Best Los Angeles to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embarking on a move from bustling Los Angeles, the City of Angels, to the calm and collected vibes of Des Moines, Iowa's heartland gem, represents more than a change of scenery—it's an adventure filled with new possibilities. In leaving behind the endless summers and iconic Hollywood hills for Des Moines's friendly faces and community spirit, you’re not just swapping locations but embracing a whole new way of life. Ensuring this transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible is crucial, which is why partnering with trusted and reliable professional movers becomes indispensable in navigating the long journey ahead.
Best Los Angeles to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best California Movers | 9.52 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Prodigy Moving & Storage | 9.41 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Redline moving | 9.24 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.24 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Hemmen Moving | 9.11 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles guide.
5 Best Los Angeles to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About Prodigy Moving & Storage
Serving the greater Los Angeles area and California, Prodigy Moving & Storage has moved residences and offices since 2003. As a locally-...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3983945 / 1492541
MC-430697 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 11 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2022) |
About Redline moving
Redline Moving is a professional moving company that specializes in providing high-quality service with a focus on customer satisfaction. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
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 >>
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and comme...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
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.
Los Angeles vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
When moving from one city to another, finding a neighborhood that feels like home is crucial. To ease this transition, we've created a guide to compare the local neighborhoods between Los Angeles, CA & Des Moines, IA . This comparison will help you find a Des Moines neighborhood that mirrors the vibe and amenities of your Los Angeles locale, making the move a bit more familiar.
| Los Angeles | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Lake | East Village | Trendy, artistic vibe |
| Venice | Sherman Hill | Historic, bohemian feel |
| Santa Monica | Waterbury | Affluent, close community feel |
| Hollywood | Drake | Vibrant nightlife and cultural scene |
| Beverly Hills | South of Grand | Luxurious, historic homes |
| Downtown LA | Western Gateway | Urban, with arts and events |
| West Hollywood | Beaverdale | Diverse with a tight-knit community |
| Malibu | Gray's Lake | Scenic beauty and outdoor activities |
| Echo Park | Highland Park | Laid back with a rich history |
| Los Feliz | Waveland Park | Quaint with local charm |
If you adore the eclectic and creative spirit of Silver Lake, with its mixture of hip cafes like Intelligentsia Coffee and indie music venues, you'll find Des Moines's East Village offers a similar trendy and artistic vibe. The area boasts unique eateries such as Zombie Burger and cultural attractions like the Des Moines Social Club, providing a seamless transition. For those drawn to the upscale and historic charm of Beverly Hills, South of Grand in Des Moines dazzles with its luxurious, historic homes, nestled along picturesque streets. Meanwhile, Venice lovers seeking a similar bohemian feel with vibrant community events will appreciate Sherman Hill, known for its historical architecture and annual Sherman Hill Walking Tour, inviting comparisons to Venice's eclectic walk streets and community art scene.
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines
Making a move from a bustling city like Los Angeles, CA to a more laid-back and community-focused city like Des Moines, IA can be a huge life change. This guide aims to showcase the cons of Los Angeles, CA compared to the pros of moving to Des Moines, IA, providing an honest reflection of both the good and the bad aspects of this relocation. Similarly, highlighting the pros of Los Angeles, CA against the cons of settling in Des Moines, IA will offer a balanced perspective for your decision.
Los Angeles, CA- High cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Smog and pollution
- Densely populated
- Limited Water Supply
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
- Cleaner air
- More open spaces
- Abundant water sources
Des Moines, IA- Smaller cultural scene
- No beaches
- Less food variety
- Cold, snowy winters
- Fewer entertainment options
Los Angeles, CA- Vibrant culture scene
- Beach access
- Diverse food options
- Mild winters
- Entertainment hub
While the transition from Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA might mean trading off the vibrant cultural scene and diverse food options, Des Moines has its own charms that make it a great place to live. You'll find yourself spending less time stuck in traffic and more time exploring the great outdoors, with sites like Gray's Lake Park offering beautiful walking paths and the Downtown Farmers' Market providing locally sourced goods. Des Moines also boasts a growing food scene with gems like Centro and Fong's Pizza, which offer unique and diverse dining experiences. Despite its smaller entertainment scene, Des Moines is home to vibrant neighborhoods like the East Village, where you can enjoy boutique shopping and local coffee shops. The community's focus on quality of life, combined with the lower cost of living, makes Des Moines a compelling choice for those considering the move.
