Moving from Alabama to Iowa?

6 Best AL to IA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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AL to IA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state represents a thrilling chapter in your life, packed with new opportunities and adventures. As you transition from Alabama's rich history and southern charm to Iowa's expansive cornfields and warm Midwestern spirit, embracing the cultural shift promises an exciting journey. Understanding the significance of this long-distance move, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers, and we at Great Guys Moving provide you with the best options, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to Alabama guide.

6 Best Alabama to Iowa Movers

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

#1
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,268+ data points

Iowa City, IA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Apartment/Condo Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1471037 Verify

About Adamantine Spine Moving

Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transp...Read More >>

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#2
MoveDaddy Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,858+ data points

Birmingham, AL
Long Distance moving, Local moving, Cross-country moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2521318 Verify

About MoveDaddy

Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor onl...Read More >>

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#3
New Latitude Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,265+ data points

Birmingham, AL
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Storage Facilities See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2179652 Verify

About New Latitude Movers

New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving compa...Read More >>

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#4
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional

based on 520+ data points

Burlington, IA
Material Packing, Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 749231 Verify

About Best Move Inc

Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its BBB accreditation...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in iowa city 2022 best move inc image
#5
Black Tie Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 816+ data points

Huntsville, AL
Local relocation, Nationwide moving services, Packing See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3381623 Verify

About Black Tie Moving

Founded in 2013, Black Tie Moving has grown into a luxury moving franchise that boasts an A+ BBB rating and mentions from Forbes, NBC, CBS, ...Read More >>

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#6
Pink Zebra Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 259+ data points

Montgomery, AL
Home Moving Services, Apartment/Condo/Townhome Moving Services, Furniture Rearranging Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3976058 Verify

About Pink Zebra Moving

Pink Zebra Moving is a service company that revolutionizes the moving industry. They strive to provide a luxurious, stress-free moving exper...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Iowa

Moving from one state to another is a significant decision that involves weighing various factors. This comparison aims to display the distinctions between living in Alabama and relocating to Iowa, offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad. Understanding these aspects will help you make a more informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Higher humidity
  • Less snowfall
  • Fewer higher ed options
  • Lower healthcare quality
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower humidity
  • More snowfall
  • More universities
  • Better healthcare quality
Iowa iconIowa
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller historical footprint
  • Less business-friendly
  • Smaller cities
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Warmer winters
  • Rich history
  • Better for business
  • Larger cities

While Alabama boasts a rich tapestry of history with landmarks such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Iowa offers unique cultural experiences with places like the Amana Colonies and the vibrant art scene around Des Moines. Iowa's healthcare system ranks higher, providing better access to quality care, as seen in facilities like the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Iowa also benefits from a more diverse education landscape, highlighted by institutions such as Drake University and Iowa State University. Despite Iowa's colder winters, the state offers picturesque winter landscapes and outdoor activities, creating a distinct living experience compared to Alabama's milder climate.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Alabama to Iowa

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Alabama & Iowa, aiming to provide insights into the distinct food cultures of these states. Understanding the local cuisine is vital as food plays a significant role in the living experience and local culture of an area. This comparison will help you get acquainted with what to expect on your culinary adventures after moving.

AlabamaIowa

Most iconic local food item

Barbecue RibsCorn on the Cob

Most popular meat dish

Pulled Pork SandwichPork Chop

Most popular street food item

Conecuh Sausage DogTaco Pizza

Most popular vegan food

Okra GumboRoasted Vegetables

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Dreamland BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Big Bob Gibson BBQ
  • The Machine Shed
  • Avidity
  • Zombie Burger

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)

56

Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)

76

Foodie Scene (out of 10)

87

Vegan Friendly (out of 10)

56

When moving from Alabama to Iowa, you'll transition from the deep, smoky flavors of classic Southern BBQ to the hearty, farm-fresh dishes synonymous with the Midwest. In Alabama, the barbecue scene is king, with places like Dreamland BBQ offering unforgettable ribs and pulled pork that are must-tries for any food enthusiast. Transitioning to Iowa, the focus shifts towards dishes that highlight the state's rich agricultural output, such as corn. Here, restaurants like The Machine Shed showcase the essence of Iowa's farm-to-table ethos. While both states offer vibrant food scenes, you'll find Iowa's slightly more appealing to those seeking vegan options or health-conscious dishes, with a burgeoning interest in fresh, locally sourced vegetables and grains.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Alabama to Iowa

Real estate plays a pivotal role in navigating a move. Understanding how housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle between Alabama and Iowa compare, can significantly impact your decision-making process. Here, we aim to bring clarity to these aspects.

