Best Riverside to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Riverside, the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, to Des Moines, the cultural beacon and insurance capital of Iowa, marks an exhilarating shift in scenery and lifestyle. You're leaving behind the sun-drenched landscape and outdoor lifestyle of Riverside for Des Moines' vibrant arts scene and welcoming Midwestern charm. To ensure your journey from the laid-back vibes of the West to the hearty spirit of the Midwest is seamless, trusting in professional and reliable movers is essential. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best in the business, taking the guesswork out of your big move.
Best Riverside to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Terry Moving & Storage | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.23 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Antonio’s Moving Services LLC | 9.03 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Riverside guide.
5 Best Riverside to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
About Adamantine Spine Moving
With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving ...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
About Terry Moving & Storage
Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>
Services
- Local Move
- Interstate Move
- Packing Services
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 Antonio’s Moving Services LLC
Established in 2014, Antonio's Moving Services LLC is a professional moving company that offers customizable residential and commercial movi...Read More >>
Services
- Unloading & Loading
- Packing & Unpacking
- On-site 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.
Riverside vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
When relocating from Riverside, CA to Des Moines, IA, it's helpful to find a slice of familiarity in your new environment. This guide aims to ease the transition by comparing local neighborhoods between Riverside, CA & Des Moines, IA. Using well-loved Riverside communities as a baseline, we identify comparable neighborhoods in Des Moines to help you envision your future home.
| Riverside | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Streets | Sherman Hill | Historic charm, community-focused |
| Canyon Crest | Waveland Park | Scenic views, family-friendly |
| Orangecrest | Beaverdale | Suburban feel, well-maintained homes |
| Alessandro Heights | South of Grand | Exclusive, spacious homes |
| La Sierra | Highland Park | Diverse, affordable living |
| Victoria | Waterbury | Architectural beauty, quiet neighborhoods |
| Woodcrest | Drake Neighborhood | Lively, young professional vibe |
| Mission Grove | East Village | Modern amenities, eclectic mix |
| Hawarden Hills | Windsor Heights | Serene, upscale living |
| University | Ingersoll & Grand | Culturally rich, bustling activity |
In the Sherman Hill neighborhood of Des Moines, you'll find the historic charm reminiscent of Riverside's Wood Streets, but with a strong sense of community spirit. Sherman Hill is known for its well-preserved Victorian homes and vibrant events at Hoyt Sherman Place. If you're drawn to the scenic views and family-oriented atmosphere of Canyon Crest, Waveland Park in Des Moines offers a similar vibe, with the added bonus of the picturesque Waveland Golf Course. For those who appreciate the architectural beauty and quietude of Victoria, Des Moines' Waterbury neighborhood echoes this sentiment with its own array of stunning homes and tranquil streets. Additionally, Riverside's University neighborhood, with its blend of educational opportunities and cultural richness, finds its counterpart in Des Moines' Ingersoll & Grand area, known for its diverse eateries, shops, and cultural venues like the Des Moines Art Center.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Riverside to Des Moines
Moving from one city to another can be a monumental life change, complete with its share of challenges and benefits. This guide aims to provide you with an honest reflection on the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Riverside, CA to Des Moines, IA , helping you weigh your options effectively. Below, discover charts that lay out the cons and pros of such a move, aiming to paint a fuller picture of what you can expect in your new home.
Riverside, CA- Higher cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Hotter summers
- Less snow
Des Moines, IA- More affordable housing
- Less congestion
- Milder summers
- Seasonal winters
Des Moines, IA- Colder winters
- Smaller art scene
- No beaches
- Less culinary variety
Riverside, CA- Year-round sunshine
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Access to beaches
- Diverse cuisine
While Riverside boasts year-round sunshine and proximity to various beaches like Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, offering endless outdoor activities, Des Moines greets you with a community-oriented, affordable lifestyle. You'll find a distinct charm in Des Moines' milder summers and seasonal winters, which pave the way for a host of unique local festivals, such as the Des Moines Arts Festival and the world-renowned Iowa State Fair. Although you might miss Riverside’s vibrant cultural scene and diverse cuisine, Des Moines compensates with its own culinary gems like Zombie Burger and high-quality farm-to-table options reflecting Iowa's rich agricultural heritage. As you adjust, you'll discover that both cities offer appealing features, but your appreciation for Des Moines' cozy, tight-knit community feel is likely to grow, presenting a compelling case for your relocation.