Los Angeles vs. Des Moines Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Los Angeles & Des Moines, emphasizing the rich culinary scene as an essential aspect of each city's local culture. Understanding the differences in food scenes will better inform you about your new home's offerings, providing a taste (literally) of what life will be like after your big move.
| Los Angeles | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Tacos | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Korean BBQ | Steak de Burgo |
| Most popular street food item | Street Tacos | State Fair Food |
| Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | Vegetarian Chili |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Los Angeles, known for its diverse culinary scene, offers everything from street tacos in neighborhoods like Echo Park to high-end dining experiences in Beverly Hills. Korean BBQ is particularly popular, with establishments like Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong offering unforgettable meals. On the other hand, Des Moines may surprise you with its food scene, especially with local favorites like the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, which you can enjoy at establishments like Jethro’s BBQ. Des Moines' burgeoning food scene is apparent in areas like the East Village, where you can find innovative restaurants like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab. Both cities have their unique food culture, but moving from Los Angeles's health-conscious, diverse food scene to Des Moines's hearty, Midwestern comfort food will be a delightful culinary journey.
Los Angeles vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Finding your culinary match in Des Moines from Los Angeles is as satisfying as discovering your new home. This guide is designed to ease your transition by comparing favorite LA eateries with Des Moines' dining scene, ensuring you find a place that feels like home.
| Los Angeles | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Bestia | Centro | High-quality Italian cuisine with a creative twist |
| République | Table 128 | Contemporary dining with a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere |
| Howlin' Rays | Big Al's BBQ | Known for their mouth-watering BBQ and Nashville hot chicken |
| Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles | Chicken Coop | A local favorite for soul food and fried chicken |
| Perch | The Rooftop | Offers a great view over Des Moines with a chic dining experience |
| Grand Central Market | Downtown Farmers' Market | A vibrant marketplace filled with local food vendors |
| Guisado's | Tamales Industry | Authentic Mexican cuisine celebrated for its tamales and tacos |
| Philippe The Original | Fong's Pizza | Although known for innovative pizza, offers a distinctive take on American classics |
| Daikokuya | Krunkwich Ramen House | Offers a diverse array of ramen bowls, capturing the essence of Tokyo's ramen shops |
| Spago | Aposto | A fine dining experience with a seasonal menu reflecting the best of local produce |
Some eateries create not just meals, but experiences - such are Aposto in Des Moines and Spago in Los Angeles. Both bring to the table exquisiteness and a seasonal menu that makes every visit feel special. On the casual yet sophisticated front, Table 128 and République share an ethos of offering contemporary dining that feels elevated yet accessible. For those who relish in the heat of Nashville hot chicken or the comfort of soul food, transitioning from Howlin' Rays to Big Al's BBQ or from Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles to Chicken Coop, brings the taste of home across the states. Dive into the Des Moines food scene with these connections in mind, and you'll quickly find your new favorite spots that resonate with the Los Angeles vibes you adore.
Ready to start your move?
Los Angeles vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current and future cities is crucial for setting expectations and preparing adequately. Real estate comparison between Los Angeles and Des Moines encompasses various elements such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, which vastly influence the living experience. This comparison aims to illuminate the contrasts and similarities that await.
| Comparison | Los Angeles | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Spanish | Craftsman, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Pool, View | Spacious Yard, Garage |
In moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines, you'll notice significant differences in housing affordability, with median home prices and rents far lower in Des Moines. This cost difference can allow for a larger living space or more disposable income. The architectural styles also reflect the cities' cultural backgrounds, with Los Angeles homes favoring modern and Spanish influences, whereas Des Moines showcases more traditional Craftsman and Ranch designs. Another aspect to consider is the lifestyle; Los Angeles offers a more vibrant urban lifestyle with higher walkability and diversity in amenities. In contrast, Des Moines presents a quieter, more spacious environment, possibly better for those seeking a slower pace or more room for outdoor activities. Each city's characteristics cater to different preferences, whether you're after the bustling city life of Los Angeles or the laid-back, spacious surroundings of Des Moines.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
1. Beaverdale: Known for its charming brick homes and a strong sense of community, Beaverdale offers numerous parks and pet-friendly events making it an ideal place for you and your furry friend.
