Best Portland to Worcester Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the verdant, rain-swept streets of Portland, the City of Roses, to Worcester, the Heart of the Commonwealth, marks not just a change of scenery but a heartening adventure into a new chapter of your life. As you exchange the lush, laid-back vibes of Portland for Worcester's rich history and vibrant community, the transition is laden with both excitement and a hint of nostalgia. To ensure this significant life transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible, it's crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers, which is why we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best in the business through an unbiased ranking algorithm, so you know you're getting truly top-notch service for your long-distance move.
Best Portland to Worcester Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Moving & Storage | 9.70 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Stairhopper Movers | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Northwest Grace Moving | 9.29 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| All Service Moving | 9.27 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| You Move Me Portland | 9.26 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Worcester to Portland guide.
5 Best Portland to Worcester Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
This listing has been claimed by Paradise Moving & StorageAbout Paradise Moving & Storage
Paradise Moving & Storage is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in Massachusetts, with locations in Framingham, Boston, and A...Read More >>
Services
- Affordable insured local and long distance movers
- Hourly Charges only with no hidden fees
- Furniture wrapping
About Stairhopper Movers
Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial 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. Worcester Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating from one city to another can be a daunting task, especially when the cities are as distinct as Portland, OR, and Worcester, MA. To ease the transition, we've crafted a comparison of local neighborhoods between these two cities. Our goal is to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using your current city as a baseline. This Portland, OR & Worcester, MA comparison of local neighborhoods will guide you in finding a new home that matches your lifestyle and preferences.
| Portland | Worcester | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl District | Canal District | Trendy, revitalized area |
| Alberta Arts District | Shrewsbury Street | Culturally rich, restaurant row |
| Nob Hill | Salisbury Street | Historic homes, upscale ambiance |
| Sellwood-Moreland | Elm Park | Family-friendly, close-knit community |
| Mississippi Avenue | Greenwood Street | Eclectic shops, vibrant scene |
| Hawthorne | Tatnuck | Bohemian vibe, casual charm |
| Laurelhurst | Newton Square | Picturesque, leisure opportunities |
| Eastmoreland | Westwood Hills | Lush landscapes, serene aura |
| Northwest District | Hammond Heights | Mix of urban and suburban feel |
| Lents | Grafton Hill | Diverse, upcoming neighborhood |
If you're moving from Portland's bustling Pearl District, renowned for its vibrant arts scene and luxury living, you'll find Worcester's Canal District mirrors this vibe with its trendy spots and revitalized ambiance. The Canal District is teeming with nightlife, unique eateries like BirchTree Bread Company, and cultural spots reminiscent of the Pearl District's charm. Fans of the eclectic and bohemian feel of Hawthorne will appreciate Tatnuck in Worcester, where the laid-back atmosphere and local businesses, such as The Friendly Toast, provide a casual charm. Meanwhile, the historic and upscale feel of Nob Hill finds a counterpart in Worcester's Salisbury Street, offering a touch of luxury amid historic homes and manicured lawns.
Things to Do in Worcester
Explore EcoTarium’s interactive exhibits.- Stroll through Tower Hill Botanic Garden.
- Watch a Worcester Railers hockey game.
- Enjoy performances at The Hanover Theatre.
- Taste local flavors at Canal District markets.
- Visit the Worcester Art Museum.
- Paddle on Lake Quinsigamond.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Worcester
Moving from Portland, OR to Worcester, MA is a big decision that involves weighing various factors. This comparison aims to offer a clear, honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, specifically focusing on what you'll be leaving behind and what awaits you. The purpose of these charts is to boldly contrast the cons of staying in Portland with the pros of moving to Worcester and vice versa, helping you make a well-informed decision.
