Best Des Moines to Lexington Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Embarking on a move from the heart of the Midwest to Kentucky's historic Bluegrass region is not just a relocation; it's an exciting leap into a new chapter of your life. Leaving behind Des Moines, known for its vibrant arts scene and called the "Hartford of the West," for Lexington, the "Horse Capital of the World," with its rich traditions and charming neighborhoods, represents a significant lifestyle shift. Finding trusted and reliable professional movers for this long-distance journey is crucial, and that's where we step in - offering you the best options through our unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure your move is smooth and worry-free.
Best Des Moines to Lexington Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Move Inc | 9.24 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Keep On Moving Company | 9.19 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| From Here to There | 9.15 | NR | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Hemmen Moving | 9.11 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Two Men and a Truck | 8.64 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Lexington to Des Moines guide.
5 Best Des Moines to Lexington 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 Keep On Moving Company
Keep On Moving Company is a family-owned and operated business serving Cincinnati and the Greater Tri-State area of KY, OH, and IN. It is de...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Delivery Services
About From Here to There
From Here to There is a local moving and logistics company based in Lexington, Kentucky, established by long-time friends with extensive exp...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Move
- Long-Distance/Interstate Moves
- Commercial/Office Moves
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. Lexington Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares the top neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA with the most similar neighborhoods in Lexington, KY. This comparison is designed to help you find a new home that feels familiar. From vibrant downtown areas to serene suburban settings, let's find your next perfect neighborhood in the Des Moines, IA & Lexington, KY local neighborhoods comparison .
| Des Moines | Lexington | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | Chevy Chase | Eclectic mix of shops and dining |
| Sherman Hill | Ashland Park | Historic homes and tight-knit community |
| Beaverdale | Kenwick | Bungalow-style homes with vibrant community events |
| Drake | University of Kentucky Area | Educational hub, youthful vibe |
| Highland Park | North Limestone | Diverse community, arts and culture |
| South of Grand | Lansdowne | Spacious homes, mature trees |
| Ingersoll Park | Fairway | Charming homes, walkable neighborhoods |
| Gray's Lake | Lakeview | Access to nature, recreational activities |
| Waveland Park | Meadowthorpe | Family-friendly, proximity to parks |
| Waterbury | Cherokee Park | Historic charm, community-centric |
In your quest for a neighborhood that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences, exploring these recommendations can provide clarity. For example, if the historic charm and tight-knit community of Sherman Hill in Des Moines appeals to you, you'll likely find a similar vibe in Lexington's Ashland Park, known for its lovingly preserved homes and tree-lined streets. Alternatively, if you're attracted to the diverse and vibrant arts scene of Highland Park, the North Limestone area in Lexington will offer a similar cultural richness, hosting various events and exhibitions that celebrate community diversity. Nature enthusiasts moving from Gray's Lake will appreciate Lakeview in Lexington, where the scenic beauty and outdoor activities create a perfect backdrop for both relaxation and adventure. Exploring these neighborhoods could lead to discovering quaint cafes, picturesque parks like the Lexington Arboretum, or historic venues such as the Henry Clay Estate, ensuring a smooth transition to your new Kentucky home.
Things to Do in Lexington
Explore Kentucky Horse Park- Stroll through Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
- Sample bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Attend a race at Keeneland Racetrack
- Discover art at Lexington Art League
- Watch a movie at Kentucky Theater
- Enjoy live music at The Burl
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Lexington
Moving from one city to another is always a mix of expectations and concerns. In this guide, we aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Des Moines, IA to Lexington, KY. By comparing the pros and cons, our goal is to help you make an informed decision about this significant change in your life.
