Best Richmond to San Jose Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Richmond to San Jose Movers

Moving from the historic charm of Richmond, VA, to the tech-savvy expanse of San Jose, CA, heralds an exciting pivot in your life's journey. Leaving behind the River City for the Capital of Silicon Valley, you're transitioning from colonial cobblestones to cutting-edge innovation. It's crucial to ensure this significant chapter begins seamlessly, highlighting the importance of entrusting your move to reliable and professional movers, a commitment we uphold by connecting you with the best, unbiasedly ranked, through Great Guys Moving.

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Best Richmond to San Jose Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
D&L Movers9.34A+ActiveContact
Careful Movers9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Estes SureMove9.21A+Authorized For PropertyContact
On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA9.19A+Authorized For HHGContact
Two Men and a Truck8.96A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Richmond guide.

5 Best Richmond to San Jose Moving Companies

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

D&L Movers Logo
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,789+ data points

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
1
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Estes SureMove Logo
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 1,255+ data points

About Estes SureMove

The most significant cause of stress when moving is the cost. Traditional full-service movers can take care of everything for you, but at th...Read More >>

Services

  • Home moving
  • Employee relocations
  • Add-ons (such as same-day pickup)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

121018 / 97275

Authorized For Property

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans9,075
Registered Drivers8,573
Total Annual Miles Moved586,187,648 (2023)
View Full Review
3
On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA Logo
Exceptional9.19/10
based on 957+ data points

About On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA

On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC is a family-owned and operated moving company based in Richmond, VA. They provide local and long-distance moving...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Moving Helpers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3865625 / 1413617

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved8,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Superb8.96/10
based on 3,899+ data points

About Two Men and a Truck

With over 30 years’ experience and 350 locations worldwide, Two Men and a Truck is a trusted name in the moving industry. Its Richmond locat...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2988823 / 17957

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2023)
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.

Richmond vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease this transition, we've curated a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Richmond, VA & San Jose, CA . By identifying similarities between neighborhoods, we aim to help you find a new area that feels like home.

RichmondSan JoseHow They're Similar
The FanWillow GlenHistoric, walkable community
Church HillRose GardenRich history, beautiful homes
Scott's AdditionSantana RowTrendy, vibrant nightlife
CarytownLos GatosCharming shops, local eateries
Museum DistrictWinchesterCultural landmarks, serene atmosphere
Shockoe BottomJapantownHistoric, vibrant food scene
Libbie-GroveWillow GlenQuaint shopping, family-friendly
ManchesterSoFA DistrictArtistic, dynamic community
BellevueAlmaden ValleyPeaceful, tight-knit community
Fulton HillEvergreenQuiet, suburban feel

For those accustomed to the walkable, historic streets of The Fan in Richmond, the charm and community vibe of Willow Glen in San Jose will feel like a seamless transition. Enjoy strolling through its downtown strip, known for boutiques like Ilex for Flowers and dining spots such as The Black Sheep Brasserie. Similarly, if the vibrant food scene and cobblestone charm of Shockoe Bottom captured your heart, San Jose's Japantown, with its authentic eateries like Kubota Restaurant and annual cultural festivals, will offer comparable delights. Moving doesn't mean leaving behind what you love about your neighborhood; it's an opportunity to find new places that echo the character and lifestyle you enjoy.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Richmond to San Jose

Moving from Richmond, VA to San Jose, CA, requires a balanced consideration of the changes ahead. This comparison aims to offer a clear and honest reflection of the good and bad aspects of this relocation. By directly comparing Richmond's cons with San Jose's pros and vice versa, you'll gain insights into what awaits in your new city and what you'll be leaving behind in your old one.

CONs
PROs
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Humid summers
  • Lower tech jobs
  • Smaller city
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer cultural events
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Milder climate
  • High tech hub
  • Larger urban area
  • More cultural diversity
  • More cultural events
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Less historical depth
  • Higher cost of living
  • More urbanized
  • Oversized city feel
  • Less communal
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Rich history
  • Lower cost of living
  • Easy access to nature
  • Cozy small-town feel
  • Community vibe

When moving from Richmond, VA, to San Jose, CA, you'll transition from the charm of a smaller, historical city to the bustling energy of a tech metropolis. While Richmond's lush greenery and historic sites like the Virginia Capitol Building offer a window into America's past, San Jose's technological landscape is spearheading the future with companies like Apple and Google. San Jose isn't without its natural beauty, however; places like the Japanese Friendship Garden and Alum Rock Park provide serene escapes within the urban sprawl. Eating out in San Jose also showcases its diversity, with a culinary scene that ranges from Vietnamese at Pho69 Noodle to Mexican at La Victoria Taqueria. Though the transition may come with a steeper cost of living, the move to San Jose promises a vibrant, diverse, and innovative lifestyle change.