Portland, OR- Higher living costs
- Less snow activities
- Rainy weather
- Far from East Coast
Worcester, MA- More affordable living
- More winter sports
- More diverse seasons
- Close to major cities
Worcester, MA- Smaller art community
- Less outdoor activities
- Fewer tech opportunities
- Less coffee variety
Portland, OR- Vibrant art scene
- Vast green spaces
- Thriving tech jobs
- Unique coffee culture
Among the factors to consider, Worcester shines with its more affordable living cost which can greatly benefit your budget. The city is nestled in a region that experiences a more diverse seasonal cycle than Portland, offering a distinct charm each season - from the vibrant fall colors in Elm Park to the snowy winters perfect for skiing at Wachusett Mountain. While Worcester's art scene may be smaller, it is home to cultural gems like the Worcester Art Museum and the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. For outdoor enthusiasts, though Worcester might offer fewer options than Portland's vast green spaces, it still boasts beautiful parks such as Green Hill Park and the nearby Purgatory Chasm State Reservation for hiking. So, if you're considering the move, exploring Worcester's neighborhoods, local restaurants like Shaker’s Cafe and Bistro, and popular sights could offer you a fresh perspective and a new place to call home.
Portland vs. Worcester Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, OR & Worcester, MA. Food significantly reflects the local culture and living experience in an area. Through this comparison, you can gain insights into the food scene of your new city.
| Portland | Worcester | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Dungeness Crab | Worcester Dining Car Diner Fare |
| Most popular meat dish | Portlandia Steak | Dynamite (Spicy Meat Mixture) |
| Most popular street food item | Voodoo Doughnut | Shawarma |
| 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 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Portland boasts a rich foodie culture with a high regard for vegan options, such as the innovative Tempeh Reuben found in various local eateries across neighborhoods like the Hawthorne District, Worcester presents a more traditional culinary scene rooted in its history. Worcester's iconic diner fare, particularly the Worcester Dining Car Diner Fare, offers a nostalgic taste of the city's rich history, which can be explored in the Canal District. The contrast between Portland's abundant food trucks serving everything from gourmet doughnuts to ethnic fare, and Worcester's more conservative street food scene, reflects the differing culinary landscapes. However, both cities cherish their local gastronomy, with Worcester's popularity in dynamite (a spicy meat mixture) and jackfruit tacos catering to both traditional and modern palates.
Portland vs. Worcester Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new favorite dining spot is a crucial part of making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Portland and Worcester is designed to ease your transition by identifying Worcester restaurants that echo your Portland favorites. Whether you're seeking a high-end dining experience, a casual bite, or something uniquely iconic, this guide will help you locate a new go-to spot in your new city.
| Portland | Worcester | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Le Pigeon | Deadhorse Hill | Seasonal, refined American dishes |
| Andina | Café Reyes | Authentic Latin flavors with a modern twist |
| Pok Pok | Bahn Thai | Renowned for its vibrant Thai cuisine and ambiance |
| Screen Door | The Hangover Pub | Famous for brunch and southern-styled dishes |
| Nong's Khao Man Gai | Pho Bowl | Expertly crafted Thai and Vietnamese comfort foods |
| Toro Bravo | Mezcal Tequila Cantina | A lively spot for Spanish tapas and tequila |
| Ken's Artisan Pizza | Corner Grille | Known for unique, thin-crust pizzas |
| Apizza Scholls | Volturno Pizza Napoletana | Authentic Neapolitan pizzas in a rustic setting |
| Salt & Straw | WooBerry | Inventive ice cream flavors in a cozy atmosphere |
| Blue Star Donuts | Rocco's Doughnut Company | Offering gourmet doughnuts and coffee |
As you explore Worcester's dining scene, you'll find that Deadhorse Hill offers an innovative take on American cuisine, mirroring Le Pigeon's commitment to seasonality and flavor in Portland. For those who relish the heat and complexity of Thai food, Bahn Thai serves dishes that rival the authenticity and zest of Pok Pok's offerings. Pizza enthusiasts will appreciate Volturno Pizza Napoletana's dedication to traditional techniques and ingredients, offering a taste reminiscent of Apizza Scholls' cherished pies. Finally, for a sweet treat that feels like a hug from home, WooBerry delivers inventive ice cream flavors that will fill the void left by Salt & Straw's unique concoctions.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. Worcester Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal factor in relocating, necessitating a comparison of housing aspects between Portland, OR, and Worcester, MA . Understanding differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities will illuminate your decision-making as you plan your move.
