Best San Diego to Riverside Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Diego to Riverside Movers

Moving from the vibrant beaches of San Diego, CA, to the bustling cultural mosaic of Riverside, CA, signifies an exciting chapter in your life. You're leaving behind the laid-back "America's Finest City" for Riverside's rich history and promising future, trading surfboards for citrus groves. To ensure this life change is as smooth as possible, it's crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers, and that's where we step in, offering top-ranked relocation services vetted by our unbiased algorithm to give you peace of mind on this long-distance adventure.

Best San Diego to Riverside Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Little Guy Big Truck Moving9.69A+-Contact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
1st Choice Movers9.62FNot AuthorizedContact
Ready-to-go Movers9.61A+Not AuthorizedContact
24/7 Moving and Storage9.54A+Not AuthorizedContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to San Diego guide.

5 Best San Diego to Riverside Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Little Guy Big Truck Moving Logo
Exceptional9.69/10
based on 1,836+ data points

About Little Guy Big Truck Moving

Little Guy Big Truck Moving is a BBB-accredited, family-owned and operated business offering local and long-distance moving services at an a...Read More >>

Services

  • Affordable fast friendly movers
  • Local and long distance moving
  • Fully licensed and insured
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1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
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2
1st Choice Movers Logo
Exceptional9.62/10
based on 5,824+ data points

About 1st Choice Movers

With hundreds of satisfied customers, 1st Choice Movers is true to its name as a preferred local choice for moving and packing services in S...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2776935 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Ready-to-go Movers Logo
Exceptional9.61/10
based on 2,305+ data points

About Ready-to-go Movers

Ready To Go Movers lives up to its business name with emergency moving crews that are ready to provide moving services at a moment’s notice....Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/7/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2777901 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
24/7 Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional9.54/10
based on 6,386+ data points

About 24/7 Moving and Storage

This locally owned and operated moving company has been helping people in the San Diego area move since 2013. 24/7 Moving and Storage offers...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long distance moving services
  • Full service packing/moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2707732 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (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.

San Diego vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease the transition, we’ve crafted an informative guide designed to help you find a slice of home in a new place. We compare popular neighborhoods in San Diego, CA & Riverside, CA to identify the most similar areas in each city. This will introduce you to your new surroundings using your current city as a reference point.

San DiegoRiversideHow They're Similar
La JollaAlessandro HeightsUpscale, ocean views replaced by scenic hills
North ParkWood StreetsHistoric homes, vibrant community feel
Pacific BeachCanyon CrestYoung professionals, leisure activities
Gaslamp QuarterDowntown RiversideVibrant nightlife, historic buildings
Little ItalyMIssion Inn DistrictCultural hub, historic charm
HillcrestRiverside HeightsDiverse, inclusive community feel
CoronadoHawarden HillsExclusive, tranquil surroundings
Ocean BeachLa Sierra HillsLaid-back vibe, close to nature
Del MarOrangecrestFamily-friendly, recreational parks
Carmel ValleyVictoriaModern suburban living, good schools

In San Diego, the cosmopolitan atmosphere and stunning ocean views of La Jolla can be likened to the scenic, hilltop vistas of Alessandro Heights in Riverside, where upscale living is framed by breathtaking landscapes. If the historic charm and vibrant cultural scene of Little Italy captivate you, the Mission Inn District in Riverside offers a similarly rich cultural tapestry, enveloped in historic elegance. Meanwhile, the Ocean Beach community, known for its laid-back lifestyle and proximity to the water, finds its counterpart in La Sierra Hills, where a relaxed atmosphere and access to nature invite serene living. These comparisons aim to bridge the familiarity gap, making your transition smoother by connecting you to neighborhoods that reflect your lifestyle and preferences.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Riverside

Making the move from San Diego, CA to Riverside, CA requires a balanced look at what you're leaving behind and what awaits you. This comparison aims to provide a genuine reflection of San Diego vs. Riverside , weighing the bad against the good and vice versa . It’s essential to understand both sides to make an informed decision about your relocation.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Denser population
  • Competitive job market
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • More affordable housing
  • Less crowded
  • Emerging job opportunities
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Quieter nightlife
  • No beaches
  • More limited dining
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Diverse dining options

While San Diego is renowned for its vast beaches and vibrant nightlife, offering places like the Gaslamp Quarter for evenings out and La Jolla Shores for daytime relaxation, Riverside presents a different charm. It may not have the beaches, but it doesn't fall short on outdoor activities, with the stunning Mount Rubidoux Park providing excellent trails for hiking and scenic views. Dining in Riverside might seem more limited compared to San Diego's culinary scene, yet it boasts unique local gems like the Mission Inn Restaurant, which not only offers exquisite dishes but is also steeped in history. Although the nightlife in Riverside is quieter, it brings a sense of community with local events and family-oriented activities, making it a great place to call home.