Riverside vs. Des Moines Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between Riverside, CA and Des Moines, IA is essential to understanding the distinct flavor each city brings to the table. As food is a vital part of local culture and living experience, this comparison aims to better inform you about the food scene in your new city.
| Riverside | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Avocado Toast | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Smoked Pork Ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Corn Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | Vegan Chili |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
The vibrant culinary scenes of Riverside and Des Moines offer a unique taste of the local culture. Riverside, nestled in Southern California, is known for its health-conscious choices like acai bowls, and its Mexican cuisine influence, with tacos being a popular street food item. The Mission Inn Restaurant, Maria's Mexican Kitchen, and Market Broiler epitomize the city's diverse food scene. Meanwhile, Des Moines presents a hearty Midwestern flair with its famous pork tenderloin sandwiches and smoked pork ribs. Vegan options might be more limited but creative, with dishes like vegan chili. Places like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Fong's Pizza, and Centro are must-visits for a taste of local flavors. Whether you crave the health-conscious fare of Riverside or the hearty dishes of Des Moines, you're bound to find something that satisfies.
Riverside vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often begins with discovering the local food scene. In this guide, we compare the top restaurants in Riverside, CA with their closest counterparts in Des Moines, IA, to help make Des Moines feel like home using Riverside as a reference . Whether you're craving high-end dining or casual eats, we've got you covered.
| Riverside | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Salted Pig | Centro | Offers a creative take on Italian-American cuisine, similar in innovation to The Salted Pig |
| Mario's Place | Alba | Serves high-quality, Italian-inspired dishes that reflect the upscale dining experience of Mario's Place |
| Simple Simon's | La Mie Bakery | Known for freshly baked goods and satisfying sandwiches, echoing the vibe of Simple Simon's |
| Market Broiler | Waterfront Seafood Market | Like Market Broiler, they offer a vast selection of fresh seafood in a welcoming atmosphere |
| Tio's Tacos | El Bait Shop | While primarily a bar, it features a Mex-American menu that rivals the authentic flavors of Tio's Tacos |
| Mission Inn Restaurant | Splash Seafood Bar & Grill | Both establishments are known for their elegant dining experience and exceptional seafood dishes |
| Kimchichanga | Krunkwich Ramen House | Offers creative Asian fusion dishes that are as unique and flavorful as those at Kimchichanga |
| Woodfire Café | Gusto Pizza Co. | Delivers artisanal pizzas with a creative twist, paralleling the experience at Woodfire Café |
| Molinos Coffee | Mars Café | Both are beloved local coffee shops that serve high-quality brews in a cozy, welcoming environment |
| Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar | El Guapo's Tequila + Tacos | Captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine with a side of lively ambiance, akin to Anchos |
In the pursuit of your new favorite dining spot in Des Moines, you'll discover parallels that bridge the culinary gap between Riverside and your new home. For instance, if the ambiance and innovative Italian-American flavors at The Salted Pig are what you'll miss, Centro in Des Moines stands ready to welcome you with open arms and dishes that compete in creativity and taste. Cravings for fresh, vibrant seafood reminiscent of Market Broiler are easily satisfied at Waterfront Seafood Market, ensuring that seafood enthusiasts have a go-to in Des Moines. And for those who adore the unique, casual vibe of Kimchichanga's Asian fusion cuisine, Krunkwich Ramen House offers an eclectic menu that's sure to hit the spot. These highlights are just a taste of how well you can transition your culinary experiences from Riverside to Des Moines, ensuring that the flavors of your old home blend seamlessly with the new.
Ready to start your move?
