Best Des Moines to Washington Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Embarking on the journey from Des Moines, the heart of the Midwest, to Washington D.C., the nation's capital, marks an exhilarating chapter in your life. You're trading the tranquil pace of the "Hawkeye State" for the bustling political and cultural epicenter known as "The District." Understanding the magnitude of this long-distance move, we stress the vital role of enlisting trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure a smooth transition. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best, employing an unbiased algorithm to guarantee your movers are truly top-notch.
Best Des Moines to Washington Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to Des Moines guide.
5 Best Des Moines to Washington Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
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
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. Washington Neighborhood Comparison
Embarking on a move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, DC, can feel less daunting when you have a grasp of the local communities and can find a slice of familiarity in your new city. To assist in this transition, we've compared top neighborhoods in Des Moines with their most analogous counterparts in Washington DC. This way, familiarizing yourself with an unknown city becomes an easier task, using your current city as a baseline.
| Des Moines | Washington | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | Columbia Heights | Vibrant diversity, rich culture |
| Beaverdale | Capitol Hill | Historic homes, community-oriented |
| Drake | Adams Morgan | Youthful energy, eclectic vibe |
| Waveland Park | Cleveland Park | Family-friendly, close to parks |
| Sherman Hill | Dupont Circle | Architectural charm, close-knit feel |
| South of Grand | Georgetown | Upscale, picturesque views |
| Highland Park | Petworth | Growing community, local businesses |
| Ingersoll | U Street Corridor | Nightlife, arts scene |
| River Bend | Navy Yard | Riverfront activities, modern amenities |
| Historic East Village | Shaw | Trendy restaurants, cultural heritage |
If you're making the move from Des Moines's East Village, known for its eclectic shops and local eateries, you'll find a similar vibe in Columbia Heights in Washington DC, with its vibrant diversity and cultural richness. Likewise, the historic charm of Beaverdale finds a match in Capitol Hill's historic homes and community-oriented atmosphere. For those who enjoy the youthful energy and eclectic vibe of Drake, Adams Morgan in Washington DC offers an exciting mix of nightlife, dining, and quirky boutiques. And if the family-friendly environment and proximity to parks in Waveland Park are what you love, Cleveland Park in Washington DC provides a similar setting, being not only close to nature but also home to family-oriented activities and community events. Each Washington DC neighborhood offers its own unique blend of attractions, amenities, and community spirit, ensuring that anyone moving from Des Moines can find a new place to call home.
Things to Do in Washington
Visit the Smithsonian Museums for free.- Stroll around the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season.
- Catch a Nationals game at Nationals Park.
- Enjoy kayaking on the Potomac River.
- Explore historic Georgetown’s shops and alleyways.
- Hike or bike the scenic C&O Canal Towpath.
- Experience the nightlife in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Washington
Making a big move can be both exciting and daunting. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad aspects of relocating from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, DC . By weighing the pros against the cons and vice versa, you can make a more informed decision about this significant change in your life.
Des Moines, IA- Smaller Job Market
- Limited Cultural Attractions
- Lesser Dining Options
- Lower Public Transit Options
Washington, DC- Diverse Career Opportunities
- Rich Historical Sites
- World-Class Restaurants
- Extensive Public Transportation
Washington, DC- Higher Cost of Living
- More Traffic
- Faster Paced Lifestyle
- Less Green Space
Des Moines, IA- Affordable Housing
- Quiet Neighborhoods
- Community Feel
- Easy Nature Access
Moving from Des Moines to Washington DC opens up a world of opportunity amidst some challenges. The Capital City is brimming with career opportunities across diverse sectors, setting it apart from the more localized job market of Des Moines. Exploring Washington DC's rich historical sites, like the National Mall or the Smithsonian museums, offers an incomparable cultural experience. Food enthusiasts will revel in the city's dining scene, featuring everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant food markets such as Union Market. However, this transition also means adjusting to a higher cost of living and braving the bustling city traffic. Despite this, the extensive public transportation system makes navigating the city feasible. While you might miss the quiet, community parks like Gray’s Lake Park back in Des Moines, there are plenty of green oases and riverfront areas in DC, such as Rock Creek Park, to explore.
