Best Washington to Los Angeles Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the historic charm of DC to the sun-soaked streets of LA can represent an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. Transitioning from the nation's political heart with its iconic monuments and cherry blossoms to the glitzy allure of "The City of Angels," known for its sprawling metropolis, Hollywood glamour, and beautiful beaches, is no small feat. It's essential to ensure this long-distance move goes smoothly by entrusting your belongings to professional movers we've rigorously evaluated, promising reliability and peace of mind in navigating this significant life change.
Best Washington to Los Angeles Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to Washington guide.
5 Best Washington to Los Angeles Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
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 Ap Pro Moving Llc
Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as local moving, lo...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3338902 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 4,000 (2021) |
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) |
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.
Washington vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown, especially when you're leaving a place as unique as Washington DC, DC, for the bustling, sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, CA. To make the transition smoother, we offer this guide, focusing on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Washington DC, DC & Los Angeles, CA . Our aim is to help you quickly find a new neighborhood that feels like home by matching the vibe, culture, and amenities of your current locale.
| Washington | Los Angeles | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Dupont Circle | West Hollywood | Vibrant nightlife, LGBTQIA+ friendly |
| Capitol Hill | Silver Lake | Progressive community, historic homes |
| Georgetown | Beverly Hills | High-end shopping, historic charm |
| Adams Morgan | Los Feliz | Diverse food scene, artsy vibe |
| Shaw | Arts District | Trendy food, arts scene |
| Navy Yard | Marina Del Rey | Waterfront living, modern amenities |
| Logan Circle | Mid-Wilshire | Storied past, cultural attractions |
| Columbia Heights | Echo Park | Vibrant community, historic lake |
| Petworth | Highland Park | Growing arts scene, historic neighborhood |
| NoMa | Koreatown | Dynamic nightlife, dense urban living |
In making the move from Washington DC to Los Angeles, you'll find many familiar comforts amidst the new scenery. For instance, West Hollywood's thriving nightlife and strong LGBTQIA+ community will likely remind Dupont Circle residents of home. Meanwhile, for those who love the blend of upscale shopping and historic charm found in Georgetown, Beverly Hills offers a similar blend, with the allure of Rodeo Drive's luxury shopping and the Beverly Hills Hotel's iconic facade. Exploring Los Feliz's hip, artsy vibe will feel familiar to Adams Morgan lovers, with must-visit spots like Skylight Books and the vintage Vista Theatre. This guide aims to ease your transition by highlighting these complementing characteristics, ensuring you find a new neighborhood in Los Angeles where you will feel right at home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Los Angeles
Moving from Washington DC, DC to Los Angeles, CA is a significant life change that involves weighing various factors. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make an informed decision by highlighting the pros and cons of such a move.
Washington, DC- High living costs
- Humid summers
- Political focus
- Less green space
Los Angeles, CA- Better weather
- Beach access
- Entertainment industry
- More outdoor activities
Los Angeles, CA- Higher traffic
- Water shortage issues
- Higher rent prices
- Spread out city
Washington, DC- Richer history
- Four seasons
- Iconic landmarks
- Public transportation
When considering the move from Washington DC to Los Angeles, one can't help but think of exchanging the politically-charged atmosphere and the historical charm of neighborhoods like Georgetown for the laid-back vibe and outdoor lifestyle that places like Venice Beach and Runyon Canyon offer. Los Angeles' entertainment industry presents numerous career opportunities that are not available in DC, inviting those intrigued by film, television, and music. Despite the appeal of LA's sunny weather and diverse cultural scene, future residents should be prepared for the city's sprawling nature, which can make getting around challenging despite the extensive freeway system. Consider dining at Griffith Park for a taste of greenery in the urban expanse, or exploring the culinary landscapes of neighborhoods like Koreatown, an experience quite different from the policy-driven dinner discussions in DC.
