Moving from Seattle to San Jose?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Seattle to San Jose Movers

Moving from the Rainy City to the Capital of Silicon Valley is an adventure that marks a bold, life-changing decision. You’re trading Seattle's lush greenery and booming tech scene for San Jose's sunny days, promising technology careers, and rich cultural diversity. For such a significant journey, it's crucial to ensure your belongings are in trusted hands, which is why we recommend hiring professional movers with a proven track record of reliability for this long-distance move.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Seattle guide.

5 Best Seattle to San Jose Movers

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

#1
All Stars Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,557+ data points

Location DotSan Jose, CA
GearLOCAL MOVING SERVICES, LONG DISTANCE MOVING SERVICES, BUSINESS MOVING SERVICES See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 2971368 Verify

About All Stars Movers

All Stars Movers is a San Jose moving company fully licensed and insured in the state of California. This locally owned business provides th...Read More >>

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#2
D&L Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,789+ data points

Location DotCampbell, CA
GearCheap moving, Local moving, Long-distance moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/23/2023)

Circle DotUSDOT: 2706648 Verify

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 >>

top 10 sunnyvale 2024 d l movers image
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#3
People Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,624+ data points

Location DotBothell, WA
GearLocal moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 2895681 Verify

About People Movers

People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle since it op...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in olympia 2023 people movers image
top 10 ranked movers in bellevue 2022 people movers image
#4
All Service Moving Logo
Superb

based on 5,172+ data points

Location DotSeattle, WA
GearResidential Moving, Commercial Moving, Long Distance Moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/14/2023)

Circle DotUSDOT: 2083124 Verify

About All Service Moving

All Service Moving is a full-service moving company that performs a wide array of relocation services in Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas....Read More >>

top 10 lacey 2024 all service moving image
top 10 ranked movers in seattle 2023 all service moving image
top 3 ranked movers in seattle 2022 all service moving image
#5
Eco Movers Moving Logo
Superb
claimed company icon

based on 6,725+ data points

Location DotSeattle, WA
GearLocal Moving Services, Long-Distance Moving Services, Packing Services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3227005 Verify

About Eco Movers Moving

Founded in 2019, Eco Movers is a relatively new company with a single goal: provide excellent customer service while sustaining relationship...Read More >>

top 10 olympia 2024 eco movers moving image
top ranked movers in seattle 2023 eco movers moving image
top ranked movers in seattle 2022 eco movers moving image

Relocating from Seattle to San Jose Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. This guide is designed to compare popular neighborhoods in Seattle, WA with similar locales in San Jose, CA , helping you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.

SeattleSan Jose
BallardWillow Glen

Family-friendly with a strong community vibe

Capitol HillThe Alameda

Vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine

Queen AnneAlmaden Valley

Upscale homes and picturesque views

FremontSoFA District

Artsy with a hip, eclectic mix

Green LakeWillow Glen

Active community with outdoor events

BelltownDowntown San Jose

Bustling urban center with high-rise apartments

West SeattleLos Gatos

Small-town feel with luxury amenities

Phinney RidgeCambrian Park

Quiet, family-oriented with access to nature

WallingfordCupertino

Strong community focus and excellent schools

Pioneer SquareJapantown

Rich history with a strong cultural presence

If you love the vibrant and artistic atmosphere of Fremont in Seattle, you'll find a kindred spirit in San Jose's SoFA District. Known for its walkability, the SoFA District is home to numerous galleries, theaters like the California Theatre, and the SoFA Market for local eats. Comparably, Pioneer Square's historic charm and strong cultural heritage align well with San Jose's Japantown. Japantown is one of the last three remaining authentic Japantowns in the United States, offering unique dining experiences, cultural festivals, and historical sites such as the Japanese American Museum of San Jose. For those drawn to the family-friendly and outdoor-oriented vibe of Green Lake, Willow Glen's tree-lined streets, community events, and the local farmers' market provide a similar welcoming atmosphere. Each neighborhood, whether in Seattle or San Jose, carries its unique flavor while sharing similar traits that can help make your transition smoother.

