Best Madison to Oakland Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embracing the journey from Madison, the City of Four Lakes, to Oakland, the Bright Side of the Bay, marks an exciting chapter in your life. You're not just moving between cities, but transitioning from Madison's vibrant arts scene and lush landscapes to Oakland's diverse culture, bustling waterfront, and thriving food scene. Given the distance and the life change ahead, it's crucial to ensure a smooth transition by entrusting your move to reliable and trusted professional movers, which is where we come in, using our unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers for your adventure.
Best Madison to Oakland Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| A Smooth Move, LLC | 9.59 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Madison Smooth Moves | 9.56 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Kora Moving | 9.39 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.31 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Madison guide.
5 Best Madison to Oakland Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
This listing has been claimed by A Smooth Move, LLCAbout A Smooth Move, LLC
A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as one of the mos...Read More >>
Services
- Full-Service Moves
- Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
- Business and Residential Relocation Services
About Madison Smooth Moves
Founded in 2018, Madison Smooth Moves operates based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, preparation, and satisfaction. As a loc...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moves
- Local Moves
- Long-distance Moves
About Kora Moving
Kora Moving, based in San Francisco, was established in 2018 by Carlos Viera, who has over 17 years of experience in the moving industry. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Packing and unpacking
About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and comme...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moves
- Commercial moves
- Local/statewide 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.
Madison vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to a new city with unfamiliar neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison between Madison, WI, and Oakland, CA, focusing on comparing the top neighborhoods . This guide will help you find a new area in Oakland that resonates with the qualities you love about your Madison neighborhood.
| Madison | Oakland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| State Street | Downtown Oakland | Vibrant cultural hub, shops, and dining |
| Willy Street | Rockridge | Diverse community, artisan eateries |
| Maple Bluff | Piedmont Avenue | Upscale, leafy residential area |
| Shorewood Hills | Claremont | Historic homes, winding streets |
| Schenk-Atwood | Temescal | Hip, indie boutiques and global cuisine |
| Nakoma League | Montclair | Quiet, forested neighborhood |
| Dudgeon-Monroe | Grand Lake | Lakeside parks, local market |
| Tenney-Lapham | Glenview | Family-friendly, local eats |
| Capitol | Jack London District | Waterfront attractions, entertainment |
| Marquette | Old Oakland | Historic charm, vibrant nightlife |
For those who appreciate the eclectic and community-focused vibe of Willy Street in Madison, Rockridge in Oakland offers a similar spirit with its range of artisan eateries like Wood Tavern and boutique shops. If you're drawn to the upscale residential feel of Maple Bluff, you might find Piedmont Avenue appealing for its elegant homes and upscale dining options such as Commis. Those moving from the lakeside serenity of Dudgeon-Monroe will feel right at home in Grand Lake, where the Saturday Farmers Market at Splash Pad Park and lakeside strolls at Lake Merritt offer a welcome blend of community and nature. Exploring these Oakland neighborhoods offers not just a place to live, but a vibrant community life that many seek when moving to a new city.
Things to Do in Oakland
Explore Chabot Space & Science Center- Stroll through Oakland Zoo
- Enjoy Lake Merritt on paddleboat
- Watch a game at Oakland Coliseum
- Visit Oakland Museum of California
- Sample at Jack London Square eateries
- Hike in Redwood Regional Park
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to Oakland
Moving from one city to another brings a blend of opportunities and challenges. This comparison is crafted to provide a balanced view, highlighting the cons of Madison, WI versus the pros of moving to Oakland, CA, and vice versa. It aims to reflect both the positive and negative aspects of such a relocation decisively.
