Best Knoxville to Riverside Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Knoxville to Riverside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,251 mile move from Tennessee to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 Knoxville to Riverside 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 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Riverside Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
3Boundless Moving & Storage9.339.36Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Buster’s Box’s Moving8.989.01Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Gouffon Moving & Storage8.668.72Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Knoxville to Riverside

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,251 miles from Knoxville, TN to Riverside, CA will cost on average $3,695 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Knoxville to Riverside move is roughly $8,923. 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$2,479300 ft³8.26
1 Bedroom$3,695450 ft³8.21
2 Bedrooms$6,122750 ft³8.16
3 Bedrooms$8,9231100 ft³8.11
4 Bedrooms$12,8991600 ft³8.06
5+ Bedrooms$14,4221800 ft³8.01
*Please note: These Tennessee to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Tennessee & 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 TN to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Knoxville guide.

Compare the 5 Best Knoxville 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 8,688+ 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

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ 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
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo

Boundless Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,378+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Buster’s Box’s Moving Logo

Buster’s Box’s Moving

Superb8.98/10
based on 430+ data points

5927 John May Dr

Knoxville, TN, 37921

About Buster’s Box’s Moving

Buster’s Box’s Moving is a Knoxville, TN-based moving company that offers a variety of services including local moves, out of state...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4125824 / 1578852

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Gouffon Moving & Storage Logo

Gouffon Moving & Storage

Fabulous8.66/10
based on 1,067+ data points

1520 Amherst Rd

Knoxville, TN, 37909

About Gouffon Moving & Storage

Family-owned and operated for more than 134 years, Gouffon Moving & Storage offers personalized residential and office moves in East Tennessee....

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

553340 / 273542

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans17
Registered Drivers13
Total Annual Miles Moved385,000 (2021)
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.

Knoxville vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting. To help ease this transition, we've crafted a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Knoxville, TN & Riverside, CA. Using Knoxville's top districts as a reference, we’ll introduce you to similar communities in Riverside. This comparison aims to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.

KnoxvilleRiversideHow They're Similar
Fort SandersUniversityStudent-friendly, vibrant
Sequoyah HillsWood StreetsHistoric homes, community feel
BeardenCanyon CrestDiverse shops, outdoor activities
4th & GillMagnolia CenterArtsy, historic character
Old CityDowntown RiversideVibrant nightlife, cultural hub
Market SquareRiverside PlazaShopping, entertainment options
Island Home ParkVictoriaFamily-friendly, scenic parks
WestmorelandOrangecrestSpacious, modern living
South KnoxvilleLa SierraOutdoor recreation, community-centric
Downtown KnoxvilleDowntown RiversideHistoric landmarks, bustling streets

If you're drawn to the vibrant arts scene and historic charm of Fort Sanders, you'll enjoy the University neighborhood in Riverside, known for its student-fueled energy and cultural diversity. For those who appreciate the historic homes and community vibe of Sequoyah Hills, the Wood Streets area offers a similar sense of history and tight-knit community feeling. Bearden's blend of diverse shops and outdoor activities finds its match in Canyon Crest, where shopping and nature coalesce seamlessly. And if you love exploring the unique boutiques, cafes, and nightspots of Old City, Downtown Riverside will captivate you with its dynamic nightlife and rich cultural scene, including landmarks like the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and the Riverside Art Museum. Whether it's the arts, history, or outdoor adventures that you're seeking, each of these Riverside neighborhoods offers a piece of the familiar combined with its own unique charm.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Knoxville to Riverside

Moving from one city to another always involves weighing the positives against the negatives, to ensure a decision that best suits one's lifestyle and preferences. In this light, we present a comprehensive comparison to reflect honestly on moving from Knoxville, TN to Riverside, CA. These charts aim to outline the core changes one might expect, spotlighting both the good and the challenging aspects of such a relocation.

