Best Des Moines to San Jose Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from city to city is not just a relocation; it's an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. Trading Des Moines' quiet charm and the comforting familiarity of the Heartland for San Jose's tech-driven hustle and the endless possibilities in Silicon Valley signifies a major transition in scenery, lifestyle, and opportunities. It's crucial to ensure this significant shift is as smooth as possible by entrusting your journey to trusted and reliable professional movers, a standard we uphold by ranking the best through our unbiased algorithm at Great Guys Moving.
Best Des Moines to San Jose Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Des Moines guide.
5 Best Des Moines to San Jose Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About All Stars Movers
All Stars Movers is a San Jose moving company fully licensed and insured in the state of California. This locally owned business provides th...Read More >>
Services
- LOCAL MOVING SERVICES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVING SERVICES
- BUSINESS MOVING SERVICES
About D&L Movers
Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and busin...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2706648 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2017) |
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 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 Two Men and a Truck
Two Men and a Truck is a longstanding moving company with locations in almost every state. In Iowa, this company has been performing residen...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 739369 / FF-20254
468114 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 23 |
| Registered Drivers | 26 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |
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.
Des Moines vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be a daunting experience, especially when you are not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we have created a guide that compares the local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & San Jose, CA . This comparison aims to help you find a neighborhood in San Jose that shares the same vibe and amenities as your current neighborhood in Des Moines, making your move a little less intimidating.
| Des Moines | San Jose | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Beaverdale | Willow Glen | Family-friendly, walkable |
| East Village | Downtown San Jose | Cultural center, vibrant nightlife |
| Waterbury | Rose Garden | Historic homes, lush landscapes |
| Waveland Park | Almaden Valley | Quiet suburbs, great schools |
| Sherman Hill | The Alameda | Rich history, diverse community |
| Drake | Cambrian Park | Young professionals, leisure options |
| Highland Park | Berryessa | Strong community feel, parks |
| Ingersoll Avenue | Santana Row | Upscale shopping, dining |
| Southwestern Hills | Silver Creek Valley | Exclusive, breathtaking views |
| Gray's Lake | Los Gatos | Outdoor activities, scenic beauty |
For those residing in Beaverdale enjoying the cohesive community and the quaint, walkable streets lined with local businesses such as Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure, the charm of Willow Glen, with its sidewalk cafes and boutiques on Lincoln Avenue, will make you feel right at home. On the other hand, if the rich cultural scene and trendy eateries of East Village captivate you, Downtown San Jose's cultural offerings, including museums like the San Jose Museum of Art, and a bustling nightlife scene offer a similar vibe in a West Coast setting. Those from Waterbury’s historic neighborhoods will find the Rose Garden area of San Jose equally enchanting, where attractions like the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden offer tranquility and beauty akin to Greenwood Park back in Des Moines.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to San Jose
Moving from one city to another brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities. In considering a relocation from Des Moines, IA to San Jose, CA , we aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this major life change. The following comparisons will help you weigh the pros and cons, grounding your decision in a clearer understanding of what to expect in your new home.
Des Moines, IA- Colder winters
- Less diverse economy
- Smaller city vibe
- Fewer cultural attractions
San Jose, CA- Milder winters
- Technology hub
- Bigger city opportunities
- More cultural venues
San Jose, CA- Higher cost of living
- Expensive real estate
- Heavy traffic
- Less personal vibe
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- More affordable housing
- Less traffic congestion
- Close-knit community feel
The move from Des Moines, IA to San Jose, CA, exchanges the charm of a smaller, more affordable city for the bustling, dynamic atmosphere of a technology-driven metropolis. In Des Moines, places like the Blank Park Zoo and the Gray's Lake Park offer accessible and family-friendly experiences with a sense of community. Conversely, San Jose's Tech Museum of Innovation and the bustling Downtown San Jose present expansive cultural and entertainment options. While the cost of living is significantly higher in San Jose, the city compensates with its vibrant job market, especially in technology, and a diverse array of restaurants, shops, and cultural sights unmatched in Des Moines.
