Best Seattle to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Seattle to Durham Movers

Moving from the Emerald City to the Bull City is an adventure that promises a vibrant mix of culture, history, and a fresh start. You're leaving behind Seattle's iconic Space Needle and endless cups of superb coffee for Durham's historic tobacco warehouses turned bustling marketplaces and renowned academic institutions. Considering the vast distance and the life-changing step you're making, it's crucial to entrust your belongings to trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring a smooth transition. Let us help you navigate through this significant move with ease and confidence.

Washington iconArrow iconNorth Carolina icon

Best Seattle to Durham Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.43NRActiveContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.34NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
People Movers9.16NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
All Service Moving8.91B+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Seattle guide.

5 Best Seattle to Durham 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
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,571+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
2
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
3
People Movers Logo
Exceptional9.16/10
based on 3,624+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2895681 / 1597195

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
All Service Moving Logo
Superb8.91/10
based on 5,172+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/14/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2083124 / 1398715

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved35,000 (2021)
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.

Seattle vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you're trading coastal breezes in Seattle, WA, for Southern charm in Durham, NC. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Seattle, WA & Durham, NC . By identifying similar neighborhoods in your new city based on familiar ones, you can better envision your future community and lifestyle.

SeattleDurhamHow They're Similar
BallardGeer Streetvibrant nightlife, trendy eateries
Capitol HillNinth Streetdiverse culture, rich arts scene
Queen AnneTrinity Parkhistoric homes, quiet streets
FremontOld West Durhamquirky shops, alternative vibes
GreenwoodWatts-Hillandalefamily-friendly, local parks
West SeattleSouthpointseaside feel, shopping options
Beacon HillHope Valleyresidential, great for families
Pioneer SquareAmerican Tobacco Districthistoric buildings, entertainment
WallingfordForest Hillscharming streets, tight-knit community
RavennaDuke Parkgreen spaces, peaceful atmosphere

Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Queen Anne, where Seattle's heritage shines through its grandiose architecture. You'll find a similar charm within Durham's Trinity Park, whose quiet, leafy streets are lined with homes that speak to a rich past. For those who thrive in a cosmopolitan environment akin to Capitol Hill's bustling nightlife and rainbow of cultures, Ninth Street in Durham offers an artsy, inclusive vibe with venues like Motorco Music Hall echoing the rhythm of Capitol Hill's beats. Meanwhile, Greenwood's family-centric atmosphere is mirrored in Watts-Hillandale, where weekends are spent exploring parks or attending community events. And for the innovative spirit drawn to Fremont's alternative flair, Durham's Old West Durham presents a blend of quirky shops and local eateries, making it the perfect place for creative minds to converge.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle to Durham

Moving from one city to another presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison is crafted to offer an honest reflection of the transition from Seattle, WA to Durham, NC , highlighting both the setbacks and the benefits. Through these charts, gain insight into what shifts await in lifestyle, cost, and environment, making your decision an informed one.

CONs
PROs
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • High cost of living
  • Frequent rain
  • Heavy traffic
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • More affordable housing
  • Milder winters
  • Less congestion
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller tech hub
  • Less greenery
  • Fewer cultural venues
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Lush green landscapes
  • Rich cultural offerings

Exploring the dynamics between Seattle and Durham unveils a tapestry of change. In Durham, you might miss the sprawling parks like Seattle's Discovery Park, yet you'll enjoy the charm of Durham’s Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Eno River State Park for weekend retreats. While it's true that Durham's tech scene isn't as large as Seattle's, companies in Research Triangle Park offer exciting opportunities in tech and biotech. The cost-of-living drop is significant, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle with spacious living options. And although you might have to search a bit more for cultural events compared to Seattle's bustling scene, the quality of life in Durham, with its burgeoning food scene featuring establishments like Pizzeria Toro and its strong community vibe, showcases a blend of southern hospitality and innovation that's hard to beat.

