Best Richmond to Seattle Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the historic charm of Richmond, VA, to the bustling tech hub of Seattle, WA, is an adventure that’s both thrilling and life-changing. While you’re trading the low-key, Southern atmosphere and cobblestone streets of ‘RVA’ for the verdant landscapes and innovative spirit of the ‘Emerald City,’ it’s essential to navigate this transition smoothly. Ensuring you hire trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial for a long-distance move of this magnitude, and that’s where we come in, offering you the peace of mind that only the best in the business can provide.
Best Richmond to Seattle Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Moves & More | 9.54 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| John Volken Academy Movers | 9.33 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Estes SureMove | 9.21 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA | 9.19 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Two Men and a Truck | 8.96 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Seattle to Richmond guide.
5 Best Richmond to Seattle Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Seattle Moves & More
Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Long-Distance Relocation
- Furniture Packing and Unpacking
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
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)
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
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
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.
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. Seattle Neighborhood Comparison
If you're planning a move from Richmond, VA to Seattle, WA, understanding the neighborhood dynamics can help ease the transition. This guide offers a comparison to help you find areas in Seattle that feel like home, based on the characteristics of Richmond, VA & Seattle, WA neighborhoods . Whether you're seeking similar vibes, communities, or amenities, we've got you covered.
| Richmond | Seattle | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| The Fan | Capitol Hill | Vibrant nightlife, diverse dining |
| Church Hill | Queen Anne | Historic homes, stunning views |
| Carytown | Ballard | Quirky shops, foodie haven |
| Scott's Addition | Fremont | Craft breweries, arts scene |
| Shockoe Bottom | Pioneer Square | Rich history, nightlife |
| West End | Wallingford | Family-friendly, peaceful living |
| Libbie-Grove | Green Lake | Outdoor activities, community focus |
| Museum District | South Lake Union | Cultural hub, modern apartments |
| Jackson Ward | International District | Cultural diversity, historic area |
| Forest Hill | Phinney Ridge | Green spaces, tight-knit community |
For those drawn to the artistic flair and craft breweries of Scott's Addition in Richmond, Seattle's Fremont neighborhood will feel like a new creative playground. Fremont, known for its public art, weekend market, and eclectic eateries like Paseo Caribbean Food, mirrors Scott's Addition's distinctive vibe. If the historic charm and panoramic views of Church Hill have captured your heart, Queen Anne's storied streets, lined with grand old homes and punctuated by landmarks like Seattle Center and Kerry Park, offer a seamless transition to stunning scenery and a sense of history. Meanwhile, Carytown shoppers and diners will find Ballard's Market Street a worthy new hunting ground, with unique shops like Secret Garden Books, and dining spots such as The Walrus and the Carpenter, that serve up local charm and flavors. This comparative guide offers a starting point for exploring Seattle through the lens of Richmond's most beloved neighborhoods.
Things to Do in Seattle
Visit the Space Needle for iconic city views.- Explore Pike Place Market's unique shops.
- Relax at Green Lake Park.
- Discover art at Seattle Art Museum.
- Enjoy a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island.
- Watch a Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park.
- Hike in Mount Rainier National Park.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Richmond to Seattle
Moving from one city to another brings about significant changes, both good and bad. This honest reflection aims to provide a clear comparison between Richmond, VA, and Seattle, WA, to help you weigh your options meticulously. By examining the pros and cons of this relocation, you'll get a comprehensive look at what each city has to offer and what it lacks.
Richmond, VA- Smaller tech scene
- Hot, humid summers
- Fewer cultural venues
- Less seafood variety
- Lower minimum wage
Seattle, WA- Larger tech industry
- Cooler, mild summers
- More cultural attractions
- Rich seafood cuisine
- Higher minimum wage
Seattle, WA- Less historical charm
- Higher cost of living
- More impersonal vibe
- More traffic congestion
- Fewer historical sites
Richmond, VA- Historic architecture
- Lower cost of living
- Warm community vibe
- Easy navigation
- Rich Civil War history
While Seattle's booming tech industry offers vast opportunities for professionals in the sector, Richmond's charm lies in its historical architecture and closely-knit communities. Seattle's Pike Place Market and the Space Needle offer iconic cultural and culinary experiences contrasting with the quieter historic tours of Richmond's Civil War sites. However, moving to Seattle means adjusting to a higher cost of living, albeit with the benefit of enjoying its lush, natural landscapes and a more diverse culinary scene. Neighborhood parks like the Washington Park Arboretum provide an escape within the city, and restaurants like The Walrus and the Carpenter offer some of the country’s best seafood, showcasing the rich gastronomic culture that awaits you in Seattle.