CONs
PROs
Knoxville, TN iconKnoxville, TN
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Higher humidity
  • Less job opportunities
  • Fewer entertainment options
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Dryer climate
  • More job opportunities
  • Wider entertainment variety
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • More urban
  • Less green space
  • Busier environment
Knoxville, TN iconKnoxville, TN
  • Lower cost of living
  • Community feel
  • Lush greenery
  • Quiet surroundings

Moving from Knoxville to Riverside means swapping the lush, green hills and a close-knit community feel for Riverside's broader job market and its rich tapestry of cultures. In Riverside, you'll find an array of entertainment and dining options, such as the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and the vibrant Riverside Downtown Partnership, hosting events that introduce you to the local culture and community. While Knoxville offers a cozier atmosphere with its quieter surroundings, Riverside presents more opportunities for professional growth and cultural explorations, including visiting renowned spots like the Riverside Art Museum. However, it's worth noting that this comes with a higher cost of living and a shift towards a more urban lifestyle, where green spaces like those in Knoxville are replaced by city parks like the notable Fairmount Park in Riverside.

Knoxville vs. Riverside Food Guide

When considering a move, it's essential to dive into the aspects that shape everyday life, such as the culinary scene. Understanding the local food culture can provide a glimpse into what life is like in a new city. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Knoxville, TN, and Riverside, CA, to help you get acquainted with your potential new home's food scene.

KnoxvilleRiverside
Most iconic local food itemBiscuits and GravyAvocado Toast
Most popular meat dishBBQ PorkCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemHot ChickenTacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegetable Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Yassin's Falafel House
  • Dead End BBQ
  • Stock & Barrel
  • Mia's Table
  • Tio's Tacos
  • The Salted Pig
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from Knoxville to Riverside introduces you to a vibrant food culture heavily influenced by local and international flavors. Riverside prides itself on its variety of vegan options and an extensive range of street food, with tacos being a particular local favorite. For those eager to explore the dining scene, start your journey in the Downtown area where Tio's Tacos and The Salted Pig offer a unique taste of the city. Riverside's food scene is dynamic and diverse, reflecting the city's rich cultural fabric—perfect for food enthusiasts eager to dive into their new home's flavors.

Knoxville vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new area feel like home. This restaurant comparison Knoxville to Riverside is designed to help you easily find new favorite spots by leveraging your familiar tastes from your current hometown. Whether you're into high-end dining, casual bites, or iconic eateries, this guide is your culinary compass.

KnoxvilleRiversideWhat You'll Love
EmiliaMario's PlaceAuthentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist
A Dopo Sourdough PizzaThe Salted PigWood-fired pizzas with a focus on local ingredients
yassin's Falafel HouseFalafel CornerRenowned for its heartwarming Mediterranean flavors
Stock & BarrelBurger BossCustomizable burgers with high-quality ingredients
The French Market CreperieCrêpes de ParisOffering a slice of Paris with authentic French crepes
J.C. HoldwayMarket BroilerFarm-to-table dining emphasizing fresh, local produce
Knox MasonThe Salted PigAmerican gastropub fare highlighting local flavors
Pero's on the HillAntonious PizzaA cozy spot for classic Italian dishes and pizza
Dead End BBQSmokeshack BBQTraditional American BBQ with a southern twist
Tupelo HoneySimple Simon'sSouthern comfort food with a California fresh feel

In your quest to discover Riverside's culinary treasures that echo the heart and soul of Knoxville's dining scene, you'll find remarkable parallels that will satisfy your palate. For instance, Mario's Place not only offers a gateway to exquisite Italian dining similar to Emilia but does so with a unique Californian flair. Similarly, The Salted Pig pays homage to A Dopo Sourdough Pizza’s dedication to local ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship, making it a must-visit for pizza aficionados. Whether you find comfort in the familiar flavors of yassin's Falafel House or seek the innovation of Stock & Barrel, your culinary journey from Knoxville to Riverside promises a seamless transition filled with delightful discoveries. Embrace the change, and let these restaurants provide you with a taste of home and adventure.

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Ready to start your move?

Knoxville vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate aspects of your current and future cities is crucial. This guide explores how Knoxville, TN , and Riverside, CA , measure up in terms of housing to assist you in making an informed decision.

ComparisonKnoxvilleRiverside
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanSpanish Revival, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, Proximity to Smoky MountainsSolar panels, Proximity to Los Angeles

The contrast in housing costs between Knoxville, TN, and Riverside, CA, is significant, with Riverside's median home price and rent nearly double that of Knoxville's. This difference reflects the higher cost of living in California. Riverside homes often feature the Spanish Revival style, embodying California's historical roots, whereas Knoxville boasts a mix of Colonial and Craftsman architecture, reflecting an Eastern U.S. aesthetic. Despite Riverside's lower walkability score, both cities offer a moderate degree of bikeability. Knoxville's urban lifestyle is slightly more vibrant, possibly due to its downtown activities and proximity to the University of Tennessee. Riverside counters with its own appeal, including a strong emphasis on eco-friendly living as seen in the popularity of solar panels in home listings and its geographical advantage near Los Angeles.

