Best Richmond to Raleigh Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Richmond to Raleigh Movers

Moving from Richmond, VA to Raleigh, NC, marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. Leaving behind the historic charm and vibrant arts scene of RVA for the innovative buzz and lush greenery of the City of Oaks, you're not just changing your address, but stepping into a fresh lifestyle. It's crucial to ensure this pivotal transition is as smooth as possible by choosing trusted and reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving know the importance of dependable service for such a long-distance move, and are here to connect you with the best in the business.

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Best Richmond to Raleigh Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.43NRActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Estes SureMove9.21A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Two Men and a Truck8.96A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Cavalier Moving8.50A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Raleigh to Richmond guide.

5 Best Richmond to Raleigh 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
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 10/17/2024)

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
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 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2430443 / 837779

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers16
Total Annual Miles Moved240,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Cavalier Moving Logo
Fabulous8.50/10
based on 4,080+ data points

About Cavalier Moving

Established in Richmond in 2019, Cavalier Moving is not a novice in the moving industry. It’s backed by highly-experienced owners and profes...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Local Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3193540 / 138477

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved240,000 (2024)
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. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we've curated a comparison of local neighborhoods between Richmond, VA & Raleigh, NC . This guide will help you find a new neighborhood that mirrors the vibe and community of your current one, making the move feel like coming home.

RichmondRaleighHow They're Similar
The FanGlenwood SouthVibrant nightlife and historic homes
Church HillBoylan HeightsHistoric area with a strong sense of community
Scott's AdditionWarehouse DistrictIndustrial vibe with breweries and art spaces
CarytownFayetteville StreetUnique shops and local eateries
Museum DistrictNorth HillsCulture-rich with museums and upscale dining
Shockoe BottomMoore SquareHistoric area known for nightlife and markets
Libbie-GroveCameron VillageShopping and dining with a neighborhood feel
Byrd ParkPullen ParkGreen spaces with recreational activities
ManchesterSouth ParkUrban living with a mix of developments
Forest HillBrookhavenFamily-friendly with parks and nature trails

In search of familiar comforts in a new city, you'll find Raleigh's Glenwood South mirrors The Fan's lively streets, where historic charm blends seamlessly with modern nightlife. Over in Boylan Heights, reminiscent of Church Hill, you can embrace a storied past and tight-knit community spirit. For those drawn to the eclectic shopping and dining scene of Carytown, Fayetteville Street offers a similar allure with its unique boutiques and local cuisines. Another seamless transition would be from Richmond's Museum District to Raleigh's North Hills, where the love for culture and upscale dining continues to thrive amidst a backdrop of museums and stylish eateries. These carefully compared neighborhoods promise a smoother transition, making your move feel less like a leap into the unknown and more like stepping into a familiar place.

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Things to Do in Raleigh

  • Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art
  • Stroll through Pullen Park
  • Shop at The Cotton Company in Wake Forest
  • Enjoy a show at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Taste local brews at Raleigh Beer Trail
  • Join a Trolley Pub tour downtown
  • Hike around Umstead State Park

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Richmond to Raleigh

Moving from one city to another can be a significant life decision. This guide is designed to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Richmond, VA to Raleigh, NC . By comparing the pros and cons, you will be better prepared to make an informed choice about this important transition.

CONs
PROs
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Higher crime rate
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Less vibrant nightlife
  • Fewer job opportunities
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Lower crime rate
  • Larger tech hub
  • More vibrant nightlife
  • Greater job market
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Less historic charm
  • More transient population
  • Fewer unique spots
  • Higher living expenses
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Rich historical sites
  • Tighter-knit community
  • Unique local businesses
  • Lower cost of living

Moving from Richmond, VA, to Raleigh, NC, presents an exciting opportunity, especially for those looking to engage in a more vibrant tech scene and enjoy a bustling nightlife. Raleigh boasts an array of new experiences with places like North Carolina Museum of History for the culture enthusiasts and Downtown Raleigh for those seeking a lively atmosphere. While Richmond is known for its historic charm and unique local businesses such as Edgar's Bakery, Raleigh counters with its own set of attractions, including a growing number of unique eateries like Brewery Bhavana and green spaces like the William B. Umstead State Park. Although the shift might mean a slight increase in living expenses, the trade-offs include a lower crime rate and more substantial job opportunities in Raleigh.

