Best Madison to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Madison to Durham Movers

Moving from the brisk, cheese-loving vibes of Madison, WI, to the warm, eclectic energy of Durham, NC, marks an exciting chapter in your life. You're swapping the Badger State's hearty Midwest charm for the Bull City's vibrant culture and burgeoning tech hub. To ensure this significant leap goes smoothly, it's crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best, using an unbiased algorithm to cut through the claims and find the movers who truly make the grade.

Wisconsin iconArrow iconNorth Carolina icon

Best Madison to Durham Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Raleigh Moving Company9.43NRActiveContact
Athens Moving Experts9.34A+Authorized For HHGContact
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.31A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
The Go To Guys, LLC9.08A+Authorized For HHGContact
Top Notch Movers9.06AAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Madison guide.

5 Best Madison 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
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 12/17/2024)

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
2
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 2,029+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2627768 / 1031866

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved173,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
The Go To Guys, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.08/10
based on 275+ data points

About The Go To Guys, LLC

The Go To Guys, LLC is a seasoned moving company with 30 years of experience in the industry. Based in the United States, the firm is well-e...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3760134 / 1338262

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Top Notch Movers Logo
Exceptional9.06/10
based on 1,182+ data points

About Top Notch Movers

Top Notch Movers may be a young business, but it’s already built an excellent reputation. It lives up well to its business name by providing...Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Interstate Residential Moving
  • Packing Services
  • Junk Removal

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3322160 / 1066819

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved70,000 (2023)
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.

Madison vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a daunting process, especially when you're navigating the unknown terrain of a new city. To ease the transition, consider this guide as your roadmap to comparing local neighborhoods between Madison, WI & Durham, NC . By pinpointing the similarities between neighborhoods in your current and future cities, you'll feel right at home in no time.

MadisonDurhamHow They're Similar
State StreetDowntown DurhamVibrant urban center
Wil-MarOld West DurhamHistoric with a strong community vibe
CapitolTrinity ParkHistoric homes and park access
MarquetteWatts-HillandaleFamily-friendly with parks
NakomaForest HillsLush landscapes, historic homes
Maple BluffHope ValleyUpscale, golf-course community
Shorewood HillsBrightleafExclusive, leafy neighborhood
Tenney-LaphamNinth StreetEclectic and walkable
AtwoodGeer StreetBohemian with a young vibe
Monroe StreetSouthpointShopping and dining hub

Exploring the matching neighborhoods further, you'd find the State Street area of Madison, known for its dynamic atmosphere, faithfully reflected in Downtown Durham's bustling streets where local businesses, like Ponysaurus Brewing Co., thrive. Meanwhile, Madison’s Nakoma with its sprawling, historic homes finds a southern counterpart in Durham's Forest Hills, where the greenery of Forest Hills Park invites residents for leisurely strolls. Over in the Watts-Hillandale of Durham, similar to Marquette in Madison, you'd discover family-friendly spaces coupled with community-oriented eateries such as Monuts Donuts, making the transition between these cities not just about finding a new home, but discovering new favorite spots that make a neighborhood truly feel like yours.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to Durham

Moving from one city to another presents both challenges and opportunities. In understanding your relocation from Madison, WI to Durham, NC, we’ve created comparison charts to lay out an honest reflection of the pros and cons. This approach aims to provide a clearer picture of what you’re leaving behind and what awaits you in your new city, helping you to make a well-informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller city
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Higher living costs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Milder winters
  • Larger city vibes
  • More cultural diversity
  • Lower living costs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Fewer bike lanes
  • Different education system
  • Less water access
  • Fewer local markets
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Strong bike culture
  • Quality education
  • Abundant lakes
  • Lively local markets

When considering your move from Madison to Durham, it's worthwhile to delve deeper into what makes each city unique. For instance, Madison’s renowned Dane County Farmers' Market offers an array of local produce that’s hard to find elsewhere, while Durham counters with its own vibrant food scene, including the famous Durham Performing Arts Center and Durham Bulls Athletic Park, providing entertainment and leisure opportunities that Madison lacks. On the other hand, Madison’s extensive network of bike lanes and paths like those in the Capital City Trail offer an unbeatable experience for cycling enthusiasts. Weighing these factors against your personal values and lifestyle will guide you in making a decision that best suits your needs and preferences.

