Best Fort Collins to Riverside Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Fort Collins to Riverside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,043 mile move from Colorado to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Fort Collins to Riverside moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Pure Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Fort Collins compared to Riverside. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Fort Collins to Riverside Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
2Terry Moving & Storage9.379.2Authorized For HHG
3The Move Caddies9.229.41Authorized For HHG
4Two College Movers8.788.72Authorized For Property, HHG
5American Moving & Storage8.538.25Active
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Fort Collins to Riverside?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,043 miles from Fort Collins, CO to Riverside, CA will cost on average $2,668 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Fort Collins to Riverside move is roughly $6,412. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,794300 ft³$5.98
1 Bedroom$2,668450 ft³$5.93
2 Bedrooms$4,409750 ft³$5.88
3 Bedrooms$6,4121100 ft³$5.83
4 Bedrooms$9,2471600 ft³$5.78
5+ Bedrooms$10,3131800 ft³$5.73
*Please note: These Colorado to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Colorado & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CO to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Fort Collins guide.

Compare the 5 Best Fort Collins to Riverside Movers

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

Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

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

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 2,011+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
The Move Caddies Logo

The Move Caddies

Exceptional9.22/10
based on 726+ data points

6410 S College Ave Suite A

Fort Collins, CO, 80525

About The Move Caddies

The Move Caddies is a trusted local moving company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, offering a tailor-made moving experience to suit...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Specialty or bulk item moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3804487 / 1370592

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Two College Movers Logo

Two College Movers

Superb8.78/10
based on 903+ data points

2217 Airway Ave # 6

Fort Collins, CO, 80524

About Two College Movers

Two College Movers has been serving the communities of Fort Collins, Windsor, Loveland, and Cheyenne since 2010. These movers will expedite...

Services

  • Full Service Move
  • Labor Only Move
  • Residential & Commercial Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2493028 / 887369

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved221,000 (2013)
View Full Review
4
American Moving & Storage Logo

American Moving & Storage

Fabulous8.53/10
based on 1,527+ data points

2750 Industrial Ln

Broomfield, CO, 80020

About American Moving & Storage

As a local interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines, American Moving is regularly referred by real estate agents, professional organizers, and...

Services

  • -Local moving service
  • -Interstate moving
  • -Home packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/7/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3016747 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2018)
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.

Fort Collins vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be a daunting journey, especially when moving to a city unfamiliar to you. To ease this transition, we've drawn parallels between popular neighborhoods in Fort Collins, CO & Riverside, CA. This comparison aims to help you find a new community that feels like home by using what you already know as a baseline.

Fort CollinsRiversideHow They're Similar
Old TownRiverside DowntownVibrant, historical center
City ParkWood StreetsFamily-friendly with historic charm
Harmony CrossingCanyon CrestAffluent, with ample amenities
Rigden FarmOrangecrestSuburban, family-oriented
Fossil LakeAlessandro HeightsExclusive, upscale living
HarmonyVictoriaWell-established, with green spaces
ParkwoodLa SierraDiverse, with community parks
CollindaleHawarden HillsQuiet, with scenic views
BuckinghamMission GroveSpacious, with leisure options
Troutman ParkSycamore Canyon ParkNatural setting, family-friendly

Getting to know your surroundings is key to feeling at home in a new city. If you have loved the historic charm and lively vibe of Old Town in Fort Collins, the Downtown area of Riverside, with its own vibrant history and bustling streets, will feel familiar. For those who enjoyed the community and family-oriented feel of Rigden Farm, Orangecrest in Riverside offers a similar suburban feel, known for its great schools and spacious parks like Orange Terrace Park. Harmony in Fort Collins, known for its well-established neighborhoods and green spaces, finds its counterpart in Riverside's Victoria area, offering a similar blend of mature landscapes and recreational parks, such as the Victoria Club. Each of these Riverside neighborhoods brings a piece of what you might have loved in Fort Collins, from the family-friendly atmospheres and community engagements to exclusive, upscale living.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Fort Collins to Riverside

Making the move from Fort Collins, CO to Riverside, CA involves weighing various factors. This comparison aims to highlight the cons and pros of relocating from Fort Collins to Riverside, offering an honest reflection of the beneficial and less advantageous aspects of such a transition.

