Best Raleigh to Grand Rapids Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Raleigh to Grand Rapids and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 828 mile move from North Carolina to Michigan go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Raleigh to Grand Rapids moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Raleigh compared to Grand Rapids. 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.
Best Raleigh to Grand Rapids Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
| 2 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Capital Moving & Storage | 9.26 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | MASS Movers | 9.02 | 9.15 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Kingsley Moving Systems | 8.97 | 9.19 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Raleigh to Grand Rapids
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 828 miles from Raleigh, NC to Grand Rapids, MI will cost on average $2,485 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Raleigh to Grand Rapids move is roughly $5,965. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,672 | 300 ft³ | 5.57 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,485 | 450 ft³ | 5.52 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,105 | 750 ft³ | 5.47 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,965 | 1100 ft³ | 5.42 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,597 | 1600 ft³ | 5.37 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,581 | 1800 ft³ | 5.32 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Grand Rapids to Raleigh guide.
Compare the 5 Best Raleigh to Grand Rapids Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Raleigh Moving Company
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
Athens Moving Experts
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving Experts6601 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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3205320 / 204920 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,000 (2021) |
Capital Moving & Storage
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3623752 / 1238777 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,504 (2023) |
MASS Movers
Lansing, MI, 48910
About MASS Movers
MASS Movers is a leading moving company in Lansing, MI. Established in 2016, this family-owned and operated business specializes in creating...
Services
- Packing Service
- Large Item Moving
- Small to Medium Business Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3333210 / 1062576 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 32,500 (2024) |
Kingsley Moving Systems
610 Detroit St
Lansing, MI, 48912
About Kingsley Moving Systems
Kingsley Moving Systems is an experienced moving company located in Lansing, Michigan with over 20 years in the moving industry. Its...
Services
- Local Moving
- Statewide Moving
- Interstate Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1890987 / 682343 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 140,000 (2023) |
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.
Raleigh vs. Grand Rapids Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be a monumental task, especially when you're not familiar with your new surroundings. Don't worry, we're here to help by offering a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Raleigh, NC & Grand Rapids, MI . If you're leaving behind a favorite Raleigh neighborhood, find out where you can discover similar vibes and community in Grand Rapids to make your transition as smooth as possible.
| Raleigh | Grand Rapids | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Five Points | Eastown | Eclectic, artsy atmosphere |
| North Hills | Heritage Hill | Urban feel, historic homes |
| Boylan Heights | Cherry Hill | Historic homes, community-centric |
| Cameron Village | East Grand Rapids | Shopping, walkable neighborhoods |
| Oberlin Village | Mulick Park | Historic significance, quiet living |
| Glenwood South | Midtown | Nightlife, young professionals |
| Brier Creek | Ada | Suburban feel, upscale amenities |
| Morson | Baxter | Diverse, revitalizing community |
| Hayes Barton | Ottawa Hills | Affluent, grand homes |
| Warehouse District | Heartside District | Artsy, dynamic urban area |
For those who love the vibrant, eclectic atmosphere of Five Points in Raleigh, you'll find a similar creative spirit in Grand Rapids' Eastown neighborhood. Eastown is home to unique local shops like Rebel, showcasing a blend of arts, culture, and commerce. If historic charm is more your style, Raleigh's Boylan Heights shares similarities with Grand Rapids' Cherry Hill, both offering stunning historic homes and a strong sense of community. Those moving from Raleigh's Glenwood South, known for its lively nightlife and dining, will enjoy Grand Rapids' Midtown with popular spots like The Pyramid Scheme for live music and local beer. Understanding these parallels can help make your transition from Raleigh to Grand Rapids feel a little more like coming home.
Things to Do in Grand Rapids
Explore the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park- Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Enjoy a show at DeVos Performance Hall
- Sample beer on the Beer City Ale Trail
- Stroll through Eastown neighborhood
- Attend a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game
- Canoe on the Grand River
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Raleigh to Grand Rapids
Moving from one city to another brings its own set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to give an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from Raleigh, NC to Grand Rapids, MI . By contrasting the pros and cons directly, you'll gain a clearer perspective on what to expect in your new city.
Raleigh, NC- Higher humidity
- Less snowy winters
- Fewer craft breweries
- Smaller tech hub
Grand Rapids, MI- Lower humidity
- Beautiful snowy landscape
- More craft breweries
- Larger tech hub
Grand Rapids, MI- Colder winters
- Smaller cultural scene
- Narrower job market
- Quieter nightlife
Raleigh, NC- Warm winters
- Rich cultural scene
- Larger job market
- Vibrant nightlife
While Raleigh boasts warmer winters that many find appealing, transitioning to Grand Rapids might require an update to your winter wardrobe to enjoy its picturesque snowy landscapes. The move could also resemble a cultural shift. Raleigh's vibrant cultural and nightlife scene, highlighted by venues like the Red Hat Amphitheater, contrasts with Grand Rapids, whose cultural scene is burgeoning but is celebrated for its focus on community and the arts with gems like the Grand Rapids Art Museum. However, Grand Rapids shines with its rich offerings for craft brewery enthusiasts, boasting a variety of local breweries such as Founders Brewing Co., thereby offering new experiences for those keen to explore the local tastes and flavors.
