Best Madison to Durham Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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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.
Best Madison to Durham Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Smooth Move, LLC | 9.59 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Madison Smooth Moves | 9.56 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Raleigh Moving Company | 9.43 | NR | Active | Contact |
| Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 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 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)
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 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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving ExpertsAbout 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
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. 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.
| Madison | Durham | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| State Street | Downtown Durham | Vibrant urban center |
| Wil-Mar | Old West Durham | Historic with a strong community vibe |
| Capitol | Trinity Park | Historic homes and park access |
| Marquette | Watts-Hillandale | Family-friendly with parks |
| Nakoma | Forest Hills | Lush landscapes, historic homes |
| Maple Bluff | Hope Valley | Upscale, golf-course community |
| Shorewood Hills | Brightleaf | Exclusive, leafy neighborhood |
| Tenney-Lapham | Ninth Street | Eclectic and walkable |
| Atwood | Geer Street | Bohemian with a young vibe |
| Monroe Street | Southpoint | Shopping 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
Madison, WI- Colder winters
- Smaller city
- Less cultural diversity
- Higher living costs
Durham, NC- Milder winters
- Larger city vibes
- More cultural diversity
- Lower living costs
Durham, NC- Fewer bike lanes
- Different education system
- Less water access
- Fewer local markets
Madison, 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.
| Madison | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Pulled Pork BBQ |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | BBQ Ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Cheese Curds | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Tofu Scramble | BBQ Jackfruit |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| 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.
| Madison | Durham | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L’Etoile | Parizade | Upscale dining with a focus on meticulous presentation and a Mediterranean flair |
| Graze | Bull City Burger and Brewery | Farm-to-table dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients |
| Mickies Dairy Bar | Elmo's Diner | A classic diner experience known for hearty breakfast and comfort food |
| Forequarter | Mateo Bar de Tapas | Small plates and a cozy atmosphere that echoes Forequarter’s inventive menu |
| A Pig In A Fur Coat | NanaSteak | A modern steakhouse with a unique twist on classics and an intimate atmosphere |
| Alimentari | Gocciolina | Authentic Italian dining with an emphasis on quality ingredients and rustic dishes |
| Sal's Tomato Pies | Pizzeria Toro | Wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings and a casual, urban vibe |
| Nostrano | Mothers & Sons Trattoria | A homage to Italian cuisine with a fresh, modern approach |
| Sardine | Plates Neighborhood Kitchen | European-inspired dishes with a Southern twist in a relaxed setting |
| Lombardino's | Il Palio | Classic 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
| Comparison | Madison | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie, Craftsman | Colonial Revival, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, Access to trails | Historic 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.
Madison, WI
Durham, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Durham, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Durham, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
Durham, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
| Comparison | Madison | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $71,343 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 96.6 |
| State Income Tax | 5.3 | 5.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.94 | 0.84 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 4.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Education, Healthcare, Technology |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Varied |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
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.
| Madison | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies | Progressive policies |
| Religion | Diverse, with a variety of churches | Diverse, 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.
| Comparison | Madison | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Possibly, with limitations | Challenging |
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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