Moving from Tacoma to Irvine?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Tacoma to Irvine Movers

Moving from the vibrant, rainy streets of Tacoma to the sunny, lush landscapes of Irvine is not just a relocation; it's a thrilling chapter in your life waiting to unfold. You're leaving behind Tacoma's serene Puget Sound backdrop and diving into Irvine's prestigious educational institutions and booming tech scene. Given the considerable distance and the life-changing nature of this move, it's crucial to entrust this journey to professional movers, like us at Great Guys Moving, who are determined to ensure your relocation is as smooth and reliable as possible.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Irvine to Tacoma guide.

5 Best Tacoma to Irvine Movers

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

#1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,688+ data points

Location DotSanta Monica, CA
GearResidential moving, Commercial moving, Long-distance moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3207734 Verify

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in santa ana 2023 pure movers santa monica image
top 3 ranked movers in santa monica 2022 pure movers santa monica image
#2
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,308+ data points

Location DotLake Forest, CA
GearLocal Move, Interstate Move, Packing Services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 649215 Verify

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in orange 2023 terry moving storage 1 image
top 10 ranked movers in orange 2022 terry moving storage 1 image
#3
First Due Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,542+ data points

Location DotPreston, WA
GearResidential Moves, Commercial Moves, Long-Distance Moves See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 1990914 Verify

About First Due Movers

First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington f...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in tacoma 2023 first due movers image
top 10 ranked movers in tacoma 2022 first due movers image
#4
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
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#5
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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in seattle 2023 all service moving image
top 3 ranked movers in seattle 2022 all service moving image

Relocating from Tacoma to Irvine Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be daunting, primarily when you're trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Tacoma, WA & Irvine, CA . This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with Irvine by mapping the neighborhoods you love in Tacoma to their Irvine counterparts based on atmosphere, amenities, and overall vibe.

TacomaIrvine
North EndWoodbridge

Family-friendly, lakeside living

Proctor DistrictQuail Hill

Shopping and dining, scenic views

Old TownTurtle Rock

Historic charm, nature trails

Stadium DistrictUniversity Park

Arts and culture, proximity to university

HilltopNorthwood

Diverse community, vibrant local scene

6th AvenueWestpark

Bustling nightlife, multicultural eateries

South TacomaWoodbury

Affordable, family-oriented

Central TacomaStonegate

Central location, ample amenities

EastsidePortola Springs

Open spaces, community feel

Point DefianceShady Canyon

Exclusive, surrounded by nature

In the bustling heartbeat of Tacoma's 6th Avenue, where nightlife flourishes alongside a melange of multicultural eateries, you will find a similar vibe in Irvine's Westpark neighborhood. Here, places like Irvine Spectrum Center offer an unsurpassed shopping and dining experience. If you're charmed by the historic essence and nature trails of Old Town Tacoma, Turtle Rock in Irvine will captivate you with its serene landscapes and trails, such as Turtle Rock Nature Center. For those who appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of Tacoma's Hilltop area, Irvine's Northwood presents an equally dynamic community with attractions like Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial, ensuring a rich, communal living experience.

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Things to Do in Irvine

  • Hike at Irvine Regional Park
  • Explore the Orange County Great Park
  • Visit the Irvine Spectrum Center
  • Enjoy dining at Diamond Jamboree
  • Study at Irvine Public Libraries
  • Attend a concert at FivePoint Amphitheatre
  • Relax at Newport Beach

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tacoma to Irvine

Moving from Tacoma, WA to Irvine, CA offers a unique opportunity to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages through detailed comparison charts. This analysis aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make a well-informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Tacoma, WA iconTacoma, WA
  • Higher rainfall
  • Limited job market
  • Lower median income
  • Lesser cultural diversity
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Sunny weather
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Higher median income
  • Greater cultural diversity
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Urban landscape
  • More populous
  • Less outdoor diversity
Tacoma, WA iconTacoma, WA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Natural beauty
  • Smaller community
  • Access to outdoor activities

While Tacoma dazzles with its Point Defiance Park offering lush trails and stunning water views, Irvine contrasts with master-planned communities and urban green spaces like the Orange County Great Park. The move from Tacoma to Irvine swaps the charm of smaller community haunts, like the eclectic cafes and vintage stores on Tacoma’s 6th Ave, for Irvine’s global cuisine and upscale shopping at the Irvine Spectrum Center. Despite Irvine's notorious higher cost of living, the investment pays dividends in access to diverse job opportunities in tech and biotech sectors, not to mention the perk of more days filled with Southern California sunshine.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Tacoma to Irvine

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Tacoma & Irvine, aiming to enlighten you on the diverse food scenes awaiting in your new city. Food, being a crucial element of local culture, plays a significant role in the everyday life and spirit of a place. Understanding the culinary differences can help better prepare you for your relocation adventure.