Madison, WI- Harsh winters
- Smaller job market
- Less diverse cuisine
- Limited nightlife
- Lower cultural diversity
Oakland, CA- Mild climate
- Greater job opportunities
- World-class dining
- Vibrant nightlife
- Rich cultural diversity
Oakland, CA- High living costs
- Higher traffic
- Urban sprawl
- Less green space
- Adapting to change
Madison, WI- Affordable housing
- Compact city
- Close-knit communities
- Scenic nature
- Vibrant local culture
Moving from Madison to Oakland presents a diverse landscape of change. In Oakland, you'd find yourself engulfed in a cultural mosaic, exploring eateries like Comal Next Door for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine or sipping coffee at the bustling Blue Bottle Coffee. The move introduces you to renowned landmarks such as the Oakland Museum of California, offering insights into the state's rich history and culture. The transition from Madison's serene Olbrich Botanical Gardens to Oakland's vibrant Oakland Zoo and expansive Tilden Regional Park illustrates a shift from quaint to dynamic living. Embracing Oakland’s lifestyle means diving into a sea of opportunities, surrounded by the charm of Northern California's natural landscapes and urban vivacity.
Madison vs. Oakland Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Madison & Oakland, highlighting the importance of food in understanding local culture and everyday life. This guide will help you get acquainted with the gastronomic scene of your new city.
| Madison | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese curds | Sourdough bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Korean BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Food cart tacos | Taco trucks |
| Most popular vegan food | Madison Sourdough's vegan pastries | Shojin ryori (Japanese vegan cuisine) |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In moving from Madison to Oakland, you'll transition from the cheese and brat-heavy comfort foods to a more diverse and health-conscious cuisine, reflective of Oakland's cultural melting pot. Oakland boasts a vibrant street food scene, particularly noted in neighborhoods like Fruitvale for its authentic taco trucks. Meanwhile, the booming vegan scene can be experienced in places like Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya. Each city has its unique flavors, ready to be explored, offering newcomers a gastronomic journey through their streets and iconic restaurants.
Madison vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This restaurant comparison is designed to help those moving from Madison, WI to Oakland, CA find their new favorite eateries by mapping their current food spots to new ones. Whether you crave the familiarity of a cherished brunch spot or the adventure of a unique culinary experience, this guide is your first step towards culinary contentment in your new home.
| Madison | Oakland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L’Etoile | Commis | High-end dining with a commitment to local ingredients. |
| Graze | Shakewell | Casual, eclectic dining with a focus on farm-to-table. |
| Salvatore's Tomato Pies | Boot and Shoe Service | Artisan pizza with a creative culinary approach. |
| Mint Mark | Cholita Linda | Casual, vibrant, serves food with bold flavors. |
| A Pig in a Fur Coat | Duende | Offers a unique, upscale dining experience with bold dishes. |
| The Old Fashioned | Hopscotch | Upbeat diner offering elevated American classics. |
| Forequarter | Penrose | Known for its eclectic and inventive menu in a casual setting. |
| Pie Society | Pizzaiolo | Cozy spot for quality pizza and a homely atmosphere. |
| Lazy Jane’s Cafe | Grand Lake Kitchen | Laid-back vibe with great brunch options. |
| Marigold Kitchen | Aunt Mary's Café | Comfort food with a creative twist, ideal for breakfast and brunch. |
For those who cherished morning meetings at Lazy Jane’s Cafe, Grand Lake Kitchen in Oakland captures a similar laid-back vibe with its array of innovative brunch offerings and lakeside views, making weekend plans something to look forward to. Fans of unique and artisan pizzas from Salvatore's Tomato Pies will find a kindred spirit in Oakland's Boot and Shoe Service, where the passion for artisanal pizzas and a diverse range of toppings offers a slice of Madison in the heart of Oakland. Diners who appreciate the farm-to-table ethos and creative dishes of Graze would enjoy the eclectic mix of flavors and casual vibe at Shakewell, reflecting the dynamic food scene that both cities celebrate. This culinary journey across cities reinforces the importance of good food in feeling right at home in a new place.
Ready to start your move?
Madison vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly influences a relocation decision, making it crucial to understand how Madison and Oakland differ in this aspect. This comparison aims to enlighten you on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle in both cities, assisting in a smoother transition.
| Comparison | Madison | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie and Craftsman | Victorian and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, Proximity to the university | Access to public transit, Downtown vicinity |
While Madison offers a more affordable living with its median home price significantly lower than Oakland, it's Oakland that shines with its urban lifestyle score and higher walkability rating. Madison's architecture mostly features Prairie and Craftsman styles, paying homage to its rich historical past, whereas Oakland presents a mix of Victorian elegance and Modern simplicity, appealing to varied tastes. Another point of interest is the emphasis on Lake views and proximity to the university in Madison's real estate listings, contrasting with Oakland's focus on public transit access and downtown vicinity, indicating a more urban-centric lifestyle.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
1. Rockridge: Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Rockridge offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and a local pet shop, ensuring your furry friends are always pampered.
