Best Des Moines to Jersey City Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embarking on a move from the heartland's charm in Des Moines, IA, to the bustling urban energy of Jersey City, NJ, marks an exciting chapter in your life. You're leaving behind the 'Hartford of the West' for a slice of the 'Gold Coast', trading spacious skies for skyline views. Considering the distance and the life change ahead, it's crucial you trust your move to professional movers who understand the nuances of such a transition, ensuring your journey to the East Coast starts on the right foot.
Best Des Moines to Jersey City Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP Urban Moving | 9.85 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Avant-Garde Moving & Storage | 9.64 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.24 | A+ | Authorized For Property | 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 Jersey City to Des Moines guide.
5 Best Des Moines to Jersey City Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About JP Urban Moving
JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to give you the best custo...Read More >>
Services
- Local NYC Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving, Business Moving
About Avant-Garde Moving & Storage
Based in Brooklyn, Avant-Garde Moving & Storage has provided unique and innovative moving solutions for over 10 years. As a locally owne...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
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. Jersey City Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can feel like a journey into the unknown, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've crafted this guide to help you familiarize yourself with comparison of local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & Jersey City, NJ . Whether you're looking for lively nightlife, serene parks, or historic charm, we've matched the top neighborhoods in Des Moines with their counterparts in Jersey City.
| Des Moines | Jersey City | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | Downtown Jersey City | Trendy, vibrant nightlife |
| Beaverdale | The Heights | Family-friendly, community-oriented |
| Sherman Hill | Historic Downtown | Architectural charm, rich history |
| Drake | Journal Square | Diverse, bustling with students |
| Waveland Park | Liberty State Park | Green spaces, leisure activities |
| Waterbury | Paulus Hook | Upscale, scenic waterfront views |
| Highland Park | Riverview Arts District | Arts scene, community events |
| Ingersoll | Grove Street | Dining, nightlife, pedestrian-friendly |
| South of Grand | Hamilton Park | Elegant, historic homes |
| Gray's Lake | Liberty Harbor | Waterfront living, recreation |
Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Sherman Hill, admiring the exquisite turn-of-the-century architecture. You'll find a similar charm in Jersey City's Historic Downtown, where cobblestone streets and landmark buildings evoke a bygone era. For those captivated by the vibrant nightlife and eclectic shops of East Village in Des Moines, Downtown Jersey City offers an equally lively scene with trendy bars and art galleries. Nature lovers who enjoy the tranquility of Gray's Lake can relish in the serene beauty of Liberty Harbor, where waterfront parks provide a perfect backdrop for evening walks or weekend picnics. If community spirit and friendly faces are what you loved about Beaverdale, The Heights in Jersey City will feel like home, with its strong neighborhood associations and family-friendly events.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Jersey City
Embarking on a move from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ offers a unique chance to weigh the contrasts from Des Moines to Jersey City, reflecting on both the bright and challenging aspects of such a relocation. This comparison aims to provide an honest snapshot of what to expect, helping you navigate the transition smoothly.
Des Moines, IA- Smaller job market
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer public transit options
- Lower entertainment options
- Slower pace of life
Jersey City, NJ- Larger job market
- Greater cultural diversity
- Extensive public transit
- Rich entertainment options
- Vibrant urban lifestyle
Jersey City, NJ- Higher cost of living
- Less space
- Noisier environment
- Heavier traffic
- Less tight-knit community
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- More space
- Quieter environment
- Easier traffic
- Strong local community
Jersey City stands as a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its rich diversity of restaurants like Razza known for some of the best pizza in the area, or the vibrant scenes at local coffee shops that double as community hubs. The scenic waterfront parks such as Liberty State Park offer breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline, providing both a retreat from the urban pace and a unique backdrop for outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the extensive public transit system, including PATH trains and ferries, facilitates easy exploration of the surrounding areas and a direct connection to Manhattan's job market and entertainment options. Although the shift from Des Moines's quieter pace to Jersey City's bustling urban environment might seem daunting, embracing this change opens up a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth amidst one of the most dynamic and diverse urban locales in the country.
Des Moines vs. Jersey City Food Guide
Understanding the local food scene is crucial when relocating, as food is an essential aspect of local culture and everyday life. With this in mind, we're going to make a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines, IA & Jersey City, NJ to help you better understand what culinary delights await you in your new city.
| Des Moines | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Italian Hot Dogs |
| Most popular meat dish | Smoked Pork Chop | Beef Gyro |
| Most popular street food item | Taco Truck Tacos | Food Truck Empanadas |
| Most popular vegan food | Roasted Vegetable Bowl | Vegan Pizza |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Jersey City, the culinary scene is diverse and vibrant, reflecting its multicultural community. Notable neighborhoods like Downtown and the historic Journal Square are hubs for food enthusiasts, featuring everything from the artisanal pizzas at Razza to the authentic Mexican flavors of Taqueria Downtown. Jersey City's favorable ratings in terms of food truck abundance and vegan-friendliness point to a city that values diverse dining options and inclusivity. Whether you're in the mood for a quick empanada from a food truck or a sit-down meal at Porta, Jersey City's dynamic food scene has something to satisfy every palate.
