Best Iowa to Alabama Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IA to AL Moving Specialists

Embarking on a move from state to state is not just a journey, but an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. Transitioning from Iowa's rolling fields and close-knit communities to Alabama's warm hospitality and rich cultural tapestry means leaving the "Hawkeye State" for the "Heart of Dixie". It's crucial to ensure this adventure starts on the right foot by choosing trusted and reliable professional movers, which is why we use an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best options for your long-distance move.

Iowa iconArrow iconAlabama icon

Best Iowa to Alabama Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.53A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.42A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
MoveDaddy9.38A+Authorized For HHGContact
New Latitude Movers9.26A+Authorized For HHGContact
Best Move Inc9.23A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Hemmen Moving9.10A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alabama to Iowa guide.

6 Best IA to AL 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
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 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
2
MoveDaddy Logo
Exceptional9.38/10
based on 1,858+ data points

About MoveDaddy

Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor onl...Read More >>

Services

  • Long Distance moving
  • Local moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2521318 / 875746

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved55,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
New Latitude Movers Logo
Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,265+ data points

About New Latitude Movers

New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving compa...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Storage Facilities

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2179652 / 765956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans57
Registered Drivers54
Total Annual Miles Moved450,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
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
5
Hemmen Moving Logo
Exceptional9.10/10
based on 621+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

608245 / 292343

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved604,536 (2023)
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 Iowa to Alabama

Moving states is a big decision, enriched with the potential for both increased satisfaction and unexpected challenge. In the spirit of providing a balanced perspective, we present a side-by-side comparison of Iowa to Alabama , laying out the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision tailored to your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

CONs
PROs
Iowa iconIowa
  • Colder winters
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Higher income tax
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Milder winters
  • More cultural diversity
  • Greater job market
  • Lower income tax
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Varied school qualities
  • Higher cost of living in spots
  • More urbanized areas
  • Potential cultural shift
Iowa iconIowa
  • Better educational systems
  • Lower cost of living
  • Quieter, rural lifestyle
  • Rich cultural heritage

Moving from Iowa to Alabama, you'll enjoy the warmth and richness of Alabama's diverse culture. Alabama's milder winters allow for year-round outdoor activities in beautiful spots like Gulf State Park and the scenic drives of the Appalachian foothills. The state's economy is robust, offering a wider variety of job opportunities, especially in industries like aerospace, where Huntsville is a key player. Despite the potential for a higher cost of living in some Alabama cities, the state's overall cost of living is manageable, with thriving communities like Birmingham offering an excellent mix of affordable housing, dining, and cultural venues like the Birmingham Museum of Art. Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Mobile or the quiet charm of small towns, Alabama can provide a welcoming new home with the promise of new adventures and opportunities.

Iowa vs. Alabama Food Guide

Food plays a pivotal role in understanding the local culture and lifestyle of a place. As you plan your move, let's explore the culinary landscape to help you acclimate to your new surroundings. We'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Alabama to give you a clearer picture of what delights await you.

IowaAlabama
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichAlabama Barbecue
Most popular meat dishCorn-fed BeefPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemState Fair Corn DogsBoiled Peanuts
Most popular vegan foodMidwest Corn SaladCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Jethro’s BBQ
  • Hickory Park Restaurant Co.
  • Mabe's Pizza
  • Saw’s BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • The Bright Star
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you’re moving to Alabama from Iowa, you’re transitioning to a place with a strong barbecue tradition, which may differ significantly from Iowa's corn-fed beef and pork tenderloin sandwiches. Once settled, visit Saw’s BBQ in Birmingham for an authentic taste of Alabama barbecue, or explore the state’s rich southern cooking at Highlands Bar and Grill. For vegan options, Alabama surprises with a variety of dishes like collard greens. Food trucks and new culinary experiences await in vibrant neighborhoods like Birmingham’s Avondale or Mobile’s LoDa, where the foodie scene thrives, offering a taste of local delights at every corner.

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Ready to start your move?

Iowa vs. Alabama Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle between Iowa and Alabama, offering you a snapshot of what to expect in each state.

ComparisonIowaAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleFarmhouse and RanchColonial and Cottage
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, proximity to schoolsHistoric details, hardwood floors

In Iowa, the real estate market leans towards functional designs like Farmhouse and Ranch styles, often with the added benefit of large yards and closeness to educational institutions. This contrasts with Alabama's preference for the charm of Colonial and Cottage architectures, showcasing historic details and hardwood floors. Furthermore, the urban lifestyle scores indicate that Iowa offers slightly more accessibility to city amenities and bike paths, potentially due to the layout and infrastructure of its cities compared to Alabama. These factors combined make each state's housing market unique, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.

