Best Portland to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Portland to Durham Movers

Moving from the eco-conscious, coffee-crazed streets of Portland to the historic, BBQ-savored avenues of Durham encapsulates an adventure ripe with life-changing promise. You're trading the City of Roses for Bull City, each with its unique vibe and community. Given the distance and logistics involved, ensuring your belongings' safe passage is critical, why we recommend securing trusted and reliable professional movers, a feat Great Guys Moving makes effortlessly achievable.

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Best Portland to Durham Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.43NRActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Northwest Grace Moving9.30A+Authorized For HHGContact
All Service Moving9.27A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
You Move Me Portland9.27NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Portland guide.

5 Best Portland to Durham Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Raleigh Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 954+ data points

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distan...Read More >>

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Athens Moving Experts Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residenti...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Northwest Grace Moving Logo
Exceptional9.30/10
based on 605+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1999959 / 755213

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
All Service Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 9,065+ data points

About 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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1863079 / 722865

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans80
Registered Drivers113
Total Annual Miles Moved1,186,786 (2022)
View Full Review
4
You Move Me Portland Logo
Exceptional9.27/10
based on 1,680+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2388358 / 820850

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2020)
View Full Review
5
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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. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like navigating uncharted territory. To ease your transition, we present a comparison of local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & Durham, NC. This guide aims to match you with a Durham neighborhood that shares the vibe and amenities of your favorite Portland area, making you feel right at home in no time.

PortlandDurhamHow They're Similar
Pearl DistrictDowntown DurhamVibrant arts scene and historic buildings
Alberta Arts DistrictCentral ParkEclectic shops and local eats
Nob HillTrinity ParkHistoric homes and tree-lined streets
LaurelhurstHope ValleyClassic homes and green spaces
Sellwood-MorelandOld West DurhamVintage finds and cozy vibes
Mississippi AvenueGeer StreetTrendy bars and unique boutiques
EastmorelandWatts-HillandaleSerene with historic charm
St. JohnsCleveland-HollowayCommunity-centric with artisan flair
HawthorneNinth StreetBohemian with a mix of shops and cafes
BelmontBrightleafBlend of historic and modern conveniences

For instance, if you cherish the bustling streets, arts, and eateries of Portland's Pearl District, Downtown Durham will captivate you with its similar lively arts scene, historic architecture, and dining options like the esteemed Pizzeria Toro. Alberta Arts District lovers will find a kindred spirit in Durham's Central Park neighborhood, known for its unique stores and tasty locales such as Cocoa Cinnamon. Nob Hill's charming atmosphere is mirrored in Trinity Park, featuring the verdant greenery of Trinity Park itself and historic, picturesque homes. Meanwhile, Mississippi Avenue's hip, vibrant energy finds a counterpart in Geer Street, a must-visit for its funky bars and the popular Geer Street Garden. Each Durham neighborhood offers a unique blend of Portland's essence with its Southern charm, making for a smooth and exciting transition to your new home.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Durham

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the benefits against the drawbacks. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Portland, OR to Durham, NC. By comparing the pros and cons, you’ll gain a clearer perspective on what to expect in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher living costs
  • More rain
  • Limited sun
  • Smaller tech hub
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower living costs
  • Less rain
  • More sunny days
  • Larger tech community
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Less vibrant art scene
  • More limited cuisine
  • Fewer green spaces
  • Less bike-friendly
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Rich art scene
  • Diverse food options
  • Lush landscapes
  • Biking-friendly

While weighing the pros and cons of moving from Portland, OR to Durham, NC, it's important to delve deeper beyond the surface. Durham boasts an impressive tech scene, welcoming newcomers to the Research Triangle Park (RTP), a beacon for innovation and technology. Despite Portland's advantage in terms of a rich arts scene, Durham is home to unique cultural gems like the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and the vibrant American Tobacco Historic District. Although the move may mean bidding farewell to Portland's unparalleled food carts, Durham offers eclectic dining options, from the renowned Pizzeria Toro to the Southern comfort of Dame's Chicken and Waffles. While Portland's lush landscapes may be unmatched, Durham's Eno River State Park offers a natural escape for hiking and picnicking, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts still have plenty to explore.

