Best Chattanooga to Riverside Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Chattanooga to Riverside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,204 mile move from Tennessee to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Chattanooga 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 $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chattanooga 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.

Best Chattanooga to Riverside Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Terry Moving & Storage | 9.36 | 9.2 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Boundless Moving & Storage | 9.33 | 9.36 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
4 | Smooth Moving & Storage | 8.93 | 8.63 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Piano Movers Plus | 8.83 | 8.17 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Chattanooga to Riverside
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,204 miles from Chattanooga, TN to Riverside, CA will cost on average $3,655 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chattanooga to Riverside move is roughly $8,826. 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 | $2,452 | 300 ft³ | 8.17 |
1 Bedroom | $3,655 | 450 ft³ | 8.12 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,055 | 750 ft³ | 8.07 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,826 | 1100 ft³ | 8.02 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,757 | 1600 ft³ | 7.97 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,262 | 1800 ft³ | 7.92 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Chattanooga guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chattanooga to Riverside Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pure Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |

Terry Moving & Storage
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 649215 / 306297 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 11 |
Registered Drivers | 11 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 315,000 (2022) |

Boundless Moving & Storage
5595 N. Lee Hwy
Cleveland, TN, 37312
About Boundless Moving & Storage
Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2798532 / 934519 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 358,520 (2022) |

