Moving from Portland to Rochester?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Portland to Rochester Movers

Moving from the eclectic vibes of Portland, OR to the historical charm of Rochester, NY, is an adventure that promises new beginnings and exciting discoveries. You're trading the City of Roses for the Flower City, leaving behind Portland's artisanal coffee scenes and rain-soaked streets for Rochester's rich cultural history and snowy winters. Recognizing the distance and complexity of this move, it’s crucial to trust your belongings with professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we ensure you’re paired with the best, making this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Rochester to Portland guide.

5 Best Portland to Rochester Movers

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

#1
Zippboxx Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,089+ data points

Hauppauge, NY
Local movers, Long Distance Movers, Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT: 3077817 Verify

About Zippboxx

Zippboxx is a top-rated moving and storage company based in Hauppauge, New York, providing residential and commercial moving services both l...Read More >>

top 3 rochester 2024 zippboxx image
top 10 ranked movers in amityville 2023 zippboxx image
top 10 ranked movers in farmingdale 2022 zippboxx image
#2
Northwest Grace Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 605+ data points

Oregon City, OR
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Senior Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT: 1999959 Verify

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 >>

top 10 portland 2024 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2023 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2022 northwest grace moving image
#3
You Move Me Portland Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,680+ data points

Portland, OR
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 2388358 Verify

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 >>

top 10 gresham 2024 you move me portland image
top 10 ranked movers in portland 2023 you move me portland image
top 10 ranked movers in portland 2022 you move me portland image
#4
All Service Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 9,065+ data points

Portland, OR
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Long Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 1863079 Verify

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 >>

top 10 salem 2024 all service moving image
top 25 ranked movers in america 2023 image
top ranked movers in portland 2023 all service moving image
#5
Interior Moving Services, Inc. Logo
Superb
claimed company icon

based on 1,144+ data points

Rochester, NY
Local residential moving, Local commercial moving, Long-distance residential moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 1498819 Verify

About Interior Moving Services, Inc.

Located in Rochester, New York, Interior Moving Services has close to three decades of moving expertise, serving both residential and commer...Read More >>

top 10 rochester 2024 interior moving services inc image
top ranked movers in rochester 2023 interior moving services inc image
top ranked movers in rochester 2022 interior moving services inc image

Relocating from Portland to Rochester Neighborhood Guide

Relocating can be daunting, especially if you're heading to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & Rochester, NY, aiming to match you with a new area that feels like home. By aligning the vibes, amenities, and communities of each, this guide will help you quickly resonate with Rochester by referencing your Portland favorites.

PortlandRochester
Pearl DistrictPark Avenue

artsy, walkable area with vibrant cafes

Alberta Arts DistrictSouth Wedge

eclectic shops, diverse dining options

Mississippi AvenueNOTA (Neighborhood of the Arts)

trendy, artistic hub

Nob HillEast Avenue

historic homes, close to cultural sites

Sellwood-MorelandCorn Hill

quiet, family-friendly with river views

Hawthorne BoulevardMonroe Avenue

bohemian vibe, unique boutiques

LaurelhurstBrighton

lush parks, community-centric atmosphere

Northwest DistrictHighland Park Neighborhood

scenic, with historic charm

EastmorelandPittsford

affluent, with prestigious schools

Ladd's AdditionMaplewood

distinctive homes, garden-like setting

Each neighborhood's unique character can greatly influence your experience in a new city. For example, if you're drawn to the Pearl District for its thriving arts scene, you'll likely find Park Avenue in Rochester equally engaging with its collection of galleries and cafes like Glen Edith Coffee Roasters. Similarly, those who adore the historic and cozy ambiance of Nob Hill might appreciate East Avenue's stately homes and proximity to cultural institutions such as the George Eastman Museum. Meanwhile, Mississippi Avenue's vibrant nightlife and indie spirit have a counterpart in Rochester's NOTA, where spots like Memorial Art Gallery and Rochester Brainery offer engaging encounters. These parallels not only smooth your transition but also enrich your urban exploration, promising a seamless move full of discovery and familiarity.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Rochester

Moving from one city to another comes with its set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the pros and cons of relocating from Portland, OR to Rochester, NY , helping you weigh the good against the bad. Whether it's the change in weather or different cultural amenities, this comparison will guide you through what to expect in your new locale.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • High housing costs
  • Frequent rainfall
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less snow
Rochester, NY iconRochester, NY
  • More affordable housing
  • Less precipitation
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Enjoyable snowy winters
Rochester, NY iconRochester, NY
  • Smaller art community
  • Fewer dining options
  • Less immediate natural locales
  • Colder, longer winters
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Vibrant art scene
  • Trendy restaurants
  • Access to nature
  • Mild winters