Richmond vs. Seattle Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Richmond & Seattle, illuminating how food reflects the culture and daily life of each area. This side-by-side look will help you grasp the culinary scene awaiting in your new city.
| Richmond | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Virginia Ham | Salmon |
| Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork BBQ | Pho with Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Teriyaki |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit BBQ | Tempeh Bowl |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Richmond, the vibrant food scene is celebrated for its soulful Southern cuisine, with iconic offerings like Virginia Ham and pulled pork BBQ. Notable spots like Mama J's Kitchen serve up hearty, beloved local dishes. In contrast, Seattle's culinary landscape is rich with fresh seafood, represented by its iconic salmon dishes. The city embraces a wide array of international flavors, evidenced by popular street food options like Teriyaki. Seattle also boasts a more pronounced fitness and health consciousness, which is reflected in its dining options. Diverse neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill and Ballard feature restaurants like The Pink Door, showcasing the city's vibrant foodie scene and its commitment to inclusivity, with a plethora of vegan and vegetarian options.
Richmond vs. Seattle Restaurant Comparison
When relocating from Richmond, VA, to Seattle, WA, finding your new go-to restaurants can turn a new city into your home. This comparison charts the top restaurants in Richmond to their closest counterparts in Seattle , helping bridge your culinary journey from East to West. Let these pairings guide you to your next favorite eatery.
| Richmond | Seattle | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L'Opossum | Canlis | Both offer a fine dining experience with unique, innovative cuisine. |
| Mama J's | JuneBaby | Comforting, soul food classics with a fresh, gourmet twist. |
| Stella's | Omega Ouzeri | Authentic Greek cuisine that feels like home cooking in a sophisticated setting. |
| Edo's Squid | The Pink Door | Italian fare with a focus on fresh seafood, in a charming, intimate environment. |
| Lehja | Spice Waala | Street-style Indian dishes that pack a flavor punch, in a casual setting. |
| Joe's Inn | Lola | American diner classics with a modern, global twist. |
| Metzger Bar & Butchery | Walrus and the Carpenter | Both specialize in meats and offer a cozy, boutique experience. |
| Perly's | Goldberg's Famous Delicatessen | A modern take on classic Jewish deli favorites. |
| Saison | Terra Plata | Inventive, seasonally-driven small plates in a trendy environment. |
| ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque | Jack's BBQ | Authentic, Texas-style barbecue in the heart of Seattle. |
Finding a restaurant that brings the comfort of your old city to your new can make all the difference in settling in. For instance, if Mama J's was your go-to in Richmond for soul food, JuneBaby in Seattle will not disappoint. They celebrate Southern cuisine with an emphasis on ingredients and flavors that are reminiscent of home. Similarly, fans of L'Opossum's distinctive and innovative dishes will find themselves at home in Canlis, where the culinary experience is both an art and a celebration of the Pacific Northwest's bounty. These pairings are not just about matching food types but capturing the essence and the ambiance of your beloved Richmond spots, ensuring a smoother transition to Seattle's vibrant food scene.
Ready to start your move?
Richmond vs. Seattle Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly influences your relocation experience, making it essential to understand how Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA stack up in terms of housing. This comparison sheds light on the cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you gauge where you might feel more at home.
| Comparison | Richmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Modern, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic details, large yards | Views, eco-friendly features |
In comparing Richmond and Seattle, the stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rents highlights the significant cost of living difference, with Seattle being notably more expensive. This discrepancy is also reflected in the typical architectural styles, with Seattle favoring more modern, eco-conscious designs versus Richmond's historic Colonial and Victorian charm. Seattle's higher scores for walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle indicate a city that's more densely populated with an infrastructure that supports an active, pedestrian-friendly life. One particularly interesting aspect of Seattle's real estate listings is the emphasis on views and eco-friendly features, a nod to the city's natural beauty and progressive stance on environmental sustainability.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA
1. Ballard: With its numerous off-leash dog parks, Ballard is ideal for your furry friends to run free and socialize.
2. Green Lake: Known for the pet-friendly Green Lake Park, you and your pet will enjoy the scenic 2.8-mile trail and ample green space for play.
