Trusted. Licensed. Insured.Moving from state to state is an adventure that offers a fresh start and exciting change in your life. Leaving behind the bustling life of the Nation's Capital, with its monumental landmarks and political hustle, to embrace Iowa's serene landscapes and the welcoming embrace of the Hawkeye State, can feel like stepping into a new world. Understanding the importance of this transition, we emphasize the necessity of hiring trusted and reliable professional movers for your long-distance move, ensuring a smooth journey to your new home.
Moving from DC to Iowa?
6 Best DC to IA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide
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6 Best DC to Iowa Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
#1
| Hyattsville, MD | |
| Local moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/15/2021) | |
| USDOT: 2005212 Verify |
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 >>
#2
| Washington DC, DC | |
| Local Move, Long Distance Moving, Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/14/2021) | |
| USDOT: 2474176 Verify |
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 >>
#3
| Alexandria, VA | |
| Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Packing Services See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/6/2022) | |
| USDOT: 3338902 Verify |
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 >>
#4
| 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 >>
#5
| Rockville, MD | |
| Local Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services, Residential Moving Services See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/8/2022) | |
| USDOT: 2431129 Verify |
About Treasure Moving Company
Carrying all of your worldly possessions to a new location is no small feat. Throw in the fact that you’re probably leaving behind family an...Read More >>
#6
| 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 >>
Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Iowa
Moving from one place to another always comes with its set of challenges and rewards. In this case, relocating from DC to Iowa , we aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this transition. The following charts will help visualize the benefits and drawbacks, aiding in a more informed decision-making process.
CONs
PROs
DC- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Dense population
- Political intensity
Iowa- Lower cost of living
- Less congestion
- More open space
- Relaxed atmosphere
Iowa- Quieter nightlife
- Less diversity
- Smaller historical sites
- Car dependent
DC- Vibrant city life
- Cultural diversity
- Rich history
- Public transport access
While DC charms with its vibrant city life and a plethora of dining and cultural experiences, such as dining at Zaytinya or exploring the Smithsonian museums, Iowa offers a contrasting ambiance. Life in Iowa might seem quieter, yet cities like Des Moines are bustling with unique attractions, including the Des Moines Art Center and the annual Iowa State Fair. Notably, Iowa's cost of living allows for a more spacious and relaxed lifestyle, with access to nature and more personal space. Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, boasts beautiful parks like Gray’s Lake Park, a prime example of the state's commitment to offering residents a high-quality life amidst nature. While you may miss DC’s extensive public transportation, Iowa’s cities like Iowa City and Cedar Rapids provide an array of cultural experiences and community activities that promise a rich, fulfilling life.
Food Scene Guide When Moving from DC to Iowa
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between DC & Iowa to help you understand the food scene in both areas. Food is a significant part of local culture and greatly affects the living experience. We aim to provide insight into what culinary delights await you.
| DC | Iowa |
|---|---|
Most iconic local food item Half-smokePork tenderloin sandwich | |
Most popular meat dish Mumbo sauce with wingsGrilled pork chops | |
Most popular street food item Jumbo slice pizzaSweet corn | |
Most popular vegan food Vegetable curryBlack bean burger | |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
| |
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness 86 | |
Abundance of Food Trucks 95 | |
Foodie Scene 97 | |
Vegan Friendly 87 | |
In DC, the Half-smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl represents a quintessential local experience, while Iowa's love for the Pork tenderloin sandwich showcases the state's agricultural prowess. You'll find the streets of DC bustling with an array of food trucks offering everything from Jumbo slice pizzas to gourmet dishes. Whereas in Iowa, local farmers markets and eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines feature unique takes on Americana with a Midwestern twist. DC's bustling, health-conscious atmosphere provides a wide variety of vegan options, contrasting with Iowa's hearty, farm-to-table approach that has begun embracing more plant-based options. Whether you're moving for the strong political currents of DC or the sweeping fields of Iowa, you're entering a world rich with culinary delights that tell the unique story of each location.
Ready to start your move?
Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from DC to Iowa
When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison focuses on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle between DC and Iowa, helping you understand what to expect in each location.
When moving from DC to Iowa, it's not just the dramatic difference in housing costs that you'll notice. Iowa's embrace of Colonial Revival and Craftsman architectural styles reflects its historical roots and preference for classic American designs, contrasting with DC's Federal and Victorian architecture indicative of the nation's capital. The urban lifestyle score significantly higher in DC, aligning with its dense layout and robust public transportation system, while Iowa offers more space and a lower cost of living, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Walkability and bikeability are also important factors to consider, with DC scoring higher due to its more compact urban environment.