Seattle vs. Durham Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Seattle, WA & Durham, NC, aiming to shed light on the food scene of each city. Food plays a crucial role in defining the local culture and the living experience. Through this comparison, you'll gain insights into what culinary delights await you in your new city.

SeattleDurham
Most iconic local food itemSalmonBarbecue pork
Most popular meat dishCedar-plank salmonPulled pork sandwich
Most popular street food itemHot dogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa saladBBQ tofu
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Canlis
  • The Pink Door
  • Ray’s Boathouse
  • NanaSteak
  • Bull City Burger and Brewery
  • Pizzeria Toro
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When you arrive in Durham, you'll quickly notice the city's love affair with barbecue, particularly the Eastern-style barbecue pork that's become a local staple. The Bull City embraces its diverse culinary scene with open arms, offering an array of foods from gourmet tacos found in the bustling food trucks lining downtown streets to innovative vegan options at cozy spots like Parts & Labor. The restaurant scene here is dynamic, with iconic places such as NanaSteak and Pizzeria Toro showcasing the city's range from fine dining to casual eats. Whether you're strolling through the historic Brightleaf District or exploring the Ninth Street shopping area, you're never far from your next delicious meal in Durham.

Seattle vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Making an area feel like home sometimes hinges on finding those perfect dining spots where flavors and atmosphere combine to create a memorable experience. This restaurant comparison is designed to ease your transition from Seattle, WA to Durham, NC, helping to discover new favorites that resonate with your palate, using your current culinary loves as a guide.

SeattleDurhamWhat You'll Love
CanlisMateo Bar de TapasUpscale dining with a unique take on traditional dishes.
The Pink DoorMothers & Sons TrattoriaCasual yet intimate Italian dining, echoing the charm of The Pink Door.
Walrus and the CarpenterSaint JamesSeafood-centric, offering a fresh and innovative approach similar to Walrus and the Carpenter.
Pike Place ChowderDurham Seafood ShackKnown for its hearty and delicious chowders, mirroring the iconic status of Pike Place Chowder.
Skillet DinerFoster's MarketCasual diner-style eating with a creative twist on traditional American comfort food.
RevelM SushiBoth offer innovative dining experiences, Revel with its Korean fusion and M Sushi with its focus on high-quality sushi.
SalumiGocciolinaOffers a curated selection of cured meats and Italian dishes, reminiscent of Salumi's charm.
Ray's BoathouseBlu Seafood and BarBoth specialize in seafood, with Ray's offering a Pacific view and Blu a cozy atmosphere.
Terra PlataParizadeFocus on farm-to-table eating, offering Mediterranean inspired dishes similar to Terra Plata's ethos.
BateauBar VirgileOffers a refined approach to their cuisine, Bateau with its steak focus and Bar Virgile with a diverse menu.

Whether it's the fresh, innovative seafood at Saint James that reminds you of Seattle's Walrus and the Carpenter, or the homey, yet upscale atmosphere of Mateo Bar de Tapas that brings to mind memorable meals at Canlis, Durham's dining scene offers a wealth of options to satisfy your culinary cravings. Discovering places like M Sushi can offer a new twist on what you loved about Revel, blending traditional flavors with inventive techniques. And for those who loved the laid-back yet gourmet approach of Skillet Diner, Foster's Market in Durham provides a similarly inviting space to enjoy comfort food with an artisanal touch. Each restaurant in Durham offers a unique vibe and cuisine that, while reminiscent of your Seattle favorites, delivers its own memorable dining experiences.

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Ready to start your move?