| Comparison | Portland | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Northwest Modern | Colonial Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Access to nature, green spaces | Proximity to educational institutions, historical charm |
Portland and Worcester offer divergent lifestyles reflecting their unique cultural and geographical attributes. Portland, with its higher median home price and rent, is known for its Northwest Modern architecture and a lifestyle that prioritizes access to green spaces and nature, making it highly walkable and bikeable. In contrast, Worcester showcases Colonial Revival architecture and scores slightly lower in walkability and bikeability. Yet, it attracts with its educational institutions and historical charm, making it a beacon for those who cherish urban living with a slice of history. Each city's most popular real estate mentions—Portland's "access to nature" vs. Worcester's "proximity to educational institutions"—highlight the distinct life one might lead in either location.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Worcester, MA
1. Elm Park: Know for its spacious green areas and dog-friendly atmosphere, here you can enjoy long walks with your pet along picturesque paths.
2. Beaver Brook Park: This neighborhood boasts the Beaver Brook Dog Park, a dedicated space for your pets to play off-leash in a safe, community-focused environment.
3. Shrewsbury Street: Renowned for its welcoming cafes and eateries like Sweet, many of which offer outdoor seating perfect for pet owners looking to dine with their furry friends.
Portland vs. Worcester Weather Considerations
When relocating, understanding how the weather in Portland, OR compares with Worcester, MA is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and prepare for changes in climate, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.
Portland, OR
Worcester, MA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Worcester, MA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, OR
Worcester, MA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, OR
Worcester, MA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Blizzards, Nor'easters |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Portland and Worcester enjoy similar summer temperatures, Worcester experiences colder winters with significantly more snow, averaging 68 inches annually compared to Portland's 4 inches. Worcester also boasts more sunny days per year, which might be appealing for those used to the overcast skies of Portland. However, moving from the West Coast, be prepared for Worcester's more pronounced seasonal changes, particularly the heavier snowfall, which can impact daily life in winter.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Worcester
If you're planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the cost of living and financial aspects compare between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison between Portland, OR and Worcester, MA aims to highlight essential money and finance considerations that will affect you directly.
| Comparison | Portland | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,057 | $63,194 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.3 | 121.55 |
| State Income Tax | 9.9% | 5.05% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.07% | 1.28% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 0% | 6.25% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
When moving from Portland, OR, to Worcester, MA, you'll likely notice significant changes in the financial landscape. The average household income in Portland is higher, but so is the cost of living, driven partly by a higher state income tax rate. Worcester offers a more affordable cost of living, yet with lower average incomes. Property taxes are slightly higher in Worcester, but it's balanced by the presence of a sales tax, nonexistent in Portland. The dominant industries are similar, though ranked differently. This financial comparison underscores the importance of considering all aspects of living costs and income opportunities when planning your move.
Portland vs. Worcester Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Portland, OR to Worcester, MA presents an opportunity for new beginnings. Understanding the communities you'll encounter is crucial. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Portland & Worcester , helping you grasp the civic and cultural landscape you're about to navigate.
| Portland | Worcester | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderately Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies | Mix of progressive and traditional policies |
| Religion | Secular, diverse religious communities | More religious diversity with notable Catholic presence |
Portland is known for its progressive political landscape, with a strong focus on social and environmental issues. Worcester, while also leaning Democratic, adopts a blend of progressive and traditional viewpoints, reflecting its diverse population. Religion plays a different role in each city; Portland's community is highly secular with pockets of diverse religious communities, including Unitarian Universalists and Buddhists, while Worcester's demographic has a more pronounced Catholic presence, indicative of its history of Irish and Italian immigration. This shift not only marks a change in religious scene but also impacts local culture and festivals you'll experience.
Portland vs. Worcester Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Portland, OR to Worcester, MA? It's important to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Portland & Worcester will help you adjust to your new surroundings more smoothly.
| Comparison | Portland | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25.2 | 24.5 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | Challenging, but possible |
In Portland, you'll find a robust public transit system, making it possible to get around without owning a car, although some planning is necessary to navigate the routes efficiently. In contrast, Worcester's public transit options are more limited, and while it's possible to rely on them, you may find it more challenging to access all areas of the city without a car. The average commute time is slightly shorter in Worcester, but Portland experiences higher levels of traffic congestion. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for your move and adjust your commuting plans accordingly.