Madison vs. Durham Food Guide

Food deeply reflects the character of a place, shaping the local culture and lifestyle. In this guide, we'll embark on a culinary comparison to help you better understand what awaits your palette when moving. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Madison & Durham, providing insight into each city's unique gastronomy. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just curious about your new home's dining scene, this comparison will serve as your flavor-filled roadmap.

MadisonDurham
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishBratwurstBBQ Ribs
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • L'Etoile
  • Graze Pub
  • The Old Fashioned
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from Madison to Durham, you're transitioning from a place renowned for its dairy delicacies, particularly cheese curds and bratwursts, to one celebrated for its meats, especially pulled pork BBQ and BBQ ribs. In Durham, you can explore vibrant neighborhoods like Brightleaf and American Tobacco District, known for their dynamic food scenes, including renowned establishments like Saltbox Seafood Joint for fresh catches and Bull City Burger and Brewery for craft beers and burgers. Madison's emphasis on fresh, local ingredients is mirrored in Durham's food scene, with an increased focus on Southern cuisine and innovative vegan dishes like BBQ Jackfruit, offering a delightful exploration of flavors for every palate.

Madison vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a monumental task, but finding those special spots to eat can quickly make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Madison, WI, and Durham, NC , is designed to guide you in discovering your next favorite dining destinations by leveraging your current culinary loves. Whether you crave high-end dining experiences or cherish cozy, casual spots, this guide will ease your transition.

MadisonDurhamWhat You'll Love
L’EtoileParizadeUpscale dining with a focus on meticulous presentation and a Mediterranean flair
GrazeBull City Burger and BreweryFarm-to-table dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients
Mickies Dairy BarElmo's DinerA classic diner experience known for hearty breakfast and comfort food
ForequarterMateo Bar de TapasSmall plates and a cozy atmosphere that echoes Forequarter’s inventive menu
A Pig In A Fur CoatNanaSteakA modern steakhouse with a unique twist on classics and an intimate atmosphere
AlimentariGocciolinaAuthentic Italian dining with an emphasis on quality ingredients and rustic dishes
Sal's Tomato PiesPizzeria ToroWood-fired pizzas with creative toppings and a casual, urban vibe
NostranoMothers & Sons TrattoriaA homage to Italian cuisine with a fresh, modern approach
SardinePlates Neighborhood KitchenEuropean-inspired dishes with a Southern twist in a relaxed setting
Lombardino'sIl PalioClassic Italian in a sophisticated setting; perfect for a special night out

In exploring these culinary parallels, you'll uncover that Madison's cherished L’Etoile, with its exquisite farm-to-table approach, aligns closely with Parizade's commitment to fine dining and Mediterranean influences in Durham. Fans of the iconic Mickies Dairy Bar will find comfort in the familiar diner-style atmosphere and hearty breakfast offerings at Elmo's Diner. Meanwhile, Sardine’s admirers will appreciate the fusion of European dishes with Southern flair found at Plates Neighborhood Kitchen. Each of these Durham restaurants captures the spirit and flavor of your Madison favorites, ensuring a smooth culinary transition to your new home.

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Madison vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's crucial to compare the real estate aspects of Madison, WI, and Durham, NC, understanding the difference in living standards, costs, and what each city has to offer. This comparison aims to help you make an informed decision about your next home.

