Best Philadelphia to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Philadelphia to Durham Movers

Moving from the city of brotherly love to the Bull City is not just a change of scenery—it's an exciting adventure that beckons a fresh chapter in your life. Leaving behind Philadelphia’s historic charm for Durham's renowned academia and vibrant startup scene represents a unique blend of culture and innovation. Understanding the importance of this transition, it's critical to ensure your journey is smooth by entrusting your move to trusted and reliable professional movers, making sure every aspect of your move is handled with utmost care.

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Best Philadelphia to Durham Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
EverSafe Moving Co.9.51A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Pineapple Movers9.44NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.43NRActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
banning moving9.21NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Philadelphia guide.

5 Best Philadelphia to Durham Moving Companies

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

EverSafe Moving Co. Logo
Exceptional9.51/10
based on 2,941+ data points

About EverSafe Moving Co.

Founded in 2011, EverSafe Moving has built a reputation in the Greater Philadelphia area for courtesy, care, and quality due to its team of ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long-distance Movers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261303 / 771755

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Pineapple Movers Logo
Exceptional9.44/10
based on 701+ data points

About Pineapple Movers

Pineapple Movers is a Philadelphia-based moving company that specializes in relocating residences and offices of all sizes. Established in 2...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3579435 / 1208543

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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 12/5/2024)

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
4
b
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 437+ data points

About banning moving

Banning Moving is a professional moving company focused on providing reliable and caring services for its customers. With experienced movers...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350149 / 1070919

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,675 (2022)
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.

Philadelphia vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially to a city unknown to you. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. By comparing local neighborhoods between Philadelphia, PA & Durham, NC , we aim to match you with a community that feels like home. Whether you're looking for vibrant nightlife, peaceful parks, or historic charm, this comparison will help you find your perfect neighborhood match.

PhiladelphiaDurhamHow They're Similar
Rittenhouse SquareTreyburnUpscale, historic surroundings
FishtownOld North DurhamArtistic community, vibrant nightlife
ManayunkTrinity ParkCharming homes, close-knit community
Northern LibertiesWarehouse DistrictTrendy, artsy vibe
West PhiladelphiaHope ValleyDiverse, with historic homes
Center CityDowntown DurhamUrban living, active nightlife
Queen VillageWoodcroftFamily-friendly, established neighborhood
East PassyunkNinth StreetEclectic eateries, unique shops
Society HillForest HillsPrestigious, historic estates
South PhiladelphiaBrightleafDiverse community, rich history

If you're fond of Rittenhouse Square’s upscale and historic vibe, you'll find a similar ambiance in Treyburn, known for its prestigious properties and golf course. Lovers of Fishtown's artistic community and vibrant nightlife will feel right at home in Old North Durham, where art and music thrive. For those enchanted by Manayunk's charming homes and close-knit community, Trinity Park offers a similar allure with its historic architecture and friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, East Passyunk's eclectic eateries and unique shops have a counterpart in Ninth Street, Durham, where dining and shopping options abound, catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. This side-by-side comparison aims to not just match you with a new neighborhood but also to help you discover the vibrant communities and local treasures that Durham has to offer, making your transition as seamless as possible.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Philadelphia to Durham

Moving from one city to another offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of both the difficult and favorable aspects of relocating from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC. These charts are designed to help you weigh the pros and cons, ensuring a well-informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Philadelphia, PA iconPhiladelphia, PA
  • Higher crime rate
  • Colder winters
  • Costly living
  • Dense traffic
  • Less green space
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower crime rate
  • Milder winters
  • More affordable
  • Lighter traffic
  • More parks
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller historical scene
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Fewer dining options
  • Smaller job market
  • Less varied entertainment
Philadelphia, PA iconPhiladelphia, PA
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse food scene
  • More job opportunities
  • Broad entertainment

In Philadelphia, neighborhoods like Fishtown and Old City are bursting with history, offering an array of vibrant restaurants and nightlife. Historic sites such as the Independence National Historical Park draw visitors and locals alike. In comparison, Durham, with its rich academic and research environment, boasts an expanding food scene at places like Durham Performing Arts Center and the Durham Central Park. Though it may offer fewer dining and entertainment options than Philadelphia, Durham presents a growing market with a tight-knit community feel, highlighted by events at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the Carolina Theatre. Each city has its unique charm, whether it's the historical significance of Philadelphia or the quieter, community-focused lifestyle of Durham.

