Best Jacksonville to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide

Get a Quote Now!

Jacksonville to Des Moines Movers

Moving from the vibrant, sunny shores of Jacksonville, the "River City by the Sea," to the heartwarming community vibes of Des Moines, the "Hartford of the West," signifies not just a change of scenery but embarks you on an adventurous new chapter in life. Leaving behind the endless beaches and embracing Des Moines' rich cultural tapestry and lush green spaces requires navigating through a blend of emotions and logistics. Recognizing this, we underline the crucial need to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers for your journey from Florida’s coast to Iowa’s heartland, ensuring a seamless transition into your new beginning.

Florida iconArrow iconIowa icon

Best Jacksonville to Des Moines Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.53A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Best Move Inc9.23A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Skinner Moving & Storage9.20A+Authorized For HHGContact
MoveBright Van Lines9.17AAuthorized For HHGContact
Sunshine State Movers8.79NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Jacksonville guide.

5 Best Jacksonville to Des Moines Moving Companies

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

Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional9.53/10
based on 956+ data points

About Adamantine Spine Moving

With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving ...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

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
1
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional9.23/10
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 12/18/2024)

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
2
Skinner Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.20/10
based on 855+ data points

About Skinner Moving & Storage

Skinner Moving & Storage is a family-owned and operated moving company based in the First Coast area. Their service offers include residenti...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3693001 / 1289107

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
MoveBright Van Lines Logo
Exceptional9.17/10
based on 1,204+ data points

About MoveBright Van Lines

MoveBright Van Lines provides exceptional service to First Coast residents, delivering on-demand moves at the best prices in town. Located i...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/24/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3379394 / 1140514

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
4
S
Superb8.79/10
based on 154+ data points

About Sunshine State Movers

Sunshine State Movers is a professional moving company based in Baymeadows, Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in making moving easy and st...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/13/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4054744 / 1537260

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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.

Jacksonville vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with the new city's neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Jacksonville, FL & Des Moines, IA . This guide utilizes familiar areas in Jacksonville to help you find similar neighborhoods in Des Moines, enriching your understanding and helping you find your next home.

JacksonvilleDes MoinesHow They're Similar
RiversideSherman HillHistoric charm, vibrant community
San MarcoEast VillageBoutique shopping, trendy restaurants
AvondaleWaterburyStately homes, family-friendly vibe
Murray HillBeaverdaleQuaint shops, local dining
SpringfieldHighland ParkHistoric homes, active community
OrtegaSouth of GrandExclusive homes, lush landscapes
MandarinWindsor HeightsSuburban feel, convenient location
Atlantic BeachGray’s LakeOutdoor activities, scenic views
DeerwoodJordan CreekUpscale living, modern amenities
Five PointsDrake NeighborhoodEclectic mix, cultural hotspots

In comparing neighborhood vibes, recreational activities, and community feel between Jacksonville, FL, and Des Moines, IA, the charm of Riverside’s homes and community events finds a match in Sherman Hill’s historic demeanor and active local scene. Shopping enthusiasts familiar with San Marco's boutique shops will delight in the East Village's trendy offerings. For those seeking the family-friendly atmosphere of Avondale, Waterbury's stately homes and welcoming vibe in Des Moines will feel like coming home. Moreover, outdoor lovers fond of Atlantic Beach's coastal activities will find joy in the scenic views and recreational options at Gray’s Lake. Whether it’s the historic allure, bustling shopping districts, or serene suburban life that you’re moving from, Des Moines offers neighborhoods with similar characteristics, ensuring you find a new place that feels like home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Jacksonville to Des Moines

Making the move from Jacksonville, FL to Des Moines, IA requires a balanced examination of both the advantages and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make a well-informed decision. Here, you’ll find visuals that contrast the pros and cons directly linked to lifestyle, climate, and opportunities in both cities.

CONs
PROs
Jacksonville, FL iconJacksonville, FL
  • Higher humidity
  • Longer commutes
  • Limited cultural venues
  • Higher crime rates
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Milder summers
  • Shorter commutes
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Lower crime rates
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • No beaches
  • Cold winters
  • Smaller city feel
  • More limited options
Jacksonville, FL iconJacksonville, FL
  • Beaches nearby
  • Warm winters
  • Large city amenities
  • Diverse cuisine

When moving from Jacksonville, FL to Des Moines, IA, you're trading the beach and year-round warm weather for the charm and coziness of a city with a vibrant arts scene, including the Des Moines Performing Arts for top-tier theater and concerts, and the celebrated Des Moines Art Center for contemporary art exhibitions. Des Moines boasts numerous parks like the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, ideal for family outings or serene walks. Dining in Des Moines offers its own delights, with local favorites such as Fong's Pizza for a unique pizza experience and the bustling East Village neighborhood providing a range of shopping and dining options. While you might miss Jacksonville’s beaches and diverse cuisine, Des Moines’ community-focused atmosphere and seasonal charm offer a compelling alternative.