Richmond vs. Raleigh Food Guide

When relocating, understanding the local culture is crucial, and nothing represents culture more vividly than food. Here, we conduct a comparison of the local cuisine between Richmond & Raleigh , providing a glimpse into what your new culinary life may look like.

RichmondRaleigh
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamNorth Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishFried ChickenEastern NC Barbecue
Most popular street food itemRichmond Grilled CheeseCarolina Hot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodKale Caesar SaladBBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Sub Rosa Bakery
  • Sally Bell's Kitchen
  • Mama J's Kitchen
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • Poole's Diner
  • Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Richmond, the historic Sally Bell's Kitchen has been charming locals and visitors alike with its traditional Southern cuisine for over a century, while Sub Rosa Bakery is heralded for its artisanal breads and pastries. Conversely, Raleigh's food scene boasts an innovative mix of traditional Southern flavors and modern culinary experiences. Brewery Bhavana, not just a brewery but also a flower shop and bookstore, exemplifies this blend perfectly, offering a unique dining experience. Neighborhoods like Glenwood South in Raleigh and The Fan in Richmond offer vibrant food scenes, catering to a diverse range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Richmond vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison

When moving to a new city, discovering places where you can enjoy a great meal can make the transition feel more like home. This restaurant comparison between Richmond and Raleigh will help you find your new favorite spots, using your current familiar haunts as a guide. Whether you’re seeking high-end dining experiences or cozy, budget-friendly eats, this guide has got you covered.

RichmondRaleighWhat You'll Love
LemaireSecond Empire RestaurantOffers a similar upscale dining experience with a focus on local ingredients.
Mama J's KitchenBeasley's Chicken + HoneyProvides comforting, soul-food-inspired dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Stella'sTaverna AgoraSimilar to Stella’s, it offers authentic cuisine that brings a taste of Greece to Raleigh.
Edo's SquidGravyOffers Italian staples that mirror Edo’s Squid’s rustic and hearty flavors in an intimate setting.
The RooseveltPoole's DinerBoth spots boast a unique twist on classic American cuisine, with a commitment to locally sourced ingredients.
Sally Bell's KitchenBig Ed's City Market RestaurantKnown for its homestyle meals and southern hospitality, reminiscent of Sally Bell's Kitchen.
Peter Chang China CafeBrewery BhavanaOffers a cross-cultural dining experience, combining craft beer with high-quality Asian cuisine akin to Peter Chang’s offerings.
Perly'sManhattan CafeBoth delis offer a wide variety of comfort foods and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere for breakfast and lunch.
Joe's InnThe PitEmphasizing hearty, traditional meals with a focus on barbeque, The Pit presents a similar vibe to Joe’s Inn’s comfort food classics.
ZZQ Texas Craft BarbequeThe Redneck BBQ LabServes expertly smoked meats that can rival the quality BBQ found at ZZQ, satisfying any BBQ aficionado’s cravings.

If you're someone who seeks out the comforting embrace of southern cuisine, you'll feel right at home at Beasley's Chicken + Honey in Raleigh, reminiscing the warmth and soul of Mama J's Kitchen in Richmond. For those who delight in exploring authentic international flavors, the transition from enjoying the Greek culinary excellence at Stella's to immersing yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Taverna Agora will be seamless. Meanwhile, enthusiasts of artisanal pizzas and Italian dishes who frequent Edo's Squid will find Gravy's menu a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of rustic Italian cuisine with a focus on quality and simplicity. Each restaurant pairing not only matches in cuisine type but also strives to emulate the unique dining experiences, ensuring that your culinary journey in Raleigh mirrors the rich flavors and heartfelt moments you cherished in Richmond.

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Ready to start your move?

Richmond vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. When considering a transition, knowing how the housing market compares between Richmond, VA and Raleigh, NC can significantly impact your decision. This comparison will cover aspects such as cost, architecture, walkability, and more, to give you a clear picture of your potential new home.

ComparisonRichmondRaleigh
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianModern, Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric charm, green spacesAccessibility, tech-friendly

When looking deeper into the housing aspects of Richmond and Raleigh, it's clear that both cities offer unique living experiences. Richmond's architecture, with its nods to colonial and Victorian styles, speaks to its rich history, often featuring houses with historic charm and access to green spaces. On the other hand, Raleigh, amidst its modern and colonial architectural mix, leans more towards promoting an urban lifestyle with a growing emphasis on bikeability and tech-friendly amenities. The median home price and rent are higher in Raleigh, reflecting its booming tech industry and population growth. However, despite these differences, both cities present attractive opportunities depending on your lifestyle preferences and priorities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

1. North Hills: With an abundance of pet-friendly shops and an expansive park, your pet will love the outdoor activities available.

