Moving from DC to Virginia?

6 Best DC to VA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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DC to VA Moving Specialists

Moving from the bustling heart of the Capital to the rich history and diverse landscapes of Virginia signifies an exciting chapter in your life. Washington, D.C., known for its political bedrock and monuments, contrasts beautifully with Virginia's nickname "Old Dominion," famous for its scenic beauty and historical significance. Understanding the significance of this transition, we stress the importance of entrusting your journey to professional movers who excel in navigating the complexities of state-to-state moves, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Virginia to DC guide.

6 Best DC to Virginia Movers

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

#1
ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,704+ data points

Herndon, VA
Local Moving (Residential Moving), Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving), Office Moving (Commercial Moving) See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT: 3260258 Verify

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a wide r...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in leesburg 2023 ars movers image
#2
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 6,631+ data points

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 >>

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top 3 ranked movers in washington dc 2023 bookstore movers image
top ranked movers in washington dc 2022 bookstore movers image
#3
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 4,108+ data points

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in gaithersburg 2023 mics moving image
top 10 ranked movers in washington dc 2022 mics moving image
#4
A
Exceptional

based on 925+ data points

Hopewell, VA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Residential Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 1293943 Verify

About A Change of Place Movers

The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever meet. They genuinel...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in newport news 2023 a change of place movers image
top 10 ranked movers in newport news 2022 a change of place movers image
#5
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo
Exceptional

based on 361+ data points

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in buchanan 2023 ap pro moving llc image
#6
Treasure Moving Company Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,791+ data points

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 >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Virginia

Moving from one location to another offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards. In making the leap from DC to Virginia, we aim to present an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Understanding these aspects will help you make a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
DC iconDC
  • High living costs
  • Traffic congestion
  • Less green space
  • Noise
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Lower housing costs
  • More space
  • Abundant parks
  • Quieter neighborhoods
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Less nightlife
  • Car-dependent areas
  • Less diverse
  • Further from DC
DC iconDC
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Public transport access
  • Cultural diversity
  • Central location

Despite the allure of DC's vibrant city life, complete with a bustling nightlife and a wide array of cultural activities, the move to Virginia promises a refreshing change. Virginia offers a quieter, less hectic lifestyle, punctuated by the beauty of the great outdoors. Places like Great Falls Park and Fairfax County's park system provide ample green space for relaxation and leisure. The trade-off includes adjusting to areas that may rely more heavily on car transportation and suburbs that might not match DC's diversity. Yet, many find Virginia's spacious homes and the charm of cities like Alexandria and Fairfax, with their historic districts and family-friendly restaurants, to be a fair exchange for the hustle and bustle left behind.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from DC to Virginia

Understanding the local food scene is crucial when moving, as food is an integral part of local culture and daily life. With this guide, we're here to help you navigate the culinary waters by making a comparison of the local cuisine between DC & Virginia. This way, you'll know exactly what delicious adventures await you in your new home.

DCVirginia

Most iconic local food item

Half-smokeHam

Most popular meat dish

Mumbo sauce with wingsBBQ (pulled pork)

Most popular street food item

Food trucks farePeanuts

Most popular vegan food

Plant-based burgersBBQ Jackfruit

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

    1. Ben's Chili Bowl
    2. Old Ebbitt Grill
    3. Zaytinya

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

95

Foodie Scene

97

Vegan Friendly

86

In both DC and Virginia, the local cuisines offer a rich blend that mirrors their cultural diversity and historical significance. In DC, you can start your culinary journey with a half-smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl, a landmark eatery known far and wide. Meanwhile, Virginia takes pride in its smoked ham and BBQ dishes, with The Inn at Little Washington offering a fine-dining experience that reflects the state's culinary prestige. For those moving to Virginia, exploring neighborhoods such as Richmond's historic districts or the seaside flavor of Virginia Beach can lead to exciting gastronomic discoveries, including locally-sourced seafood and traditional Southern cuisine.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from DC to Virginia

When planning a move, evaluating real estate conditions between DC and Virginia can provide valuable insights. Understanding the cost, architecture, and lifestyle affordability can help make informed decisions about where to settle down.

