Best Iowa to DC Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IA to DC Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state heralds an exciting new chapter in your life, filled with adventures and opportunities awaiting your discovery. Transitioning from Iowa's sprawling fields and Friendly Faces to the vibrant, historic streets of DC means leaving behind the 'Hawkeye State' for the 'Capital of the World.' For such a significant journey, it's crucial to enlist trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring a smooth transition to your new beginning. We at Great Guys Moving understand the importance of this move, providing you with the best movers that our unbiased ranking algorithm has meticulously selected.

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Best Iowa to DC Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Mic's Moving9.59NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.53A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.42A+Authorized For Property, 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 DC to Iowa guide.

6 Best IA to DC Moving Companies

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

Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
1
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
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 DC

Moving is a journey of weighing options and considering changes. This guide offers an honest reflection on moving from Iowa to DC , juxtaposing the cons with the pros , and vice versa, to paint a comprehensive picture of what this significant relocation entails.

CONs
PROs
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Minimal nightlife
  • Simple public transport
DC iconDC
  • Higher career growth
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Extensive public transport
DC iconDC
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Noisier neighborhoods
  • Less personal connections
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious living spaces
  • Quiet neighborhoods
  • Close-knit communities

While Iowa offers the charm of spacious living and close-knit communities, DC counters with a vibrant pulse felt through its extensive nightlife and rich cultural diversity. The move from Iowa's quieter neighborhoods to DC's bustling streets means swapping the tranquility of the Midwest for the fast-paced beat of the capital. Yet, it's more than a trade-off; it's a journey into a world where career opportunities blossom amidst historical monuments and cultural landmarks. Places like Georgetown's charm-filled cobbled streets, the verdant expanses of Rock Creek Park, and the bustling corridors of power along Pennsylvania Avenue offer new residents a tapestry of experiences that blend the modern with the historical in unique ways. The higher cost of living in DC is often matched by higher wages, balanced out by the city's extensive public transportation options that make exploring all its nooks and crannies a simple affair. Whether you're indulging in the culinary delights at Union Market or soaking in the eclectic vibes of Adams Morgan, DC presents an enthralling landscape for those seeking change.

Iowa vs. DC Food Guide

Understanding the dining landscape is a pivotal aspect when relocating, as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. To ease your move, we've orchestrated a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & DC so you can get acquainted with the culinary scene awaiting you.

IowaDC
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichHalf Smoke
Most popular meat dishIowa Chop (Pork)Mumbo Sauce on Chicken
Most popular street food itemGrilled CornJumbo Slice Pizza
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleImpossible Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zombie Burger
  • The Steakhouse
  • The Summit
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Le Diplomate
  • Zaytinya
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Iowa, you'll find a robust love for meat, especially pork, with the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich being a must-try and the renowned Iowa Chop. However, for those who prefer plant-based options, the tofu scramble is a popular alternative. Moving to DC introduces you to its diverse culinary scene, highlighted by the Half Smoke sausage and the city’s signature Mumbo Sauce on chicken. DC also boasts a healthier, more fitness-conscious lifestyle, supported by an abundance of food trucks and a thriving foodie scene that includes vegan options like the Impossible Burger. Notably, DC’s streets such as U Street and Shaw neighborhood are packed with iconic eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, showcasing the local flavor and history.

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Iowa vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding how real estate compares between Iowa and DC is pivotal. This comparison will give you crucial insights into costs, housing styles, and lifestyle differences to help inform your decision.

ComparisonIowaDC
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional, FarmhousesVictorian, Federal
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Quiet neighborhoodProximity to metro, Rooftop decks

The stark differences in median home prices and monthly rents between Iowa and DC indicate the significant cost of living adjustments you will need to consider when moving. In Iowa, the real estate market leans towards more spacious homes with larger yards, often embracing traditional and farmhouse architectural styles. This contrasts sharply with DC's preference for Victorian and Federal styles, highlighting the urban lifestyle with amenities such as rooftop decks and proximity to metro stations for ease of transportation. The high walkability and bikeability scores in DC reflect its dense urban environment, offering a vibrant lifestyle that is considerably different from Iowa's quieter, more spread-out communities.

Iowa vs. DC Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather compares between your current location and where you're moving is crucial. This comparison will equip you with knowledge on what to expect weather-wise moving from Iowa to DC. Differences in seasonal temperatures, daylight hours, and precipitation levels can significantly impact your lifestyle.

