Best Seattle to Salem Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Emerald City to the Cherry City is not just a change of scenery; it’s an exciting leap into a new chapter of your life. Swapping Seattle’s iconic coffee culture and tech hub status for Salem’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor wonders means embracing a whole new lifestyle. To ensure this transition is as smooth as possible, it's vital to trust your move to professional and reputable movers, like us at Great Guys Moving, where we use a meticulous ranking algorithm to connect you with the best moving services for your journey.
Best Seattle to Salem 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 |
| Northwest Grace Moving | 9.29 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| All Service Moving | 9.27 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| People Movers | 9.16 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salem to Seattle guide.
5 Best Seattle to Salem 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 Northwest Grace Moving
Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland Metro...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Senior Moving
This listing has been claimed by All Service MovingAbout All Service Moving
Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By using a ...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
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
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.
Seattle vs. Salem Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially when you're unfamiliar with the new area. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Seattle, WA & Salem, OR . By comparing the top neighborhoods in Seattle with Salem's closest equivalents, we aim to help you find a new community that feels like home.
| Seattle | Salem | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard | West Salem | Vibrant community life |
| Capitol Hill | South Salem | Rich in arts and culture |
| Queen Anne | Fairmount Hill | Historic homes with views |
| Fremont | Englewood | Eclectic and artistic vibes |
| Greenwood | Grant | Family-friendly with a strong sense of community |
| Wallingford | Sunnyslope | Blend of urban and suburban |
| West Seattle | Morningside | Ocean proximity with laid-back lifestyle |
| Beacon Hill | Candalaria | Diverse with great city views |
| Madrona | Auburn | Quiet, with upscale dining and shopping |
| Pioneer Square | Downtown Salem | Historic core with modern edges |
Moving from Seattle's vibrant Ballard neighborhood? You'll find a similar sense of community in West Salem, with its own array of local festivities and sprawling parks. For those drawn to Capitol Hill's bustling arts scene, South Salem offers a comparable cultural vibrancy with galleries, theaters, and annual art events blending seamlessly into the neighborhood fabric. Queen Anne residents, known for enjoying picturesque historic homes and panoramic views, will find Fairmount Hill in Salem a welcoming environment with its stunning architecture and scenic landscapes. Each Salem neighborhood provides unique dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities, mirroring the distinct qualities that make Seattle neighborhoods so beloved. Whether it's enjoying a quiet coffee in Englewood's cozy cafes reminiscent of Fremont's artsy coffee shops or exploring the eclectic boutiques in Downtown Salem, echoing the energetic streets of Pioneer Square, there's a piece of Seattle to be found in Salem.
Things to Do in Salem
Stroll through the colorful Bush's Pasture Park- Discover gothic horrors at Witch's Castle
- Visit the Willamette National Forest
- Book a ticket to an event at El Sinai Center
- Explore craft brews at Gilgamesh Brewing
- Enjoy a show at Elsinore Theatre
- Join a Salem Saturday Market
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle to Salem
Moving from one city to another can be a daunting task, but understanding the advantages and drawbacks of such a move can help make the decision easier. This guide offers an honest reflection of moving from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR , comparing the pros and cons, to assist you in making an informed decision.
Seattle, WA- Higher cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- More rainy days
- Less affordable housing
Salem, OR- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
- Milder weather
- More affordable housing
Salem, OR- Smaller job market
- Fewer cultural events
- Less public transit
- Fewer dining options
Seattle, WA- Vibrant tech scene
- Larger cultural events
- Extensive public transit
- More dining options
When comparing Seattle, WA to Salem, OR, there are noticeable differences that could impact your lifestyle. For instance, Seattle's higher cost of living might be a challenge, but it's balanced by a vibrant tech scene and a plethora of dining options, from the iconic Pike Place Market to innovative restaurants like Canlis. On the other hand, Salem offers a quieter, more affordable lifestyle, with its own local gems such as the historic Salem Public Market and beautiful Minto-Brown Island Park. While Salem may have fewer large cultural events, it hosts charming local gatherings such as the Salem Art Fair and Festival. The decision ultimately depends on what you prioritize: the bustling city life of Seattle or the relaxed, cost-effective pace of Salem.