3. Queen Anne: This neighborhood is packed with pet-friendly cafes and shops, plus it offers easy access to Kinnear Park's off-leash area, making it a perfect spot for pet owners.
Richmond vs. Seattle Weather Considerations
When moving from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares between Richmond, VA, and Seattle, WA is crucial. It prepares you for the changes in temperature, precipitation, and overall climate you'll experience in your new home.
Richmond, VA
Seattle, WA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Richmond, VA
Seattle, WA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Richmond, VA
Seattle, WA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Richmond, VA
Seattle, WA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Richmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Volcanoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Richmond to Seattle, you'll notice a significant shift in weather patterns. Richmond experiences hotter summers and colder winters compared to Seattle's milder and more temperate climate. While Richmond may have more days of sunshine, Seattle's higher humidity levels contribute to its lush, green landscapes. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for your relocation, from the way you dress to the maintenance of your new home in Seattle.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Richmond to Seattle
If you're planning a move, understanding the financial landscape of your new city is crucial. This comparison aims to outline key economic factors that will affect your lifestyle. By examining the differences in money and finance between Richmond and Seattle , you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your relocation.
| Comparison | Richmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $51,770 | $110,781 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104.5 | 121.4 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.80 | 0.99 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.3 | 10.1 |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Finance, Education | Technology, Aerospace, Health Care |
| Affluence | Modest | High |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Lower |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Significant |
The financial outlook varies significantly between Richmond and Seattle. Average household income is notably higher in Seattle, reflecting its booming technology and aerospace industries. However, this is coupled with a substantially higher cost of living, making certain expenses, like housing and daily needs, more burdensome. Seattle's lack of state income tax is an attractive prospect, yet it's counterbalanced by high sales and property taxes. The contrasting affluence levels and socioeconomic conditions between the two cities offer a nuanced view of regional economic health. Understanding these dynamics is critical for anyone considering this move, as it will impact your budgeting and lifestyle choices significantly.
Richmond vs. Seattle Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison of the politics between Richmond & Seattle offers a quick glance at the political landscape and religious affiliations that define the makeup of these city's residents, providing insights for anyone considering the move.
| Richmond | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal leanings | Strongly liberal |
| Local Politics | Democratic majority in local government | Progressive policies, strong Democratic presence |
| Religion | Mix of religious beliefs, with a significant Christian community | Diverse religious landscape, less religious overall |
When moving from Richmond to Seattle, you'll find both cities share liberal leanings, though Seattle is known for its particularly strong progressive stance. Richmond's local politics are dominated by a Democratic majority, similar to Seattle, where Democratic leadership has pushed forward a number of progressive policies. On the religious front, Richmond offers a mix, with a notable Christian community, while Seattle presents a more diverse religious makeup but is generally less religious overall. This shift reflects the broader cultural differences you might experience, giving you a taste of the varying social atmospheres from coast to coast.
Richmond vs. Seattle Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Richmond, VA to Seattle, WA, it's vital to understand the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between these two diverse cities. This guide helps you gauge what to expect in terms of your daily commute, whether you’re behind the wheel or using public transit.
| Comparison | Richmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 28 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Easier |
While Richmond provides a shorter average commute time, Seattle offers superior public transit options, making it easier to navigate the city without a car. The difference in traffic congestion—Richmond being significantly lighter—indicates that driving might be more pleasant in the Virginia capital. However, Seattle's investment in public transportation, including ferries, light rail, and buses (linked by Sound Transit and King County Metro), means you might not even miss having your own wheels. This blend of accessibility might greatly influence your decision on where to live and work in your new city.
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