Des Moines vs. Washington Food Guide
Understanding the local food scene is vital when moving to a new city, as it's a vibrant part of local culture. In this guide, we provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines, IA & Washington DC, DC, helping you grasp what culinary delights await in your new home.
| Des Moines | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Half-Smoke |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop | Mumbo Sauce Wings |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Food Trucks Variety |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Corn Dogs | Plant-based Bowls |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Des Moines to Washington DC, you'll find that DC's food scene is notably vibrant with an abundance of food trucks, particularly around areas like Capitol Hill and The Wharf. Washington DC boasts a more international palate, with iconic establishments such as Ben's Chili Bowl offering the legendary half-smoke, a must-try for any new resident. The city's health-conscious and vegan-friendly options are expansive, featuring diverse plant-based menus in restaurants like Zaytinya and Rosa's Thai Cafe. Des Moines, with its hearty Midwest staples such as the pork tenderloin sandwich and Iowa Chop, offers a comforting and nostalgic taste of the heartland, making the food scene transition to DC an exciting culinary adventure.
Des Moines vs. Washington Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering places that remind us of home, especially when it comes to food. With this restaurant comparison, you'll find making the move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, DC much easier by identifying eateries similar to your favorites. Let this be your guide to feeling right at home, one meal at a time.
| Des Moines | Washington | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | DuPont Burger | Creative burgers and vibrant atmosphere |
| Fong's Pizza | Pi Pizzeria | Unique pizza options with a twist |
| Centro | Centrolina | Italian dishes with a modern flair |
| Alba | Le Diplomate | High-quality, innovative dishes |
| 801 Chophouse | The Capital Grille | Upscale steakhouse experience |
| Jethro’s BBQ | Hill Country Barbecue Market | Authentic BBQ flavors |
| La Mie Bakery | Levain Bakery | Famous for exquisite baked goods |
| Aroy Dee | Little Serow | High-end Thai cuisine |
| The Cheese Shop of Des Moines | Cheesetique | Specialty cheese shop and bistro |
| Exile Brewing Co. | Right Proper Brewing Company | Craft beers and ambiance |
Transitioning from Des Moines to Washington DC doesn’t mean leaving all your favorite flavors behind. For instance, if you're missing Zombie Burger's unique approach to burgers, DuPont Burger in DC offers a varied menu that captures a similarly creative spirit. Fans of Fong's Pizza can find solace in Pi Pizzeria, where the twist on traditional pizza will remind you of home. Similarly, 801 Chophouse patrons will find The Capital Grille's elegant steak offerings a worthy counterpart, ensuring that the move doesn't compromise on your culinary experiences. The transition from local Iowa favorites to DC's buzzing restaurant scene promises new dining adventures while echoing the familiar tastes of home.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, diving into real estate comparisons between your current city and your new destination is crucial. Particularly when moving from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, DC , understanding how the two cities stack up in terms of housing can play a significant role in your decision-making. This comparison aims to shed light on various aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle suitability.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial and Ranch | Federal and Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods | Proximity to Metro, Historic features |
When transitioning from Des Moines to Washington DC, you'll notice significant differences in the cost and style of living. Washington DC's higher median home price and rent reflect its vibrant urban lifestyle, ranked significantly higher than Des Moines. The city's architecture, featuring Federal and Victorian styles, adds to its historic charm, appealing to those who value rich history and culture. Meanwhile, Des Moines offers a more laid-back lifestyle with its Colonial and Ranch-style homes, spacious yards, and quiet neighborhoods. Moreover, Washington DC excels in walkability and bikeability, making it ideal for those who prefer a car-free lifestyle and easy access to amenities. These contrasts between Des Moines and Washington DC highlight the importance of evaluating your lifestyle preferences and financial capacity before making a move.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Washington, DC
1. Adams Morgan: Known for its vibrant street life and diverse culture, Adams Morgan is extremely pet-friendly, offering numerous pet-friendly restaurants and dog parks like the Walter Pierce Park where your furry friends can play.