Seattle vs. Salem Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Seattle & Salem, showing how food plays a vital role in understanding the culture and lifestyle of where you're moving. We aim to give you a taste of the culinary scenes in both locations to better prepare you for your upcoming move.
| Seattle | Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Salmon | Marionberry Pie |
| Most popular meat dish | Teriyaki | BBQ Ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Food Truck Burgers |
| Most popular vegan food | Pho | Vegan Burrito |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Moving from Seattle to Salem, you'll experience a shift in the local cuisine scene but not in quality or diversity. In Salem, you'll enjoy the sweetness of the Marionberry pie, a local specialty that is found in many bakeries around the city. For something more savory, the BBQ ribs at local joints showcase Salem's take on classic American cuisine. For a taste of the local food scene, places like Word of Mouth Bistro and Bentley's Grill offer a range of dishes that locals swear by. And for those conscious about their dietary choices, Salem's growing vegan scene, including spots like the ever-popular food trucks, ensures you're never far from a delicious, plant-based meal.
Seattle vs. Salem Restaurant Comparison
Finding that perfect dish can truly make a new city feel like home. This comparison of restaurants from Seattle to Salem is designed to ease your transition by matching your favorite Seattle spots with Salem equivalents. Whether you're craving high-end dining or a casual bite, these recommendations will help you discover your new favorite eateries, turning unfamiliar streets into familiar haunts.
| Seattle | Salem | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Canlis | DaVinci Ristorante | High-end dining with a focus on exquisite service and ambiance |
| Pike Place Chowder | Willamette Valley Pie Company | Both share a deep commitment to local flavors and ingredients |
| The Pink Door | Rafns' Restaurant | Both offer a unique, intimate dining experience with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients |
| Ray's Boathouse | Amadeus Café | Both specialize in seafood with stunning views and an elegant atmosphere |
| Wild Ginger | Thai Beer | Similar expansive menu of Asian fusion dishes, known for their authenticity and flavor |
| Matt's in the Market | Word of Mouth Bistro | Both serve farm-to-table dishes in a cozy, casual setting, emphasizing seasonal ingredients |
| Dahlia Bakery | Busick Court Restaurant | Known for homemade pastries and a warm, welcoming atmosphere similar to Dahlia's |
| Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar | Ocean Fresh Seafood Market | Both offer the freshest seafood selections, focusing on oysters and shellfish |
| The Walrus and the Carpenter | Table FIVE 08 | Shares a similar approach to small plates and seafood, with a cozy, inviting ambiance |
| Skillet Diner | Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro | Both offer innovative and hearty comfort food with a modern twist |
Exploring the culinary landscape in a new city can be a thrilling adventure. For those who relish in the high-end dining scene offered by Canlis in Seattle, DaVinci Ristorante in Salem awaits with open arms, offering an equally opulent dining experience accentuated by its attentive service and luxurious ambiance. On the more casual side, lovers of Pike Place Chowder will find comfort in the local ingredients and handmade delights at Willamette Valley Pie Company, where the commitment to quality mirrors that found in Seattle's famed chowder spot. Meanwhile, aficionados of the unique and intimate dining experience at The Pink Door will discover a kindred spirit in Rafns' Restaurant, where the use of local, sustainable ingredients crafts dishes that speak the language of love and care. This careful selection of Salem's eateries is aimed at softening the edges of relocation, ensuring that your new dining experiences are not just comparable but memorable in their own right.
Ready to start your move?
Seattle vs. Salem Real Estate & Living Facts
Choosing the right place to live is key to a happy relocation. Understanding how real estate aspects compare between Seattle, WA, and Salem, OR, can give you valuable insights into what each city offers. In this guide, we delve into housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle scores to help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Seattle | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern & Craftsman | Mid-century & Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Views, Green spaces | Family-friendly, Quiet neighborhoods |
When looking closer at Seattle and Salem, housing costs stand out immediately. Seattle's vibrant urban environment commands a higher median home price and rent, reflecting its desirability and the amenities it offers. The city's architecture leans towards modern and Craftsman styles, appealing to a variety of tastes. Salem, offering a more tranquil living environment, showcases mid-century and Craftsman homes at a significantly lower cost. Notably, the lower urban lifestyle score in Salem compared to Seattle mirrors this city's quieter, more laid-back nature, but it doesn't mean it lacks amenities or charm. Both cities offer unique benefits, whether you're seeking an energetic urban experience or a peaceful suburban life.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salem, OR
1. West Salem: This area is highly pet-friendly due to its numerous walking trails such as Wallace Marine Park and pet services like Taylor Street OB/GYN Veterinary Clinic.