Smooth Moving & Storage
3620 Trousdale Dr
Nashville, TN, 37204
About Smooth Moving & Storage
Smooth Moving & Storage is a full-service moving and storage company based in Nashville, Tennessee, offering professional, reliable, and stress-free moving...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Residential moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2472874 / 1244900 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2023) |
Piano Movers Plus
3889 Hixson Pike
Chattanooga, TN, 37415
About Piano Movers Plus
Piano Movers Plus is a locally owned and operated moving company based in Chattanooga, TN, serving the surrounding cities such as...
Services
- Damage free piano moving
- Hard to move items moving
- Household moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 849413 / 393793 Authorized For HHG Carrier/Shipper |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 184,000 (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.
Chattanooga vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison
Moving between cities can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new neighborhood options. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chattanooga, TN & Riverside, CA. By identifying neighborhoods in Chattanooga and matching them with their Riverside counterparts, we hope to help you find a new area that feels like home.
Chattanooga | Riverside | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
North Shore | Canyon Crest | Family-friendly with scenic views |
St. Elmo | Wood Streets | Historic homes and tight-knit community |
Downtown | Downtown Riverside | Vibrant city life, cultural landmarks |
Southside | Arlington Heights | Artsy and eclectic with local eateries |
Signal Mountain | Alessandro Heights | Exclusive, with larger properties |
East Brainerd | Orangecrest | Suburban feel, great schools |
Red Bank | La Sierra | Diverse community, shopping options |
Hixson | Mission Grove | Family-oriented, spacious parks |
Lookout Mountain | Hawarden Hills | Panoramic views, exclusive homes |
Ooltewah | Victoria | Growing area, new developments |
For those accustomed to the vibrant life and cultural landmarks of Downtown Chattanooga, Downtown Riverside offers a seamless transition with its array of museums, arts, and entertainment, including the historic Mission Inn and the Riverside Art Museum. If you enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and scenic views of the North Shore, Canyon Crest in Riverside provides a similar vibe, complete with access to breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. For lovers of historic neighborhoods like St. Elmo, Riverside's Wood Streets offers the charm of historic homes and a tight-knit community feel, making it an easy place to settle into and call home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chattanooga to Riverside
Moving can be an adventure, filled with excitement and uncertainty. This comparative guide aims to shine a light on both the challenges and opportunities you'll face when relocating from Chattanooga, TN to Riverside, CA. By weighing the pros against the cons, you will be better prepared to make an informed decision about your big move.
- Humid summers
- Smaller city vibe
- Less diverse economy
- Far from beaches
- Dry climate
- Larger urban area
- Greater job opportunities
- Closer to beaches
- Higher cost of living
- Urban landscape
- Less personal vibe
- Less greenery
- Lower cost of living
- Gorgeous mountain views
- Close-knit community
- Abundant green spaces
While Riverside, CA, boasts a drier climate that many find more comfortable than the humid summers of Chattanooga, TN, it's essential to consider the lifestyle changes that accompany a move to a larger, more urban area. In Riverside, you'll discover a wealth of job opportunities, especially in industries not as prevalent in Chattanooga. Despite the higher cost of living, Riverside is closer to iconic beaches like Laguna Beach, offering a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. However, Chattanooga's close-knit community and green spaces, such as the scenic Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, have their own charm. Meanwhile, Riverside's vibrant, diverse economy is attractive, offering a variety of employment options and cultural experiences, with neighborhoods like Downtown Riverside providing a bustling backdrop for new residents.
Chattanooga vs. Riverside Food Guide
Understanding the local cuisine is crucial to getting a real feel for a new city. Food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. To aid in your upcoming move, we present a comparison of the local cuisine between Chattanooga, TN & Riverside, CA , so you can be better informed about the food scene in your new home.
Chattanooga | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chattanooga MoonPie | Avocado on everything |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled pork BBQ | Carne Asada |
Most popular street food item | Hot Chicken | Street Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich | Vegan Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Chattanooga, the culinary scene is strongly influenced by Southern cuisine, with iconic items like the Chattanooga MoonPie and Pulled Pork BBQ. Hot Chicken, a local favorite, can be found in various eateries around town. For those seeking plant-based options, BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches reflect the city's adaptiveness to modern tastes. On the other hand, Riverside, CA, embraces its rich agricultural heritage, notably avocados, and has a strong presence of Mexican cuisine, evident in its love for Carne Asada and Street Tacos. The abundance of food trucks and vegan-friendly options in Riverside speaks to its diverse and health-conscious foodie scene, where restaurants like Tio's Tacos and The Salted Pig have become staples. Both cities have unique culinary identities worth exploring, making them exciting for any food enthusiast moving to the area.
Chattanooga vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. If you're moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Riverside, CA, this restaurant comparison aims to help you find your new favorite dining spots by aligning them with your cherished eateries back home.
Chattanooga | Riverside | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Alleia | Mario's Place | Both offer an upscale dining experience with a focus on Italian cuisine. |
Easy Bistro & Bar | Salt+Light Coffeehouse | Refined yet casual dining with a focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. |
Public House | The Salted Pig | Both have a gastropub vibe with a dedication to craft beers and hearty, upscale American fare. |
St. John's Restaurant | Le Chat Noir | Elegant dining with an emphasis on fine wines and French-inspired cuisine, mirroring St. John's attention to culinary excellence. |
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar | Market Broiler | Providing a fresh, maritime dining experience that fish and seafood lovers will equally appreciate. |
Uncle Larry's Restaurant | Smitty's Bistro | Soul food and comfort dishes that resonate with the home-cooked flavors found at Uncle Larry’s. |
Terminal Brewhouse | Wicks Brewing | Both are microbreweries that offer a strong selection of house-made beers and a casual, inviting atmosphere. |
Taqueros | Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar | Showcasing a commitment to authentic flavors and dishes that celebrate Mexican cuisine. |
Champy's Famous Fried Chicken | BBQ Chicken | Though specializing in Korean-style fried chicken, BBQ Chicken delivers on the crispy, juicy flavors that Champy's aficionados love. |
Main Street Meats | The Butcher's Block | Both are known for their focus on locally sourced meats, artisanal butcher services, and unique, savory dishes. |
In your quest for familiar flavors in a new city, you'll find Riverside's restaurant scene both unique and reassuringly familiar. Whether it's the intimate, meticulously prepared Italian dishes at Mario's Place, mirroring the upscale dining experience of Alleia, or the artisanal, locally sourced meats from The Butcher's Block that remind you of Main Street Meats, Riverside offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights. For those who appreciate a hearty, American gastropub experience, The Salted Pig echoes the vibe and flavors found in Chattanooga's own Public House, while seafood enthusiasts will feel right at home at Market Broiler, with its fresh catches and maritime ambiance akin to the Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar. Embarking on this new chapter in Riverside, you're sure to discover dining experiences that resonate with your Chattanooga favorites, making the transition a delicious journey.

Ready to start your move?
Chattanooga vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most crucial aspects when planning a move. Understanding how the housing markets of Chattanooga, TN and Riverside, CA compare can significantly impact your decision-making process. This comparison delves into cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help orient your choices.
Comparison | Chattanooga | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Colonial | Spanish Revival, Ranch |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, mountain views | Proximity to Los Angeles, energy efficiency |
In Chattanooga, the housing market is characterized by its affordability with a median home price significantly lower than Riverside. It’s common to find homes with large yards and scenic mountain views, reflecting the city's close connection to nature. Conversely, Riverside’s market trends towards higher home prices and rent, influenced by its proximity to Los Angeles. The architecture in Riverside often features Spanish Revival and Ranch styles, with an increased emphasis on energy efficiency in listings. Both cities offer unique lifestyles with Riverside scoring higher in walkability and bikeability, illustrating its more urban environment.