Des Moines vs. San Jose Food Guide
Food plays a pivotal role in understanding the essence of a locale's culture and the day-to-day living experience. As you plan your move, a thoughtful comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & San Jose can offer valuable insights into the culinary landscape awaiting you. Let’s dive into the rich flavors and dining experiences that define these two cities.
| Des Moines | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Pho |
| Most popular meat dish | Corn-fed Beef Steak | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Walking Taco | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Vegetarian Pho |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Des Moines, the love for pork is evident in their iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches, which you can find at local favorites like Zombie Burger. On the other hand, San Jose boasts a vibrant food scene influenced heavily by its diverse culture, as represented by its love for Pho and Tacos found in neighborhoods like Downtown and Santana Row. San Jose's higher rating in the foodie scene, abundance of food trucks, and vegan friendliness reflects its richer diversity in food options, underpinned by a strong health and wellness culture. Whether you’re indulging in a walking taco at a Des Moines street fair or exploring the plethora of food trucks in San Jose, each city offers a unique culinary experience shaped by its local culture and tastes.
Des Moines vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison
Understanding the value of culinary experiences in a new city is crucial. Food not only satisfies your taste buds but also aids in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Des Moines, IA, and San Jose, CA, will guide you toward finding your new favorite dining spots, leveraging your current favorites as a baseline for discovery.
| Des Moines | San Jose | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Centro | Original Joe's | Classic Italian-American cuisine in a historic setting |
| Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | Super Duper Burgers | Burgers with a creative twist |
| Fong's Pizza | Giorgio's Italian Food & Pizzeria | Unique fusion pizzas |
| 801 Chophouse | Alexander's Steakhouse | High-end steakhouse with innovative dishes |
| A Dong Restaurant | Pho Bel-Air | Authentic Vietnamese cuisine |
| La Mie Bakery | Peter's Bakery | Famous for breakfast and pastries |
| Harbinger | Adega | High-quality, creative dishes with Portuguese influence |
| Proof | Plumed Horse | Contemporary dining with elegant presentation |
| Jethro’s BBQ | Smoking Pig BBQ | Renowned for its smoked meats and lively atmosphere |
| El Bait Shop | ISO Beers | Diverse beer selection with a laid-back vibe |
When your culinary cravings kick in, San Jose ensures you're covered with its versatile food scene, closely mirroring the charm of Des Moines' dining landscape. For a taste of home-style Italian so reminiscent of Centro in Des Moines, Original Joe's promises an equally comforting and classic American-Italian dining experience. Meanwhile, burger aficionados mourning the absence of Zombie Burger + Drink Lab can find solace in Super Duper Burgers, where the essential American burger is elevated with unique toppings. On nights longing for 801 Chophouse's distinguished steak dinners, Alexander's Steakhouse steps up as a formidable counterpart in San Jose, spotlighting not just steaks but innovative culinary delights that push the boundaries of traditional steakhouse fare.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts
When contemplating a move, contrasting the housing landscapes of Des Moines, IA and San Jose, CA is crucial. This comparison sheds light on what one can expect in terms of living standards, costs, and the urban environment in these cities.
| Comparison | Des Moines | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Ranch | Spanish Revival, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large Yards, Quiet Neighborhoods | Proximity to Tech Companies, Eco-friendly Features |
In comparing the housing aspects of Des Moines and San Jose, the most striking difference is in the median home prices and rental costs, reflecting the significant cost of living increase as you move from the Midwest to the heart of Silicon Valley. San Jose, with its focus on proximity to technology companies and sustainable living, appeals to those looking for an urban, eco-friendly lifestyle. Des Moines, on the other hand, offers a more traditional residential setting, emphasizing large yards and quiet neighborhoods, suitable for those who prioritize space and tranquility. Both cities present unique architectural styles that highlight their regional characteristics and history, from the Craftsman and Ranch homes in Des Moines to the Spanish Revival and Modern structures that define San Jose’s skyline.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA
1. Willow Glen: Known for its quaint, tree-lined streets, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere at Willow Glen's downtown area, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friends.
2. Cambrian Park: Boasting a serene suburban vibe, Cambrian Park is home to several parks, including the dog-friendly Butcher Dog Park, where your pets can play off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment.