When delving deeper into the housing contrasts between Alabama and Iowa, certain nuances become more apparent. For instance, the slightly higher median home price in Iowa reflects its burgeoning interest in energy efficiency and community-oriented living, evidenced by the common mention of community parks in real estate listings. Alabama, conversely, tends to boast larger yards and porches, appealing to those who value spacious outdoor living. The bikeability and walkability scores, though not exceedingly high in either state, point to Iowa's marginally more pedestrian-friendly framework, which might cater better to individuals keen on a somewhat more urban lifestyle without committing to city living. These insights demonstrate the subtleties in housing preferences and offerings between the two states, guiding potential movers in aligning their priorities with their chosen destination.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Alabama to Iowa

Moving between states requires a keen understanding of what to expect, weather-wise. This comparison will help you grasp how the climate shifts from Alabama to Iowa . Knowing these variations is essential in preparing for the differences in weather you will encounter, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

Summer icon
90°F / 72°F

Alabama

86°F / 65°F

Iowa

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 36°F

Alabama

31°F / 14°F

Iowa

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
58"

Alabama

36"

Iowa

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
1"

Alabama

34"

Iowa

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

The shift from Alabama to Iowa brings noticeable changes, especially in winter temperatures and snowfall. In Iowa, you'll need to prepare for colder winters, with average lows dropping to 14°F, and significantly more snow, up to 34 inches annually. While both states enjoy a similar amount of sunshine and humidity levels, the transition from hurricanes in Alabama to the blizzards and tornadoes of Iowa marks a significant adjustment in preparedness for natural disasters. Additionally, while both states face challenges with pollen as a top seasonal allergy, the variance in air quality and annual rainfall further highlights the environmental adjustment required when moving from Alabama to Iowa.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Alabama to Iowa

Moving from one location to another requires understanding the financial landscape you're entering. Comparing Alabama to Iowa in terms of money and finance can guide you in budgeting effectively for your new life.

While Iowa boasts a higher average household income relative to Alabama, it's important to consider the corresponding cost of living and state income tax that can affect your finances. Alabama's lower cost of living and property tax can be beneficial for some, but Iowa's strong financial services and lower poverty rate highlight its economic stability. Understanding these dynamics will help you budget and plan for a successful transition to your new home state.

Political & Religious Comparison between Alabama and Iowa

When considering a move from Alabama to Iowa, it's crucial to understand the key differences in the communities you'll be joining. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Alabama & Iowa , offering insights into the political and religious landscape to help you get acquainted with the local vibes and values at a glance.

AlabamaIowa

Political Make-up

ConservativeModerately conservative to moderate

Local Politics

Strong Republican influenceMix of Republican and Democratic influence

Religion

Evangelical ProtestantProtestant, with strong Catholic presence

Alabama and Iowa present varied scenes in terms of political attitudes and religious makeup, reflecting the diverse nature of America. Alabama tends to lean more conservative, with evangelical Protestantism playing a significant role in shaping local values and lifestyle choices. In contrast, Iowa offers a more balanced political environment where both Republican and Democratic views find representation, giving it a moderate vibe. The religious landscape in Iowa is more diverse, with both Protestant and Catholic communities having significant influence. This setup suggests that you might find Iowa to be a place where different perspectives coexist more harmoniously, providing a unique blend that can cater to a variety of preferences and beliefs.

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Iowa

Whether you're considering a move for your family or are curious about the educational landscape, it’s essential to compare what each state offers. This guide provides an overview to help you better understand the comparisons between school options in Alabama and Iowa, highlighting differences in quality and focus that could influence your decision.

AlabamaIowa

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Alabama
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Rock Quarry Elementary - Tuscaloosa
Heritage Elementary - Madison
Greystone Elementary - Hoover
Wickham Elementary - Coralville
Shimek Elementary - Iowa City
Brookview Elementary - West Des Moines

Top 3 Middle Schools

Mountain Brook Junior High - Mountain Brook
Liberty Park Middle - Vestavia Hills
Berry Middle - Hoover
North Central Junior High - Coralville
Ames Middle School - Ames
South East Junior High - Iowa City

Top 3 High School Schools

Loveless Academic Magnet Prog High School - Montgomery
Mountain Brook High - Mountain Brook
Homewood High - Homewood
West Senior High - Iowa City
Ames High School - Ames
Johnston Senior High - Johnston

Top 3 private high schools

The Altamont School - Birmingham
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs
Randolph School - Huntsville
Phillips Academy - Exeter
The Blake School - Minneapolis
Brearley School - New York

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Altamont School - Birmingham
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs
Randolph School - Huntsville
Scattergood Friends School - West Branch
Maharishi School - Fairfield
Mississippi Valley Montessori School - Davenport

Top 3 School Districts

Mountain Brook City Schools
Madison City Schools
Homewood City Schools
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Des Moines Independent Community School District

When comparing educational opportunities between Alabama and Iowa, notable differences emerge that could sway your decision. For example, while both states boast highly-ranked universities, the top destinations for high school seniors demonstrate a regional preference—University of Alabama in Alabama, and University of Iowa in Iowa, which might reflect on the states' educational cultures and local ties. Elementary and middle schools in both states offer strong foundations, but specific schools like Rock Quarry Elementary in Tuscaloosa and Wickham Elementary in Coralville stand out for their exceptional ratings. Moreover, private education offers distinct paths, with schools like The Altamont School in Birmingham and Scattergood Friends School in West Branch presenting unique educational philosophies. These comparisons reveal that depending on your priorities—be it a strong public school district or a specialized private education—both Alabama and Iowa have diverse and rich offerings that cater to a wide range of educational preferences.

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