2. Boylan Heights: This neighborhood is known for its pet-friendly community atmosphere and easy access to Dorothea Dix Park, a popular spot for dog walks and community gatherings.

3. Five Points: You and your pet will enjoy walking through the historical streets and visiting local pet-friendly businesses, including several cafes and eateries that welcome furry friends.

Richmond vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations

When planning your move from Richmond, VA to Raleigh, NC, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison will highlight how the climate and environmental conditions vary between these cities, ensuring you know what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
89/71

Richmond, VA

89/68

Raleigh, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48/29

Richmond, VA

50/31

Raleigh, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Richmond, VA

45

Raleigh, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5

Richmond, VA

4

Raleigh, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRichmondRaleigh
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Richmond to Raleigh, you'll experience similar summer temperatures but slightly milder winters in Raleigh, with its average winter highs being slightly warmer. Both cities enjoy a substantial amount of sunshine yearly, with Raleigh having a slight edge. You'll need to prepare for similar natural threats, like hurricanes and tornadoes, in both cities. However, Raleigh experiences slightly higher annual rainfall and slightly less snowfall than Richmond. Understanding these subtle differences can help you adjust smoothly to your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from Richmond, VA to Raleigh, NC, it's crucial to grasp how the financial aspects of your daily life might shift. This comparison will illuminate differences in income, living costs, taxes, and other financial considerations, ensuring you make an informed decision regarding your relocation.

ComparisonRichmondRaleigh
Avg. Household Income$51,770$74,612
Cost of Living Index104.598.2
State Income Tax5.755.25
Avg. Property Tax1.070.86
Avg. Sales Tax5.34.75
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Finance, EducationTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableLower
HomelessnessModerateLow

Moving from Richmond to Raleigh may affect your wallet in several ways. For starters, the average household income in Raleigh is higher, potentially offering you a better quality of life. However, this comes with a slightly higher cost of living index, meaning day-to-day expenses may also increase. Taxes play a role in your finances too, with Raleigh boasting a lower state income tax and property tax, possibly offsetting some of the higher living costs. Interestingly, Raleigh's top industries are focused on technology, education, and healthcare - a contrast to Richmond's government, finance, and education focus. This could open up new career opportunities or influence your professional path in Raleigh.

Richmond vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot that delineates the political and religious makeup of residents between Richmond & Raleigh. Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the cultural shift and community vibes you might experience in your new city.

RichmondRaleigh
Political Make-upLiberalModerately Liberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic dominanceMix of Democratic and Republican influence
ReligionChristianity dominates, with diverse faith communitiesChristianity prominent, with growing multicultural religious communities

The political landscape in both cities is more liberal than conservative, with Richmond leaning significantly towards Democratic ideologies, while Raleigh presents a more balanced mix of Democratic and Republican influences. This difference in political makeup could impact local policies, social programs, and even day-to-day discussions among residents. Additionally, while Christianity remains the predominant religion in both cities, both have been embracing growing diversity in their religious communities. In Raleigh, the expansion of multicultural religious centers, such as the Islamic Association of Raleigh, reflects this growing diversity. Understanding these nuances can ease your transition and help you connect with your new community more easily.

Richmond vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Richmond to Raleigh or vice versa? Understanding the differences between the daily commute and traffic is crucial to adapting to your new city's lifestyle. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Richmond & Raleigh will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in each city.

ComparisonRichmondRaleigh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2526
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?With difficultyPossible, but not convenient

While the average commute times in Richmond and Raleigh are quite similar, you'll notice a slight difference in traffic congestion and public transit availability. Richmond scores slightly higher in public transit options, thanks to the Greater Richmond Transit Company's efforts to expand and improve services. Raleigh, on the other hand, is working on enhancing its public transportation with projects like the Wake Transit Plan. Living without a car in either city is challenging, but Richmond offers slightly better amenities for those who prefer to walk, bike, or use public transit. This information can significantly influence your adjustment to your new city, especially if you're daily commute and transportation options play a large role in your life.

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