Best Des Moines to Lincoln Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Des Moines to Lincoln Movers

Moving from Des Moines, the heart of the Midwest, to Lincoln, the star of the Cornhusker State, marks an exhilarating chapter in your life. You're leaving behind Des Moines' vibrant arts scene and welcoming Lincoln's strong sense of community and bustling downtown. For such a pivotal journey, it's crucial to lean on trustworthy professional movers, ensuring your belongings are in safe hands. With our rigorously vetted options at Great Guys Moving, we guarantee peace of mind, making your transition as smooth as possible.

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Best Des Moines to Lincoln Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
King's Moving9.36NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best Move Inc9.24A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Hemmen Moving9.11A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Two Men and a Truck8.64A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Black Belt Movers8.15AAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Lincoln to Des Moines guide.

5 Best Des Moines to Lincoln Moving Companies

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

King's Moving Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,178+ data points

About King's Moving

King’s Moving is a five-star rated business established in 2012. Widely regarded as Omaha’s top local moving company, King’s Moving has a te...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

960979 / 954013

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved65,000 (2022)
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1
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional9.24/10
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 5/24/2024)

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
2
Hemmen Moving Logo
Exceptional9.11/10
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 10/18/2024)

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
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Fabulous8.64/10
based on 973+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

739369 / FF-20254 468114

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans23
Registered Drivers26
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Black Belt Movers Logo
Very Good8.15/10
based on 1,782+ data points

About Black Belt Movers

Black Belt Movers is a Lincoln moving company that provides professional residential and commercial moving services including local and long...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Piano Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2631961 / 916084

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved54,120 (2024)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Des Moines vs. Lincoln Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be overwhelming, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we present this guide, focusing on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & Lincoln, NE . By drawing parallels between neighborhoods you know and those in your new city, we aim to help you find your next perfect community.

Des MoinesLincolnHow They're Similar
BeaverdaleCountry ClubBoth boast historic homes & strong community vibes
East VillageHaymarketVibrant arts scene & bustling nightlife
Waveland ParkBelmontFamily-friendly with parks & recreational areas
DrakeUniversity PlaceCollege atmosphere, eclectic mix of residents
WaterburySheridanUpscale, with architecturally significant homes
Sherman HillMt. EmeraldHistoric district with a close-knit community feel
Highland ParkWoods ParkOld-world charm, community-centered
Ingersoll ParkNear SouthMix of urban & suburban, diverse dining options
South of GrandCountry Club EstatesLuxurious, serene environment
Gray's LakeHolmes LakeBoth are centered around a picturesque lake

Exploring these neighborhoods can bring delightful discoveries, like finding Nilai Grocery, an Asian grocery store in Lincoln's Belmont area, similar to markets in Waveland Park. For enthusiasts of vibrant nightlife and arts, the Haymarket district in Lincoln mirrors Des Moines' East Village, hosting local businesses, galleries, and eateries such as The Coffee Roaster. Likewise, those accustomed to the historical charm and tight-knit community in Sherman Hill will find a similar ambiance in Lincoln's Mt. Emerald neighborhood, which boasts an array of historical homes and streets lined with mature trees, offering a picturesque backdrop akin to what residents adore in Des Moines.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Lincoln

Moving from one city to another is a significant decision that requires a careful examination of what you might gain or lose in the process. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE . By weighing the pros against the cons, and vice versa, you can make an informed decision tailored to your needs and preferences.

CONs
PROs
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Higher cost of living
  • Shorter restaurant scene
Lincoln, NE iconLincoln, NE
  • Larger community
  • More career options
  • Greater diversity
  • More affordable
  • Richer food culture
Lincoln, NE iconLincoln, NE
  • Less personal
  • More traffic
  • Fewer shopping options
  • Potentially higher crime
  • Smaller art scene
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Close-knit community
  • Easy city navigation
  • Quaint local shops
  • Lower crime rates
  • Vibrant local arts

Moving to Lincoln, NE offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy a richer food culture with establishments like Dish, renowned for its innovative cuisine, or the bustling food scene at Haymarket District, which hosts a variety of eateries and locally sourced products. Despite the potential for a slightly higher crime rate compared to Des Moines, Lincoln's community-oriented initiatives and vibrant nightlife offer a promising balance. On the flip side, Des Moines prides itself on its quaint local shops like RAYGUN, which boasts a selection of unique Midwest-inspired goods rarely found outside the city, hinting at the strong local spirit that new Lincoln residents might miss.