Seattle vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between Seattle, WA and Durham, NC is crucial for making an informed decision. This comparison will help you understand the differences in housing costs, architecture, and livability to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

ComparisonSeattleDurham
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanColonial Revival and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Green spacesFamily-friendly, Historical neighborhoods

The stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rents between Seattle and Durham underscores the more affordable nature of Durham's real estate market. Seattle's higher cost of living is matched by its modern and Craftsman-style homes that often feature stunning views and proximity to green spaces. In contrast, Durham boasts more budget-friendly options within communities rich in Colonial Revival and Ranch-style architecture. These differences highlight the diverse lifestyles the two cities cater to, from Seattle's more urban, walkable, and bike-friendly environment to Durham's emphasis on family-friendly and historical neighborhoods.

Seattle vs. Durham Weather Considerations

When preparing to move from Seattle, WA to Durham, NC, understanding the weather comparison between these two cities is vital. Knowing how the climate differs can help you adjust more smoothly to your new home.

Summer icon
76°F / 57°F

Seattle, WA

89°F / 71°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 37°F

Seattle, WA

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
37.49"

Seattle, WA

41.94"

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.6"

Seattle, WA

6"

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSeattleDurham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from the milder, wetter climate of Seattle to the warmer, more humid and brighter environment of Durham fills the promise of more sunny days but also demands adjustment to the distinctly hotter summers and potentially severe weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes. Despite the increase in sunshine, Durham's higher UV index and humidity levels may affect outdoor activities, making sun protection and hydration more crucial. Additionally, those allergic to pollen might experience different triggers in Durham, influenced by its varied vegetation and longer growing seasons.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from Seattle, WA to Durham, NC, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape you're entering. This comparison will spotlight key differences and insights into the cost of living, taxes, and overall economic climate between Seattle and Durham, helping you make an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonSeattleDurham
Avg. Household Income$110,781$71,343
Cost of Living Index121.496.6
State Income Tax05.25
Avg. Property Tax0.990.84
Avg. Sales Tax10.17.5
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, RetailEducation, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateModerate to high
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from Seattle to Durham may offer some financial benefits, particularly in terms of the cost of living and property taxes, which are lower in Durham. However, North Carolina's state income tax introduces a new consideration that doesn't apply in Washington State. The industries driving each city's economy also differ significantly, with Seattle's tech and aerospace sectors contrasting with Durham's education, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals industries. This transition may impact job opportunities and income levels. While both cities face challenges with poverty and homelessness, Seattle's current levels are particularly pronounced. Keeping these factors in mind will help you navigate the change and plan accordingly.

Seattle vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Seattle, WA, to Durham, NC, presents an opportunity to experience a different cultural and geographical ambiance. This comparison of the politics between Seattle & Durham offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in these vibrant cities.

SeattleDurham
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive policies, Strong LGBTQ+ rights focusProgressive, with emphasis on social justice and inclusivity
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHigher religious affiliation, diverse religious communities

While both Seattle and Durham share a liberal and Democratic political makeup, the flavor of their local politics has its own unique characteristics. Seattle is known for its progressive policies and a strong focus on LGBTQ+ rights, which can be seen in local ordinances and community support. Durham, while also progressive, places a significant emphasis on social justice and inclusivity, translating into active community engagement and policy-making. Regarding religion, you'll find Durham to hold a higher religious affiliation among its residents compared to Seattle, with a rich diversity of religious communities including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other faiths. This vibrant tapestry of beliefs and practices provides a backdrop for a warm and inclusive community atmosphere that you'll be stepping into.

Seattle vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Seattle, WA, to Durham, NC, brings about changes in every aspect of life, including your daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Seattle & Durham is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in your new home.

ComparisonSeattleDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2822
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possibly, with effortChallenging

In Seattle, you might find yourself relying on the city's public transit system a bit more, with services like the Sound Transit's light rail and buses. Though challenging, it's possible to live without a car, thanks to these options and the city's bike-friendly nature. Durham, on the other hand, presents a different scenario. The city is more car-dependent due to less available public transit. While buses exist, the network is not as extensive, making daily commutes without a personal vehicle more challenging. The lower traffic congestion in Durham compared to Seattle does make driving a more pleasant experience, but it underscores the necessity of having a car in Durham.

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