Iowa vs. Alabama Weather Considerations

When preparing for a move from Iowa to Alabama, understanding the differences in weather conditions is crucial. This comparison will help you anticipate the changes and adjust more easily. Specifically, the comparison charts focus on weather variances between Iowa and Alabama, providing essential insights on what to expect in your new environment.

Summer icon
82°F / 62°F

Iowa

91°F / 71°F

Alabama

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31°F / 14°F

Iowa

57°F / 36°F

Alabama

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34"

Iowa

56"

Alabama

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33"

Iowa

1"

Alabama

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIowaAlabama
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Iowa to Alabama brings significant changes in climate conditions. In Alabama, you can expect hotter summers and milder winters, allowing for more outdoor activities year-round. The higher humidity and UV index in Alabama might require adjustments in your daily routine and skin care to stay comfortable and protected. Understanding the prevalent natural disasters is also critical for preparedness. Tornadoes are common to both states, yet Alabama faces the additional threat of hurricanes. The significant difference in annual rainfall underscores Alabama’s wetter climate, impacting everything from landscape to activities.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to Alabama

Moving from one location to another involves numerous considerations, with financial differences often taking center stage. Understanding how the cost of living in Iowa compares to Alabama is crucial for planning your relocation accurately and ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

ComparisonIowaAlabama
Avg. Household Income$69,588$59,674
Cost of Living Index95.991.2
State Income Tax0.33-8.532-5
Avg. Property Tax1.530.42
Avg. Sales Tax6.949.22
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceAerospace, Automotive, Steel
AffluenceModerateModerate to Low
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowLow

While both Iowa and Alabama offer a relatively moderate cost of living, Iowa's average household income is notably higher. However, Alabama compensates with significantly lower average property taxes, which might be enticing for homeowners. Despite these financial disparities, both states share a commitment to low homelessness rates. Understanding the differences in state income tax and sales tax rates will also be crucial for your financial planning, as Alabama's higher sales tax might offset its lower property tax benefits for some residents.

Iowa vs. Alabama Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Iowa & Alabama provides a quick snapshot of the states' political leanings, local political atmosphere, and religious landscape, offering insights into the typical makeup of their populations.

IowaAlabama
Political Make-upBattleground StateStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsModerate, with a mixture of both conservative and liberal areasConservative, with local politics heavily influenced by traditional values
ReligionProtestant majority, with a significant Catholic minorityProtestant majority, notably Baptist, with one of the highest church attendances in the U.S.

When making the move from Iowa to Alabama, you'll notice a significant shift in the political and religious landscape. Alabama is a strongly Republican state, reflecting traditional values in its local politics. This contrasts with Iowa's battleground status, where political opinions are more evenly distributed across the spectrum. Moreover, religious practices are more pronounced in Alabama, where Protestantism, particularly Baptist beliefs, dominates and contributes to one of the highest church attendance rates in the nation. This deep-rooted religious influence permeates many aspects of life in Alabama, from local governance to community events. Understanding these differences can help you adjust more easily to your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Alabama

Moving from Iowa to Alabama can be a big transition, especially when it comes to education. To ease this transition, it's important to compare the differences between school options in Iowa and Alabama . This comparison will help you make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.

IowaAlabama

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Shimek Elementary (Iowa City)
Brookview Elementary (West Des Moines)
Mountain Brook Elementary (Mountain Brook)
Vestavia Hills Elementary West (Vestavia Hills)
Cherokee Bend Elementary (Mountain Brook)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Ames Middle School (Ames)
Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Mountain Brook Junior High (Mountain Brook)
Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills)
Berry Middle School (Hoover)

Top 3 High Schools

West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Valley High School (West Des Moines)
Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook)
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery)
Homewood High School (Homewood)

Top 3 private high schools

The Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
St. Albert Catholic Schools (Council Bluffs)
The Altamont School (Birmingham)
Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)
Randolph School (Huntsville)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Iowa Mennonite School (Kalona)
Randolph School (Huntsville)
The Altamont School (Birmingham)
Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)

Top 3 School Districts

Iowa City Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools
Ames Community School District
Mountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Hoover City Schools

When analyzing top educational institutions, it's evident that Alabama boasts schools in affluent suburbs like Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills, known for their exceptional educational programs and overall achievements. The Iowa City Community School District in Iowa is noted for its strong academic programs, diverse student body, and robust extracurricular activities, making it a top choice for families prioritizing education. In contrast, Alabama’s Mountain Brook City Schools and Vestavia Hills City Schools stand out for their high academic performance and comprehensive student services, reflective of the investments both communities make in education. Both states offer prestigious private schools, such as the Maharishi School in Iowa and The Altamont School in Alabama, providing unique educational philosophies and smaller class sizes for individualized attention. This comparison underscores the importance of local culture and resources in shaping the educational landscape, leading to distinctive strengths in both Iowa and Alabama.

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