TacomaIrvine

Most iconic local food item

Dungeness Crab
Ahi Poke

Most popular meat dish

Beef Pho
Korean BBQ

Most popular street food item

Mini Donuts
Banh Mi

Most popular vegan food

Veggie Tacos
Avocado Toast

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Indochine Asian Dining Lounge
  • The Table
  • Dock Street Deli
  • Habana
  • Din Tai Fung
  • BCD Tofu House

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

7
9

Abundance of Food Trucks

5
8

Foodie Scene

6
9

Vegan Friendly

7
8

Exploring Tacoma, you might stumble upon the widely celebrated Dungeness Crab, a staple that resonates with the city’s maritime heritage. Places like Indochine Asian Dining Lounge and The Table reflect the diverse and vibrant culinary scene. On moving to Irvine, prepare your palette for a shift towards dishes with a stronger Asian influence, like Ahi Poke and Korean BBQ, celebrated in restaurants like Habana and Din Tai Fung. Irvine’s health-conscious community, higher abundance of food trucks, and buzzing foodie scene, indicate a city deeply engaged with contemporary food trends, including a strong tilt towards vegan options. Whether it’s the iconic Beef Pho of Tacoma or the fresh flavors of Irvine's Banh Mi, each city presents a unique culinary journey.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Tacoma to Irvine

Making a new area feel like home can often hinge on finding your new go-to eateries that remind you of your old favorites. This comparison aims to ease your transition from Tacoma, WA to Irvine, CA by matching top Tacoma restaurants with their Irvine equivalents, helping you discover new favorite restaurants by using Tacoma and Irvine as a guide .

Indochine Asian Dining LoungeBasil Thai Cooking

Offers a similar upscale, but warm dining experience with a focus on flavorful Asian cuisine.

The TableFarmhouse Grill at Roger's Gardens

Both offer farm-to-table dining experiences that emphasize fresh, local ingredients.

Over The Moon CaféBistango

Provides a romantic atmosphere and intricate dishes that mirror the coziness and exclusivity of Over The Moon Café.

Stanley & Seafort'sGulfstream

Seafood and steaks with stunning views, offering an equivalent high-end dining experience to that of Stanley & Seafort's.

Dirty Oscar's AnnexBrü Grill & Market

Known for its unique cocktails and solid comfort food, echoing the vibe of Dirty Oscar's Annex.

MSM DeliLee's Sandwiches

Both are beloved local spots for quick, tasty sandwiches on the go, capturing the essence of casual, no-frills dining.

El Gaucho TacomaRuth's Chris Steak House

Both provide an upscale steakhouse experience, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious night out.

En RamaAnQi By House of AN

Offers avant-garde cuisine with an emphasis on cocktails, paralleling the quality and creativity found at En Rama.

Marzano Italian RestaurantNorth Italia

For those who adore Italian cuisine, North Italia offers a handcrafted experience that’s reminiscent of Marzano’s dedication to Italian food.

Pacific GrillJavier's

While offering a different culinary focus, Javier's atmosphere and quality mirror the top-notch dining experience of Pacific Grill.

When you're craving the nuanced flavors of Southeast Asia, Basil Thai Cooking in Irvine offers an upscale yet cozy ambiance similar to Tacoma's Indochine Asian Dining Lounge, ensuring you don't miss out on sophisticated Asian dishes. Alternatively, the Farmhouse Grill at Roger's Gardens, with its emphasis on sustainable, local ingredients, offers a dining experience that fans of The Table will surely appreciate. If the unique combination of comfort food paired with innovative cocktails is what you desire, Brü Grill & Market stands as Irvine’s counterpart to Dirty Oscar's Annex. Each restaurant pair not only represents a match in cuisine but also in the overall dining experience, ensuring your culinary adventures continue seamlessly in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Tacoma to Irvine

When planning a move, it's vital to compare the real estate landscapes to make an informed decision. This comparison of Tacoma, WA and Irvine, CA, focusing on housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle features, will guide you in understanding the two cities better.

