver, CO. It’s designed to offer insights into the communities you're considering moving between, ensuring you understand the social fabric of your potential new home.
| Portland | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies | Moderate to progressive policies |
| Religion | Less religiously affiliated | Moderate religious affiliation |
While both Portland and Denver are known for their liberal political makeup, there are nuances in how this manifests in local politics and community values. Denver, for instance, tends to have a slightly more moderate stance on certain policies compared to Portland's strongly progressive leanings. This reflects not just in political discussions, but also in local legislation and community initiatives. Religion plays a varied role in both cities; however, Portland has a slightly higher percentage of residents who identify as religiously unaffiliated compared to Denver. Understanding these differences can help you anticipate the social and political climate of your new city.
Portland vs. Denver Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Portland, OR to Denver, CO, it's crucial to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options. This comparison will help you gauge what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like, setting realistic expectations for your relocation.
| Comparison | Portland | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | It's more challenging |
In both Portland and Denver, the average commute time is relatively comparable, hovering around the 25-minute mark. However, Portland edges out with a slightly higher public transit rating, indicative of its robust TriMet system, which includes buses, light rail, and streetcars. This makes it somewhat easier to live in Portland without a car, compared to Denver. Denver, while growing its RTD public transit systems, may still require a car for more accessible and efficient commuting, especially if your job or lifestyle takes you outside of the city center or regular transit routes.
Popular Portland, OR to Colorado Moving Routes