Washington vs. Los Angeles Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington DC & Los Angeles to help you get a grasp of the food culture in these cities. Food significantly influences the local culture and living experience, so understanding the culinary landscape is crucial for anyone planning to move.
| Washington | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Half-Smoke | Street Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings | Korean BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Food Trucks offerings | Elote |
| Most popular vegan food | Imitation crab cakes | Cauliflower Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Washington DC, the half-smoke served at local legend Ben's Chili Bowl highlights the city's unique culinary offerings. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is famed for its vibrant street food scene, with street tacos and elote as staples, reflecting the city's diverse cultural influences. Notably, both cities have a strong vegan scene, but LA takes the lead with innovative dishes like cauliflower tacos found in trendy neighborhoods such as Silver Lake. In contrast, DC's food trucks cater to a wide range of tastes, including international cuisine and vegan options, making both capitals fascinating culinary destinations.
Washington vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison
Relocating can be an adventure, especially when it comes to finding new favorite dining spots. Whether you're a foodie, love casual dining, or enjoy high-end experiences, this comparison will help bridge your move from Washington DC to Los Angeles by comparing top restaurants. Let it serve as your guide to discovering your next go-to eateries in LA.
| Washington | Los Angeles | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Le Diplomate | Republique | Both offer French bistro classics in an inviting atmosphere. |
| Rose's Luxury | Bestia | Eclectic and inventive, both kitchens craft unique dining experiences. |
| Ben's Chili Bowl | Earle's On Crenshaw | Iconic local flavors meet in these community favorites. |
| Maketto | Little Sister | Asian fusion with a bold personality matches Maketto’s unique vibe. |
| 2Amys | Pizzana | Neapolitan pizzas made with dedication to the craft at both locations. |
| Fiola Mare | Providence | Both specialize in exquisite seafood with an emphasis on freshness and quality. |
| Zaytinya | Bavel | A celebration of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors at both eateries. |
| Bad Saint | Ma’am Sir | Creative and contemporary interpretations of Filipino cuisine. |
| The Dabney | Osteria Mozza | A focus on local and artisanal ingredients ties these destinations together. |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | The Water Grill | Both are havens for seafood lovers, serving up classic dishes in an upscale setting. |
For those who cherish the vibrant, eclectic dining scene in Washington DC, Los Angeles presents a parallel universe of culinary exploration. Republique and Earle's On Crenshaw mirror the warm, community-focused vibes of Le Diplomate and Ben's Chili Bowl, offering spaces where every meal feels like a special occasion. The transition from the detailed craft of Fiola Mare to Providence ensures that your love for top-tier seafood is seamlessly continued in your new city. Meanwhile, the unique offerings of Bad Saint find a spirited counterpart at Ma’am Sir, proving that moving across the country does not mean leaving behind the flavors you love.
Ready to start your move?
Washington vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts
Considering a move? Real estate is a critical factor in deciding where to live. Understanding how housing options in Washington DC compare with Los Angeles can guide your decision. This comparison covers cost, architectural styles, walkability, and more.
| Comparison | Washington | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Federal | Modern, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to public transportation, Historic charm | Ocean views, Outdoor living spaces |
When comparing Washington DC to Los Angeles, you'll find noticeable differences in living costs and lifestyles. In DC, you have a mix of colonial and federal architectural styles, with an emphasis on history and proximity to public transport, contributing to its high walkability score. In contrast, Los Angeles homes often boast modern designs with Spanish influences, emphasizing ocean views and outdoor living, reflected in the city's more laid-back urban lifestyle. Though LA's median home prices and rent are higher, the promise of sunny days and a unique blend of city life and nature appeals to many.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA
1. Studio City: With its multitude of pet-friendly cafes and the famous Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Studio City welcomes you and your furry friend with open arms.
2. Silver Lake: Known for its hip vibe, Silver Lake boasts an array of dog-friendly restaurants and a renowned dog park, Silver Lake Dog Park, making it a perfect place for pet owners.
3. West Hollywood: This neighborhood shines for pet lovers, highlighting pet-friendly establishments and the much-loved West Hollywood Park, which includes areas for dogs to play freely.
Washington vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Washington DC to Los Angeles, it's essential to understand how your daily life will be impacted by the climate. This comparison will highlight the weather differences between Washington DC and Los Angeles to help you prepare for your new environment.