Raleigh vs. Grand Rapids Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Raleigh & Grand Rapids, highlighting an essential aspect of what makes each city unique. Understanding the food scene where you're moving to can significantly enrich your relocation experience, giving you a taste of the local culture and lifestyle ahead.
| Raleigh | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | North Carolina BBQ | Michigan Cherries |
| Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork | Smoked Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Vegan Chili |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
The food scene in Grand Rapids offers a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary flavors, making it an exciting place for new residents to explore. For instance, Michigan cherries, featured in various forms from fresh off the stem to incorporated in local dishes, symbolize the state's rich agricultural heritage. Smoked brisket, a favorite among meat lovers, can be savored at local BBQ joints dotted around neighborhoods like Eastown. Vegan residents will find comfort in Grand Rapids' growing vegan scene, with places like The Old Goat offering innovative dishes such as vegan chili. The city's food trucks and iconic restaurants, such as Founders Brewing Co., reflect its culinary diversity and commitment to satisfying a range of palates and preferences.
Raleigh vs. Grand Rapids Restaurant Comparison
When making a new city your home, discovering local eateries that align with your tastes can significantly enhance your settling-in experience. This restaurant comparison between Raleigh and Grand Rapids aims to ease your transition by guiding you to your next favorite dining spots, using your current culinary favorites as a benchmark.
| Raleigh | Grand Rapids | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Bida Manda | Grove | A farm-to-table experience reminiscent of Bida Manda’s fresh, authentic approach. |
| Poole's Diner | San Chez Bistro | Offering a cozy, eclectic vibe alongside a diverse, comfort-food menu similar to Poole's. |
| Brewery Bhavana | Harmony Brewing | Like Brewery Bhavana, it features craft beers and a unique menu in a convivial atmosphere. |
| Beasley's Chicken + Honey | Southern Fish Fry | Delivers Southern-style comfort food that rivals the homely vibe of Beasley's. |
| Garland | Terra GR | Known for its innovative and globally inspired dishes, offering an experience similar to Garland. |
| Crawford and Son | Reserve Wine & Food | High-end dining with a focus on detail and creativity akin to Crawford and Son. |
| Morgan Street Food Hall | Downtown Market | A multitude of food options in a communal setting, evoking the diversity of Morgan Street. |
| Angus Barn | Chop House | Offering a sophisticated steakhouse experience comparable to Angus Barn’s. |
| Sitti | Osteria Rossa | Italian cuisine with the same attention to authenticity and atmosphere as Sitti’s Lebanese fare. |
| Centro | Maru Sushi & Grill | While focusing on Japanese cuisine, Maru provides a modern dining experience similar to Centro’s Latin flair. |
In your quest to find dining experiences in Grand Rapids that echo your favorites in Raleigh, certain spots stand out for their unmatched ability to offer a slice of home. Grove, likened to Bida Manda, showcases the best of farm-to-table dining, capturing the essence of fresh, authentic flavors in every dish. For those who revel in the bustling ambiance and unique craft beers akin to Brewery Bhavana, Harmony Brewing is your go-to spot in Grand Rapids, assuring a familiar vibrancy coupled with innovative brews and bites. And when the craving for comforting, Southern flavors hits, Southern Fish Fry stands ready to fill the void left by Beasley's Chicken + Honey, offering a welcoming environment and dishes that'll take you straight back to Raleigh's warm, homely vibes.
Ready to start your move?
Raleigh vs. Grand Rapids Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscape between your current and future cities is crucial. This guide highlights key aspects of Raleigh, NC, and Grand Rapids, MI, offering valuable insights into housing characteristics like cost, style, and livability. Understanding these differences ensures you make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle.
| Comparison | Raleigh | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Prairie Style |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Community Pools, Granite Countertops | Hardwood Floors, Proximity to Breweries |
Both Raleigh and Grand Rapids offer distinct real estate benefits, depending on your priorities. Raleigh's Colonial Revival homes and community pools cater to those seeking a serene, suburban lifestyle. In contrast, Grand Rapids, known for its Prairie Style architecture and vibrant urban life, boasts proximity to renowned breweries and higher walkability scores. The choice between Raleigh’s slightly higher lifestyle cost and Grand Rapids’ more budget-friendly, yet lively, urban experience hinges on personal preferences around cost of living, architectural taste, and lifestyle priorities.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI
1. Eastown: Known for its vibrant community and walkability, you'll find pet-friendly cafes and a welcoming atmosphere in Eastown, making it a perfect place for pet owners.