Weather Considerations for Moving from DC to Iowa
When planning a move from one place to another, it's crucial to evaluate various factors, particularly the weather conditions you'll be adapting to. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in climate between DC and Iowa, helping you prepare for your journey. Understanding how the weather varies from what you're accustomed to is key to a smooth transition.
89/71
DC
86/65
Iowa
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
47/29
DC
31/14
Iowa
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
40
DC
36
Iowa
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
15
DC
36
Iowa
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Moving from DC to Iowa presents quite a shift in weather conditions, particularly in terms of winter temperatures and snowfall where Iowa experiences a significant increase. While the number of sunny days remains almost the same, Iowa's higher average humidity may require an adjustment. Moreover, being aware of the prevalent natural disasters in Iowa, such as tornadoes, versus the hurricanes more common in DC, is crucial for preparedness. Air quality generally improves moving from DC to Iowa, which could be significant if you have respiratory conditions or are sensitive to pollution.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from DC to Iowa
When moving from one area to another, assessing how your finances will be impacted is crucial. This comparison aims to elucidate the differences between living in DC and Iowa , focusing on key financial aspects. Understanding the cost of living, income tax rates , and other monetary factors will prepare you for the transition, helping you to adjust your budget accordingly.
The financial landscape between DC and Iowa shows stark contrasts, particularly in the average household income and the cost of living index. While DC boasts a higher average income, this is counterbalanced by its significantly higher cost of living. In Iowa, though the income averages less, the substantially lower cost of living may afford a more comfortable lifestyle for some. The state income tax rates show a range in both locations, but importantly, Iowa's property tax rate stands notably higher than DC's. This could impact your long-term housing budget. Understanding these nuances will ensure you're better equipped for your move, from evaluating housing options to anticipating daily expenses.
Political & Religious Comparison between DC and Iowa
This guide offers a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup comparison between DC & Iowa, providing insight into the communities you’re moving from and to. Understanding these aspects will help you acclimate more easily to your new home.
| DC | Iowa |
|---|---|
Political Make-up Heavily DemocraticSwing State | |
Local Politics Progressive PoliciesMixed, varies by region | |
Religion Diverse, less religious overallPrimarily Christian, with a strong evangelical presence | |
When moving from DC to Iowa, you’ll encounter distinct differences in the political landscapes. DC’s heavily Democratic leaning, characterized by progressive policies, contrasts with Iowa’s status as a swing state, where local politics can vary significantly from one region to another. This political diversity in Iowa might present a nuanced social environment compared to what you’re used to. Furthermore, Iowa has a stronger presence of Christian evangelical influence, reflecting in its social values and community events, which might be a change from DC’s more diverse and less religiously overt atmosphere.
Education Guide When Moving from DC to Iowa
When planning a move from DC to Iowa, it's crucial to compare your options for education to make the best choice for your family. In this guide, we'll explore how schools and education systems differ between these locations to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in DC and Iowa .
| DC | Iowa |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) Georgetown University George Washington University Howard UniversityUniversity of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Janney Elementary Mann Elementary Eaton ElementaryWickham Elementary (Coralville) Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon) North Bend Elementary (North Liberty) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Deal Middle School Hardy Middle School McKinley Technology High SchoolNorth Central Junior High (Coralville) Northwest Junior High (Coralville) Southeast Junior High (Iowa City) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Wilson High School School Without Walls High School Banneker High SchoolWest High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Liberty High School (North Liberty) | |
Top 3 private high schools Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda) Maret School Sidwell FriendsDowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines) Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids) Regis Middle and High School (Cedar Rapids) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Sidwell Friends Georgetown Day School Maret SchoolScattergood Friends School Maharishi School Cedar Valley Christian School | |
Top 3 School Districts District of Columbia Public Schools KIPP DC DC PrepIowa City Community School District Linn-Mar Community School District Waukee Community School District | |
When deciding between DC and Iowa for education, there are several key differences to consider. DC offers a wide range of highly rated public and private school options with a focus on preparing students for college, particularly with institutions like Georgetown University and Howard University being popular destinations. Iowa, on the other hand, boasts excellent public schools and districts such as the Iowa City Community School District and the Linn-Mar Community School District, which are known for their strong academic programs and community support. This comparison reveals that both DC and Iowa provide quality education through diverse pathways, whether you're seeking outstanding public schools, elite private institutions, or robust school districts.
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