2. Lake Merritt: This area surrounds a picturesque lake with a 3.4-mile walking path that's perfect for dog-walking, alongside veterinary services easily accessible for your pets' health needs.
3. Montclair Village: Nestled in the hills, Montclair Village is not only scenic but also boasts a pet-friendly environment with holistic pet care, and numerous trails for adventurous walks with your pets.
Madison vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
Understanding how the weather compares between your current home and your new one is crucial when moving. This comparison between Madison, WI and Oakland, CA offers a glance at what weather changes you can expect, helping you to prepare better for your relocation.
Madison, WI
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Cold Waves | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Madison to Oakland, you'll notice a significant change in the number of sunny days and winter temperatures. Oakland boasts over 250 days of sunshine with mild winters, contrasting sharply with Madison's colder winter climate and higher snowfall. The milder climate in Oakland reduces the need for heavy winter gear and allows for more outdoor activities year-round. Additionally, while Madison has a good air quality index, Oakland's is moderate, likely due to its closer proximity to industrial areas and larger population density. Preparation for different natural disasters is also crucial, with Madison residents facing snowstorms and cold waves, while Oaklanders must be aware of earthquakes and wildfires.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to Oakland
Considering a move from Madison, WI to Oakland, CA? Understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the differences in cost of living, taxes, and the economic landscape between Madison and Oakland, helping you prepare for your new adventure.
| Comparison | Madison | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $82,236 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 139.1 |
| State Income Tax | 6.27 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.94 | 0.79 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 9.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Care, Manufacturing | Technology, Health Care, Retail |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
Moving from Madison to Oakland, you’ll find a significant difference in the cost of living, with Oakland being substantially more expensive. This difference is highlighted in both the average household income needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and the stark contrast in their cost of living indexes. Additionally, the higher state income tax in California can impact your take-home pay. However, it's worth noting Oakland's diverse economic landscape, driven by technology and healthcare, suggests a dynamic job market. Be prepared for these financial shifts to make a smooth transition to your new home in Oakland.
Madison vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
Relocating from Madison, Wisconsin to Oakland, California, offers an engaging change not just in scenery, but in community character as well. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents to help you understand the social climate of this comparison of the politics between Madison & Oakland . Seeing how these two cities compare can help you adjust more smoothly to your new home.
| Madison | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies, active local government | Very progressive, high civic engagement |
| Religion | Mixed, with a slight leaning towards non-religious | Diverse, significant non-religious population |
When you move from Madison to Oakland, you'll find that both cities share a liberal political perspective, though Oakland has a reputation for being more left-leaning. This is reflected in the local politics; Oakland's residents are known for their high level of civic engagement and advocacy for very progressive policies, similar yet more intensified than Madison's active local government and progressive policies. The religious landscape in both cities is diverse and includes a significant portion of the population that identifies as non-religious, allowing for a wide range of beliefs and practices. Understanding these differences can help you better integrate into your new community in Oakland.
Madison vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
As you plan your move from Madison, WI, to Oakland, CA, understanding the differences in daily commutes and traffic is crucial. This comparison on traffic and transportation options between Madison & Oakland offers a glimpse into what your new city commute may look like.
| Comparison | Madison | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 32 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Possible, but challenging | More feasible |
Madison offers a relatively smooth commuting experience, with an average travel time markedly lower than Oakland’s. Madison's lower score in traffic congestion reflects its smaller size and efficient road planning but falls behind in public transit options compared to Oakland. In Oakland, thanks to the Bay Area’s extensive BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system, residents find it easier to navigate the city without personal vehicles. This convenience markedly increases your ability to explore the city and its surroundings without a car, making it more feasible than in Madison.
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