San Diego vs. Riverside Food Guide

Understanding the culinary landscape of your future home is essential to truly embracing local culture and lifestyle. In this guide, we'll highlight the differences and similarities of the food scene, helping you savor the flavors of your new city. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Riverside to inform you better about where you're moving to.

San DiegoRiverside
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosAvocado Toast
Most popular meat dishCarne Asada BurritoSmoked BBQ Ribs
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoTacos
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • Hodad's
  • Phil's BBQ
  • The Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Tio's Tacos
  • Simple Simon's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring San Diego's food scene reveals a vibrancy and innovation alongside classic comforts. The iconic fish tacos, often found in the beach neighborhoods like La Jolla and Pacific Beach, offer a taste of local seafood flavors. For those seeking a meaty option, carne asada burritos are a staple in many Mexican eateries throughout the city. San Diego's high fitness and health conscientiousness reflects in its abundant vegan options, including jackfruit tacos that have become popular in the vegan community. Meanwhile, Riverside offers a more comfort-based culinary experience with smoked BBQ ribs and avocado toast reflecting the city's diverse and evolving palette. Riverside's food trucks and local eateries, like The Mission Inn Restaurant and Tio's Tacos, provide a canvas of flavors that paint the picture of Riverside's foodie scene. Whether you're moving to San Diego or Riverside, you're stepping into a world where food plays a central role in the community and culture.

San Diego vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, finding new favorite spots to dine can be as essential as finding the perfect home. That’s why this comparison between San Diego's top eateries and their Riverside counterparts aims to aid new residents in transitioning smoothly. By linking you to comparable restaurants, we help transform Riverside into your new culinary haven, using San Diego as a guide.

San DiegoRiversideWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyMario's PlaceHigh-end dining with innovative dishes
Phil's BBQBrewcaipa Brewing Co.Famous for BBQ and craft beers
Born & RaisedThe Salted PigOffers a similar upscale steak experience
Cafe 21Cafe SevillaComparable casual, global menu
Las Cuatro MilpasAnchos Southwest Grill & BarAuthentic, homestyle Mexican cuisine
Hodad'sBurger BossGrass-fed burgers with a cult following
PuestoLa BarcaModern Mexican eats with unique taco offerings
Extraordinary DessertsCasey's CupcakesDecadent, creative confections
Mitch's SeafoodMarket BroilerFresh, locally sourced seafood options
Pizza PortThe Big Cheese Pizza Co.Handcrafted pizzas in a laid-back setting

Discovering new dining experiences is part of the adventure of moving. For example, if you've enjoyed the high-end dining at Juniper & Ivy in San Diego, Mario's Place in Riverside will not disappoint. It's renowned for its innovative dishes and sophisticated atmosphere, closely mirroring the culinary journey Juniper & Ivy offers. On the casual side, Hodad's fans will be thrilled with Burger Boss in Riverside, celebrated for its grass-fed burgers and devoted following similar to Hodad's. Meanwhile, lovers of artisanal pizzas will find The Big Cheese Pizza Co.'s handcrafted pies and vibrant flavors a comforting reminder of Pizza Port's offerings. It's these culinary connections that can help make Riverside feel like home.

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Ready to start your move?

San Diego vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, evaluating the real estate market is crucial. Understanding how San Diego and Riverside compare in terms of housing can make all the difference in finding your perfect home. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences and similarities in their real estate markets.

