Best DC to Iowa Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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DC to IA Moving Specialists

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.

DC iconArrow iconIowa icon

Best DC to Iowa Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Mic's Moving9.60NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Ap Pro Moving Llc9.44NRActiveContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.42A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Treasure Moving Company9.40NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best Move Inc9.24A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to DC guide.

6 Best DC to IA Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
1
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 4,108+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo
Exceptional9.44/10
based on 361+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3338902 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved4,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
based on 1,268+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Treasure Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.40/10
based on 1,791+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Residential Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/8/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2431129 / 847222

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2021)
View Full Review
5
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional9.24/10
based on 520+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

749231 / 376435

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,976 (2022)
View Full Review
6
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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.

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 iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Dense population
  • Political intensity
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • More open space
  • Relaxed atmosphere
Iowa iconIowa
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller historical sites
  • Car dependent
DC iconDC
  • 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.

DC vs. Iowa Food Guide

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.

DCIowa
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokePork tenderloin sandwich
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce with wingsGrilled pork chops
Most popular street food itemJumbo slice pizzaSweet corn
Most popular vegan foodVegetable curryBlack bean burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Le Diplomate
  • The Iowa Machine Shed
  • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
  • A Dong Restaurant
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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.

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DC vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts

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.

ComparisonDCIowa
Typical Architecture StyleFederal and VictorianColonial Revival and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to metro, Rooftop decksLarge yards, Spacious garages

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.

DC vs. Iowa Weather Considerations

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.

Summer icon
89/71

DC

86/65

Iowa

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47/29

DC

31/14

Iowa

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40

DC

36

Iowa

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15

DC

36

Iowa

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDCIowa
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

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.

ComparisonDCIowa
Avg. Household Income$101,027$69,588
Cost of Living Index140.195.9
State Income Tax4% - 8.95%0.33% - 8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6% (Local variances apply)
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Education, TechnologyManufacturing, Agriculture, Financial Services
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow

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.

DC vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison

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.

DCIowa
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesMixed, varies by region
ReligionDiverse, 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 .

DCIowa

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Janney Elementary
Mann Elementary
Eaton Elementary
Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
North Bend Elementary (North Liberty)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
McKinley Technology High School
North 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 School
West 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 Friends
Dowling 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 School
Scattergood Friends School
Maharishi School
Cedar Valley Christian School

Top 3 School Districts

District of Columbia Public Schools
KIPP DC
DC Prep
Iowa 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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