Best Madison to Raleigh Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Madison to Raleigh marks the start of an exhilarating adventure, signaling a bold leap into a new chapter of life. You're trading the icy beauty and friendly "Mad City" vibe for Raleigh's blooming oak trees, tech-savvy "City of Oaks" ambiance, and warm southern hospitality. Given the distance and life change involved, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we understand the importance of this decision and offer an unbiased ranking system to connect you with the best movers, ensuring your transition is as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Best Madison to Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Madison guide.
5 Best Madison to Raleigh 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. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison
Making a move can be daunting, especially when relocating to an unfamiliar place. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison chart to help you compare the popular neighborhoods in Madison, WI & Raleigh, NC. By using your current city as a baseline, you can quickly familiarize yourself with the new city and find a neighborhood that feels like home.
| Madison | Raleigh | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Willy Street | Glenwood South | Vibrant nightlife and dining |
| Maple Bluff | Cameron Park | Historic homes, lush landscapes |
| Hilldale | North Hills | Shopping and entertainment hub |
| Capitol | Downtown Raleigh | Civic centers and cultural venues |
| Tenney-Lapham | Boylan Heights | Close-knit community, historic |
| Shorewood Hills | Five Points | Residential with eclectic shops |
| Nakoma | Oakwood | Diverse architecture, community-oriented |
| Atwood | Warehouse District | Artsy and dynamic environment |
| Marquette | Fayetteville Street | Cultural activities, eateries |
| Middleton | Brier Creek | Family-friendly, modern conveniences |
In comparing the vibrant Willy Street in Madison with Glenwood South in Raleigh, you'll find both areas offer an eclectic mix of nightlife, dining options, and local boutiques. Fans of Madison's Capitol neighborhood, known for its civic centers and bustling farmers' markets, will appreciate Downtown Raleigh's similar blend of cultural venues and public gatherings. Meanwhile, Madison's Nakoma neighborhood, with its well-preserved residential charm and community-driven atmosphere, is mirrored by Raleigh's Oakwood, where each home tells a story against a backdrop of widespread oaks and historical landmarks. Whether it's enjoying a coffee at Globe Coffee Co. in Willy Street or discovering local art in the Warehouse District, transitioning between these cities allows for a continuation of community engagement and urban exploration.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to Raleigh
Moving from one city to another is a significant life change that encompasses both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC , ensuring you make an informed decision. By weighing the pros against the cons and vice versa, you'll be better prepared for what lies ahead.
Madison, WI- Colder winters
- Smaller city vibe
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer job opportunities
Raleigh, NC- Milder winters
- Larger city feel
- More cultural diversity
- More job opportunities
Raleigh, NC- Fewer natural lakes
- Less bike-friendly
- Different food scene
- Adjusting to a new community
Madison, WI- Lakes and outdoor activities
- Biking-friendly city
- Strong local food scene
- Close-knit community
Relocating from Madison to Raleigh brings with it a change of scenery and new opportunities. For example, while you might miss the easy access to Madison's natural lakes like Mendota and Monona, Raleigh offers its own outdoor allure with destinations like Umstead State Park and the Neuse River Trail, providing plentiful options for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The transition from Madison's renowned local food scene, highlighted by establishments such as Graze and L'Etoile, to discovering Raleigh's own culinary delights, including Brewery Bhavana and Bida Manda, offers an exciting exploration of tastes. Though the vibrant community of Madison, with its unique events like the Dane County Farmers Market, may be a tough act to follow, Raleigh's own sense of community shines through in its downtown festivals and the welcoming atmosphere of historic neighborhoods like Oakwood. Embracing Raleigh means diving into its rich tapestry of culture, nature, and new professional landscapes, each promising the beginning of a new adventure.
Madison vs. Raleigh Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Madison & Raleigh explores the culinary differences and similarities to help you gain a better understanding of what to expect food-wise in your new city. Knowing the local food culture is essential for an immersive living experience.
| Madison | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Pulled Pork BBQ |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Fried Chicken |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reubens | Vegan Barbecue |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When exploring the food scene after moving from Madison to Raleigh, you'll notice distinct flavors and a vibrant culinary culture awaiting you. Raleigh is well-known for its pulled pork barbecue, a must-try for local food enthusiasts. Areas like the Warehouse District in Raleigh offer a variety of dining experiences, from the traditional southern comfort of Poole's Diner to the unique Laotian cuisine of Bida Manda. The city's food truck scene, particularly during First Friday events, showcases an eclectic mix of options, from gourmet tacos to inventive vegan barbecue, aligning well with the city's high score in food scene vibrancy and vegan-friendliness. This blend of traditional and innovative makes Raleigh a fascinating new culinary world to explore.
Madison vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison
Relocating can be a daunting task, but finding your new favorite dining spot shouldn't be. Knowing how important food is in making a new area feel like home, this restaurant comparison between Madison and Raleigh aims to ease your transition. By using your current hometown favorites as a guide, you can discover equivalent eateries in your new city, ensuring your culinary cravings are well taken care of.