CONs
PROs
Fort Collins, CO iconFort Collins, CO
  • Colder winters
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Smaller city feel
  • Far from beaches
  • Higher elevation
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Warmer winters
  • More cultural diversity
  • Larger urban area
  • Close to beaches
  • Lower elevation
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Less greenery
  • Less outdoor diversity
  • More traffic
  • Bigger population
  • Poorer air quality
Fort Collins, CO iconFort Collins, CO
  • Mountain scenery
  • Outdoor activities
  • Less traffic
  • Smaller community
  • Better air quality

Moving from Fort Collins to Riverside introduces you to a vibrant cultural mosaic, a trait highlighted by Riverside's downtown area bustling with festivals and markets, such as the annual Festival of Lights. The warmer winters in Riverside mean outdoor dining year-round at spots like The Mission Inn Restaurant, a stark contrast to the often snowy scenes of Fort Collins. While you might miss the sweeping views and easy access to trails in the Rocky Mountains, Riverside caters to outdoor enthusiasts with its own set of natural attractions, including the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park—a green haven in an urban setting. Adapting to the larger population and traffic may require time, but the payoff includes broader employment opportunities and increased accessibility to Southern California's myriad beaches and entertainment venues.

Fort Collins vs. Riverside Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Fort Collins & Riverside, highlighting the importance of food in understanding the cultural and lifestyle nuances of a new location. By examining the food scene, you can get a feel for what life will be like where you're moving to.

Fort Collins
Riverside
Most iconic local food item
Rocky Mountain Oysters
Avocado Toast
Most popular meat dish
Bison Burgers
Taco de Asada
Most popular street food item
Breakfast Burrito
Street Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Tofu Scramble
Vegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Emporium
  • Rare Italian
  • Waltzing Kangaroo
  • The Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Tio's Tacos
  • Simple Simon's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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Exploring Fort Collins and Riverside through their food scenes reveals distinct local flavors and dining experiences. In Fort Collins, the adventurous can try Rocky Mountain Oysters at The Emporium, reflecting Colorado's ranching heritage, or indulge in a Bison Burger for a taste of the wild. Riverside, with its plentiful avocado groves, elevates Avocado Toast to an art form, found at popular spots like The Mission Inn Restaurant. The city's close proximity to Mexico influences its street food scene, with Taco de Asada and Vegan Tacos being city favorites. Riverside also stands out for its vegan-friendliness, offering a wider variety of plant-based options than one might find in Fort Collins, showcasing California's leading role in health-conscious, sustainable dining.

Fort Collins vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

Finding your culinary comfort zones in a new city can be a delightful adventure. This guide compares top restaurants in Fort Collins, CO to their Riverside, CA equivalents, aiding you in discovering new favorite eateries that resonate with your tastes and make you feel at home.

Fort CollinsRiversideWhat You'll Love
Choice City Butcher & DeliSimple Simon'sTraditional deli offerings with a commitment to quality.
The Silver Grill CafeThe Salted PigA brunch spot with a long-standing reputation and unique dishes.
Rare ItalianMario's PlaceAuthentic Italian with a fine dining ambiance.
The Farmhouse at Jessup FarmThe Farm Artisan FoodsLocally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine in a rustic setting.
Blue Agave GrillAnchos Southwest Grill & BarOffers a vibrant selection of Southwestern and Mexican dishes.
Jax Fish House Fort CollinsMarket BroilerFresh seafood options with a maritime vibe similar to Jax.
Lucile's Creole CafeBeadlesA quaint spot for Creole and Cajun classics.
Odell Brewing Co.Wicks BrewingCraft brewery with a focus on community and unique beers.
Snooze, an A.M. EaterySimple Simon'sKnown for outstanding breakfast and brunch, much like Snooze.
Taqueria Los ComalesTio's TacosAuthentic Mexican street food with a creative flair.

For those who cherish a quality brunch, The Salted Pig in Riverside mirrors the charm and culinary creativity of The Silver Grill Cafe in Fort Collins - both are spots where the community gathers to enjoy inventive dishes in a cozy environment. Meanwhile, lovers of Italian cuisine will appreciate Mario's Place in Riverside, offering a dining experience as rich and satisfying as Rare Italian in Fort Collins, with both establishments priding themselves on authentic flavors and fine dining atmospheres. On the brewery front, Wicks Brewing serves as a close counterpart to Odell Brewing Co., encapsulating the essence of local craft beer culture with a variety of unique brews that cater to aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

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Fort Collins vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when contemplating a move. Understanding how Fort Collins, CO and Riverside, CA compare in terms of housing costs, style, and lifestyle amenities can greatly inform your decision-making process. This concise comparison aims to illuminate these vital aspects.