ComparisonSan DiegoRiverside
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, ModernRanch, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Proximity to BeachLarge Lots, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

While both cities offer unique living experiences, key differences emerge in their real estate markets. San Diego's higher median home price and rent reflect its coastal premium, with properties often boasting ocean views and proximity to beaches, highlighted as desirable features in listings. In contrast, Riverside offers more affordable housing options, with a focus on spacious lots and family-friendly communities. The typical architecture styles also differ, with San Diego favoring Spanish Colonial and modern designs, while Riverside showcases Ranch and Craftsman styles, giving insight into each city's cultural and historical influences. When considering a move, it's important to weigh these factors against your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

1. Downtown Riverside: Known for its welcoming environment, Downtown Riverside boasts multiple dog-friendly establishments like Lakeside to Brambles, a specialized pet spa that offers grooming, therapy, and consultation services for your furry friends.

2. Wood Streets: This neighborhood is perfect for those who love to take regular strolls with their pets, thanks to its peaceful streets, beautiful architecture, and Wood Streets Green Team's community garden that includes dog-friendly spaces.

3. Canyon Crest: Canyon Crest stands out with its City of Riverside parks and recreational facilities such as Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, known for pet-friendly walking paths and trails where you can enjoy outdoor activities with your pets.

San Diego vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another means adjusting to new weather patterns. Understanding how the weather conditions in San Diego compare to Riverside is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison outlines significant weather-related differences to help you prepare for your move.

Summer icon
76°F / 68°F

San Diego, CA

94°F / 64°F

Riverside, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
65°F / 49°F

San Diego, CA

68°F / 43°F

Riverside, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
10.34

San Diego, CA

11.46

Riverside, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Diego, CA

0

Riverside, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan DiegoRiverside
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from San Diego to Riverside, you'll notice a stark difference in summer temperatures, with Riverside experiencing much higher highs. However, Riverside enjoys more days of sunshine annually, though it comes with lower humidity levels compared to San Diego. While both cities share risks of earthquakes and wildfires, Riverside's air quality may pose a concern due to its moderate rating, potentially affecting individuals with respiratory conditions. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your new environment in Riverside.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Riverside

When planning a move from one city to another, it’s crucial to understand how your finances might be affected. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in cost of living, taxes, and economic opportunities between San Diego and Riverside, helping you make an informed decision.

ComparisonSan DiegoRiverside
Avg. Household Income$93,042$76,558
Cost of Living Index132.3112.5
State Income TaxVaries by incomeVaries by income
Avg. Property Tax0.760.81
Avg. Sales Tax7.758.00
Top 3 IndustriesMilitary, Tourism, International TradeHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerately AffluentModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessSignificantNotable

Moving from San Diego to Riverside can notably influence your financial situation. The average household income is somewhat lower in Riverside, but the cost of living notably more affordable when compared to San Diego. Issues such as poverty and homelessness are prevalent in both cities, yet the change in the economic environment, from San Diego's military and tourism focus to Riverside's healthcare and manufacturing base, may present new job opportunities that may better suit your career path or personal goals. Understanding these dynamics can facilitate a smoother transition and set realistic expectations.

San Diego vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

As you prepare to move from San Diego to Riverside, CA, it's helpful to get a quick snapshot of the communities you're transitioning between. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between San Diego & Riverside along with a look at the religious landscape, offering insights into the typical makeup of the population in both cities.

San DiegoRiverside
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive tendenciesModerate to conservative
ReligionMix of secular and various religionsHigher religious engagement

San Diego and Riverside present contrasting environments reflecting their local cultural and political climates. San Diego leans more Democratic and has a progressive approach to local policies and politics, perhaps reflecting its coastal urban nature. On the other hand, Riverside has a reputation for leaning Republican with a moderate to conservative take on local issues, which may reflect the suburban and inland character of the city. In terms of religion, you may notice a more pronounced religious engagement among the Riverside community compared to a more diverse and secular stance in San Diego. This shift reflects not just a difference in belief systems but also underscores how community values influence local events and establishments.

San Diego vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can be a significant change, especially when it comes to your daily commute. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between San Diego & Riverside, ensuring you make an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonSan DiegoRiverside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2530
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible, but challengingDifficult

While both San Diego and Riverside offer unique experiences for residents, their transportation scenarios differ notably. San Diego, with its slightly better public transit system, makes commuting without a car somewhat feasible, especially if you live and work within the urban core or near bus and trolley lines. On the other hand, Riverside, characterized by its more spread-out nature and less dense public transit network, tends to necessitate having a car for most residents to navigate efficiently. Traffic congestion in San Diego is marginally higher than in Riverside, reflecting its denser urban environment and larger population. Understanding these dynamics can significantly impact your daily life and commute in your new city.

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