Best Durham to Alexandria Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Alexandria and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 255 mile move from North Carolina to Virginia go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 64 Durham to Alexandria 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 ARS Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Durham compared to Alexandria. 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 Durham to Alexandria Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1ARS Movers9.649.76Authorized For HHG
2Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHG
3Raleigh Moving Company9.449.6Active
4Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHG
5Capital Moving & Storage9.279.47Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Durham to Alexandria?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 255 miles from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA will cost on average $1,698 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Alexandria move is roughly $4,058. 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$1,145300 ft³$3.82
1 Bedroom$1,698450 ft³$3.77
2 Bedrooms$2,799750 ft³$3.73
3 Bedrooms$4,0581100 ft³$3.69
4 Bedrooms$5,8351600 ft³$3.65
5+ Bedrooms$6,4871800 ft³$3.60
*Please note: These North Carolina to Virginia moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & Virginia. 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 NC to VA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alexandria to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Alexandria Movers

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

ARS Movers Logo

ARS Movers

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 1,509+ data points

Herndon, VA, 20170

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a...

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,057+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 856+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

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
3
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 3,932+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

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
4
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 1,367+ data points

3450 Bush St Suite 245

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Capital Moving & Storage

Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (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.

Durham vs. Alexandria Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we offer a comparison of local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Alexandria, VA. This guide aims to help you find a new neighborhood in Alexandria that feels like home by matching you with areas similar to your favorite Durham locales.

DurhamAlexandriaHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkOld TownHistoric charm, community feel
WoodcroftKingstowneFamily-friendly, green spaces
American VillageDel RayLively, local shops and eateries
Duke ParkRosemontQuiet, near parks and transit
Hope ValleyBelle HavenUpscale, golf community
TreyburnMount VernonHistoric estates, scenic
BrightleafPotomac WestVibrant, close to amenities
RockwoodParkfairfaxQuiet, established neighborhood
Nine StreetsCameron StationPlanned, community oriented
Old North DurhamWest End AlexandriaCultural, diverse

For those charmed by the historic and community-focused vibe of Durham's Trinity Park, Old Town Alexandria will feel instantly familiar with its cobblestone streets and waterfront parks, such as Founders Park and Waterfront Park. Similarly, if you enjoy the local shops and vibrant eateries of American Village, Del Ray's Mount Vernon Avenue, with spots like The Stomping Ground for breakfast or coffee, will become your new go-to. Should your Durham days have been filled with visits to the Duke Park, Alexandria's Rosemont neighborhood, known for its proximity to parks such as Hooffs Run Park and Greenway, and easy access to King Street Metro, offers a similar laid-back environment, embedding a seamless transition for your recreational routines.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Alexandria

Moving from one city to another offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of both the good and bad aspects of relocating from Durham, NC, to Alexandria, VA. Our charts will compare the cons of Durham, NC, against the pros of Alexandria, VA, and vice versa, helping you weigh your options carefully.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Less walkability
  • Fewer cultural events
  • More suburban
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Temperate climate
  • High walkability
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Urban environment
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Higher living costs
  • Faster pace
  • Fewer parks
  • More transient
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower living costs
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Abundant green spaces
  • Strong local community

In Durham, the local community thrives with a laid-back lifestyle and a strong sense of belonging, largely attributed to its abundant green spaces like West Point on the Eno and the Durham Central Park. On the other hand, Alexandria offers a faster-paced, urban environment with a vibrant cultural scene. Places like Old Town Alexandria brim with history, boutique shops, and exquisite dining options, such as Waterfront dining by ARP. Alexandria's walkability allows residents to explore an array of cultural events, historic sites, and waterfront activities, presenting a dynamic lifestyle albeit at a higher living cost.

Durham vs. Alexandria Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & Alexandria, outlying the significant aspects of what makes the food scene unique in each city. Knowing your new local cuisine is an essential step towards immersing yourself in the cultural fabric of where you'll be living.