Portland vs. Durham Food Guide

Food is an integral part of local culture, highlighting what life in an area is like. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, OR & Durham, NC to assist you in getting acquainted with the food scene of your new home.

PortlandDurham
Most iconic local food itemDungeness CrabPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishPok Pok's Vietnamese Fish Sauce WingsEastern Carolina BBQ
Most popular street food itemFood Cart PodsBull City Street Food
Most popular vegan foodHomegrown SmokerFiction Kitchen
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • Le Pigeon
    • Salt & Straw
    • Nong's Khao Man Gai
    • Durham Food Hall
    • Mateo Bar de Tapas
    • Pizzeria Toro
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Portland, known for its Dungeness Crab and endless options of street food, reflects the city’s creative and inclusive food scene. Food cart pods across neighborhoods like Hawthorne and Alberta offer a taste of the city's diversity, from Vietnamese dishes at Pok Pok to vegan delights at Homegrown Smoker. Conversely, Durham's cuisine is deeply rooted in its Southern heritage, evident in its famous Pulled Pork BBQ and the Eastern Carolina BBQ continuum. Durham Food Hall and Pizzeria Toro are just a couple of places that showcase the city's evolving food scene, catering to both traditional and contemporary tastes. Whether you're moving to Portland or Durham, you'll step into a world where local cuisine tells the stories of the community’s past and present.

Portland vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

When setting roots in a new city, discovering local eateries that resonate with your taste can truly make it feel like home. This guide offers a restaurant comparison to help you transition from Portland to Durham, highlighting familiar flavors and atmospheres in your new locale. Whether you're craving high-end dining experiences or casual bites, this comparison will lead you to your new favorite spots.

PortlandDurhamWhat You'll Love
Le PigeonMateo Bar de TapasBoth offer unique, inventive dishes in a cozy, upscale setting.
Pok PokM SushiWhile differing in cuisine, both are known for their authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients.
TuskPizzeria ToroBoth focus on fresh, local ingredients in a stylish, laid-back environment.
Screen DoorDame's Chicken & WafflesBoth serve iconic, comfort food that's become a staple of their respective cities.
Nong's Khao Man GaiCOPAOffers a simple, yet perfectly executed menu highlighting the best of its cuisine, much like Nong's.
Ken's Artisan PizzaPompieri PizzaBoth are celebrated for their wood-fired pizzas and commitment to quality ingredients.
Salt & StrawThe ParlourBoth are destination spots for unique and adventurous ice cream flavors made with local ingredients.
Apizza SchollsMotorco Music HallOffers pizza with a creative twist, in a vibrant, eclectic space similar to Apizza Scholls.
OxBar VirgileBoth are known for their upscale, inventive takes on classic dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Pine State BiscuitsRise Biscuits DonutsFamous for their comfort food breakfast items, drawing locals and visitors alike.

In replacing one food scene with another, nuances in flavor, ambiance, and innovation play key roles. M Sushi in Durham mirrors Pok Pok's commitment to authenticity and high-quality ingredients, albeit in the realm of Japanese cuisine. Meanwhile, the transition from Screen Door's Southern comfort specialties to Dame's signature chicken and waffles in Durham offers a comforting continuity amidst change. Each Portland favorite has a Durham counterpart that not only matches in quality but also enriches the newcomer's dining experience with local flavors. These comparisons promise an exciting culinary journey as you make Durham your new home.

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Ready to start your move?

Portland vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a crucial role in relocating. Understanding the key differences between Portland, OR, and Durham, NC, in terms of housing aspects such as cost, statistics, architecture, walkability, and more can significantly steer your decision-making process. Here's how these vibrant cities compare in reliance to real estate.