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.
Chattanooga vs. Riverside Weather Considerations
When relocating, it's essential to understand how the weather in Chattanooga compares to Riverside to ensure you're prepared for the changes. This comparison aims to outline the key weather differences you'll experience in your new home.
Chattanooga, TN
Riverside, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chattanooga, TN
Riverside, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chattanooga, TN
Riverside, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chattanooga, TN
Riverside, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Chattanooga | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Storms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Chattanooga to Riverside, you're not only transitioning to a drier climate but also to one with considerably more sunshine throughout the year. Riverside boasts approximately 277 sunny days, significantly higher than Chattanooga's 210, which contributes to its higher average UV index. This could mean revising your daily sun protection routine. The stark contrast in annual humidity levels - with Riverside at a lower 33% compared to Chattanooga's 70% - might also affect your comfort and require adjustments in your lifestyle. Understanding these differences is crucial for a smoother adaptation to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chattanooga to Riverside
If you're transitioning from one city to another, grasping the financial implications between Chattanooga, TN and Riverside, CA is crucial. This comparison aims to enlighten you on various money and finance aspects, assisting in a smoother adjustment to your new living standards.
Comparison | Chattanooga | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,065 | $76,558 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.1 | 112.5 |
State Income Tax | 1 (Interest and Dividends only) | 9.3 (varies by income level) |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.75 | 0.79 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25 | 8.75 |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education | Public Administration, Healthcare, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Noticeable | Lesser |
Homelessness | Concerning | Significant |
When comparing Chattanooga and Riverside, it's important to note the stark differences in the cost of living index and average household income. Riverside boasts a higher average income which may be initially appealing; however, this is matched by a significantly higher cost of living index at 130, suggesting that living expenses could be substantially higher than in Chattanooga. The variations in state income tax reveal Tennessee's unique stance by only taxing interest and dividends, unlike California's progressive income tax system that can reach up to 9.3% depending on your income level. Furthermore, while both cities have a diversified economy, Riverside's higher affluence and lesser poverty rate paint a picture of a relatively more prosperous community, though both face challenges with homelessness. These factors are crucial for understanding and preparing for the financial transition.
Chattanooga vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison
In planning your move from Chattanooga, TN, to Riverside, CA, it’s not just the scenery that will change. This is a comparison of the politics between Chattanooga & Riverside along with a glance at the religious ethos of both cities, offering you a quick snapshot of the lifestyle and community you're heading into.
Chattanooga | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
Local Politics | Moderate, with instances of bipartisan support | Progressive, active local government |
Religion | Highly religious, predominantly Christian local churches | Pluralistic, with a mix of faith communities |
In Chattanooga, you may have been accustomed to a community that leans more conservative politically and is quite religious, with Christianity playing a significant role in community gatherings and activities. The local political climate tends to be moderate with efforts towards bipartisanship. As you transition to Riverside, expect to find a more liberal stance on various issues and a progressive local government that is actively involved in the community. Riverside's religious landscape is more pluralistic with a multitude of faith communities, reflecting the city's diverse population. This shift reflects not only in the political discussions you might encounter but also in the community programs and initiatives that you'll find. Understanding these differences can help you navigate and integrate into your new community in Riverside more smoothly.
Chattanooga vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Riverside, CA, it's important to compare the traffic and transportation options between Chattanooga & Riverside, to better understand what the daily commute and traffic will be like in your new city. This comparison will help you prepare for the differences in travel time, congestion, and public transit availability.
Comparison | Chattanooga | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 31 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Possible but Difficult |
While Chattanooga offers a slightly shorter average commute time compared to Riverside, you'll find traffic to be more congested in Riverside, reflecting its larger population and urban structure. Public transit in both cities provides viable options, though neither scores particularly high, suggesting a reliance on cars. Despite this, getting by without a car in Riverside might be marginally easier due to a slightly better public transit system and more accessible urban planning. Understanding these key differences can greatly influence your daily routines and quality of life as you make the transition from Chattanooga to Riverside.



Additional Resources
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