Fort Collins
Riverside
Typical Architecture Style
Craftsman, Ranch
Spanish Revival, Ranch
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Proximity to nature, Open floor plans
Historic features, Large lots

When dissecting the differences between Fort Collins and Riverside, it's apparent that while slightly more affordable housing can be found in Fort Collins, Riverside compensates with its unique architectural styles, specifically the Spanish Revival homes that highlight its rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Fort Collins outshines with a higher bikeability score, indicative of a city that's highly accommodating towards cyclists, underpinning the city's commitment to sustainability and active living. On the other hand, Riverside's real estate listings frequently boast of historic features and large lots, catering to those who value space and history. Both cities offer unique advantages, setting the stage for a lifestyle that can be both varied and rich, depending on personal preferences and priorities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

1. Canyon Crest : You’ll love the abundant parks and green spaces perfect for walking your pet, along with many pet-friendly apartment complexes.

2. Orangecrest : Your furry friend will enjoy extensive walking trails and a welcoming community with several pet-friendly establishments.

3. Mission Grove : Experience a pet-friendly atmosphere with dedicated dog parks and a vibrant community that hosts pet-related events.

Fort Collins vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another requires understanding how the weather differs from what you’re accustomed to. It's crucial to compare Fort Collins, CO, and Riverside, CA to grasp the change in climate you will experience. This comparison will help you prepare for the transition.

Fort Collins
Riverside
Days of Sunshine per Year
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Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
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Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Fires
Earthquakes, Fires
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 55°F
94°F / 64°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

45°F / 15°F
68°F / 43°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

16
12
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

48
0


When considering the move from Fort Collins to Riverside, take note of Riverside's noticeably warmer summer temperatures and milder winters, which may require a shift in your clothing and cooling strategies at home. Riverside enjoys more sunny days per year, meaning more opportunities for outdoor activities. However, its higher UV index and prevalence of different allergens might necessitate adjustments in your daily skincare and health management routines. Though both cities face the risk of natural disasters, the types differ, so familiarizing yourself with earthquake preparedness is advisable upon moving to Riverside.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Fort Collins to Riverside

Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Riverside, CA brings financial implications that can significantly affect your lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living, taxes, and housing expenses in these cities is essential for a smooth transition.

Fort Collins
Riverside
Avg. Household Income
$73,945
$76,558
Cost of Living Index
98.3
112.5
State Income Tax
4.63
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.52
0.79
Avg. Sales Tax
7.55
8.75
Top 3 Industries
Tech, Education, Healthcare
Manufacturing, Education, Healthcare
Affluence
Moderate
Varied
Poverty
Lower than national avg
Higher than national avg
Homelessness
Minimal
Significant

While both Fort Collins and Riverside boast dynamic economies with a strong presence in education and healthcare, nuances in their financial landscapes are worth noting. Riverside's higher cost of living index and state income tax speak to California's broader financial environment, which can be more taxing on your wallet. However, it's also noteworthy that despite these expenses, Riverside demonstrates a vibrant, though varied, level of affluence, possibly due to its proximity to other economic hubs in Southern California. Comparatively, Fort Collins presents a more affordable option, with a lower cost of living index and favorable tax rates, which may appeal to those looking for a balance between a healthy financial life and access to quality amenities.

Fort Collins vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Fort Collins, CO to Riverside, CA, understanding the local environment is key. This quick comparison offers a snapshot of the comparison of the politics between Fort Collins & Riverside , as well as a look into the religious landscape of each city. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview to help you get acquainted with your new home.

Fort Collins
Riverside
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Lean Democratic
Local Politics
Environmental issues and green energy prioritized
Economic development and job creation emphasized
Religion
Diverse, with a significant Christian community
Diverse, with noticeable Christian and Islamic communities

Moving from Fort Collins to Riverside, you'll find both cities share a Democratic political lean. However, the local political focus shifts from environmental initiatives in Fort Collins to economic drive and job creation in Riverside. Although both locations boast a diverse religious landscape, Fort Collins has a predominantly Christian community while Riverside displays a more varied religious presence, including a noticeable Islamic community. This tapestry of politics and faith creates unique climates in each city that could affect your social and communal interactions after the move.

Fort Collins vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving to a new city often comes with the challenge of navigating a different commuting landscape. This guide is designed to help you compare the traffic and transportation options between Fort Collins, CO & Riverside, CA, giving you a better understanding of what your daily commute and traffic encounters might be like.

Fort Collins
Riverside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
20
30
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possible, but challenging
Challenging

While both Fort Collins and Riverside offer public transit options, the efficiency and convenience might vary based on your exact location within the cities. In Fort Collins, the average commute time is notably shorter, which may reflect the city's less congested traffic conditions compared to Riverside. Although the availability of public transit scores the same in both cities, navigating Riverside without a car can be particularly challenging due to its larger geographic size and higher traffic congestion. These factors contribute significantly to Riverside's longer average commute time. Understanding these differences can help you plan your daily routes and transportation methods more effectively after your move.

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