Jacksonville vs. Des Moines Food Guide

As you consider relocating, understanding the flavor of your new area is crucial. Food not only nourishes but signifies the essence of a place. That's why we're embarking on a delicious journey to compare the local cuisine between Jacksonville & Des Moines . Let this be your guide to savoring the taste of your potential new home.

JacksonvilleDes Moines
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishBBQ RibsSmoked Pork Chop
Most popular street food itemFried Shrimp TacosCheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodVegan Soul FoodTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Orsay
  • Maple Street Biscuit Company
  • TacoLu
  • Fong's Pizza
  • Zombie Burger
  • Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Jacksonville, the coastal influence is evident in its iconic shrimp and grits, a staple that fuses local seafood with southern comfort. Neighborhoods like San Marco and Riverside teem with vibrant eateries such as Orsay, where you can dive deep into the city's gourmet scene. Meanwhile, Des Moines presents a contrast with its love for pork, especially the celebrated Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. The East Village and Court Avenue areas are hotspots for food enthusiasts seeking to explore the local fare, with gems like Fong's Pizza presenting an innovative take on traditional recipes. Both cities boast a rich culinary tapestry, from the street corners lined with food trucks to the health-conscious menus accommodating all dietary needs.

Jacksonville vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison

Making a move from Jacksonville, FL to Des Moines, IA could be a huge transition, especially when it comes to finding your new favorite dining spots. Food plays a pivotal role in feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison between Jacksonville and Des Moines will help ease your transition by introducing you to similar culinary experiences in your new locale.

JacksonvilleDes MoinesWhat You'll Love
OrsayApostoHigh-end dining with a seasonal menu.
TacoLuEl Guapo's Tequila + TacosAuthentic Mexican cuisine and expansive tequila selection.
Maple Street Biscuit CompanyScenic Route BakeryCozy bakery and cafe with hearty breakfast options.
MOJO BBQSmokey D's BBQAward-winning barbecue with a wide variety of sauces.
Marker 32Waterfront Seafood MarketFresh seafood with scenic views.
Black Sheep RestaurantProofContemporary American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Safe Harbor Seafood Market & RestaurantFlying MangoKnown for its seafood and BBQ, a blend not often seen but highly appreciated.
Hawkers Asian Street Farekrunkwich Ramen HouseDiverse Asian street food with a creative twist.
Fox RestaurantCentroUrban eatery known for Italian classics with a modern touch.
Bold Bean Coffee RoastersMars CafeLocal coffee shop with a great atmosphere for work or relaxation.

Whether you're reminiscing about the upscale dining at Orsay or the laid-back vibe of TacoLu, Des Moines has comparable experiences waiting for you. Aposto offers a similar high-end dining experience to Orsay, charming patrons with its meticulously crafted seasonal menus and intimate atmosphere. On the more casual side, El Guapo's Tequila + Tacos captures the vibrant spirit and flavors of TacoLu, bringing an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine to Iowa, complemented by a selection of tequila that rivals any found in Jacksonville. And for those mornings when nothing but a hearty biscuit will do, Scenic Route Bakery stands ready with a warm, welcoming ambiance reminiscent of Maple Street Biscuit Company, complete with delicious breakfast offerings that will start your day off right. These eateries in Des Moines not only promise to deliver the flavors you've come to love but also offer the opportunity to create new memories in your new city.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Jacksonville vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly influences the quality of life in a new city. Understanding how the housing market, architectural styles, and lifestyle scores compare between Jacksonville and Des Moines is crucial for making an informed decision on your move.

ComparisonJacksonvilleDes Moines
Typical Architecture StyleMediterranean RevivalColonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious layouts, water viewsHistoric details, proximity to parks

While Jacksonville offers a more temperate climate with its Mediterranean Revival homes, often boasting spacious layouts and stunning water views, Des Moines presents a quaint urban charm with its Colonial Revival architecture and historic details. The cost of living in Des Moines is notably less, both in terms of median home prices and rent, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a more affordable urban lifestyle. Moreover, Des Moines rates higher in walkability and bikeability, facilitating a more active lifestyle with easy access to parks and recreational areas. Deciding between the bustling, expansive city of Jacksonville and the compact, charming Des Moines depends on your personal preferences in lifestyle, budget, and housing needs.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA

1. Beaverdale: Known for its charming brick homes and a strong sense of community, Beaverdale offers numerous parks and pet-friendly events making it an ideal place for you and your furry friend.