2. East Village: This eclectic area is not only rich in culture and shopping but also boasts several pet-friendly restaurants and shops, including East Village Pet Hospital for your pet's health needs.
3. Gray's Lake Park area: While not a neighborhood per se, the area around Gray's Lake Park is highly popular among pet owners for its spacious park, perfect for long walks, and the nearby residential areas offer a welcoming community for pet owners.
Los Angeles vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another brings countless changes, not least of which is the weather. Understanding how the weather compares between Los Angeles and Des Moines is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to prepare you for what to expect in your new city, from average temperatures to the likelihood of facing natural disasters.
Los Angeles, CA
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Los Angeles, CA
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Los Angeles, CA
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Los Angeles, CA
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Los Angeles | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornados, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Los Angeles and Des Moines enjoy warm summers, Des Moines' winters are significantly colder, with average lows dropping to 17°F. This stark difference in winter temperatures is something to prepare for, especially if you're not accustomed to snowy conditions. Moreover, moving from the earthquake and wildfire risks in Los Angeles to the tornado and flood threats of Des Moines presents a shift in natural disaster preparedness. The change in air quality and seasonal allergies could also impact your daily life, as Los Angeles deals with smog while Des Moines' fresher air is mixed with different allergens. Understanding these differences can help you adjust more quickly to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines
When planning a move from one city to another, it’s crucial to understand how your finances will be impacted. Comparing the cost of living and financial environment between Los Angeles and Des Moines unveils significant differences that could affect your budget and lifestyle. This comparison aims to provide a clearer picture of what to expect financially in your new city.
| Comparison | Los Angeles | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $70,372 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3 | 8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.77 | 1.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.5 | 7 |
| Top 3 Industries | Entertainment, Manufacturing, Technology | Insurance, Financial Services, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Mixed | Moderate |
| Poverty | High | Lower |
| Homelessness | Severe | Moderate |
Moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines presents an opportunity for a significantly different financial lifestyle. Notably, the average cost of living in Des Moines is nearly half that of Los Angeles, which could translate into more disposable income and savings for you. While both cities have their economic strengths, the shift from industries like entertainment and technology to insurance and agriculture could represent a change in job opportunities and economic atmosphere. Furthermore, with a lower average property and sales tax in Des Moines, your daily and long-term expenses could see a decrease, allowing for a potentially higher quality of life.
Los Angeles vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot comparing the politics between Los Angeles & Des Moines, focusing on the political and religious makeup of the residents. This comparison aims to give you an insight into the fundamental differences and similarities of the communities you are moving from and into.
| Los Angeles | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderate, with a leaning towards liberal |
| Local Politics | Municipality-focused with strong emphasis on social issues | Community-centered, with a balance of economic and social initiatives |
| Religion | Diverse, with no single religion dominating | Christianity is prevalent, but other faiths are represented |
While Los Angeles is known for its liberal political stance, with a strong focus on social issues and a diverse religious makeup, Des Moines presents a more moderate political landscape that also values community input on both economic and social initiatives. Unlike Los Angeles, where no single religion significantly dominates, Des Moines has a more pronounced presence of Christianity. However, it's important to note that both cities value diversity and offer a welcoming environment to different cultures and belief systems.
Los Angeles vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA? This guide offers a side-by-side comparison of the traffic and transportation options between the two cities to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experience will be like.
| Comparison | Los Angeles | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Difficult |
In Los Angeles, your daily commute is likely to take longer and be more congested compared to Des Moines. With an average commute time of 30 minutes and a higher traffic congestion rate, Los Angeles demands patience and planning. While public transit in Los Angeles scores moderately, relying solely on it can be challenging due to the city's vast size. On the other hand, Des Moines offers a somewhat relaxed commute experience with less traffic congestion and shorter travel times. However, the availability of public transit is less comprehensive, making it difficult to get around without a car. Overall, transitioning from Los Angeles to Des Moines can ease your commute but might require adjustments in how you plan your travel.
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