In Portland, places like Portland Art Museum and the bustling Pearl District are widely recognized for their vibrant culture and trendy dining spots. However, in Rochester, you will discover unique offerings such as the renowned Memorial Art Gallery and the historic George Eastman Museum. While Rochester might have fewer restaurants, establishments like Dinosaur Barb-B-Que provide a dining experience that is both unique and mouthwatering. Despite the fact that Rochester experiences colder winters, areas such as Mendon Ponds Park offer stunning winter landscapes and outdoor activities that are not as commonly found in Portland's milder climate.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Portland to Rochester

This comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & Rochester is essential for understanding the unique culinary landscapes of each city. Food is a vital aspect of local culture, influencing daily life and social gatherings. This comparison will help you get acquainted with what awaits in your new home.

PortlandRochester

Most iconic local food item

DoughnutsGarbage Plate

Most popular meat dish

BrisketBeef on Weck

Most popular street food item

Food CartsWhite Hot

Most popular vegan food

Tempeh BowlSeitan Wings

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Pok Pok
  • Salt & Straw
  • Vida Acai

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

96

Abundance of Food Trucks

106

Foodie Scene

107

Vegan Friendly

107

In Portland, the food cart scene in neighborhoods like Hawthorne Boulevard and Mississippi Avenue offers an eclectic range of global cuisines, making it a haven for food lovers. Popular dishes such as doughnuts from local gems emphasize the city's embrace of quirky and artisanal foods. On the other hand, Rochester is renowned for its unique invention, the Garbage Plate, traditionally found at Nick Tahou Hots. This dish is a testament to the city’s unpretentious and hearty culinary offerings. Both cities have strong foodie scenes, but Portland stands out for its health consciousness and vegan options, mirroring the city's lifestyle focus.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Portland to Rochester

Food plays a vital role in making a new city feel like home. Whether you're a foodie or just enjoy a good meal, finding your new favorite eatery can be a delicious adventure. This comparison chart aims to ease your transition from Portland, OR, to Rochester, NY, by matching top restaurants in your current hometown with equivalent spots in your new city.

Le PigeonRooney's Restaurant

Known for its inventive and upscale dining experience

Pok PokSapori Café & Catering

Offers authentic and creative takes on international cuisine

Tasty n DaughtersThe Revelry

A go-to for creative American dishes in a trendy atmosphere

Ken’s Artisan PizzaFiorella

Crafts Neapolitan pizzas with a focus on local ingredients and flavors

Salt & StrawUgly Duck Coffee

Infamous for unique flavors in both coffee and locally sourced ice cream

Blue Star DonutsRidge Donut Cafe

Famous for a wide variety of doughnuts, echoing Blue Star's artisanal approach

Nong’s Khao Man GaiFlavors of Asia

Celebrated for its authentic Asian dishes, bringing a taste of Thailand to Rochester

Apizza SchollsAcme Pizza & Wing Co

Delivers on the promise of high-quality, New York-style pizzas

Screen DoorJB's Smokehouse

Offers Southern-style comfort food, reminiscent of Screen Door's beloved dishes

Pine State BiscuitsJames Brown's Place

Known for hearty breakfasts and lunches, with a nod to soulful Southern cooking

While exploring Rochester's dining scene, you'll discover that places like Rooney's Restaurant provide an upscale dining experience reminiscent of Portland's Le Pigeon, albeit with its own unique flair. At Fiorella, you can indulge in Neapolitan pizzas that echo the artisan spirit and quality of Ken’s Artisan Pizza, but with a taste that’s unmistakably Rochester. Meanwhile, Ugly Duck Coffee's selection of locally sourced ice creams offers an innovative twist on traditional dessert flavors, reminiscent of Salt & Straw's imaginative approach. Each of these Rochester eateries, while unique in their own rights, share a common bond with their Portland counterparts: a commitment to quality, creativity, and community. This guide aims to not only introduce you to your new favorite spots but also to highlight the rich, culinary connections between your old and new home.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Portland to Rochester

Moving homes is a big decision and a pivotal moment in your life. Understanding the real estate landscape of your destination city is crucial. In this comparison, we'll dive into the significant aspects of Portland, OR, and Rochester, NY , focusing on housing to help you make an informed decision.