2. Heritage Hill: With its spacious parks and historic charm, Heritage Hill offers plenty of green space for your pets to explore, alongside pet-friendly housing options.
3. Heartside: A bustling downtown neighborhood, Heartside stands out for its pet-friendly apartments and proximity to dog parks, ensuring your furry friends are always welcome.
Raleigh vs. Grand Rapids Weather Considerations
Moving from one region to another can significantly change your daily life, especially when it comes to the weather. Understanding how Raleigh's warmer, more humid climate compares to Grand Rapids' cooler, snowier weather is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you prepare for the different seasons and outdoor activities in your new home.
Raleigh, NC
Grand Rapids, MI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
Grand Rapids, MI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
Grand Rapids, MI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Raleigh, NC
Grand Rapids, MI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Raleigh | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
By comparing Raleigh and Grand Rapids, we notice significant differences, especially in winter weather and snowfall, which could impact your lifestyle and activities. While Raleigh enjoys a relatively mild winter with minimal snowfall, Grand Rapids experiences a much colder season with a significant amount of snow. This stark contrast means you’ll need to prepare for harsher winters and enjoy the unique winter sports opportunities available in Grand Rapids. The variation in sunshine days and UV index also suggests changes in daily routines, affecting everything from outdoor activities to your health and mood. Adapting to these changes can be an exciting part of your new adventure.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Raleigh to Grand Rapids
When planning a move from Raleigh, NC to Grand Rapids, MI, a key consideration should be how the cost of living and financial climate between Raleigh and Grand Rapids will impact your budget. It's crucial to examine differences in income, taxes, and overall affordability to adjust your financial planning accordingly.
| Comparison | Raleigh | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,612 | $59,596 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.2 | 90.7 |
| State Income Tax | 5.25 | 4.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.86 | 1.54 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25 | 6.00 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Education, Healthcare | Manufacturing, Education, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
In reviewing the financial aspects of moving from Raleigh to Grand Rapids, you'll notice a decreased average household income alongside a lower cost of living index in Grand Rapids. This suggests that while you might earn less, your dollar could stretch further in Grand Rapids than in Raleigh. The disparity in state income and property taxes between the two locations also influences take-home pay and housing costs, respectively. Additionally, the difference in top industries between the two cities hints at varying job market dynamics which could impact your employment opportunities. Understanding these variations will help you better prepare for your financial future in a new city.
Raleigh vs. Grand Rapids Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison offers a glimpse into the political and religious landscape of Raleigh, NC, and Grand Rapids, MI , providing you with a clear understanding of the makeup of the population in each city. Whether you're moving for work, family, or a change of scenery, these insights will help you get acquainted with your new home.
| Raleigh | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Swing City, historically leans Republican |
| Local Politics | Progressive on environmental and social issues | Conservative fiscal policies, but socially progressive trends |
| Religion | Primarily Protestant, significant Catholic presence | Strong Protestant presence, notably Reformed and Christian Reformed communities |
In more detail, Raleigh's political atmosphere is dominantly Democratic, which is reflected in its progressive stance on environmental and social policies. On the other hand, Grand Rapids presents an interesting juxtaposition of historically conservative fiscal approaches paired with a growing trend towards social progressivism. Religious makeup also differs significantly between the two cities, with Raleigh hosting a diverse Christian population, including Protestants and Catholics, and significant non-Christian communities. Grand Rapids, known for its deep-rooted Reformed Christian heritage, has a more homogenous religious landscape, which influences its cultural and social norms. Understanding these nuances will enhance your integration into your new city's community.
Raleigh vs. Grand Rapids Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When considering a move from Raleigh, NC to Grand Rapids, MI, it's crucial to understand how this relocation will impact your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Raleigh & Grand Rapids aims to equip you with insights to navigate your new city efficiently.
| Comparison | Raleigh | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 22 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Moderately Possible |
Moving from Raleigh to Grand Rapids, you'll notice differences in commuting times and traffic congestion, with Grand Rapids generally offering a slightly smoother experience. Despite Raleigh's growing infrastructure, its public transit options lag behind Grand Rapids, where you may find it easier to rely on buses and other public transportation methods. The dependency on a car varies between the two; while Raleigh's sprawling areas make it challenging to get by without a car, Grand Rapids presents a moderately possible scenario to navigate the city through its more connected public transit system.
Additional Resources
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Popular Raleigh to Michigan Routes
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