3. Downtown San Jose: If you're looking for a more urban experience, Downtown San Jose offers many pet-friendly living spaces and amenities, alongside dog-friendly dining options like Original Joe’s, making it an ideal place for pet owners who love city living.
Des Moines vs. San Jose Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Des Moines, IA to San Jose, CA, it's essential to consider how the weather compares between the two locations. Understanding the climate differences will help you prepare for your new environment, ensuring a smoother transition. This comparison will cover various aspects, including temperature ranges, sunshine, humidity, and more, focusing on the key weather characteristics of Des Moines and San Jose.
Des Moines, IA
San Jose, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
San Jose, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
San Jose, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
San Jose, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornados, Floods | Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In terms of weather, moving from Des Moines to San Jose means experiencing milder winters and more days of sunshine annually. While Des Moines faces harsh winter conditions with substantial snowfall, San Jose enjoys mild temperatures year-round, effectively eliminating the need for heavy winter gear. The significant reduction in annual rainfall in San Jose, compared to Des Moines, is also noteworthy, indicating dryer conditions. However, increased sunshine and a higher UV index in San Jose emphasize the importance of sun protection. These climatic differences can greatly impact your daily life and activities, highlighting the need for adjustments in both your wardrobe and lifestyle after the move.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to San Jose
Moving between cities means adapting to new financial realities. Understanding the differences in cost of living, taxes, and average incomes between Des Moines and San Jose is crucial for planning your move. This comparison will shed light on how your finances might change and help you prepare accordingly.
| Comparison | Des Moines | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $126,377 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 156.1 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 8.53% | Up to 13.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.5% | 0.79% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 9.25% |
| Top 3 Industries | Insurance, Financial Services, Healthcare | Technology, Manufacturing, Retail |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
While the average household income in San Jose is substantially higher than in Des Moines, so is the cost of living, largely due to the extravagant housing market. Although San Jose offers higher earning potential, especially in the technology and manufacturing sectors, you'll face state and sales taxes that consume a larger portion of your income. Furthermore, despite San Jose's affluence, it struggles with a high rate of homelessness, a complex issue tied to the cost of living. Understanding these nuances is key to making an informed decision about your move.
Des Moines vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison
This quick comparison provides a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Des Moines & San Jose . Understanding these aspects can help you better acclimate to your new home by knowing the community's values and beliefs.
| Des Moines | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean liberal | Strongly liberal |
| Local Politics | Moderate with conservative pockets | Highly progressive policies |
| Religion | Mix of Protestant and Catholic, with growing non-religious population | Diverse, significant Asian religions alongside Christianity, increasing non-religious population |
When moving from Des Moines to San Jose, you'll notice a shift towards more progressive politics, reflecting in local policies and the community's overall stance on various issues. San Jose, with its highly liberal lean, is at the forefront of adopting progressive policies, which might be a considerable change from the moderate yet slightly conservative landscape of Des Moines. Religion in San Jose is markedly diverse, reflecting its rich cultural mosaic, which includes a significant representation of Asian religions and a growing non-religious segment, portraying a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices. This diversity in both political and religious makeup contributes to the unique character of San Jose, offering you a vibrant community to explore and become part of.
Des Moines vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Des Moines, IA to San Jose, CA? Understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic is crucial. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Des Moines and San Jose is designed to help you navigate your new city better.
| Comparison | Des Moines | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Possible, but limited |
When comparing the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines and San Jose, there are several noticeable differences. In Des Moines, the average commute time is shorter, and traffic congestion is less severe, making it relatively easier and faster to get around. However, the availability and variety of public transit options are more limited, making it challenging to get by without a car. On the other hand, San Jose offers a more robust public transit system with the likes of VTA offering extensive bus and light rail options. This makes it possible, though still somewhat limited, to navigate the city without a car. Understanding these disparities can help you better plan your daily commute and transportation needs after moving.
Popular Des Moines, IA to California Moving Routes
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- Des Moines to Riverside
- Des Moines to Stockton
- Des Moines to Irvine
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