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Things to Do in San Jose

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle to San Jose

Moving from one city to another brings both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA . By contrasting the cons and pros, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect, helping you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Frequent Rain
  • Higher Living Cost
  • Less Job Diversity
  • Heavy Traffic
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Sunnier Days
  • More Tech Opportunities
  • Accessible Public Transit
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Fewer Live Venues
  • More Urban
  • Higher Food Costs
  • Less Coffee Variety
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Vibrant Music Scene
  • Nature & Parks
  • Diverse Cuisine
  • Strong Coffee Culture

When considering a move from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA, it's important to weigh both sides. In San Jose, you'll find yourself enjoying more sun and exceptional tech career opportunities. Popular areas like Santana Row or the historic San Pedro Square Market offer a rich array of dining and shopping experiences. However, the vibrant music scene and lush parks like Discovery Park in Seattle will be missed, alongside its iconic coffee culture that places like Pike Place Market embody. Ultimately, your move depends on what trade-offs you're willing to make, as each city offers its unique lifestyle and opportunities.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Seattle to San Jose

When relocating, it's essential to immerse yourself in the local culture, and a significant part of that is the food scene. To help you transition smoothly, we will compare the local cuisine between Seattle & San Jose . This comparison will give you a taste of what each city offers, allowing you to better prepare for your move.

SeattleSan Jose

Most iconic local food item

Salmon
Pho

Most popular meat dish

Teriyaki
Carne Asada

Most popular street food item

Hot Dogs
Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Quinoa Salad
Vegetarian Pho

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Canlis
  • Loulay Kitchen & Bar
  • Matt's in the Market
  • Original Joe's
  • Naglee Park Garage
  • Adega

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

8
9

Abundance of Food Trucks

7
9

Foodie Scene

9
8

Vegan Friendly

8
7

In Seattle, the seafood, particularly salmon, is iconic, reflecting the city's close ties to its maritime environment. You can find the freshest catch in neighborhoods like Ballard and Pike Place Market. Moving to San Jose, you'll notice a shift towards more diverse culinary options, with Pho being a standout, showcasing the Vietnamese influence in the city. San Jose's Northside is known for its vibrant Mexican and Vietnamese eateries, where tacos and Pho rule the street food scene. For vegans, both cities offer ample choices, but Seattle's innovative vegan scene is slightly more prominent with restaurants that will surprise you with dishes like quinoa salad, which can be heartily enjoyed in Capitol Hill's vegan eateries.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Seattle to San Jose

Food is a cornerstone of feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison between Seattle and San Jose is designed to ease your transition by guiding you to familiar yet new culinary delights. You’ll find this chart especially useful if you’re moving from Seattle, WA, to San Jose, CA, and are eager to discover your next favorite dining spots using your current go-tos as a reference.

CanlisPlumed Horse

upscale dining experience with innovative cuisine

Pike Place ChowderSam’s Chowder House

known for seafood and chowders

The Walrus and the CarpenterOyster Oyster

focus on seafood and creative small plates

Serious PieA Slice of New York

offers authentic, hand-tossed pizza

Matt's in the MarketOrchard City Kitchen

market-driven American eatery with a vibrant atmosphere

Renee Erickson's Sea CreaturesLe Papillon

fine dining with a focus on seafood

Dahlia LoungeLa Foret

New American cuisine nestled in a unique setting

Taylor Shellfish Oyster BarEMC Seafood & Raw Bar

known for fresh oysters and seafood variety

LarkManresa

offers inventive, farm-to-table New American dishes

Terra PlataThe Table

emphasizes on seasonal, local ingredients in American bistro style

By comparing establishments like Canlis in Seattle to Plumed Horse in San Jose, you get a sense of the upscale, innovative dining experiences that both cities offer, each with a unique twist on cuisine and atmosphere. In the casual yet iconic realm, Serious Pie's artisanal, hand-tossed pizzas find a parallel in A Slice of New York, where the emphasis on authenticity and quality mirrors the beloved Seattle spot. For seafood lovers, Pike Place Chowder's rich, comforting bowls are echoed by Sam’s Chowder House, ensuring you won't miss out on the soul-satisfying tastes of the sea. Through these comparisons, it's clear that no matter what your dining preference, San Jose offers venues that resonate with the diverse and dynamic Seattle food scene, making your culinary transition as smooth as possible.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Seattle to San Jose

