Best Portland to Washington Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the laid-back, green expanses of Portland, OR, to the bustling, historic streets of Washington DC, promises an exciting life chapter. You're leaving behind the City of Roses for the political heart of the nation, swapping microbrews and bridges for monuments and power lunches. Given the distance and logistics involved, ensuring this adventure begins on the right foot means entrusting your move to reliable and professional movers, which is why we dedicate ourselves to connecting you with the best in the business.
Best Portland to Washington Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to Portland guide.
5 Best Portland to Washington Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
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. Washington Neighborhood Comparison
Making a move to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we’ve meticulously compared popular neighborhoods from Portland, OR with their closest equivalents in Washington DC, DC. This comparison of the local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & Washington DC, DC aims to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using what's already familiar to you as a baseline.
| Portland | Washington | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Arts District | Shaw | Vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options |
| Pearl District | Logan Circle | Trendy restaurants, upscale boutiques |
| Mississippi Avenue | U Street Corridor | Historic, lively nightlife |
| Ladd’s Addition | Cleveland Park | Leafy streets, historic homes |
| Nob Hill | Dupont Circle | Affluent, walkable, shopping and cafes |
| Hawthorne | Capitol Hill | Quaint shops, vibrant residential area |
| Sellwood-Moreland | Georgetown | Charming, waterfront dining, shopping |
| Northwest District | Adams Morgan | Eclectic, great food, nightlife |
| Eastmoreland | Woodley Park | Peaceful, near nature, family-friendly |
| Laurelhurst | Bloomingdale | Quiet, architecturally rich, community feel |
In moving from Portland's vibrant and artsy Alberta Arts District, you'll find a comparable spirit in Washington DC's Shaw neighborhood, where the creative energy is palpable, and the restaurants serve an array of diverse cuisines. If the trendy, bustling atmosphere of Portland's Pearl District appeals to you, then Logan Circle, with its upscale boutiques, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, will feel like stepping into familiar territory. Those accustomed to the lush, green surroundings and historic homes of Ladd’s Addition might find Cleveland Park to be strikingly similar, offering a serene escape within the city with its leafy streets and period houses. For the lovers of community and outdoor shopping scenes that areas like Hawthorne provide, the Capitol Hill neighborhood in DC mirrors this quaint charm with its eclectic array of shops and a strong sense of neighborhood pride.
Things to Do in Washington
Visit the Smithsonian Museums for free.- Stroll around the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season.
- Catch a Nationals game at Nationals Park.
- Enjoy kayaking on the Potomac River.
- Explore historic Georgetown’s shops and alleyways.
- Hike or bike the scenic C&O Canal Towpath.
- Experience the nightlife in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Washington
Moving from one city to another offers both challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Portland, OR to Washington DC, DC. Through carefully curated charts, you'll gain insight into what you're leaving behind and what awaits you, helping you navigate this significant change with greater ease.
Portland, OR- Lesser job opportunities
- Lower average salary
- Less diverse
- Slower public transit
- Smaller cultural scene
Washington, DC- More job opportunities
- Higher average salary
- More diverse
- Better public transit
- Larger cultural scene
Washington, DC- Less green spaces
- More expensive housing
- Faster-paced lifestyle
- Formal dress code
- Lesser coffee culture
Portland, OR- More green spaces
- Less expensive housing
- Laid-back lifestyle
- Relaxed dress code
- Strong coffee culture
Moving to Washington DC from Portland offers a significant shift in lifestyle and opportunities. In DC, the presence of internationally renowned museums and national landmarks such as the Smithsonian Museums and the National Mall provides residents with a rich cultural scene unmatched in many other cities. The public transit system, highlighted by the Metro, is more robust, making commuting and exploring the city more accessible. For job seekers, particularly in politics, law, and international affairs, Washington DC presents a wealth of opportunities not as readily available in Portland. Though the cost of living is indeed higher, neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Georgetown offer a vibrant community atmosphere with a plethora of dining, entertainment, and shopping options, balancing the scale with the lifestyle and cultural benefits the city provides.