Richmond vs. San Jose Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Richmond & San Jose, highlighting the importance of food in understanding the cultural vibe of a new city. By comparing these cities, you'll get a taste of what culinary delights await you.

RichmondSan Jose
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamPho
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemHot Chicken SandwichTacos
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit BBQVegetable Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Mama J's Kitchen
  • Sally Bell's Kitchen
  • Sub Rosa Bakery
  • Original Joe's
  • Dia De Pesca
  • Adega
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Richmond to San Jose, you will notice a shift not only in the cultural vibe but also in the local cuisine. Richmond's charm includes iconic restaurants like Mama J's Kitchen, known for its soul food, and Sally Bell's Kitchen, where you can enjoy traditional Southern dishes. On the other hand, San Jose offers a vibrant foodie scene with a strong influence from Vietnamese and Mexican cuisines, evident in local favorites like Pho and Carne Asada. Neighborhoods like Downtown San Jose and Willow Glen are brimming with diverse restaurants such as Original Joe's and Adega, reflecting the city's rich culinary landscape. Both cities offer unique dining experiences shaped by their local traditions and multicultural influences, making them exciting places for food enthusiasts.

Richmond vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

When relocating from Richmond, VA to San Jose, CA, finding your new go-to restaurants can make a new city feel like home. Through this comparison, we aim to ease your transition by identifying counterparts to Richmond's top eateries in San Jose, ensuring you won't miss out on culinary delights.

RichmondSan JoseWhat You'll Love
L’OpossumLe PapillonFine dining with a French twist, paralleling the unique and creative dishes of L'Opossum.
Mama J’s KitchenBack A YardCaribbean comfort food that brings a similar home-cooked vibe to Mama J's soul food classics.
Edo’s SquidDiPalo’sOffers a cozy Italian dining experience with a focus on seafood, reminiscent of Edo’s Squid.
Stella’sNemea Greek TavernaAuthentically prepared Greek cuisine, providing a similar Mediterranean atmosphere to Stella’s.
Joe’s InnBill’s CaféA hearty breakfast and brunch spot offering the comfort and warmth akin to Joe’s Inn.
The RooseveltOrchard City KitchenA modern American eatery with a flair for inventive dishes like The Roosevelt.
Dutch & CompanyAdegaSpecializes in contemporary dishes with an artistic touch, echoing Dutch & Company's commitment to quality and creativity.
SaisonPlumed HorseA high-end dining experience offering innovative cuisine, parallel to the elegance of Saison.
ZZQ Texas Craft BarbequeSmoking Pig BBQDelivers authentic, slow-smoked BBQ flavors that rivals ZZQ's Texas-style barbeque.
Bottoms Up PizzaPizza Bocca LupoNeapolitan pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, capturing the beloved essence of Bottoms Up Pizza.

Exploring the culinary landscape of San Jose reveals parallels that not only emulate but sometimes even surpass the dining experiences found in Richmond. For instance, Le Papillon's exquisite French cuisine offers a level of fine dining that closely matches, if not enhances, the experience at Richmond's L'Opossum. Similarly, the authentic Mediterranean flavors at Nemea Greek Taverna remind one of Stella’s renowned Greek dishes, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the West Coast. Whether you're craving the soul-warming comfort of home-cooked meals or the refined elegance of a fine dining experience, these San Jose establishments stand ready to welcome you with flavors that reflect the diverse and vibrant culinary scene of your new home, all the while echoing the cherished memories of Richmond's beloved eateries.

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Ready to start your move?

Richmond vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is crucial when considering a move, and knowing how the housing markets of Richmond and San Jose compare can greatly impact your decision. This comparison aims to shed light on various aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle differences to better understand your potential new home.

ComparisonRichmondSan Jose
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianModern, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric details, large yardsSmart home features, proximity to tech industries

Moving from Richmond to San Jose, you're transitioning from a city where historic homes like Colonial and Victorian are prevalent, to one where Modern and Ranch styles dominate, reflecting the rapid growth and contemporary culture of Silicon Valley. The cost of living also sees a significant spike, particularly in housing prices, where the median home price in San Jose is nearly four times that in Richmond. However, this move offers an improvement in urban amenities, bikeability, and closer proximity to tech industries, making San Jose an attractive destination for professionals in the sector. Exploring neighborhoods like Downtown San Jose can give you a taste of the urban lifestyle you're stepping into.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen: Known for its quaint, tree-lined streets, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere at Willow Glen's downtown area, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friends.