Des Moines, IA- Less cultural diversity
- Smaller job market
- Colder winters
- Lesser dining options
Lexington, KY- Rich in history
- Larger job market
- Milder winters
- Wide variety of restaurants
Lexington, KY- Higher cost of living
- Less community-centric
- Fewer parks
- Heavier traffic
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- Strong community feel
- More green spaces
- Easier traffic
Moving from Des Moines to Lexington means transitioning from a city with a strong community feel and more green spaces like the beautiful Gray's Lake Park, to a place rich in history and cultural experiences such as those found at the Kentucky Horse Park. Lexington’s dining scene, showcased by establishments like Dudley's on Short, offers a wide variety of culinary experiences compared to the options available in Des Moines. Despite facing heavier traffic and potentially a higher cost of living, Lexington holds promising job opportunities, especially in sectors like technology and education. The move introduces you to new challenges but also a wealth of opportunities to explore in neighborhoods like Chevy Chase or the historic Gratz Park.
Des Moines vs. Lexington Food Guide
When relocating, understanding the local cuisine is a crucial aspect of integrating into a new city's culture. This comparison aims to provide you with insights into the food scenes of your current and future homes. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & Lexington so you can be better informed about the culinary delights awaiting you.
| Des Moines | Lexington | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Hot Brown |
| Most popular meat dish | Corn-fed Beef Steak | Bourbon-glazed Pork |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Barbecue Sandwich |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Fried Green Tomatoes |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
As you settle into Lexington, you'll find the city's love for the iconic Hot Brown, a delicious dish that's woven into the fabric of local dining culture. Venture into neighborhoods like Chevy Chase or the Historic South Hill for a taste of this specialty at places like Dudley's On Short. Lexington's food trucks and bourbon-glazed pork reflect a vibrant food scene that celebrates Kentucky's rich culinary traditions and the state's famous bourbon. In contrast, Des Moines will charm you with its corn-fed beef steak and an array of street tacos, indicative of a diverse culinary scene. Both cities offer unique dining experiences, but Lexington’s higher ratings in foodie scene and vegan options suggest a slightly more dynamic culinary landscape awaiting you.
Des Moines vs. Lexington Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in local cuisine plays a vital role in feeling at home in a new city. Therefore, this restaurant comparison chart aims to compare Des Moines to Lexington eateries, helping you find your new favorite spots by drawing parallels to your existing go-to restaurants.
| Des Moines | Lexington | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| A-Dong Restaurant | Archa Nine Thai Kitchen | Offering an authentic Thai culinary experience akin to A-Dong. |
| Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | A&W Burgers Chicken Floats | Known for quirky and creative burgers, mirroring Zombie Burger's vibe. |
| Fong's Pizza | Goodfellas Pizzeria | Featuring unique and creative pizza options like Fong's. |
| Centro | Portofino | Both are upscale dining establishments offering high-quality, Italian-inspired dishes. |
| St. Kilda Café & Bakery | Wild Eggs | A brunch spot with a similar dedication to quality ingredients and inventive dishes. |
| Alba | Dudley's on Short | Both offer an upscale dining atmosphere with a menu that focuses on local, seasonal ingredients. |
| Exile Brewing Co. | West Sixth Brewing | Not only offers great beers but also has a menu that rivals Exile's for taste and creativity. |
| Harbinger | Ouita Michel's Honeywood | Both are known for their innovative and locally sourced dishes. |
| Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. | Blue Stallion Brewing | Similar in the sense that it's a great spot for both craft beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. |
| Smokey Row Coffee | Common Grounds Coffee House | Both are beloved local coffee shops with a strong community vibe. |
When you move from Des Moines to Lexington, you'll be eager to discover local eateries that offer the same warmth and culinary delight you're used to. You might find the transition smoother than expected with places like Goodfellas Pizzeria, which, much like Fong's Pizza, serves up innovative pies sure to appeal to any pizza aficionado. For those who relish a good, creative burger, A&W Burgers Chicken Floats in Lexington promises an experience reminiscent of Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, blending fun, flavor, and nostalgia in each bite. And for an exquisite, locally-sourced meal, Ouita Michel's Honeywood echoes the commitment to quality and creativity found at Harbinger, ensuring your dining options in Lexington feel both new and familiar.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. Lexington Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, delving into the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison illuminates how Des Moines, IA, and Lexington, KY, stand in terms of housing to aid your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie and Craftsman | Colonial and Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, quiet neighborhoods | Proximity to parks, downtown access |
In comparing the housing markets of Des Moines and Lexington, nuances such as architectural styles and lifestyle offerings become prominent. Des Moines, bearing a quieter, more laid-back vibe, often boasts of homes with spacious yards within serene neighborhoods. This contrasts with Lexington, where homes often highlight their proximity to vibrant parks and easy downtown access, catering to a slightly more urban lifestyle. Additionally, Lexington’s marginally higher walkability score suggests a denser, more accessible city layout, appealing to those who prioritize convenience and a dynamic environment.