Philadelphia vs. Durham Food Guide

Food plays a pivotal role in showcasing the local culture and lifestyle of any area. To help you understand what culinary delights await, we have curated a comparison of the local cuisine between Philadelphia & Durham . This will give you a glimpse into the food scene of your new city and help make your transition smoother.

PhiladelphiaDurham
Most iconic local food itemCheesesteakPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishRoast Pork SandwichEastern Carolina BBQ
Most popular street food itemSoft PretzelFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan SteakJackfruit BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Pat’s King of Steaks
  • Zahav
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Philadelphia and Durham both boast vibrant food scenes reflective of their unique cultures. In Philadelphia, the Reading Terminal Market offers a cornucopia of local flavors, from the classic cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks to innovative Israeli cuisine at Zahav. Durham, on the other hand, takes pride in its Southern cooking traditions, with establishments like Dame's Chicken & Waffles providing a twist on comfort food, and Pizzeria Toro highlighting the influence of Italian cuisine. Both cities score high in terms of vegan options, with Philadelphia’s seitan steak and Durham’s jackfruit BBQ leading the plant-based charge. Durham edges slightly ahead in terms of health consciousness and food trucks, promising an eclectic and accessible food scene for newcomers.

Philadelphia vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, finding new favorite dining spots is essential to making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Philadelphia, PA, and Durham, NC , will guide you in discovering your next beloved eateries, using your current local favorites as a starting point.

PhiladelphiaDurhamWhat You'll Love
ZahavMateo Bar de TapasSpanish cuisine with an inventive twist, reminiscent of Zahav’s approach to Middle Eastern flavors.
Vetri CucinaM SushiOffering a high-end dining experience, parallels Vetri Cucina's emphasis on exceptional ingredients and craftsmanship.
Reading Terminal MarketDurham Food HallA diverse selection of quality vendors, echoing the iconic variety found at Reading Terminal Market.
Franklin FountainThe ParlourCrafted ice creams that pay homage to the old-fashioned charm and uniqueness of Franklin Fountain.
Pat's King of SteaksBull City Burger and BreweryThough known for burgers, they capture the casual, iconic allure similar to Pat's.
Federal DonutsMonutsUnique donuts and coffee setup that reflects Federal Donuts' distinctive flair and dedication to quality.
El VezBar VirgileBar Virgile offers a diverse menu with a touch of creativity akin to El Vez, though with a slightly different culinary focus.
Pizzeria BeddiaPompieri PizzaA passionate approach to pizza making, similar to Pizzeria Beddia’s renowned craft.
La ColombeCocoa CinnamonBoth coffee shops value unique coffee blends and offer a cozy ambiance for coffee enthusiasts.
Di Bruno Bros.Parker and OtisSpecialty food and gift store with a similar emphasis on quality products and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

For lovers of unique culinary experiences, transitioning from Philadelphia's diverse food scene to Durham’s vibrant offerings can be a delightful journey. Mateo Bar de Tapas stands as a prime example, echoing Zahav's innovative approach but with a nod to Spanish cuisine, ensuring that the love for flavorful and expertly prepared dishes continues. Meanwhile, La Colombe fans will find solace in Cocoa Cinnamon's unique coffee offerings and inviting atmosphere, proving that great coffee is universal. The transition from the iconic Reading Terminal Market to the Durham Food Hall will satisfy your craving for diverse culinary exploration within a bustling marketplace environment. These comparative insights aim to smooth your transition by keeping beloved food experiences at the heart of your new adventure.

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Ready to start your move?

Philadelphia vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape between your current city and future home is crucial. This comparison focuses on Philadelphia and Durham, highlighting key differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle to make your decision easier.