ComparisonMadisonDurham
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, CraftsmanColonial Revival, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, Access to trailsHistoric neighborhoods, Proximity to Research Triangle Park

Both Madison and Durham offer unique living experiences. In Madison, you’ll notice a higher median home price and rent, yet the city compensates with better bikeability and access to outdoor activities, like trails and lake views highly mentioned in listings. Durham, while slightly more affordable, boasts a rich history with its Colonial Revival and Craftsman houses, and proximity to Research Triangle Park is a significant draw for professionals. The urban lifestyle score is higher in Durham, reflecting its dynamic city life and cultural scene. Choosing between the two will depend on your priorities: whether outdoor access and bike-friendly routes take precedence or a bustling urban environment with a touch of historical charm.

Madison vs. Durham Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Madison, WI to Durham, NC, understanding the weather differences becomes key to adapt smoothly. By comparing Madison's climate with Durham's, you'll gain insights into what weather changes to expect and how they might affect your daily life and activities.

Summer icon
82/60

Madison, WI

89/68

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
27/11

Madison, WI

50/30

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34

Madison, WI

41

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
42

Madison, WI

4

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMadisonDurham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both cities experience a continental climate, Madison's winters are significantly colder with more snowfall, whereas Durham enjoys milder winters and hotter summers. The increased number of sunny days in Durham can be a delight for those moving from Madison, offering more opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. However, it's crucial to prepare for Durham's higher summer temperatures and the potential for hurricanes, contrasting Madison's predominant snowstorms. Adjusting to these differences will be key to embracing your new home in Durham.

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

When contemplating a move from Madison, WI to Durham, NC, it's critical to grasp the financial implications that accompany such a transition. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and income in Madison compare with those in Durham can significantly impact your decision and preparation for moving.

ComparisonMadisonDurham
Avg. Household Income$67,270$71,343
Cost of Living Index95.6596.6
State Income Tax5.35.25
Avg. Property Tax1.940.84
Avg. Sales Tax5.54.75
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, ManufacturingEducation, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceModerately affluentVaried
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate

The financial landscape of Madison and Durham presents a mix of contrasts and similarities that are key for potential movers to understand. Madison boasts a higher average household income and a higher cost of living, reflecting its moderately affluent status. The gap in property tax rates, with Madison's significantly higher than Durham's, offers a clear advantage to homeowners considering Durham. However, the state income and sales taxes are relatively similar, indicating that day-to-day living expenses and income retention could feel familiar. The industry sectors also point to diverse economic strengths; while both cities value education and healthcare, Durham's emphasis on technology hints at its growing importance in the digital age. This contrast suggests that your professional opportunities could look different depending on your sector of interest.

Madison vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

When planning a move from Madison, WI, to Durham, NC, it’s essential to understand the communities you’ll be joining. This quick guide offers a comparison of the politics between Madison & Durham , providing an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of each city's residents, helping you feel right at home in your new environment.

MadisonDurham
Political Make-upLiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesProgressive policies
ReligionDiverse, with a variety of churchesDiverse, featuring notable institutions like Duke Chapel

Diving deeper into the similarities, both Madison and Durham boast a liberal stance on most political issues, attracting residents that value progressive policies. This shared ideology may ease your transition, ensuring your values align closely with those of your new community. The vibrant religious landscape in both cities caters to a diversity of beliefs and practices, exemplified by Madison's multitude of churches and Durham's historic Duke Chapel. This diversity ensures a welcoming environment for you, regardless of your faith or spiritual inclinations.

Madison vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Madison, WI to Durham, NC? Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Madison & Durham is crucial for adapting to your new environment. This comparison will give you a clearer picture of what to expect regarding your daily commute and getting around in both cities.

ComparisonMadisonDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2224
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Possibly, with limitationsChallenging

While both Madison and Durham provide unique living experiences, their transportation dynamics offer distinct features for newcomers. In Madison, the slightly better public transit rating reflects the city's efforts in providing accessible transportation options like buses and bike-sharing programs. On the other hand, Durham, with a slightly lower congestion level, suggests smoother traffic flow despite its lesser public transit score. However, living in Durham might necessitate having a car more so than in Madison due to less extensive public transportation services. This comparison suggests that while it's feasible to live without a car in Madison, it would be more challenging to do the same in Durham.

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