Summer icon
82°F / 63°F

Iowa

89°F / 71°F

DC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31°F / 13°F

Iowa

47°F / 29°F

DC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Iowa

40

DC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
35

Iowa

15

DC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIowaDC
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsHurricanes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While the average number of sunshine days in Iowa and DC is quite similar, you'll find significant differences in both winter and summer temperatures. Iowa's winters are much colder, with lower average lows, while DC experiences milder winters but hotter summers. Notably, DC has higher annual rainfall but significantly less snowfall than Iowa, highlighting a milder winter experience. Whether it's preparing for wetter summers or adjusting to less snowy winters, understanding these climate differences is key to a smoother transition.

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

When considering a move from one location to another, it's pivotal to grasp the financial implications tied to such a transition. This chart endeavors to elucidate the monetary contrasts you'll encounter when relocating from Iowa to DC, focusing on aspects like income, taxes, and the overall cost of living. Understanding these differences is crucial in preparing for the new economic environment you'll be stepping into.

ComparisonIowaDC
Avg. Household Income$69,588$101,027
Cost of Living Index95.9140.1
State Income Tax0.33 to 8.534.00 to 8.95
Avg. Property Tax1.530.55
Avg. Sales Tax6.946.00
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, Financial ServicesGovernment, Professional Services, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowHigh

The transition from Iowa to DC presents a multifaceted financial landscape. Despite the allure of a higher average household income in DC, this increase is tempered by a significantly higher cost of living, dwarfing Iowa by a considerable margin. The personal income tax rates in DC also stretch higher, reflecting the region's affluence and the intensity of its economic activities, especially in sectors like government and professional services. Conversely, Iowa's more modest economic stature is complemented by lower living costs and property taxes, aligning with its profile of moderate affluence and a lower incidence of poverty and homelessness. These stark contrasts underscore the necessity of financial preparedness for individuals or families making such a move.

Iowa vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

When contemplating a move from Iowa to Washington, D.C., it's essential to understand the local dynamics you're stepping into. This comparison gives a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Iowa & DC , highlighting the distinct community fabric you'll experience in each location.

IowaDC
Political Make-upSwing State, Republican and DemocratStrongly Democrat
Local PoliticsModerate, with rural concernsUrban, with a focus on federal government impact
ReligionChristian majority, diverseDiverse, with no single majority

Moving from Iowa to D.C., you will notice a shift from a politically balanced environment to a strongly Democrat-dominated political landscape. Local politics in Iowa may revolve around agricultural and rural concerns, contrasting with D.C.'s urban issues and the pervasive influence of federal government policies. Religious diversity is present in both regions, but Iowa has a larger Christian majority, whereas D.C.'s population does not align with a single religious majority, reflecting the city's diverse, international community.

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to DC

Moving from Iowa to DC involves numerous changes, including educational environments. This comparison aims to clarify the differences to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options when moving from Iowa to DC . By evaluating options across various educational stages, you'll be better prepared to make informed decisions for your family.

IowaDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
Janney Elementary
Mann Elementary
Lafayette Elementary

Top 3 Middle Schools

Ames Middle School
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Alice Deal Junior High

Top 3 High School Schools

West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School
Roosevelt High School (Des Moines)
Wilson High School
School Without Walls High School
Banneker High School

Top 3 private high schools

Phillips Academy (Exeter)
St. Paul's School (Concord)
Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Preparatory School
National Cathedral School

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Iowa Mennonite School (Kalona)
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
Maret School

Top 3 School Districts

Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools
District of Columbia Public Schools (without distinction among districts)

The top educational institutions in both Iowa and DC offer unique opportunities, but they also reflect the different cultural and academic climates of each location. For instance, DC's focus on accessible high-quality education is evident in its public schools like Wilson High School and the School Without Walls High School, both of which are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and proximity to national institutions. Private education also stands out in DC, with institutions like Sidwell Friends and Georgetown Preparatory School, which are known for their elite college preparatory programs. In contrast, Iowa's top educational facilities such as West High School in Iowa City and Ames High School emphasize a strong community-oriented approach alongside academic excellence. For families moving from Iowa to DC, understanding these nuances is vital in selecting the right educational path.

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