Best Washington to Columbus Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Washington to Columbus Movers

Moving from the bustling power corridors of Washington DC to the vibrant, community-focused streets of Columbus, OH, symbolizes not just a change in scenery but an exciting chapter in your life. Saying goodbye to the political heartbeat known as "The Capital" for the innovative spirit and Midwestern charm of "The Discovery City" presents a unique blend of culture, pace, and lifestyle. Understandably, such a significant transition necessitates the support of trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring your journey from one distinctive city to the other is as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s where we come in, leveraging our unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers for your interstate adventure.

DC iconArrow iconOhio icon

Best Washington to Columbus Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Mic's Moving9.60NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Blue Men Moving LLC9.57A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Ap Pro Moving Llc9.44NRActiveContact
Manifest Shipping Llc9.19A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Columbus to Washington guide.

5 Best Washington to Columbus 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
Blue Men Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.57/10
based on 1,226+ data points

About Blue Men Moving LLC

With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior moving experience...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3544037 / 1184394

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved78,500 (2022)
View Full Review
3
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
4
Manifest Shipping Llc Logo
Exceptional9.19/10
based on 452+ data points

About Manifest Shipping Llc

Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and s...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3050908 / 49758

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved46,740 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Washington vs. Columbus Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. To ease your transition, we've put together a comparison of popular neighborhoods in Washington DC, DC, and Columbus, OH. By using neighborhoods from your current city as a baseline, you can better understand what to expect and find a new home that closely matches your preferences. This guide is engineered to help you compare the local neighborhoods between Washington DC, DC & Columbus, OH , pinpointing similarities that will make your move smoother.

WashingtonColumbusHow They're Similar
GeorgetownGerman VillageHistoric charm, brick streets
Dupont CircleShort NorthArtsy, vibrant nightlife
Capitol HillVictorian VillageHistoric homes, community feel
Navy YardGrandview HeightsUrban feel, family-friendly
ShawItalian VillageTrendy, up-and-coming
Adams MorganClintonvilleEclectic, diverse community
Foggy BottomHarrison WestMix of residential and commercial
Logan CircleBrewery DistrictHistoric buildings, local breweries
BloomingdaleFranklintonArts district, revitalization area
U Street CorridorOlde Towne EastCultural hub, historic homes

When moving from Washington DC to Columbus, you'll find neighborhoods that offer a seamless transition while introducing you to new experiences. For instance, German Village, similar to Georgetown, boasts brick-lined streets and historic homes, with Schiller Park offering an oasis in the city, just like Georgetown's Volta Park. Meanwhile, Columbus’ Short North, akin to Dupont Circle, thrives with an arts scene, bustling nightlife, and ethnically diverse eateries such as Brassica and Northstar Café, mirroring Dupont Circle's cosmopolitan vibe. Victorian Village shares Capitol Hill's sense of history and community, containing picturesque parks like Goodale Park, comparable to Capitol Hill's Lincoln Park. This blend of familiarity and discovery ensures you'll feel right at home in your new Columbus neighborhood.

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Things to Do in Columbus

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Columbus

Moving from one city to another can be a life-changing decision, which is why it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Washington DC, DC to Columbus, OH , highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Washington, DC iconWashington, DC
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Political intensity
  • Limited green spaces
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • More parks
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • More car-reliant
  • Less variety in cuisine
  • Fewer historical sites
Washington, DC iconWashington, DC
  • Rich culture
  • Extensive public transit
  • Diverse dining options
  • National landmarks

While Washington DC offers a vibrant cultural scene, with renowned museums like the Smithsonian and historical landmarks, Columbus, OH, counters with a thriving arts district in Short North and an array of parks and green spaces such as the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. The dining experience in Columbus, although less diverse, features gems like the North Market where you can sample a variety of local and international foods. Washington's heavy traffic and political intensity contrast with Columbus's relaxed atmosphere and friendlier commute. The move from a bustling capital to a calmer, yet spirited city could be a refreshing change, offering a slower pace of life without sacrificing cultural experiences.

Washington vs. Columbus Food Guide

Food is a fundamental aspect of local culture and the day-to-day experience of living in any area. To help you get acclimated to your new home, we've prepared a comparative analysis detailing the differences in the food scene. Specifically, we will examine the local cuisine between Washington DC & Columbus , offering insights into what culinary delights await you in your new city.