Portland vs. Washington Food Guide
When relocating, it's essential to immerse yourself in the local culture, and what better way to start than through its cuisine? Food offers a vivid expression of a region's heritage and lifestyle. In this segment, we will delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, OR & Washington DC, DC, equipping you with insights into the culinary scenes of your new home.
| Portland | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Dungeness Crab | Half-Smoke |
| Most popular meat dish | Portland Pork Chops | Mumbo Sauce Wings |
| Most popular street food item | Voodoo Doughnuts | Food Truck Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Cashew Cheese Nachos | Seitan Steak |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Portland, renowned for its vibrant and diverse food scene, boasts iconic offerings like Dungeness Crab and inventive vegan dishes such as Cashew Cheese Nachos. The city's food trucks and markets, especially around areas like Alberta and Hawthorne, offer an array of mouthwatering street foods, including the famed Voodoo Doughnuts. In contrast, Washington DC presents a rich food tableau highlighted by the local favorite Half-Smoke, available iconic spots like Ben’s Chili Bowl. The capital city balances its historical culinary traditions with a burgeoning scene of innovative restaurants and a significant number of food trucks, providing an eclectic mix that caters to all palates.
Portland vs. Washington Restaurant Comparison
As you embark on your relocation journey from Portland, OR to Washington DC, DC, settling into your new surroundings will entail discovering local gems that make a place feel like home. Food plays an indispensable role in this acclimation process. This restaurant comparison is crafted to ease your transition, guiding you in finding your new favorite eateries by leveraging your love for Portland's dining scene as a foundation.
| Portland | Washington | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Le Pigeon | Le Diplomate | French cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere akin to Le Pigeon |
| Pok Pok | Little Serow | Northern Thai flavors that mirror the authenticity and vibrancy of Pok Pok |
| Nong's Khao Man Gai | Thip Khao | Laotian cuisine offering simplicity and depth of flavor akin to Nong's |
| Screen Door | Founding Farmers | Southern comfort food served with a farm-to-table ethos similar to Screen Door |
| Tasty n Daughters | Zaytinya | Offering a wide array of small plates inspired by the Mediterranean, reminiscent of Tasty n Daughters' global approach |
| Beast | Pineapple and Pearls | High-end dining with meticulous attention to detail reflective of the experience at Beast |
| Salt & Straw | Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | Inventive ice cream flavors that match the creativity found at Salt & Straw |
| Kachka | Mari Vanna | Russian fare that brings a taste of Eastern European comfort similar to Kachka |
| Apizza Scholls | 2 Amys | Authentic, Neapolitan-style pizzas echoing the quality and ethos of Apizza Scholls |
| Ken's Artisan Pizza | All-Purpose Pizzeria | Artisanal pizzas and a commitment to quality ingredients, mirroring Ken's approach |
Should you find yourself nostalgic for the vibrant flavors of Pok Pok's Northern Thai street food, Little Serow in Washington DC presents an equally compelling dining experience with its focus on spicy, flavorful dishes that ignite the palate. Similarly, for those who regard ice cream as a not-to-be-missed food group, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams offers an innovative twist on traditional flavors. This creativity in crafting dessert mirrors the pioneering spirit of Portland's Salt & Straw, ensuring your sweet tooth's continued happiness. Moreover, the transition from enjoying the communal, farm-to-table meals at Beast to indulging in the haute cuisine of Pineapple and Pearls will be seamless, with both venues emphasizing a meticulously curated dining experience that highlights the best of local and seasonal ingredients.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the differences in real estate between Portland, OR, and Washington DC, DC is crucial. This comparison sheds light on housing costs, architectural styles, and the overall lifestyle in each city, assisting in making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Portland | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Federal and Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to nature, sustainable features | Historic landmarks, access to public transportation |
While both cities offer unique living experiences, Washington DC stands out for its historical architecture and higher urban lifestyle score. Homes in DC often boast proximity to landmarks and excellent public transportation, a crucial factor for many. In contrast, Portland's appeal lies in its Craftsman-style homes and a strong connection to nature, with listings frequently highlighting sustainable features. Both cities prioritize walkability and bikeability, reflecting their commitment to a sustainable urban life.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Washington, DC
1. Adams Morgan: Known for its vibrant street life and diverse culture, Adams Morgan is extremely pet-friendly, offering numerous pet-friendly restaurants and dog parks like the Walter Pierce Park where your furry friends can play.