Tacoma and Irvine offer distinctly different living experiences, reflected in their housing markets. In Tacoma, homes are more affordable, with many embodying the charming Craftsman architectural style, a nod to the city's rich history. The city scores moderately on walkability and bikeability, making it somewhat convenient for residents to navigate without a car. Irvine, on the other hand, is known for its modern architecture, higher living costs, and a strong emphasis on safety and family-friendly amenities. While it rates lower in walkability, Irvine's urban planning ensures that access to parks and recreational facilities is a priority, enhancing its bikeability score.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Irvine, CA

1. Woodbridge: Known for its two large artificial lakes, numerous parks, and pet-friendly walking paths, Woodbridge offers you and your furry friends ample outdoor spaces for play and relaxation.

2. Northwood: This neighborhood prides itself on spacious dog parks and trails, like the ones you'll find at Northwood Community Park, making it an ideal environment for pet owners seeking outdoor adventure with their pets.

3. Quail Hill: Quail Hill provides easy access to nature preserves and hiking trails suitable for all levels, including the Quail Hill Loop Trail, making it perfect for active pets and their owners who love to explore the outdoors together.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Tacoma to Irvine

When planning a move from Tacoma, WA to Irvine, CA, it's vital to understand how the shift will affect your daily life, especially when it comes to the weather. This comparison will help you anticipate changes and prepare accordingly. We will compare the weather differences, focusing on Tacoma and Irvine , to give you a clear picture of what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
75°F / 55°F

Tacoma, WA

83°F / 64°F

Irvine, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 37°F

Tacoma, WA

68°F / 47°F

Irvine, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39.5"

Tacoma, WA

13.5"

Irvine, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6.8"

Tacoma, WA

0"

Irvine, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from Tacoma to Irvine means you'll enjoy more sunny days and milder winters, which could significantly change your outdoor activity levels and wardrobe needs. Irvine typically has an advantage in air quality, which might be noticeable if you're sensitive to your environment. However, it’s important to consider Irvine’s higher UV index and prepare for more protective measures against sun exposure. The decrease in humidity can also impact your skin and health in various ways, urging a possible change in your daily care routine.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tacoma to Irvine

When considering a move, it's crucial to compare financial aspects to adjust your budget and expectations accordingly. This comparison between Tacoma, WA , and Irvine, CA , highlights key economic differences to consider, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your financial well-being.

When moving from Tacoma to Irvine, you'll find notable differences in the cost of living and economic environment. Irvine boasts a higher average household income, which is beneficial given its significantly higher cost of living index. While Washington State benefits from having no state income tax, California's can go as high as 13.3%, impacting your take-home pay. However, Irvine's lower sales and property tax rates can somewhat mitigate the financial burden of California's state income tax. Understanding the economic landscape, from the thriving job markets in both cities to the variances in tax structures, is vital to planning your move and ensuring financial stability in your new home.

Political & Religious Comparison between Tacoma, WA and Irvine, CA

Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Irvine, CA, offers an opportunity to explore not just a new city but also a distinctly different local culture. This comparison between Tacoma & Irvine provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of their residents, helping you gauge the social climate of your new home.

TacomaIrvine

Political Make-up

LiberalMore conservative than Tacoma, but still leaning liberal

Local Politics

Democratic strongholdMixed, with a history of Republican leadership but recent trends show increasing Democratic support

Religion

Diverse, with no single denomination dominatingDiverse, with a strong presence of evangelical Christian churches

When you move from Tacoma to Irvine, you're transitioning from a city known for its liberal leanings to one that has historically been more conservative, though Irvine has been showing signs of shifting towards a more balanced political spectrum. Interestingly, while both cities boast religious diversity, Irvine has a notably strong evangelical Christian community, supported by institutions like Mariners Church. This reflects not just the varied religious landscape, but also the active engagement of its community members in faith-based activities. Understanding these dynamics can play a crucial role in how comfortably you adapt to your new surroundings.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Tacoma to Irvine

This comparison between traffic and transportation options between Tacoma & Irvine is designed to help you grasp the differences you'll face in your daily commutes and navigate city life with ease, as you transition from Washington state to sunny California.

TacomaIrvine
2923

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

67

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

54

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Possible but challengingDifficult

Can you get by without a car?

In Tacoma, the average commute time is slightly longer than in Irvine, reflecting its lesser degree of traffic congestion. However, Tacoma offers somewhat better public transit options, making it slightly easier to get around without a car compared to Irvine. Irvine, on the other hand, has higher traffic congestion but boasts a shorter average commute time due to its efficient road layouts and proximity of residential areas to business districts. Despite Irvine's advanced road infrastructure, its public transit system is not as developed, making it more challenging to rely solely on it for daily commutes.

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