WashingtonColumbus
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokeBuckeye candy
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce with chicken wingsColumbus-style pizza
Most popular street food itemFood trucks offering international cuisineTaco trucks
Most popular vegan foodVegetable-forward bowlsVegan soul food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Lincoln Social Rooftop
  • The Guild House
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When relocating from Washington DC to Columbus, you'll find a vibrant transition in your culinary experiences. In Columbus, the Buckeye candy, a delightful blend of peanut butter and chocolate, epitomizes the city's love for sweet, homey treats, contrasting with DC's iconic half-smoke—a smoky, spicy sausage often enjoyed with a side of chili. Columbus also brings a unique twist to pizza, with its own style known for a thin crust and edge-to-edge toppings, diverging from DC’s diverse international food offerings. Street food lovers moving from DC might miss the vast array of international food trucks but will find solace in Columbus’s thriving taco truck scene. For a taste of local flavors, explore neighborhoods like the Short North or German Village, where establishments like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and The Guild House represent the culinary diversity and innovation of Columbus.

Washington vs. Columbus Restaurant Comparison

Finding your new favorite eatery is key to making Columbus feel like home for those moving from Washington, DC. This restaurant comparison will guide you in discovering places in Columbus that resonate with the culinary experiences of Washington, DC.

WashingtonColumbusWhat You'll Love
Le DiplomateLa ChatelaineOffers a quaint French bistro experience reminiscent of Le Diplomate’s ambiance and cuisine.
Rose's LuxuryVeritasKnown for its creative and upscale dining experience, similar to Rose's Luxury.
ZaytinyaThe RefectoryAlthough primarily European, it provides a blend of exotic flavors akin to Zaytinya’s Mediterranean offerings.
Ben’s Chili BowlDirty Frank's Hot Dog PalaceServes up a range of hot dogs and chili that echo the iconic eats of Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Blue Duck TavernLindey'sUpscale American fare with a commitment to quality and ambiance that parallels Blue Duck Tavern.
RasikaAab IndiaOffers authentic Indian cuisine and an experience that mirrors the acclaimed flavors of Rasika.
Fiola MareMitchell's Ocean ClubSeafood and steakhouse with a view, presenting a Fiola Mare-like dining sophistication.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabThe Top SteakhouseA classic steak and seafood restaurant that brings the essence of Joe's to Columbus.
ElisirMarcella'sA lively Italian eatery that offers a similar level of creativity and Italian finesse as Elisir.
Founding FarmersNorthstar CaféFocuses on organic and locally sourced ingredients, emulating the farm-to-table experience of Founding Farmers.

When the craving for French bistro flair hits, La Chatelaine in Columbus offers a cozy atmosphere and culinary delights that closely mirror those of Le Diplomate in Washington, DC. Both establishments are known for their dedication to providing authentic, high-quality meals within a setting that feels like a slice of Europe. Additionally, for those who cherish the aromas and tastes of India, Aab India stands ready in Columbus to provide an exploration of the senses similar to Rasika. Lastly, the farm-to-table conscious community will find solace in Northstar Café's commitment to organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, echoing the ethos of Founding Farmers in DC, but with its unique Midwestern charm.

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Washington vs. Columbus Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your decision when moving. Understanding how Washington DC's and Columbus's real estate markets compare will guide you in making an informed decision. This comparison covers housing cost, style, walkability, and urban lifestyle , among other aspects.

ComparisonWashingtonColumbus
Typical Architecture StyleFederal and VictorianContemporary
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to metro, Historic landmarksSpacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods

When comparing the housing markets of Washington DC and Columbus, significant differences emerge. For instance, the median home prices and monthly rents are substantially higher in Washington DC, reflecting its denser urban environment and higher cost of living. Washington DC also boasts a higher walkability score, demonstrating its compact layout and abundance of amenities within walking distance, juxtaposed against Columbus's more spacious residential areas which necessitate more driving. However, Columbus offers its residents more affordability, with lower housing costs and a quieter, more laid-back urban lifestyle. When considering a move, take into account not only the cost but the type of environment you prefer. Would you thrive in the bustling, historic streets of DC or the more relaxed, spacious neighborhoods of Columbus?