ComparisonPhiladelphiaDurham
Typical Architecture StyleRow Homes, VictorianRanch, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric details, Proximity to restaurantsSpacious yards, Proximity to parks

In analyzing the real estate markets of Philadelphia and Durham, one of the standout differences is in the median home prices and monthly rents, both of which lean higher in Durham. This may initially suggest a higher cost of living in Durham, but it's also reflective of a burgeoning market that offers modern living spaces, often accompanied by spacious yards. On the other hand, Philadelphia's historic charm is reflected in its typical row homes and Victorian architecture, appealing to those who value historic details and proximity to urban conveniences like restaurants and cultural venues. Additionally, Philadelphia scores higher in walkability, indicating that residents may rely less on a vehicle for daily errands compared to those in Durham.

Philadelphia vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another involves many changes, and understanding how the weather will differ is crucial. This comparison will highlight the key weather differences between Philadelphia, PA, and Durham, NC, giving you a better expectation of your new climate.

Summer icon
87°F / 68°F

Philadelphia, PA

89°F / 71°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40°F / 25°F

Philadelphia, PA

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47"

Philadelphia, PA

41"

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
13"

Philadelphia, PA

4"

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPhiladelphiaDurham
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, FloodingHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Upon moving from Philadelphia to Durham, you'll notice slight but significant differences in weather patterns. Durham enjoys a warmer winter with higher average high temperatures, making it ideal for those looking to escape the bitter cold. However, it's also more prone to hurricanes and tornadoes, a key consideration for your emergency preparedness plans. Additionally, while both cities struggle with pollen and mold allergens, Durham's slightly higher UV index may require a step up in your sun protection routine. Understanding these differences can help you adjust more comfortably to your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, appreciating the financial landscape becomes crucial. By comparing Philadelphia, PA and Durham, NC, this guide aims to provide a clearer view on how your expenses and economic environment might shift. Understanding these financial aspects is key to a smooth transition.

ComparisonPhiladelphiaDurham
Avg. Household Income$52,899$71,343
Cost of Living Index126.596.6
State Income Tax3.075.25
Avg. Property Tax0.990.84
Avg. Sales Tax87.5
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, Professional ServicesEducation, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceVariedComfortable
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessSignificantLower

Moving from Philadelphia to Durham might bring financial relief in several areas, notably in the cost of living and property taxes, which are lower in Durham. However, state income tax is higher in North Carolina, something to consider when budgeting for your move. The shift in the top industries between the cities highlights Durham's growing technology sector, which could be beneficial if you're in this field. While both cities offer a rich cultural experience, Durham tends to have a more comfortable affluence level with lower rates of poverty and homelessness, indicating a potentially higher quality of life.

Philadelphia vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

In this quick glimpse, we aim to provide an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in the comparison between Philadelphia & Durham . Understanding the local cultural landscape can greatly impact your experience and integration into your new city.

PhiladelphiaDurham
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsCity of Philadelphia GovernmentCity of Durham Government
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Christian majorityDiverse, with a strong presence of Christian and non-religious communities

Both Philadelphia and Durham share a liberal/democratic political tendency, which may make the transition smoother if you share similar views. The local politics of each city have their own nuances and ways of engaging with the community, as reflected by their respective government websites. When it comes to religion, both cities boast diverse spiritual communities, though Philadelphia has a more significant Christian majority. In Durham, you'll also find a vibrant mix, including a considerable number of non-religious individuals, pointing towards an open and accepting culture.

Philadelphia vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC, it's crucial to understand how traffic and transportation differ between these two cities. This comparison will give you a better grasp of what to expect in your daily commutes and traffic scenarios in both locations.

ComparisonPhiladelphiaDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3222
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with some planningChallenging but possible

In Philadelphia, you'll find a more developed public transit system, making it easier to navigate the city without a car. The SEPTA Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority offers extensive subway, bus, and regional rail options. On the other hand, Durham’s public transit, while still accessible, is not as comprehensive. It comprises mainly buses operated by GoTriangle, making certain areas harder to access without personal transportation. Although traffic congestion is less of a headache in Durham compared to Philadelphia, planning your daily travel in Durham without a car requires more effort and reliance on less frequent public transportation schedules.

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