Des Moines vs. Lincoln Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & Lincoln is essential for those looking to move and integrate into their new environment. Food plays a vital role in understanding the cultural landscape and lifestyle of a place. Here's how these two cities stack up in terms of their food scenes.

Des MoinesLincoln
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichRunza
Most popular meat dishIowa ChopGrilled Steak
Most popular street food itemTaco TrucksFood Trucks Variety
Most popular vegan foodVegan BowlTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Fong's Pizza
  • Zombie Burger
  • 801 Chophouse
  • Misty's Steakhouse
  • Leadbelly
  • The Coffee Roaster
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When you're moving from Des Moines to Lincoln, you'll find that both cities have a vibrant food scene, albeit with some differences. For instance, Des Moines is renowned for its Pork Tenderloin Sandwich available at many joints, but once you're in Lincoln, don't miss out on the unique experience of trying a Runza, a local delight found in numerous eateries throughout the city. Notably, Lincoln's food scene shines with its array of food trucks offering a variety of street food options. Vegan and health-conscious eaters will also find Lincoln slightly more accommodating, with places like Leadbelly offering innovative dishes like the Tempeh Reuben. Whether exploring the historic Haymarket district in Lincoln or diving into the rich culinary diversity of Des Moines, you're sure to find flavors that pique your interest and palate.

Des Moines vs. Lincoln Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a major life change, and finding comfort in your new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This restaurant comparison between Des Moines, IA, and Lincoln, NE, aims to ease your transition by helping you find your next favorite dining spots based on your current preferences.

Des MoinesLincolnWhat You'll Love
CentroThe OvenAuthentic dishes with a similar upscale atmosphere
AlbaSebastian's TableCozy, inventive cuisine with a unique twist
DjangoBlue Sushi Sake GrillOffers creative twists on classic dishes
Fong’s PizzaYia Yia'sEclectic pizzas in a similarly vibrant setting
Zombie Burger + Drink LabHonest Abe's Burgers & FreedomUnique burgers in an engaging environment
HarbingerGreen GateauElegance and innovation on every plate
801 ChophouseMisty's SteakhouseA Lincoln staple for steak lovers
A DongVung TauAuthentic Vietnamese with a wide-ranging menu
Luigi’s MansionDaVinci'sHomestyle Italian in a warm environment
Gusto Pizza Co.Piezano'sCrafted with care, a local favorite for pizza

Each restaurant pairing has been selected with consideration to not just the food quality but the dining experience as a whole. For instance, The Oven in Lincoln mirrors the elegant ambiance of Centro, ensuring a seamless transition for those special dinner nights. If the unique burgers and imaginative environment of Zombie Burger + Drink Lab are what you'll miss most about Des Moines, stepping into Honest Abe's Burgers & Freedom in Lincoln will feel like finding a new home. Similarly, fans of Alba's innovative approach to dining will find a parallel experience at Sebastian's Table, with its emphasis on shared plates and an intimate atmosphere. When taken together, these comparisons aim to highlight how Lincoln can offer culinary experiences that mirror the diverse and rich dining scene of Des Moines, making your new city feel just like home.

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Des Moines vs. Lincoln Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when considering a move. Understanding how the housing landscapes of Des Moines, IA, and Lincoln, NE compare can greatly influence your decision. This comparison will highlight key aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities to make your transition smoother.

ComparisonDes MoinesLincoln
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman & RanchRanch & Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious backyards, hardwood floorsEnergy efficiency, proximity to parks

While both Des Moines and Lincoln boast a Midwestern charm, Lincoln edges slightly ahead in terms of urban lifestyle amenities and walkability, making it a slightly more convenient city for those who prefer to get around on foot or bike. The notable difference in architecture styles, with Des Moines favoring Craftsman and Ranch homes while Lincoln has a mixture of Ranch and Modern, reflects the distinct character and historical development of each city. Additionally, Lincoln's focus on energy efficiency and proximity to parks in real estate listings points towards a community-minded and environmentally conscious population, aspects that might appeal to you if these are priorities in your lifestyle.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Lincoln, NE

1. Belmont: This neighborhood is known for its sprawling Rickman's Run Off-Leash Dog Area, where your pets can enjoy vast open spaces and you can mingle with fellow pet owners.

