Best Jacksonville to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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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.
Best Jacksonville to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Move Inc | 9.24 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Skinner Moving & Storage | 9.21 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| MoveBright Van Lines | 9.17 | A | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Hemmen Moving | 9.11 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Sunshine State Movers | 8.80 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
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)
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
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 resid...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
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
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and comme...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
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
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.
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.
| Jacksonville | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside | Sherman Hill | Historic charm, vibrant community |
| San Marco | East Village | Boutique shopping, trendy restaurants |
| Avondale | Waterbury | Stately homes, family-friendly vibe |
| Murray Hill | Beaverdale | Quaint shops, local dining |
| Springfield | Highland Park | Historic homes, active community |
| Ortega | South of Grand | Exclusive homes, lush landscapes |
| Mandarin | Windsor Heights | Suburban feel, convenient location |
| Atlantic Beach | Gray’s Lake | Outdoor activities, scenic views |
| Deerwood | Jordan Creek | Upscale living, modern amenities |
| Five Points | Drake Neighborhood | Eclectic 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.
Jacksonville, FL- Higher humidity
- Longer commutes
- Limited cultural venues
- Higher crime rates
Des Moines, IA- Milder summers
- Shorter commutes
- Vibrant arts scene
- Lower crime rates
Des Moines, IA- No beaches
- Cold winters
- Smaller city feel
- More limited options
Jacksonville, 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.
| Jacksonville | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | BBQ Ribs | Smoked Pork Chop |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Shrimp Tacos | Cheese Curds |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Soul Food | Tempeh Reuben |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| 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.
| Jacksonville | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Orsay | Aposto | High-end dining with a seasonal menu. |
| TacoLu | El Guapo's Tequila + Tacos | Authentic Mexican cuisine and expansive tequila selection. |
| Maple Street Biscuit Company | Scenic Route Bakery | Cozy bakery and cafe with hearty breakfast options. |
| MOJO BBQ | Smokey D's BBQ | Award-winning barbecue with a wide variety of sauces. |
| Marker 32 | Waterfront Seafood Market | Fresh seafood with scenic views. |
| Black Sheep Restaurant | Proof | Contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. |
| Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant | Flying Mango | Known for its seafood and BBQ, a blend not often seen but highly appreciated. |
| Hawkers Asian Street Fare | krunkwich Ramen House | Diverse Asian street food with a creative twist. |
| Fox Restaurant | Centro | Urban eatery known for Italian classics with a modern touch. |
| Bold Bean Coffee Roasters | Mars Cafe | Local 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.
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.
| Comparison | Jacksonville | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Mediterranean Revival | Colonial Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious layouts, water views | Historic 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 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.
Jacksonville, FL
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Jacksonville, FL
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Jacksonville, FL
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Jacksonville, FL
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Jacksonville | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Variable |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Tornadoes, 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.
| Comparison | Jacksonville | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $58,621 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.9 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | Up to 8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.94 | 1.53 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Finance, Transportation | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
| Poverty | Higher | Lower |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Lower |
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.
| Jacksonville | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately conservative | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Mixed leadership with both Republican and Democratic influence | Democratic leadership |
| Religion | Significantly Christian, with a good presence of other faiths | Diverse, 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.
| Comparison | Jacksonville | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Difficult | Moderately 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.
Popular Jacksonville, FL to Iowa Moving Routes
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