2. South Salem: Your pet will enjoy South Salem's selection of pet-friendly restaurants and services, including All-In-One Pet Grooming and Garry's Pub which has a pet-friendly patio.
3. Morningside: Known for its large number of dog-friendly parks such as Morningside City Park, this neighborhood also hosts a favorite pet supply store, Petco.
Seattle vs. Salem Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR, understanding how the weather compares can greatly impact your daily life and well-being. This comparison provides insight into what you can expect, helping you prepare for the change.
Seattle, WA
Salem, OR
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Seattle, WA
Salem, OR
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Seattle, WA
Salem, OR
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Seattle, WA
Salem, OR
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Seattle | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Volcanoes | Earthquakes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Shifting from Seattle to Salem means welcoming a slight increase in sunshine days and experiencing a bit warmer summers. While both cities enjoy a similar annual UV index, indicating comparable exposure to sun rays, Salem tends to have higher humidity levels which can affect your perception of warmth and may require an adjustment in daily activities and living conditions. Natural disaster risks slightly differ, with Salem being more prone to floods compared to Seattle's volcanic activities. Awareness of these weather nuances will help you adapt more seamlessly to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Seattle to Salem
When planning a move from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR, it's crucial to consider how the financial landscape will change. Understanding the difference in cost of living, taxes, and employment opportunities between these two cities will help you prepare for your new life.
| Comparison | Seattle | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $110,781 | $63,927 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121.4 | 110.55 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 9.9% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.99% | 1.18% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.1% | 0% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Commerce, Healthcare | Government, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
Moving from Seattle to Salem, you'll encounter a significant shift in the economic environment. Despite the higher state income tax and property tax rates in Salem, the overall cost of living is considerably lower than in Seattle. This is reflected in areas such as housing, utilities, and groceries. Furthermore, Seattle's strong technology and healthcare industries contrast with Salem's government, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, which might influence your employment opportunities. Despite these differences, both cities offer distinct advantages and opportunities based on your financial situation and career path.
Seattle vs. Salem Political & Religious Comparison
When making the move from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR, understanding the local atmosphere is crucial. This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Seattle & Salem , offering insight into the communities you're moving from and into.
| Seattle | Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderately Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive Policies | Mixed - Progressive & Conservative elements |
| Religion | Less Religiously Affiliated | More Diverse Religious Affiliation |
Seattle is well-known for its liberal stance on many political issues, boasting highly progressive policies. In contrast, Salem, while still leaning towards the Democratic side, presents a more balanced political scene with a mix of progressive and conservative elements. This is reflected in local governance and community initiatives. Religion in Seattle shows a lower affiliation overall, suggesting a more secular community. Salem, however, tends to have a more diverse religious landscape, accommodating a variety of beliefs and practices. This difference in political and religious makeup will significantly influence the community vibe you'll experience, making your transition from Seattle to Salem a journey into a nuanced cultural and social environment.
Seattle vs. Salem Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR offers a unique opportunity to better understand the differences in what your daily commute and traffic will be like. This comparison focuses on the traffic and transportation options between Seattle & Salem, enabling you to make an informed decision about your move.
| Comparison | Seattle | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 28 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | More challenging |
In Seattle, you can expect longer commute times and higher traffic congestion due to its larger population and denser urban environment. However, Seattle's robust public transit system, including buses, light rail, and ferries, makes it feasible to live without a personal vehicle. On the other hand, Salem, while less congested and having shorter average commute times, offers fewer public transit options. This makes having a car more of a necessity in Salem, especially for reaching locations not covered by public transportation. Both cities have unique challenges and benefits when it comes to commuting, which are important to consider when planning your move.
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