Riverside vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is key. This comparison will illuminate how Riverside and Des Moines stack up in terms of housing , giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in both cities.
| Comparison | Riverside | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish and Mediterranean | Craftsman and Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Backyards and Pools | Energy Efficiency and Green Spaces |
While Riverside, with its Spanish and Mediterranean architecture, offers a more suburban environment reflected in its larger homes and emphasis on backyards and pools, Des Moines presents a different picture. In Des Moines, the focus shifts towards Craftsman and Ranch style homes, highlighting the community's appreciation for energy efficiency and green spaces. Although Riverside might lead in terms of a mild climate and scenic views, Des Moines counters with its more manageable cost of living, as reflected in the significantly lower median home prices and monthly rents. Moreover, Des Moines boasts a slightly more walkable and bikeable environment, aligning well with its residents' lifestyle preferences for urban living and easy access to amenities.
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.
Riverside vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Riverside, CA to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares between these two locations. This comparison will help you gauge what to expect and how to prepare for changes in climate, ultimately making your transition smoother.
Riverside, CA
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Riverside, CA
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Riverside, CA
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Riverside, CA
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Riverside | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Riverside to Des Moines, you’ll swap the semi-arid climate for distinct, humid seasons. Notable changes include a much cooler winter in Des Moines, with significant snowfall compared to Riverside's none. You'll also see more variation in daylight and temperature throughout the year. Higher humidity and greater annual rainfall in Des Moines may affect those sensitive to allergens or specific weather conditions. Adapting to these differences might include adjusting your wardrobe, home maintenance routines, and possibly your outdoor activities.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Riverside to Des Moines
When planning a move, it's crucial to compare financial aspects of your current and future home. This guide compares the cost of living, taxes, and economic conditions between Riverside, CA and Des Moines, IA , helping you understand what to expect financially.
| Comparison | Riverside | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $76,558 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112.5 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 1-13.3 | 0.33-8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.79 | 1.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75-8.25 | 6-7 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education | Insurance, Financial Services, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
Moving from Riverside to Des Moines comes with notable financial contrasts. For starters, the average household income in Des Moines is slightly higher than in Riverside, coupled with a lower cost of living index. This means your dollar can stretch further in Des Moines, with lower costs for housing and day-to-day expenses. Additionally, Iowa's top industries include insurance and financial services, offering robust employment opportunities for professionals in these sectors. Despite the higher property tax rate in Des Moines, the overall tax burden may be lower due to Iowa's more moderate state income tax rates compared to California's progressive tax system.
Riverside vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
Understanding the cultural and societal landscape of a new city is crucial when planning a move. This overview provides a comparison of the politics between Riverside & Des Moines to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities.
| Riverside | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive on environmental and social issues | Progressive with a strong focus on community and education |
| Religion | Diverse, with Christianity being predominant | Largely Christian, with a growing number of non-religious residents |
In both Riverside and Des Moines, you'll find communities that lean Democratic, reflecting a shared political orientation that may ease your transition. However, the focal points of local politics differ slightly, with Riverside placing a significant emphasis on environmental and social issues. In contrast, Des Moines prioritizes community involvement and education. When it comes to religion, Christianity predominates in both cities, though each has a tapestry of diverse religious beliefs and practices. Des Moines, in particular, is experiencing a rise in non-religious residents, indicating a potentially more secular community environment in comparison to Riverside.
Riverside vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving across states can be a major transition, particularly when it comes to daily commuting and navigating through traffic. This guide aims to help you better understand the daily commute and traffic and transportation options between Riverside & Des Moines , providing insights that could influence your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Riverside | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 31 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Feasible |
The daily commute in Riverside tends to be longer and somewhat more congested compared to Des Moines. This is primarily due to Riverside's proximity to major metropolitan areas and its larger population. While the public transit availability in Riverside is decent, navigating the city without a car can still be quite challenging. In contrast, Des Moines offers a slightly better public transit system, and its smaller size and efficient planning mean getting around without a car is more feasible. If you're used to the hustle of Riverside, you might find Des Moines' traffic and transit system a refreshing change.
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