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.

Knoxville vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Knoxville, TN to Riverside, CA, it's paramount to grasp how the weather differences between these two cities will impact your life. Understand how the seasonal changes , air quality , and annual precipitation in Knoxville compare to those in Riverside to prepare adequately.

Summer icon
86°F / 66°F

Knoxville, TN

94°F / 64°F

Riverside, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 30°F

Knoxville, TN

68°F / 43°F

Riverside, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50"

Knoxville, TN

12"

Riverside, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6"

Knoxville, TN

0"

Riverside, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonKnoxvilleRiverside
Air QualityGood-ModerateModerate
Natural DisastersThunderstorms, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Considering the move from Knoxville to Riverside, you'll experience a drier climate with significantly less humidity and an appreciable increase in sunny days. While both locations enjoy mild winters, Riverside’s winters are warmer, and you won’t have to deal with snow. The greater UV index in Riverside means you'll need to be more diligent about sun protection. Also, be prepared for different natural disaster risks—while Knoxville grapples with thunderstorms and the occasional tornado, Riverside’s threats include earthquakes and wildfires, necessitating different preparedness measures.

Ready to start your move?

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

Moving from one city to another presents a world of change, especially in terms of finances. Understanding how your expenses and income may shift is crucial. This comparison focuses on making the financial differences between Knoxville, TN, and Riverside, CA clear, ensuring you can plan your move with all necessary information at hand.

ComparisonKnoxvilleRiverside
Avg. Household Income$45,700$76,558
Cost of Living Index89.4112.5
State Income Tax013.3 (max)
Avg. Property Tax0.740.79
Avg. Sales Tax9.58.75
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Care, RetailHealth Care, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableModerate
HomelessnessModerateSignificant

In terms of financial adjustment, moving from Knoxville to Riverside will introduce you to a higher cost of living, which is complemented by an increase in average household income. State income tax in Tennessee is non-existent, which is a stark contrast to California's tiered income tax system, with rates going as high as 13.3% based on income brackets. The higher cost of living in Riverside, indexed at 130 compared to Knoxville's 88, reflects the economic conditions and the market dynamics of California. Despite the higher average income in Riverside, the state’s income tax and elevated cost of living may impact your disposable income, making financial planning before the move crucial.

Knoxville vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison between Knoxville & Riverside offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents you're moving from and to. Understanding these aspects can help ease your transition and set expectations.

KnoxvilleRiverside
Political Make-upMore conservativeMore liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican-leaningDemocrat-leaning
ReligionLargely Christian, with numerous churchesDiverse, with a mix of churches, mosques, and temples

As you prepare to move from Knoxville to Riverside, you'll notice differences in the local atmosphere shaped by the prevailing political and religious landscapes. Knoxville's conservative lean mirrors its greater support for Republican candidates in local elections, while Riverside's more liberal stance is reflected in its tendency to lean Democrat. Besides politics, religion plays a significant role in the community vibe of both cities. Knoxville's predominantly Christian population is evident in its many churches catering to various denominations. On the other hand, Riverside's religious scene is more varied, home to not just churches but also mosques and temples, reflecting its diverse population. This diversity in belief systems contributes to Riverside's inclusive ethos.

Knoxville vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Knoxville, TN to Riverside, CA, it's crucial to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison will help you better grasp what the daily commute and traffic are like between Knoxville and Riverside, so you can plan your transportation needs accordingly.

ComparisonKnoxvilleRiverside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2231
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?NoChallenging

In Knoxville, the average commute time is noticeably shorter than in Riverside, reflective of its lesser traffic congestion. Despite this, Knoxville's public transit scores lower in availability, making a car almost essential for getting around efficiently. On the other hand, Riverside, while suffering from higher traffic congestion and longer commute times, offers better public transit options. However, given the sprawling nature of Southern California cities, possessing a car in Riverside still greatly enhances mobility and convenience despite the availability of public transit.

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