2. Capitol Hill: Aside from the iconic U.S. Capitol and historic ambiance, Capitol Hill features spacious parks such as the Congressional Cemetery, which doubles as a dog park, providing a unique space for you and your pet to explore.
3. Dupont Circle: This neighborhood boasts a welcoming atmosphere for pet owners, with several pet-friendly parks like the Dupont Circle Fountain, and businesses that cater to your pet's needs, making it an ideal place for pet lovers.
Des Moines vs. Washington Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, DC, understanding the weather differences is key to prepare for the change. This comparison will highlight how the climate shifts, helping you adjust smoothly to your new environment.
Des Moines, IA
Washington, DC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Washington, DC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Washington, DC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
Washington, DC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Hurricanes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In transitioning from Des Moines to Washington DC, you'll find winters notably milder and less snowy, with DC averaging half of Des Moines' annual snowfall. Summers in Washington DC are warmer and more humid, which might require an adjustment in your wardrobe and cooling needs at home. The slightly higher UV index in DC also suggests a greater importance of sun protection when outdoors. For those sensitive to allergies, the presence of mold in addition to pollen during peak seasons in DC could necessitate additional precautions.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Washington
When considering a move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, DC, it's essential to assess how your finances might be impacted. This comparison is crafted to help you understand the financial landscape you're moving into. It highlights the differences in living costs, taxes, and economic conditions between Des Moines and Washington DC , providing a clear view of what to expect in each city.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $90,088 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 140.1 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 to 8.53 | 4.00 to 8.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 0.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.00 | 6.00 |
| Top 3 Industries | Insurance, Financial Services, Agriculture | Government, Professional Services, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
While Des Moines offers a more affordable cost of living and lower property taxes, the average household income in Washington DC is significantly higher. However, this is counterbalanced by a much higher cost of living index in DC, making everyday expenses substantially more expensive. The tax structures of both places also differ, potentially affecting your take-home pay. Both cities have moderate poverty rates, but it's worth noting that homelessness is described as high in Washington DC. Considering economic opportunities, Des Moines thrives on insurance, financial services, and agriculture, whereas DC's economy is heavily influenced by government, professional services, and tourism. These distinctions are crucial for anticipating the financial adjustments you'll need to make post-move.
Des Moines vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move, understanding the local culture is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Des Moines, IA & Washington DC, DC to offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. Discover what kind of political and religious landscapes await you in your new city.
| Des Moines | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Mixed, leaning Democratic | Heavily Democratic |
| Local Politics | City Council with Nonpartisan Elections | Home Rule; Mayor-Council Government |
| Religion | Diverse; Christian Majority Local Churches | Diverse; Christian Majority with notable non-Christian communities National Cathedral |
Moving from Des Moines to Washington DC, you'll find yourself in a significantly different political climate. Des Moines offers a relatively balanced political environment, while Washington DC is strongly Democratic, reflected not only in election results but also in daily conversations and local activism. You'll notice that both cities share a Christian majority in terms of religious makeup, but Washington DC has a more pronounced diversity in faiths, from its historical National Cathedral to a range of other places of worship catering to various beliefs. Understanding these differences will help you navigate your social and community interactions more smoothly after your move.
Des Moines vs. Washington Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another can radically change your daily commute. This guide aims to compare the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines, IA & Washington DC, DC, so you can better understand what your daily commute and traffic will be like in your new city.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
Des Moines, IA, and Washington DC, DC, offer markedly different experiences when it comes to commute and transportation. The average commute time in Washington DC is significantly longer, in part due to higher traffic congestion; a score of 8 out of 10 reflects its bustling nature. Conversely, Des Moines boasts a much more manageable traffic situation but has a lower public transit score, making car ownership almost a necessity for comfort and convenience. In contrast, Washington DC's robust public transport system, with a high score of 9, means you can comfortably live there without owning a car, a testament to the city's emphasis on accessible transportation.
Popular Des Moines, IA to DC Moving Routes