2. Cambrian Park: Boasting a serene suburban vibe, Cambrian Park is home to several parks, including the dog-friendly Butcher Dog Park, where your pets can play off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment.

3. Downtown San Jose: If you're looking for a more urban experience, Downtown San Jose offers many pet-friendly living spaces and amenities, alongside dog-friendly dining options like Original Joe’s, making it an ideal place for pet owners who love city living.

Richmond vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

Moving from one place to another means adapting to new weather conditions. It's crucial to know how the climate in San Jose compares to what you're used to in Richmond. This will help you prepare for changes in temperature, air quality, and potential natural disasters.

Summer icon
89/71

Richmond, VA

82/57

San Jose, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48/29

Richmond, VA

60/42

San Jose, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Richmond, VA

15.5

San Jose, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
10

Richmond, VA

0

San Jose, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRichmondSan Jose
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesEarthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In Richmond, you might be used to hot and humid summers, but in San Jose, summers are milder and winter temperatures are more moderate. The notable increase in sunny days means more outdoor activities but also higher UV exposure, so sunscreen becomes even more essential. San Jose's significant drop in annual rainfall and absence of snowfall compared to Richmond highlights the importance of water conservation measures in the drought-prone California climate. Additionally, while Richmond faces hurricanes and tornadoes, in San Jose, earthquake preparedness will be a new routine.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Richmond to San Jose

Whether you're considering moving for a new job or simply a change of scenery, understanding financial differences is crucial. This comparison highlights how your money matters might shift when relocating from Richmond to San Jose. Discover key differences in income, taxes, and living costs that could impact your budget and lifestyle.

ComparisonRichmondSan Jose
Avg. Household Income$51,770$126,377
Cost of Living Index104.5156.1
State Income Tax5.7513.3
Avg. Property Tax0.80.79
Avg. Sales Tax5.39.25
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Finance, EducationTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessNotableSignificant

Moving from Richmond to San Jose, you'll encounter not just a different climate but a significantly different economic landscape. The towering cost of living in San Jose, reflected by its high cost of living index, is a critical factor to consider, particularly since this figure more than doubles that of Richmond. Although the average household income in San Jose is substantially higher, this increase might not always offset the heightened expenses, especially with California's higher state income and sales tax rates. Furthermore, the economic backbone of each city differs vastly, with technology leading in San Jose, compared to government and finance in Richmond. Despite the allure of higher income levels and the prosperity associated with San Jose, it's also crucial to ponder the challenges, including a significant issue with homelessness.

Richmond vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another can often mean stepping into a completely different cultural and societal environment. The purpose of this quick comparison is to provide you with a snapshot of the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Richmond & San Jose , offering insights that could help you understand the community you're about to join.

RichmondSan Jose
Political Make-upLiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic majority in local governmentDemocratic majority in local government
ReligionDiverse with both Christian and secular communitiesHighly diverse; significant number of Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and secular individuals

While both Richmond, VA, and San Jose, CA, share a liberal political makeup and a Democratic majority in local government, the religious landscape offers a deeper insight into the cultural differences you might experience. Richmond presents a diverse religious scene, populated significantly by Christian communities alongside secular groups. San Jose, however, amplifies diversity even further, with a considerable presence of Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and secular individuals, reflecting its status as a melting pot of cultural and religious beliefs. This diversity not only shapes the social climate but also reflects the broad spectrum of cultural, culinary, and spiritual experiences available to you in San Jose.

Richmond vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Richmond, VA to San Jose, CA, calls for an understanding of the distinct daily commute and traffic experiences each city offers. This comparison between Richmond & San Jose aims to highlight the key differences in driving and transiting, preparing you for the change.

ComparisonRichmondSan Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2530
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingPossible

While the average commute time in San Jose is slightly longer than in Richmond, the density and efficiency of public transportation options are notably better. San Jose's higher score in public transit availability reflects its broader network of buses, light rail, and other services, making it feasible for residents to live without a car. Although facing more traffic congestion, San Jose's infrastructure supports a more sustainable, car-free lifestyle compared to Richmond. Transitioning to San Jose might mean adapting to more traffic but also enjoying the benefits of a robust public transportation system.

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