The cost of living and housing varies significantly between DC and Virginia, with DC presenting higher median home prices and rent due to its urban density and amenities. While houses in DC often feature Federal and Victorian styles, Virginia offers more Colonial and Craftsman homes, reflecting each area's unique character. The higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores in DC make it ideal for those seeking an active city life. However, Virginia's emphasis on school district quality in real estate listings indicates a more family-oriented vibe, appealing to those prioritizing education and community.

Weather Considerations for Moving from DC to Virginia

Understanding the weather differences is crucial when moving from one location to another. This comparison will highlight how the climate and weather patterns between DC and Virginia differ, ensuring you are well-prepared for your move.

Summer icon
89/71

DC

87/66

Virginia

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47/30

DC

48/29

Virginia

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40

DC

44

Virginia

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.4

DC

20-30 (Varies by region)

Virginia

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While DC and Virginia share similarities in climate, Virginia experiences a slightly broader range in terms of weather conditions. For instance, Virginia tends to have a bit more snowfall annually, especially in regions farther from the coast, and slightly higher annual rainfall. Humidity levels are also marginally higher in Virginia, which might affect your daily comfort and activities, especially during summer. Knowing these nuances will help you effectively prepare for the seasonal changes post-move.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from DC to Virginia

When contemplating a move from DC to Virginia, it's essential to weigh how the financial landscapes compare. Understanding the differences in cost of living, taxes, and average incomes can significantly affect your budget and lifestyle in your new home.

The transition from DC to Virginia presents a promising financial landscape for many, especially in terms of reduced cost of living and lower state income tax rates. Despite the higher average household income in DC, Virginia offers a more affordable living index and a moderately high affluence level, making it an appealing option for both individuals and families. The differences in property and sales taxes are somewhat minimal but can add up to significant savings over time. Additionally, both regions boast strong employment opportunities, particularly in government and professional services, suggesting smooth career transitions for those relocating.

Political & Religious Comparison between DC and Virginia

This quick comparison offers an insightful snapshot into the comparison of the politics between DC & Virginia , including the political and religious makeup of their residents. It's designed to help those moving gain a better understanding of their new community at a glance.

DCVirginia

Political Make-up

Heavily DemocraticSwing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican

Local Politics

DC Council dominatesMixed control with Virginia General Assembly

Religion

Diverse, with no single dominant faithChristianity predominates, followed by other faiths

While transitioning from DC's heavily Democratic landscape, you'll find Virginia's political scene to be more of a mix, reflecting its status as a swing state. This means engaging with local politics could feel different, encountering a broader spectrum of opinions. In terms of religion, both areas offer diversity, but you might notice a more pronounced presence of Christian denominations in Virginia. These shifts represent just the tip of the iceberg in terms of cultural differences you might experience during your move.

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Virginia

Moving from DC to Virginia and curious about the educational landscape? This guide compares schools to better understand the differences between school options in DC and Virginia . From public to private institutions, get a clear perspective on where each state excels.

DCVirginia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Janney Elementary
Mann Elementary
Lafayette Elementary
Strawberry Knoll Elementary (Gainesville)
Stenwood Elementary (Vienna)
Nottingham Elementary (Arlington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Jefferson Middle School Academy
Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church)
Cooper Middle School (McLean)
Frost Middle School (Fairfax)

Top 3 High School Schools

Wilson High School
School Without Walls High School
McKinley Technology High School
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
McLean High School (McLean)
Oakton High School (Vienna)

Top 3 private high schools

Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School
The Madeira School (McLean)
Flint Hill School (Oakton)
Potomac School (McLean)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Bishop McNamara High School
Field School
Edmund Burke School
Norfolk Academy (Norfolk)
Collegiate School (Richmond)
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (Alexandria)

Top 3 School Districts

DC Public SchoolsFairfax County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools

In navigating the educational environments of DC and Virginia, one can't help but notice the variety and quality of options available. Particularly, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria stands out, offering a remarkable education focused on science and technology. It's often ranked among the top in the nation. Virginia's Fairfax and Loudoun counties are known for their robust public school systems, offering a wide range of programs to cater to diverse student needs. On the other hand, DC harbors esteemed institutions like Sidwell Friends and the School Without Walls High School, known for rigorous academics and producing well-rounded graduates. These differences exemplify the unique educational landscapes of Virginia and DC, presenting a wealth of options for families moving between the two.

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