| Madison | Raleigh | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L’Etoile | Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern | High-end dining with a focus on local ingredients |
| Graze | Beasley’s Chicken + Honey | Casual, farm-to-table vibe with standout chicken dishes |
| A Pig in a Fur Coat | Death & Taxes | Adventurous, wood-fired eats with a focus on meat dishes |
| Madison Sourdough | Boulted Bread | Artisanal bakery known for sourdough and pastries |
| Sardine | Mandolin | Farm-to-fork philosophy with a cozy bistro atmosphere |
| Salvatore's Tomato Pies | Oakwood Pizza Box | Neighborhood spot for classic and creative pies |
| Forequarter | Brewery Bhavana | Unique blend of brewery, bookstore, flower shop, and dim sum restaurant |
| Mickies Dairy Bar | Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant | Iconic diner known for Southern breakfasts and comfort food |
| Heritage Tavern | Poole’s Diner | Modern take on American diner fare with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients |
| Estrellón | Jose and Sons | Chic spot blending Mexican cuisine with Southern influences |
For those transitioning from Madison's food scene to Raleigh's, the move doesn't mean leaving culinary comforts behind. If you're missing L'Etoile's exquisite, locally-sourced dishes, Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern awaits with equally exceptional farm-to-table experiences. For bakery enthusiasts, transitioning from Madison Sourdough to Raleigh's Boulted Bread will be seamless, as both pride themselves on high-quality, handmade offerings. Fans of unique dining concepts will appreciate the shift from Forequarter to Brewery Bhavana, where the combination of craft beers and innovative dim sum in a multi-use space affords a novel dining experience that mirrors the inventive spirit of Madison's food scene.
Ready to start your move?
Madison vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most pivotal considerations when relocating. Understanding how Madison, WI and Raleigh, NC stack up against each other in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle ratings is essential for making an informed decision about your move.
| Comparison | Madison | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie and Craftsman | Colonial Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, Proximity to parks | Community amenities, Access to tech hubs |
When comparing Madison and Raleigh, each city offers its own unique lifestyle and housing market dynamics. Madison's architecture primarily features Prairie and Craftsman homes, reflecting its Midwestern roots, whereas Raleigh showcases charming Colonial Revival styles, befitting its historical significance in the South. Both cities score highly in terms of bikeability and urban lifestyle, although Madison slightly edges out Raleigh in these categories. Interestingly, real estate listings in Madison often highlight lake views and proximity to parks, attributing to the city's high walkability score. In contrast, Raleigh listings emphasize community amenities and access to burgeoning tech hubs, catering to professionals and families alike.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC
1. North Hills: With an abundance of pet-friendly shops and an expansive park, your pet will love the outdoor activities available.
2. Boylan Heights: This neighborhood is known for its pet-friendly community atmosphere and easy access to Dorothea Dix Park, a popular spot for dog walks and community gatherings.
3. Five Points: You and your pet will enjoy walking through the historical streets and visiting local pet-friendly businesses, including several cafes and eateries that welcome furry friends.
Madison vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations
When preparing to move from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC, understanding how the weather compares is crucial to adjusting seamlessly. From temperatures to natural events, how will your new climate shape your daily life?
Madison, WI
Raleigh, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Raleigh, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Raleigh, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
Raleigh, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Cold | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Madison to Raleigh, you'll find yourself swapping out snow shovels for sunglasses more often. Raleigh enjoys a warmer climate with more days of sunshine annually, which makes it ideal for those tired of harsh winters. However, be prepared for higher summer temperatures and a slight increase in humidity. Raleigh's proximity to the coast introduces a risk of hurricanes and tornadoes, a stark contrast to Madison's snowstorms. Understanding these differences will help ease your transition and set expectations for your new home environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to Raleigh
When planning a move from one city to another, it's critical to understand how your finances might be impacted. Transitioning from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC, grasping the differences in cost of living, taxes, and employment opportunities is essential. This comparison will guide you in setting realistic expectations and budgeting effectively for your new life.
| Comparison | Madison | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $74,612 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 98.2 |
| 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 | Technology, Education, Government |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Low | Very Low |
Raleigh, NC, boasts a higher average household income compared to Madison, WI, despite having a slightly higher cost of living index. This suggests that, on average, your income might stretch further in Raleigh, especially considering North Carolina's lower property tax rate. This financial advantage is enhanced by Raleigh's diverse job market, which is bolstered by booming technology, education, and government sectors. Understanding these financial and economic landscapes will be key in ensuring your move is both rewarding and financially sustainable.
Madison vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC, understanding the local demographics is crucial for a seamless transition. This quick snapshot provides insight into the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Madison & Raleigh , equipping you with key information about your new community.
| Madison | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Moderately conservative |
| Local Politics | Democratic majority | Democratic majority (City Website) |
| Religion | Mixed, with a significant non-religious population | Significantly religious, predominantly Christian (Visit Raleigh) |
Madison's political environment is markedly liberal, with local politics dominated by the Democratic party. This aligns with the city's diverse, inclusive, and progressive attitudes. In contrast, Raleigh presents a more moderate conservative stance, though it also has a Democratic majority in local politics, suggesting a complex, nuanced political landscape. Religion plays a bigger role in Raleigh's culture, where Christianity predominates, influencing community events and daily life. This comparison highlights the nuanced differences you'll encounter, fostering a smooth adaptation to your new home.
Madison vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC means adjusting to a new daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Madison & Raleigh will help you better understand what to expect when you switch from biking along Lake Monona to navigating the Research Triangle Park. Here's a quick look at the differences in driving and transiting in these two cities.
| Comparison | Madison | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Difficult |
In Madison, the average commuting time is slightly less, thanks in part to its smaller size and efficient city planning. The city’s commitment to bike paths and public transit options like the Madison Metro Transit makes getting around without a car more plausible than in larger cities. On the other hand, Raleigh, while having higher traffic congestion, offers unique commuting experiences, including some innovative transit solutions such as the GoTriangle bus service, which serves the broader Triangle region. However, due to the spread-out nature of Raleigh and its suburbs, having a car is almost a necessity for most residents to navigate the area effectively.
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