2. East Village: This eclectic area is not only rich in culture and shopping but also boasts several pet-friendly restaurants and shops, including East Village Pet Hospital for your pet's health needs.

3. Gray's Lake Park area: While not a neighborhood per se, the area around Gray's Lake Park is highly popular among pet owners for its spacious park, perfect for long walks, and the nearby residential areas offer a welcoming community for pet owners.

Jacksonville vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations

When contemplating a move from one city to another, a crucial aspect to consider is how the weather compares. Understanding the climate variations between Jacksonville, FL and Des Moines, IA will help you adapt to your new environment more comfortably. Let’s dive into the specifics to ensure you’re well-prepared for your relocation.

Summer icon
90°F / 71°F

Jacksonville, FL

85°F / 65°F

Des Moines, IA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
65°F / 41°F

Jacksonville, FL

31°F / 14°F

Des Moines, IA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
52"

Jacksonville, FL

36"

Des Moines, IA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Jacksonville, FL

33"

Des Moines, IA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonJacksonvilleDes Moines
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersHurricanesTornadoes, Blizzards
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Weather changes can be quite the transition, particularly when moving from Jacksonville's warmer, more humid climate to Des Moines' variable seasons, which include chilly winters and moderate summers. For example, the significant difference in winter temperatures could require a new wardrobe. Moreover, while you may be accustomed to the threat of hurricanes in Jacksonville, in Des Moines, you'll need to prepare for tornadoes and blizzards instead. Des Moines experiences a more pronounced change in seasons, which includes a beautiful fall foliage display and a higher annual snowfall, offering new recreational activities like snow sports not available in Jacksonville.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Jacksonville to Des Moines

When contemplating a move from Jacksonville, FL to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial landscape in your new city compares to what you're accustomed to. This comparison will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of expenses and income in Jacksonville versus Des Moines.

ComparisonJacksonvilleDes Moines
Avg. Household Income$58,621$60,693
Cost of Living Index92.990.9
State Income Tax0Up to 8.53
Avg. Property Tax0.941.53
Avg. Sales Tax76
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Finance, TransportationFinance, Insurance, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessModerateLower

Moving from Jacksonville to Des Moines, you'll notice some significant financial contrasts. Des Moines boasts a higher average household income, which complements its lower cost of living index well. Although Florida residents enjoy no state income tax, the increase in average earnings and the remarkably reasonable living expenses in Des Moines may offset the tax differences. Also, despite higher property taxes, Des Moines offers a robust job market, particularly in finance and insurance, potentially offering new residents better employment opportunities and a higher standard of living, alongside a visibly reduced rate of poverty and homelessness compared to Jacksonville.

Jacksonville vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison

As you consider moving from Jacksonville, Florida, to Des Moines, Iowa, understanding the social fabric of each city can help ease the transition. This quick guide offers a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Jacksonville & Des Moines , providing an at-a-glance snapshot to familiarize you with the local culture.

JacksonvilleDes Moines
Political Make-upModerately conservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsMixed leadership with both Republican and Democratic influenceDemocratic leadership
ReligionSignificantly Christian, with a good presence of other faithsDiverse, but with a strong Christian majority

In Jacksonville, political views tend to lean conservatively, though the city has seen a mix of Republican and Democratic leadership, reflecting its diverse political landscape. The religious scene in Jacksonville is predominantly Christian, but it also embraces a variety of other beliefs. Conversely, Des Moines is known for its liberal stance, with a continuous Democratic leadership shaping the city's policies and initiatives. Religion in Des Moines mirrors that of Jacksonville in terms of Christianity being the major faith, however, Des Moines is recognized for its broader acceptance and representation of diverse religions and secular viewpoints. These differences in political and religious climates can significantly influence your day-to-day experience as you transition from Jacksonville to Des Moines.

Jacksonville vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Des Moines, IA, offers a unique opportunity to compare the traffic and transportation options between Jacksonville & Des Moines. This comparison aims to provide a clearer picture of what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like in each city.

ComparisonJacksonvilleDes Moines
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2520
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?DifficultModerately feasible

In Jacksonville, the average commute time tends to be longer due to higher traffic congestion levels compared to Des Moines. While Jacksonville has a larger urban sprawl, which contributes to its traffic congestion score of 6 out of 10, Des Moines offers a slightly more compact city layout, making daily commutes shorter on average. Public transit availability is somewhat limited in both cities, but Des Moines edges out slightly better, suggesting a bit more convenience in navigating the city without a car. However, in both locations, having a car can significantly ease daily commutes and overall mobility.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Jacksonville to Des Moines Movers Featured Image
Popular moving routes background image

Popular Jacksonville, FL to Iowa Moving Routes