When diving deeper into the housing aspects of Portland, OR, and Rochester, NY, several interesting contrasts emerge. Portland, with its higher median home price and rent, caters to those looking for modern and Craftsman-style homes surrounded by green spaces and close to vibrant breweries. This city scores high in walkability and bikeability, making it ideal for an active urban lifestyle. Rochester offers a different appeal with its more affordable housing, characterized by Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes, and its rich historical neighborhoods. Though it presents a slightly more suburban lifestyle with lower walkability and bikeability scores, it's notably close to several renowned universities, drawing a mix of academics and students. The comparison underscores the lifestyle and financial considerations at play, offering distinct options for different preferences and priorities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Rochester, NY

1. Park Avenue: This neighborhood is brimming with outdoor cafes and stores that welcome pets, making it an ideal spot for pet owners who love to dine and shop with their furry friends.

2. Highland Park: Known for its expansive park of the same name, Highland Park offers plenty of green space for dogs to play and trails for long walks, including Highland Park itself, making it a haven for pet owners.

3. North Winton Village: This community-focused neighborhood features pet-friendly housing and several parks, along with the Bark Park at Cobbs Hill, where your pets can socialize and play off-leash.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Portland to Rochester

Considering a move from Portland, OR to Rochester, NY? Understanding how the weather compares in these cities is crucial in preparing for what lies ahead. This comparison will illuminate the differences in climate you should expect, helping to ensure a smooth transition.

Summer icon
80°F / 57°F

Portland, OR

82°F / 62°F

Rochester, NY

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 36°F

Portland, OR

32°F / 18°F

Rochester, NY

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36"

Portland, OR

34"

Rochester, NY

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4"

Portland, OR

99"

Rochester, NY

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Though both cities share a relatively mild summer, winters in Rochester are significantly colder and snowier than in Portland, with nearly 100 inches of snow annually compared to Portland's modest 4 inches. Rochester's higher number of sunny days per year may be appealing, but those moving should prepare for its heavier snowfall and colder winter temperatures. Air quality and humidity also vary, with Portland experiencing higher humidity levels. This detailed climate comparison highlights crucial adjustments you may need to make, especially in winter attire and home heating solutions.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from Portland, OR to Rochester, NY, it's crucial to juxtapose the financial climates of both cities. This comparison will reveal how your expenses, taxation, and economic environment between Portland and Rochester might adjust, impacting your budget and lifestyle directly.

As you consider moving from Portland to Rochester, it's evident that Rochester boasts a significantly lower cost of living and more favorable state income and sales taxes, despite its average household income being notably lower than Portland's. This economic landscape is further complicated by Rochester's higher property tax rate. Additionally, both cities share a strong presence in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors, highlighting potential employment opportunities regardless of your destination. However, the level of homelessness and poverty presents a contrasting picture, with Rochester facing a higher poverty rate but less homelessness when compared to Portland.

Political & Religious Comparison between Portland, OR and Rochester, NY

This comparison of the politics between Portland & Rochester offers a quick glance at the typical political and religious makeup of their residents, aiding in understanding the community characteristics of your potential new home.

PortlandRochester

Political Make-up

LiberalLiberal

Local Politics

Progressive policies, strong emphasis on environmental and social issuesProgressive with a focus on economic revitalization and social justice

Religion

Less religiously affiliated, with a variety of faith-based communitiesDiverse faith communities, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and others

Both Portland and Rochester share liberal political leanings, but you'll find some differences in how this translates into local governance and community activism. Portland is well-known for its strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social equity, which is reflected in its local policies. Rochester, while also progressive, has been focusing its efforts on economic revitalization and addressing social justice issues. In terms of religion, both cities host diverse faith communities, though Portland is generally considered to be less religiously affiliated. Moving from Portland to Rochester, you'll discover that, despite these similarities and differences, each city has a unique blend of culture and community values.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Portland to Rochester

When considering a move from Portland, OR to Rochester, NY, understanding the differences in the daily commute and traffic is crucial. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Rochester will help you better gauge what to expect in your daily travels.

PortlandRochester
2622

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

64

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

75

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Yes, with some difficultyYes, but a car is highly recommended

Can you get by without car?

In both Portland and Rochester, the daily commute and transportation options offer distinct experiences. Portland enjoys a relatively high availability of public transit, such as the TriMet buses and the MAX Light Rail, making it more feasible to get by without a car, though it may come with some difficulty. Rochester, while having a shorter average commute time, has less comprehensive public transit options, making owning a car more of a necessity for ease of travel. Additionally, Portland's slightly higher traffic congestion score reflects its denser urban environment compared to Rochester. Understanding these differences can play a significant role in planning your daily commute and transportation needs after your move.

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