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH

1. German Village: Recognized for its picturesque brick streets and cozy atmosphere, German Village is incredibly pet-friendly with Schiller Park being a central spot for dog walking and socializing.

2. Short North: Known as the art and soul of Columbus, Short North is bustling with pet-friendly patios, boutiques like One Line Coffee that welcome furry friends, and several pet shops ensuring your pet's needs are always met.

3. Clintonville: Offering a more laid-back vibe, Clintonville is full of green spaces and parks such as the Whetstone Park of Roses, making it an ideal neighborhood for leisurely walks and outings with your pets.

Washington vs. Columbus Weather Considerations

When relocating, it's crucial to understand how the weather in your new city compares to what you're accustomed to. This comparison between Washington DC and Columbus offers insight into how your lifestyle might adapt in terms of climate and weather conditions.

Summer icon
87/67

Washington, DC

85/65

Columbus, OH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47/30

Washington, DC

36/22

Columbus, OH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40.3

Washington, DC

39.3

Columbus, OH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.4

Washington, DC

22.4

Columbus, OH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWashingtonColumbus
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, floodsTornadoes, thunderstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Washington DC and Columbus enjoy warm summers, you'll find Washington's winters to be milder, with higher average temperatures compared to Columbus. This means you might need a heavier coat and more cold-weather gear in Columbus. Additionally, Columbus experiences fewer days of sunshine yearly, which could impact outdoor activities and mood for new residents. Air quality is generally better in Columbus, possibly making it a preferable location for individuals with respiratory concerns. It's also worth considering the different types of natural disasters predominant in each area when planning your move and insurance needs.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington to Columbus

Relocating from one city to another can dramatically affect your budget and lifestyle. When moving from Washington DC to Columbus , it's crucial to compare financial aspects such as income, taxes, and cost of living to ensure a smooth transition. Understanding these differences will help you manage your finances effectively in your new home.

ComparisonWashingtonColumbus
Avg. Household Income$90,088$58,202
Cost of Living Index140.192
State Income Tax4% - 8.95%1.980% - 4.797%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%1.62%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7.5%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Professional Services, Education/HealthEducation/Health, Insurance, Finance
AffluenceVery highModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessHighNoticeable

Moving from Washington DC to Columbus means adapting to a significantly lower cost of living, from housing to daily expenses. However, it’s important to note the average household income is also lower in Columbus, which is balanced by the city’s more affordable lifestyle. State income tax is more favorable in Columbus, offering a relieving contrast especially for those coming from DC’s varied tax brackets. The prominence of the education, insurance, and finance industries in Columbus suggests diverse job opportunities outside the government-centric job market of Washington DC. Considering these financial aspects ensures you’re better prepared for the economic climate in Columbus.

Washington vs. Columbus Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison between Washington DC & Columbus offers a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the places you're moving from and to. Get a quick understanding of the community dynamics in both cities.

WashingtonColumbus
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsHighly engaged, international impactCommunity-focused, growing progressive influence
ReligionPluralist, with a significant Christian population, diverse places of worship including the National CathedralPrimarily Christian, with both historic and contemporary churches, such as the Columbus Crossroads

When moving from Washington DC to Columbus, OH, you'll find both cities have a notable Democratic lean in their political makeup, though DC's political scene plays out on both a national and international stage, making it more intense and globally focused. Columbus, while still progressive, tends to concentrate more on local and community issues, reflecting its growing diversity and the influence of a large university population. In terms of religion, both cities offer a broad spectrum of places of worship, but DC's religious scene is more pluralist reflecting its international community, whereas Columbus maintains a strong Christian foundation with a rich mix of historic and contemporary churches actively engaging the community.

Washington vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic can significantly impact your decision when moving. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Washington DC & Columbus is designed to help you gauge what to expect in terms of travel time, congestion, and the feasibility of living without a car in these cities.

ComparisonWashingtonColumbus
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)34.523.5
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with some effortChallenging, but possible

Washington DC has a more developed public transportation system compared to Columbus, OH. This is reflected in the high availability score, making it easier for residents to get by without a car, though it might require some logistical planning. On the other hand, Columbus presents a more relaxed traffic environment with significantly lower congestion levels, making driving a more pleasant experience for those who own a car. However, reliance on public transportation in Columbus might come with challenges due to its lower availability, suggesting that owning a car might be more of a necessity here.

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