Durham
Alexandria
Most iconic local food item
North Carolina BBQ
Shrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dish
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Lamb Shawarma
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Falafel
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Barbecue
Vegan Mediterranean Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Rose's Noodles
  • Bull City Burger and Brewery
  • Restaurant Eve
  • Hank's Oyster Bar
  • Virtue Feed & Grain
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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When moving to Alexandria, you’ll find an eclectic mix of culinary delights that reflect its historic roots and contemporary influence. Shrimp and grits, a Southern classic, can be enjoyed at many local establishments, notably Restaurant Eve for a refined take. The city’s lamb shawarma reflects a strong Middle Eastern influence, best experienced in the bustling neighborhoods of Old Town. Alexandria’s commitment to diverse and health-conscious options is evident in its vegan and vegetarian offerings, with Hank's Oyster Bar and others providing innovative plant-based dishes. The food scene here warmly embraces both tradition and modern trends, making it a delightful culinary journey for newcomers.

Durham vs. Alexandria Restaurant Comparison

Understanding the importance of food in making a location feel like home is crucial when relocating. This restaurant comparison chart will assist in transitioning from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA , by identifying equivalents to your favorite dining spots. Discover your next go-to eateries with ease.

DurhamAlexandriaWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasBrabo Tasting RoomOffers a European flair with a focus on Belgian cuisine, mirroring Mateo's Spanish tapas experience.
Pizzeria ToroDel Ray PizzeriaKnown for their artisan pizzas, similar in spirit to Pizzeria Toro's wood-fired offerings.
Bull City Burger and BreweryPort City BrewingWhile primarily a brewery, it offers food trucks and events, akin to Bull City's brewpub vibe.
Dame's Chicken & WafflesHen QuarterSouthern comfort food with an upscale twist, echoing Dame's soul food classics.
Nana's RestaurantVermilionOffers farm-to-table new American cuisine, reminiscent of Nana's focus on quality ingredients and sophisticated dishes.
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenLena's Wood-Fired Pizza & TapThough more Italian-focused, Lena's offers a similar European café atmosphere with an emphasis on quality baked goods.
SushiokiMomo Sushi & CafeOffers a variety of fresh sushi rolls and Japanese dishes, catering to the same audience as Sushioki.
Foster's MarketStomping GroundKnown for its locally sourced, home-cooked meals, it shares Foster's commitment to community and quality ingredients.
The Saltbox Seafood JointWharfside Seafood GrilleBoth specialize in fresh, locally-sourced seafood with a menu that changes based on availability.
LocopopsDolci GelatiThough focused on gelato, offers a similar artisan approach to sweet treats, reminiscent of Locopops' gourmet popsicles.

When exploring Alexandria's culinary scene, look no further than Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap for a cozy European café vibe, bringing a slice of Durham's beloved Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten atmosphere to Virginia. For those missing Dame's soulful comfort food, Hen Quarter will satiate your cravings with its upscale Southern cuisine, offering a thoughtful twist on classics. Meanwhile, sushi enthusiasts will appreciate Momo Sushi & Cafe, bearing a resemblance to Sushioki's inventive rolls and Japanese fare. These carefully selected Alexandria restaurants not only promise to replicate the essence of your Durham favorites but also invite you to embrace the local flavors of your new city.

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Durham vs. Alexandria Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is vital when relocating. Knowing how Durham, NC, and Alexandria, VA compare in housing costs, styles, and livability helps you make an informed decision. This comparison aims to give a clear perspective on each city's real estate landscape to ease your transition.

Durham
Alexandria
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch, Colonial
Colonial, Townhouse
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, Proximity to Duke University
Historic charm, Proximity to Washington, D.C.

In comparing the elements listed, several distinctions stand out. Alexandria, with its higher median home price and rent, reflects it's closer proximity to the urban sprawl of Washington, D.C., offering a more urban lifestyle as indicated by its higher urban lifestyle score. This is further exemplified through its better walkability and bikeability scores, making it favorable for those preferring to minimize car usage. Meanwhile, Durham presents a more affordable option, with its real estate listings often highlighting spacious yards, an appealing feature for families or those seeking more living space. The architecture in both cities leans towards Colonial, yet Durham also showcases a significant number of Ranch-style homes, giving potential homeowners a variety of options to choose from based on their architectural preferences.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA

1. Del Ray : You will love Del Ray for its walkable streets and numerous pet-friendly parks and cafes.

2. Old Town : This neighborhood is perfect for you and your pet with its scenic waterfront paths and dog-friendly events.

