Best Santa Ana to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the vibrant culture and sunny skies of Santa Ana, "The Golden City", to the welcoming community and charming landscapes of Des Moines, "The Heart of the Midwest", encapsulates an exciting chapter in your life. As you transition from the laid-back vibe and bustling streets of Southern California to the serene and friendly neighborhoods of Iowa, it's a journey that promises new adventures and opportunities. To ensure this chapter begins smoothly, it's crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers. Our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving helps you find the best movers, making your long-distance move as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Best Santa Ana to Des Moines Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Santa Ana guide.
5 Best Santa Ana 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 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 Safe-Way Moving, Inc.
As a family-owned and operated moving company, Safe-Way Moving, Inc. has served all of Orange County since 2007. It offers both residential ...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.
Santa Ana vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we've created a guide that leverages your knowledge of Santa Ana, CA to help you find your feet in Des Moines, IA. By comparing popular neighborhoods in Santa Ana, CA with those in Des Moines, IA, we aim to provide a familiar baseline for your new adventure.
| Santa Ana | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Floral Park | South of Grand | Historic homes and tree-lined streets |
| West Floral Park | Waterbury | Quiet, with a strong sense of community |
| French Park | Sherman Hill | Historic district feel with diverse architecture |
| Park Santiago | Beaverdale | Brick homes and local shops |
| Fisher Park | Waveland Park | Close to parks and recreational areas |
| Morrison Park | Drake Neighborhood | Vibrant, near university |
| Washington Square | East Village | Trendy, with nightlife and shopping |
| Wilshire Square | Highland Park | Historic with a sense of community |
| Hennessey's Market Area | Ingersoll Avenue | Dining and shopping strip |
| Flower Park | Gray's Lake | Active, with a focus on outdoor activities |
When you start to explore Des Moines, you'll discover the charm of neighborhoods like South of Grand with its historic homes reminiscent of Floral Park’s elegant streets. Imagine walking through Beaverdale, much like Park Santiago, where brick homes dot the landscape, neighbored by unique local shops and cafes such as the Beaverdale Books and Snookies Malt Shop. For a vibrant atmosphere akin to Washington Square, the East Village in Des Moines offers a bustling nightlife, trendy shopping options, and an array of dining experiences, including the likes of Zombie Burger and Wooly’s for live music lovers. These parallel neighborhoods provide a comforting familiarity alongside the excitement of discovering new favorite spots that make your new city feel like home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Ana to Des Moines
Moving across state lines can be a significant lifestyle change, and it's crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Santa Ana, CA to Des Moines, IA, helping you make an informed decision about your next big move.
Santa Ana, CA- Higher living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Less seasonal change
Des Moines, IA- Lower living costs
- Less congestion
- Distinct seasons
Des Moines, IA- Colder winters
- Less diversity
- Smaller job market
Santa Ana, CA- Warmer winters
- Diverse cultures
- Better job market
When moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Des Moines, IA, you'll find yourself trading the bustling city life and higher cost of living for a more laid-back atmosphere and affordable living. Des Moines offers a quieter lifestyle with plenty of green spaces like Gray’s Lake Park and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, where you can enjoy the beauty of distinct seasons. Although you might miss Santa Ana’s year-round warm climate, you’ll appreciate the close-knit community and local initiatives like the Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines. While Santa Ana boasts more cultural diversity and a larger job market, particularly in tech and entertainment industries, Des Moines is growing its own economic footprint in insurance and finance, providing new opportunities. Also, don't forget to explore popular dining spots in Des Moines such as Fong’s Pizza and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab for a taste of local flavors!
Santa Ana vs. Des Moines Food Guide
Food is an essential part of local culture and provides a glimpse into what life is like in an area. This comparison aims to give you a better understanding of the food scene where you're moving. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Santa Ana & Des Moines to help you get excited about the culinary adventures that await.
| Santa Ana | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Tacos | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Smoked Pork |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos al Pastor | Corn Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Tacos | Vegan Burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Both Santa Ana and Des Moines offer vibrant and diverse culinary scenes that cater to food lovers of all kinds. In Santa Ana, tacos reign supreme, with countless variations available, including vegan options that don't skimp on flavor. Locations like Taco Bravo stand out for their authentic Mexican food. Moving to Des Moines, you'll find the iconic pork tenderloin sandwich at places like Fong's Pizza, alongside a surprising variety of vegan dishes, demonstrating Iowa's growing foodie culture. While Des Moines might have fewer food trucks than Santa Ana, it boasts unique dining experiences that celebrate local Midwest flavors.
Santa Ana vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This restaurant comparison aims to make Des Moines feel like home by comparing top Santa Ana eateries to their Des Moines counterparts , helping you find your new go-to spots for delicious meals.