2. Capitol Hill: Aside from the iconic U.S. Capitol and historic ambiance, Capitol Hill features spacious parks such as the Congressional Cemetery, which doubles as a dog park, providing a unique space for you and your pet to explore.
3. Dupont Circle: This neighborhood boasts a welcoming atmosphere for pet owners, with several pet-friendly parks like the Dupont Circle Fountain, and businesses that cater to your pet's needs, making it an ideal place for pet lovers.
Portland vs. Washington Weather Considerations
Relocating from one city to another requires an understanding of many factors, chief among them is the climate difference. The weather can significantly impact your daily life and activities. This comparison between Portland, OR, and Washington DC will equip you with essential weather-related information, ensuring you know what to expect in your new home.
Portland, OR
Washington, DC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Washington, DC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Washington, DC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, OR
Washington, DC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Floods | Hurricanes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Portland and Washington DC experience a range of seasons, the intensity and type of weather you'll encounter will differ. For instance, Washington DC enjoys more sunny days but also comes with higher summer temperatures and more snow in winter compared to Portland. Moreover, the humidity level in Portland is typically higher, which can influence how the air feels and how you experience outdoor activities. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for your move, whether it’s adjusting your wardrobe or planning your new commuting strategy.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Washington
When considering a move, comparing the financial aspects of your current location, Portland, to your future home, Washington DC , is crucial. Understanding how your expenses , taxes , and income might change will help you plan effectively for this significant life transition.
| Comparison | Portland | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,057 | $90,088 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.3 | 140.1 |
| State Income Tax | 9.9 | 8.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.97 | 0.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 0 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | Government, Professional Services, Education |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Very affluent |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Significantly present |
Moving from Portland to Washington DC, you'll notice a significant jump in the cost of living, primarily driven by housing costs. However, this is somewhat offset by a higher average household income in DC. State and sales taxes in Washington DC differ from Portland, where there's no sales tax, but a higher state income tax rate. It's also useful to consider the dominant industries, as they drastically differ; technology and manufacturing in Portland vs. government and professional services in DC. These factors contribute to each city's affluence level and economic character, influencing job opportunities and living standards. Understanding these nuances will better prepare you for the financial shift in your move.
Portland vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be a significant change, especially when it involves transitioning between distinctive cultural and political landscapes. This quick overview aims to give you an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in your current city, Portland, and your future home, Washington DC. Understanding these aspects can help ease the transition and set expectations for your new community.
| Portland | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | City-based, progressive | Federal influence, highly progressive |
| Religion | Nones predominant, diverse faith communities | Christianity dominant, with a mix of other religions |
Moving between cities such as Portland and Washington DC, you'll find contrasting yet enriching experiences in both political and religious landscapes. Portland's political atmosphere, known for its progressive and liberal stance, mirrors that of Washington DC but with nuanced differences given DC's direct involvement in federal politics and international affairs. The local politics in Portland tend to be very community-oriented and city-focused, an aspect that might differ from the federal and globally influenced politics in DC. On the religious front, both cities host a variety of faith communities, with Portland known for its large population of religiously unaffiliated people ("nones") and Washington DC having a more pronounced presence of Christianity among its diverse religious practices. Adapting to these differences, you'll find unique opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
Portland vs. Washington Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Portland, OR to Washington DC brings a significant change in your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Washington DC is designed to help you better understand what to expect in your new city.
| Comparison | Portland | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25.3 | 30.8 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some effort | Easily |
In Washington DC, you'll appreciate the higher public transit score compared to Portland, thanks to the extensive Metro system that services the city and its suburbs. This makes getting around without a car much easier in DC. Traffic congestion is a bit more intense in DC, which is reflected in the longer average commute times. However, the city's layout and public transportation options significantly alleviate these concerns, making DC a very commutable city for those without personal vehicles. Both cities offer unique challenges and benefits, but Washington DC especially shines for those seeking a less car-dependent lifestyle.
Popular Portland, OR to DC Moving Routes