3. Rosemont : Rosemont offers you ample green spaces and a community spirit that warmly welcomes pets into its fold.

Durham vs. Alexandria Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Durham, NC, to Alexandria, VA, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This guide aims to highlight how the climate varies between these two locations, shedding light on what adjustments may be necessary. With weather comparisons between Durham and Alexandria , this section provides insights into average temperatures, rainfall, and more to prepare you for your new environment.

Durham
Alexandria
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
Hurricanes, Tornadoes
Hurricanes, Winter Storms
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/68
88/71
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

51/32
44/29


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

47.8"
43.4"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

4.3"
15.4"


In comparison, Durham offers slightly warmer winters and more days of sunshine, which can be a significant factor for those accustomed to vibrant, sunny days. However, it's Alexandria that experiences a greater degree of snowfall, a factor that might necessitate a winter wardrobe refresh and possibly adopting new commuting habits in snowy conditions. Though both cities are similar in terms of annual humidity and UV index, Alexandria's slightly more moderate summer temperatures might be a relief during the hot months. Additionally, the presence of different predominant seasonal allergies in each city highlights the need for newcomers to Alexandria to potentially revise their allergy management strategies.

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

When planning a move from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA, understanding the financial implications is crucial. Comparing the cost of living, tax rates, and economic conditions between Durham and Alexandria helps you make informed decisions about your relocation. Here's a snapshot of how these two cities differ financially.

Durham
Alexandria
Avg. Household Income
$71,343
$101,162
Cost of Living Index
96.6
140.1
State Income Tax
5.25
5.75
Avg. Property Tax
0.84
0.99
Avg. Sales Tax
7.5
6
Top 3 Industries
Education, Health, Biotechnology
Government, Defense, Technology
Affluence
Emerging
Affluent
Poverty
Moderate
Lower
Homelessness
Concerning
Managed

Despite Durham's growing economy, Alexandria offers higher average household incomes, which is reflective of its higher cost of living index. However, Alexandria's property and state income tax rates are slightly higher, a consideration for those pondering the move. The distinct top industries in each city—Durham's focus on education and biotech versus Alexandria's government and defense sectors—highlight economic opportunities and possible career paths. While both cities have their own challenges with poverty and homelessness, the data suggests Alexandria manages these issues more effectively, potentially offering a higher quality of life. Moving from Durham to Alexandria, you'll encounter different financial landscapes, but understanding these nuances ensures a smoother transition.

Durham vs. Alexandria Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA brings changes in scenery, lifestyle, and communities. This quick comparison provides a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Durham & Alexandria . It offers insights into what you might expect from your new neighbors and the local atmosphere.

Durham
Alexandria
Political Make-up
Liberal-leaning
Liberal-leaning
Local Politics
Active community engagement
High voter turnout with strong civic participation
Religion
Christian majority with diverse religious communities
Christian majority with a blend of other faiths

Both Durham and Alexandria boast a liberal-leaning populace, which could provide a smooth transition for you in terms of political climate. However, you might find Alexandria's political scene to be more vibrant, characterized by its high voter turnout and robust civic participation. This reflects a highly engaged community that values political involvement and public discourse. On the religious front, both cities host a Christian majority alongside a spectrum of other faiths, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. This comparison suggests a welcoming atmosphere where you can find common ground and engage in meaningful community and civic activities.

Durham vs. Alexandria Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

As you consider the move from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA, it's essential to understand how your daily commute might change. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham & Alexandria aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of travel times, congestion, and public transit availability in your new city.

Durham
Alexandria
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22
30
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
3 out of 10
8 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Challenging
Easier

Digging deeper into the comparison, it's clear that while Durham offers a relatively shorter average commute time, it lacks when it comes to public transportation options. For those used to driving in Durham, the idea of shifting to a more public transit-reliant lifestyle in Alexandria might seem daunting at first. However, Alexandria's robust public transit system, including its Metro services and DASH bus lines, makes getting around without a car much more feasible than in Durham. This could be a significant change for you, offering not only a different way to commute but also a chance to explore the city in a way you might not have considered before.

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