Des Moines vs. Lexington Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another means adjusting to new weather patterns. For those planning a move from Des Moines, IA to Lexington, KY, it's crucial to understand the differences in climate you will experience. This comparison aims to help you prepare for your new environment.
Des Moines, IA
Lexington, KY
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Lexington, KY
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Lexington, KY
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
Lexington, KY
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, floods | Tornadoes, ice storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Des Moines to Lexington, you'll notice a milder winter with fewer days of sunshine but more rainfall and less snow annually. This may mean lighter winter jackets but keeping an umbrella closer at hand. The slightly warmer winters and moderate summers in Lexington could be more comfortable for those not fond of extreme cold. Despite similar average humidity levels, Lexington's air quality trends towards moderate, which could be a consideration for those with respiratory conditions. Both cities face their own natural disasters, with Lexington experiencing more ice storms compared to Des Moines' flood risks.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Lexington
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might be impacted. This comparison offers insight into how the cost of living, taxes, and economic environments of Des Moines, IA, and Lexington, KY, may affect your wallet. Understanding these differences will help ensure there are no surprises when it comes to your budget and lifestyle in a new location.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $60,942 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 92.8 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 to 8.53 | 5 (flat rate) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.5 | 1.2 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
When you compare the financial landscape of Des Moines, IA, to Lexington, KY, several noteworthy differences emerge. Although the average household income is slightly higher in Des Moines, Lexington's cost of living index is also a bit higher, indicating that your day-to-day expenses may increase after the move. Tax structures vary significantly, with Iowa having a progressive state income tax rate, while Kentucky utilizes a flat rate, potentially altering your take-home pay. Another aspect to consider is the predominant industries, which could affect job opportunities. While finance and insurance lead in Des Moines, Lexington tilts towards technology and healthcare, potentially guiding career prospects. These factors combined paint a comprehensive picture of what to expect financially when moving from Des Moines to Lexington.
Des Moines vs. Lexington Political & Religious Comparison
Welcome to this quick glance aimed to provide an at-a-glance snapshot, highlighting the comparison of the politics between Des Moines & Lexington. This will give you an idea of the political and religious makeup of both Des Moines, IA, and Lexington, KY, helping to prepare you for your move.
| Des Moines | Lexington | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive on issues such as climate change and equality | Progressive with a focus on economic development and education |
| Religion | Christian (Catholic and Protestant) | Christian (Predominantly Protestant) |
Moving from Des Moines to Lexington, you'll find some similarities and differences in the political and religious landscapes. Both cities lean Democratic, hosting communities that value progressive policies, though Lexington places a stronger emphasis on economic development and education reform. Religion plays a significant role in both areas, with Des Moines having a balanced mix of Catholic and Protestant Christian denominations. Lexington's religious community, meanwhile, is predominantly Protestant. Understanding these aspects can help you adjust more easily to your new home.
Des Moines vs. Lexington Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Lexington, KY,? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines & Lexington will help you better understand what to expect from your daily commute and traffic experiences in these cities.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20.4 | 21.5 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | It's difficult |
The average commute time in Des Moines is slightly shorter than in Lexington, suggesting a smoother daily journey to work. However, when considering transportation, Lexington edges out with a slightly better public transit system, attributed to investments in its Lextran bus services. While traffic congestion is relatively low in both cities, Lexington experiences a bit more congestion, possibly due to its more extensive urban sprawl. Despite Lexington's better public transit score, living without a car in either city can be challenging, though slightly more feasible in Lexington if you plan your residence and work locations carefully.