2. Highlands: With easy access to Mahoney Park and its pet-friendly trails, the Highlands offers a serene atmosphere for both you and your furry friends to enjoy the outdoors.

3. Capitol Beach: This neighborhood boasts the unique feature of being close to Capital Beach Lake, providing plenty of waterfront fun for water-loving dogs and ample walking paths for leisurely strolls.

Des Moines vs. Lincoln Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather in Lincoln, NE compares to Des Moines, IA is crucial if you're considering a move. This comparison will help you anticipate weather changes and adjust to your new environment .

Summer icon
86/65

Des Moines, IA

89/66

Lincoln, NE

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
33/17

Des Moines, IA

36/14

Lincoln, NE

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Des Moines, IA

29.3

Lincoln, NE

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33

Des Moines, IA

25.9

Lincoln, NE

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDes MoinesLincoln
Air QualityGoodGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsTornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Des Moines and Lincoln share similar weather patterns, there are subtle differences that could impact your yearly plans. For example, Lincoln enjoys more days of sunshine and slightly higher summer temperatures, which could extend your outdoor activities. However, it also has a lower average annual humidity, which can make the summers feel more comfortable. Notably, Lincoln has less annual rainfall and snowfall compared to Des Moines, possibly affecting your gardening or snow-related activities. Understanding these nuances will better prepare you for your transition.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Lincoln

When considering a move from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might shift. This comparison will provide insights into Des Moines and Lincoln's money and finance landscape, helping you to understand what changes to expect in cost of living , taxation , and income levels, among others.

ComparisonDes MoinesLincoln
Avg. Household Income$60,693$62,294
Cost of Living Index90.990.85
State Income Tax0.33 - 8.532.46 - 6.84
Avg. Property Tax1.51.8
Avg. Sales Tax75.5 - 7.5
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Insurance, ManufacturingEducation, Health Services, Retail
AffluenceModerateModerate to High
PovertyMinimalMinimal to Moderate
HomelessnessModerateLow to Moderate

While both Des Moines and Lincoln offer a moderate cost of living, you'll notice a slight difference in average household income, with Des Moines generally higher. However, this discrepancy is somewhat balanced by Lincoln's lower cost of living index. Taxation rates vary between the two, potentially affecting your take-home salary. State and sales tax differences are particularly noteworthy, as they can impact overall expenses and savings. The top industries in each city indicate the local economy's orientation, which might influence job opportunities in your field. Despite these financial and economic contrasts, both cities showcase a strong sense of community and stability, with low to moderate levels of poverty and homelessness.

Des Moines vs. Lincoln Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE, it’s important to understand the communities you’re transitioning between. This overview provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, featuring a comparison of the politics between Des Moines & Lincoln alongside their religious landscapes. Understanding these aspects can help you gauge how well you might fit into your new neighborhood.

Des MoinesLincoln
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsDiverse city governanceDiverse city governance
ReligionMixed, with a significant Christian communityMixed, with a significant Christian community

Both Des Moines and Lincoln share a political inclination that leans towards the Democratic side, reflecting in their local governance and policies. This similarity in political landscape might make the transition easier for you if you align with or are open to these political views. Moreover, the religious makeup in both cities is quite mixed, though with a notable Christian presence, indicating a diverse spiritual community. Within this diversity, it's possible to find various local churches and religious organizations, such as the Des Moines Diocese in Iowa and the Lincoln Diocese in Nebraska, offering a sense of community and belonging to newcomers. These aspects collectively paint a picture of two cities with diverse, welcoming communities, ready to embrace new residents with open arms.

Des Moines vs. Lincoln Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE? It's essential to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines & Lincoln will help you get a clearer picture.

ComparisonDes MoinesLincoln
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2018
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingDifficult

Although both cities offer relatively short average commute times, Des Moines has a marginally higher level of traffic congestion compared to Lincoln. Despite this, the availability of public transit in Des Moines scores higher, suggesting a slightly better-developed system. However, in both cities, living without a car can be challenging, though not impossible, particularly for those living and working within the more densely populated areas where amenities and workplaces might be more accessible.

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