When contemplating a move, comparing the real estate landscape between Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, is crucial. Understanding how housing costs, styles, and lifestyles stack up will ensure you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

When diving deeper into the housing aspect of Seattle and San Jose, it's evident that San Jose's median home prices and rent are notably higher, reflecting its status in the heart of Silicon Valley. However, Seattle offers an eco-conscious lifestyle with its modern and Craftsman-style homes, often highlighting views and green living in their listings. Both cities score high on bikeability, making them great for cycling enthusiasts. Seattle edges out slightly with a more walkable and urban lifestyle, appealing to those who prefer city living without the need for a car. Regardless of your choice, each city offers unique advantages tailoring to different preferences and lifestyles.

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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.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Seattle to San Jose

When planning a move from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA, understanding how the weather compares is crucial for preparing. This comparison will illustrate differences in weather patterns between Seattle and San Jose , providing insights into what you can expect. From the amount of sunshine to the likelihood of natural disasters, get ready to adjust your wardrobe and outdoor plans accordingly.

Summer icon
75°F / 55°F

Seattle, WA

82°F / 58°F

San Jose, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 37°F

Seattle, WA

60°F / 42°F

San Jose, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
37.49"

Seattle, WA

15.82"

San Jose, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.6"

Seattle, WA

0"

San Jose, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Seattle and San Jose offer quite different climate experiences, primarily in terms of sunshine and precipitation. Moving from Seattle's cooler, more humid environment with an abundance of rain to San Jose's drier, warmer climate means you’ll likely enjoy more outdoor activities year-round in California. However, be prepared for higher UV exposure in San Jose, implying a need for sun protection. While both cities share earthquake risks, San Jose’s proximity to wildfire-prone areas introduces a different natural disaster consideration. Additionally, the shift in dominant seasonal allergies may require adjustments in your daily routine or medical preparations.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how your financial situation might change. This comparison will illuminate the differences in cost of living, taxation, and economic environment between Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, helping you to prepare accordingly.

Moving from Seattle to San Jose, you'll notice a significant jump in the cost of living index, meaning your everyday expenses, from housing to groceries, will likely be higher in San Jose. However, this is somewhat offset by the higher average household income in San Jose. Despite both cities having a strong tech presence, San Jose boasts a slightly more affluent general populace with lesser poverty rates, though it's important to bear in mind that homelessness remains a challenge in both cities. Understanding these financial and economic differences will enable you to plan more effectively for your move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Seattle, WA and San Jose, CA

Considering a move from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA? This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup between Seattle & San Jose , offering insights into what you might expect from the community in your new city.

SeattleSan Jose

Political Make-up

Liberal, Democratic-majorityLiberal, Democratic-majority

Local Politics

Progressive policies on environment and social issuesTechnology-driven initiatives with a focus on inclusive growth

Religion

Mixed, with a significant number of non-religious residentsMulticultural and diverse religious practices

Both Seattle and San Jose boast a predominantly liberal and Democratic-leaning constituency, indicative of their progressive attitudes toward governance and social policies. While Seattle is known for its environmental and social initiatives, San Jose places a significant emphasis on technology and innovation as drivers of local politics, aiming for inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, the religious landscape is diverse in both cities, reflecting their multicultural populations. However, you might find a broader array of cultural and religious communities in San Jose, including a myriad of local establishments and businesses catering to its diverse demographics.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Seattle to San Jose

Moving from Seattle, WA, to San Jose, CA, requires an understanding of the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Seattle & San Jose will help you better prepare for what to expect in your new city.

SeattleSan Jose
2830

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

76

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

65

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Possible but challengingMore challenging

Can you get by without car?

In Seattle, the average commute time is slightly less than in San Jose, indicating a quicker daily transit despite Seattle's higher score in traffic congestion. The availability of public transit is also better in Seattle, making it feasible, though challenging, to get by without a car. In contrast, San Jose presents a slightly longer average commute time with marginally less congestion. However, its public transit options are not as robust as Seattle's, making car dependence more pronounced. This underscores the importance of considering your transportation options and potential commute when moving between these cities.

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