| Santa Ana | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Playground | Aposto | High-end dining with a rotating menu reflecting seasonal flavors |
| Taqueria Zamora | El Bait Shop | Authentic Mexican cuisine with a wide variety of tacos and tequilas |
| Burritos La Palma | Tasty Tacos | Known for homemade tortillas and traditional taco fillings |
| Crave | Fong's Pizza | Asian-inspired pizzas and creative fusion dishes |
| Hopper & Burr | Mars Cafe | Specialty coffee with an artsy vibe and local pastries |
| Chapter One: the modern local | The Cheese Shop | A mix of casual and upscale fare focusing on artisanal cheeses and charcuterie |
| Shabu Shabu Bar | A Dong | Well-loved for its authentic Asian flavors and hot pot options |
| 4th Street Market | Downtown Farmers' Market | Fresh produce and local eats mirror the community-oriented feel |
| The Blind Rabbit | The Royal Mile | Classic pub with an extensive selection of whiskies and hearty dishes |
| Tangata Restaurant | Centro | Offers a modern take on classic Italian dishes in an elegant setting |
Exploring the culinary scene is a vital part of settling into a new city. For those moving from Santa Ana to Des Moines, the transition can be deliciously seamless. Tasty Tacos in Des Moines, for instance, brings the warmth of Mexican cuisine to the Midwest, priding itself on homemade tortillas and fillings that echo the authentic flavors of Burritos La Palma in Santa Ana. A trip to Mars Cafe offers a blend of specialty coffees and an artsy vibe, reminiscent of Hopper & Burr's unique coffee experience. Meanwhile, Aposto serves as a high-end dining haven with a dynamic menu that changes with the seasons, much like Playground's approach to gourmet dishes in Santa Ana. These comparisons are not just about finding places to eat; they're about discovering spaces that resonate with the flavors of home while embracing the new tastes of Des Moines.
Ready to start your move?
Santa Ana vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate in Santa Ana and Des Moines is key to making an informed decision. Understanding the housing cost, style, and lifestyle each city offers can greatly impact your experience. This comparison aims to give you a clear overview.
| Comparison | Santa Ana | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial, Modern | Prairie, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to beaches, Gated communities | Quiet neighborhoods, Spacious backyards |
The sharp contrast in housing costs between Santa Ana and Des Moines shows a significant difference in living expenses, with Des Moines presenting a more affordable option. While the style of housing also varies greatly, from Santa Ana's Spanish Colonial and modern architectures to Des Moines' Prairie and Craftsman styles, this reflects the unique cultural backdrops of each city. Interestingly, despite its higher urban lifestyle score, Santa Ana's walkability and bikeability are not significantly higher than Des Moines's scores, suggesting that both cities offer a balanced mix of urban convenience and outdoor accessibility. These factors make both cities appealing but for different reasons depending on your preferences for cost, architectural style, and lifestyle.
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.
Santa Ana vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
When contemplating a move from one city to another, understanding the weather differences between Santa Ana and Des Moines can significantly impact your decision and preparedness. This comparison aims to illuminate how the climate changes will affect you.
Santa Ana, CA
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Santa Ana, CA
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Santa Ana, CA
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Santa Ana, CA
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Santa Ana | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Blizzards |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Relocating from Santa Ana to Des Moines introduces you to a distinct set of weather conditions. In Des Moines, you'll experience more pronounced seasons, with chilly, snow-laden winters contrasting sharply with the mild winters you're accustomed to in Santa Ana. Additionally, the higher humidity and significant annual snowfall in Des Moines could require adjustments in your wardrobe and day-to-day activities, especially in winter months. Preparing for the risk of tornadoes and blizzards, rather than earthquakes and wildfires, will also necessitate a new approach to emergency planning. This transition not only affects the physical adjustments you'll need to make but also your activities and lifestyle choices throughout the year.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Santa Ana to Des Moines
Moving from one location to another can significantly impact your financial situation. It's essential to understand how the cost of living, taxes, and overall economic environment in Santa Ana compare to Des Moines to better prepare for your move.
| Comparison | Santa Ana | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $80,265 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3 | 8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.72 | 1.5 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Varies |
| Poverty | Notable | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
When comparing financial aspects between Santa Ana and Des Moines, it becomes apparent that Des Moines could offer a more affordable living scenario, with a significantly lower cost of living index and lower state income tax rates. However, property taxes in Des Moines are higher, which is an essential consideration if you're planning to purchase a home. The industry landscape also shifts, with Des Moines being a hub for finance and insurance, contrasting Santa Ana's focus on healthcare and retail. Understanding these differences can help you better plan for your financial future in a new city.
Santa Ana vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
This quick guide offers a snapshot of the differences in the political and religious makeup between Santa Ana & Des Moines , providing you with a better understanding of what to expect in these key aspects of community life as you plan your move.
| Santa Ana | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Moderately Liberal |
| Local Politics | Democrat Dominated | Mixed, with a lean toward Democrats |
| Religion | Strong Catholic Presence | Protestant Majority |
While both cities lean liberal politically, the move from Santa Ana, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, will introduce you to a slightly different political atmosphere. Santa Ana is known for its strongly Democrat-leaning local government, reflective of California's broader political landscape. In contrast, Des Moines features a mix of political affiliations but still maintains a noticeable lean towards Democratic values in its local politics. Religion plays a significant role in both communities, though in different capacities; Santa Ana has a strong Catholic presence, contributing to the cultural and community activities. Des Moines, while diverse, sees a Protestant majority influencing its religious affiliations. Understanding these subtle yet significant differences will help you acclimate to your new home.
Santa Ana vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Des Moines, IA involves adapting to a new environment, especially when it comes to daily commutes. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Santa Ana & Des Moines is designed to help you better understand what to expect in terms of driving and transiting in these cities.
| Comparison | Santa Ana | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | With difficulty | Challenging |
While both Santa Ana and Des Moines offer unique living experiences, their transportation and commuting patterns have notable differences. In Santa Ana, with an average commute time of 25 minutes and higher traffic congestion, reliance on a car might feel more pronounced. The availability of public transit is moderately good, making it somewhat feasible to navigate the city without a car, although with some difficulties. In contrast, Des Moines offers a shorter average commute time of just 20 minutes and significantly lower traffic congestion, making it easier to get around. Despite this, getting by without a car in Des Moines can still be challenging due to the city's somewhat limited public transit options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
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