ComparisonPortlandDurham
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanColonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingEco-friendly featuresLarge yards

When examining the housing market in Portland and Durham, notable differences emerge, particularly in median home prices, which are significantly lower in Durham, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. Portland's urban lifestyle score and bikeability reflect its strong emphasis on sustainability and outdoor living, characteristics deeply embedded in the city's fabric. Conversely, Durham's real estate listings frequently highlight large yards, hinting at a preference for more spacious living environments. Additionally, Portland's Craftsman-style homes add a unique architectural charm, contrasting with Durham's Colonial Revival influences that evoke a sense of historical richness.

Portland vs. Durham Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Portland, OR, to Durham, NC, understanding the weather differences between these two cities is crucial. This comparison will provide insights into what changes you can expect in the climate, aiding in your preparation for a new environment. The purpose of the charts is to compare the weather in Portland and Durham, highlighting key climatic differences that could impact your daily life and activities post-relocation.

Summer icon
80°F / 58°F

Portland, OR

89°F / 71°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 36°F

Portland, OR

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Portland, OR

48

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Portland, OR

6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPortlandDurham
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, floodsHurricanes, tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Portland to Durham, you'll notice a significant increase in sunshine days and warmer summer temperatures, making Durham summers feel quite hot and humid compared to your experience in Portland. However, the winter temperatures in both cities are surprisingly similar, with Portland having slightly milder winters due to its coastal climate. Another point to note is the prevalence of different natural disasters, with Portland being prone to earthquakes and floods, while Durham is more susceptible to hurricanes and tornadoes. Adjusting to these changes will be important for your safety and comfort in Durham.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Durham

When relocating from one city to another, understanding the financial differences is key to a smooth transition. This comparison will spotlight the money and finance differences between Portland, OR and Durham, NC to help you gauge how your expenses, income, and lifestyle may shift with your move.

ComparisonPortlandDurham
Avg. Household Income$79,057$71,343
Cost of Living Index111.396.6
State Income Tax9.95.25
Avg. Property Tax0.910.84
Avg. Sales Tax04.75
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, Health CareEducation, Health Care, Biotechnology
AffluenceComparatively highModerately affluent
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessSignificantly noticeableLesser extent

Examining the financial aspects of Portland and Durham reveals important contrasts. For instance, the average household income is higher in Portland, but the cost of living is significantly lower in Durham, easing the financial strain for many residents. State income tax is another considerable difference, with Portland residents facing a higher rate compared to those in Durham. This difference can result in more disposable income for you in Durham. Additionally, the dominant industries in each city highlight potential career opportunities which could influence your decision based on your professional background. Understanding these variances is crucial for planning your relocation and maintaining financial stability.

Portland vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

Planning your move from Portland, OR to Durham, NC? Get a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Portland & Durham to understand your new community. Whether it's voting patterns or local churches, this comparison helps bridge the understanding of these two vibrant cities.

PortlandDurham
Political Make-upProgressive/LiberalProgressive/Liberal
Local PoliticsFocused on environmental and social issuesEmphasis on social justice and education reform
ReligionEclectic; less religious overallMore traditional; diverse religious communities

When moving from Portland to Durham, you'll find both cities share progressive ideologies, but they express these values differently. Portland often channels its progressive nature into environmental and social issues. In contrast, Durham's liberal leanings are more concentrated on social justice and improving education. Religion in Portland is more eclectic with a notable portion of the population identifying as non-religious, whereas Durham hosts a more traditional and diverse set of religious communities. This gives Durham a somewhat more conventional social fabric compared to Portland's often labeled "keep it weird" culture.

Portland vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Portland, OR to Durham, NC, requires an understanding of the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Durham helps you anticipate what your new daily routine might look like.

ComparisonPortlandDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)25.322.1
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with planningChallenging

Portland enjoys a robust public transit system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars, making it comparatively easier to navigate the city without a vehicle. The average commute time is slightly longer than Durham's, but the city's commitment to public transportation and bike-friendly streets helps mitigate traffic congestion. On the other hand, Durham's smaller scale and less congested roads offer a quicker commute but heavily depend on personal vehicles due to limited public transit options. Hence, moving to Durham might necessitate having a car, contrasting Portland's more flexible transit landscape.

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