Washington, DC
Los Angeles, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Washington, DC
Los Angeles, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Washington, DC
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Washington, DC
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Washington | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Varies (Moderate to Poor) |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Hurricanes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Washington DC to Los Angeles offers a noticeable shift in weather patterns that can significantly affect your lifestyle. Los Angeles enjoys more days of sunshine and milder winters compared to Washington DC, making outdoor activities possible year-round. However, be prepared for less humidity and higher UV index readings in Los Angeles, which call for regular sunscreen application. The difference in natural disaster risks between the two cities is also noteworthy; while Washington, DC, may experience blizzards and hurricanes, Los Angeles faces earthquakes and wildfires. Adjusting to these changes will be an essential part of your transition.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington to Los Angeles
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial aspects compare between your current and future homes. This comparison between Washington DC and Los Angeles provides valuable insights into various economic factors that might impact your decision.
| Comparison | Washington | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $90,088 | $70,372 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140.1 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 8.5 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.56 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.0 | 9.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Education, Professional Services | Entertainment, Manufacturing, Technology |
| Affluence | Very High | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Severe |
Understanding the financial implications of moving from Washington DC to Los Angeles is critical. The average household income in DC is significantly higher than in LA, but so is the cost of living, albeit both cities exceed the national index. State and sales tax rates are higher in Los Angeles, which can affect your net income. Property taxes are comparatively lower in DC, reflecting potentially different housing market dynamics. The economic backbone of each city is distinct, with Washington DC focusing on government and professional services, while Los Angeles thrives on entertainment and technology. Notably, both cities face challenges with poverty and homelessness, with Los Angeles reporting a more severe situation. These insights are crucial for financial planning and setting realistic expectations for your move.
Washington vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Washington DC to Los Angeles, it’s essential to understand the differences in the communities you’ll be joining. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Washington DC & Los Angeles, helping you to gauge how well you might fit in or adapt.
| Washington | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Heavily Democratic | Primarily Democratic |
| Local Politics | Highly active, policy-focused | Diverse, with strong local movements |
| Religion | Mixed, with notable African American churches | Diverse, significant Catholic and Jewish communities |
Washington DC's political scene is characterized by its intensity and focus on national policy, reflecting its role as the nation’s capital. In contrast, Los Angeles has a vibrant political environment with movements that span a spectrum of local to global issues, embodying the city’s diverse cultures and interests. Religion in both cities reflects their multicultural makeup; however, Los Angeles holds a larger variety of religious communities, including a significant presence of Catholic and Jewish communities. This rich diversity in Los Angeles offers a broad spectrum of cultural and religious institutions for newcomers to explore, from Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to Sinai Temple, providing welcoming spaces for spiritual growth and community connection.
Washington vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving across the country can be a big transition, especially when it comes to navigating your new city. To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, we've prepared a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Washington DC & Los Angeles. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect on the roads and with public transit in your new home.
| Comparison | Washington | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34.5 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | No |
In Washington DC, the efficient Metro system, ranked highly in public transportation availability, allows residents to easily navigate the city without the use of a car. Although DC has its share of traffic congestion, the robust network of buses and trains makes it feasible to avoid driving. Conversely, in Los Angeles, despite efforts to expand public transportation with the Metro Rail, the sprawling nature of the city and its less centralized destinations make it challenging to rely solely on public transit. LA's infamous traffic congestion reflects its car-centric culture, where driving remains the most practical mode of transportation for many. Understanding these differences can significantly impact your daily routine and preferences for getting around.
Popular Washington, DC to California Moving Routes
- Washington to San Diego
- Washington to San Jose
- Washington to San Francisco
- Washington to Fresno
- Washington to Sacramento
- Washington to Long Beach
- Washington to Oakland
- Washington to Bakersfield
- Washington to Anaheim
- Washington to Santa Ana
- Washington to Riverside
- Washington to Stockton
- Washington to Irvine
- Washington to Chula Vista
- Washington to Fremont
- Washington to San Bernardino
- Washington to Modesto
- Washington to Fontana
- Washington to Moreno Valley