Des Moines vs. Jersey City Restaurant Comparison
When you're moving from Des Moines, IA, to Jersey City, NJ, finding your new go-to dining spots is crucial for feeling at home. This comparison of Des Moines top restaurants to their Jersey City counterparts helps you discover where you can continue to enjoy your favorite meals or experience new culinary delights. Let us guide you through the transition with a taste of familiarity.
| Des Moines | Jersey City | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Bubba | Razza Pizza Artigianale | Both offer a cozy atmosphere with a focus on high-quality, delicious comfort food. |
| Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | Left Bank Burger Bar | A haven for burger enthusiasts seeking inventive toppings and combinations. |
| Akai Hana Sushi & Grill | DOMODOMO Jersey City | Both places are celebrated for their creative sushi rolls and exceptional quality. |
| Centro | Porta Jersey City | Known for their Italian cuisine, both offer a chic dining experience with mouth-watering dishes. |
| Fong's Pizza | Razza Pizza Artigianale | While Fong's features unique pizza varieties, Razza maintains the spirit of innovation with their craft pizzas. |
| La Mie Bakery | Choc O Pain French Bakery & Café | Both are beloved for their exquisite pastries, fresh bread, and inviting café environment. |
| Harbinger | Marcus at NoHu Rooftop | Both are distinguished by their emphasis on seasonal ingredients and beautifully presented plates. |
| El Bait Shop | Zeppelin Hall Beer Garden | Both feature an expansive selection of drinks and a lively atmosphere perfect for casual outings. |
| Alba | Liberty Prime Steakhouse | Offers an upscale dining experience, focusing on prime cuts and sophisticated flavors. |
| A Dong Restaurant | More Express | Providing authentic Asian cuisine with a commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional dishes. |
Discovering a new favorite dining spot can be a delightful journey on its own. Razza Pizza Artigianale in Jersey City offers a nuanced take on artisanal pizzas that echo the experiments found at Des Moines's Fong’s Pizza, making it an ideal spot for pizza aficionados. Venturing into the culinary world of Jersey City further, Choc O Pain French Bakery & Café brings a slice of Parisian charm that parallels the cozy, indulgent experience at La Mie Bakery in Des Moines. These recommended spots not only provide a bridge between your old and new locale but also invite you to delve into the unique flavors and communities that Jersey City has to offer.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. Jersey City Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial aspect when planning a move. Understanding how the housing market in Des Moines, IA, and Jersey City, NJ compare can better prepare you for what to expect. This comparison will spotlight key differences and similarities in housing characteristics, providing a solid foundation for your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Craftsman | Brownstone, Modern High-Rise |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods | Proximity to public transit, Views of Manhattan |
While Des Moines offers more affordable housing options, with a median home price significantly lower than Jersey City's, the latter compensates with its vibrant urban lifestyle and higher walkability and bikeability scores. The architectural styles also reflect the cities' contrasting characters—Des Moines's housing often features Ranch and Craftsman styles, prioritizing space and comfort. In contrast, Jersey City boasts Brownstones and Modern High-Rises, emphasizing its dense, urban appeal. This difference in lifestyle is marked by Jersey City's emphasis on proximity to public transit and stunning views of Manhattan, elements highly valued in its real estate market. Whether you're seeking the affable charm of quiet, spacious neighborhoods in Des Moines or the dynamic, urban beat of Jersey City, each city offers unique advantages tailored to different preferences and needs.
Des Moines vs. Jersey City Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another brings a multitude of changes, and understanding how the weather in Des Moines, IA compares to Jersey City, NJ is crucial. This comparison will help you prepare for the differences in climate and weather patterns you'll experience in your new home.
Des Moines, IA
Jersey City, NJ
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Jersey City, NJ
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Jersey City, NJ
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
Jersey City, NJ
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, floods | Hurricanes, nor'easters |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In comparing Des Moines and Jersey City, you'll notice both cities enjoy a similar range of temperatures during the summer, with Jersey City experiencing slightly warmer nights. However, winters are notably milder in Jersey City, both in daytime highs and nighttime lows. Regarding sunshine, the difference is slight, but Jersey City gets a few more sunny days per year. Natural disaster profiles differ significantly between the two, with Des Moines facing tornado risks while Jersey City is prone to hurricanes and nor'easters. Paying attention to these differences ensures you're better prepared for the weather changes your move will bring.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Jersey City
When contemplating a move from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences in cost of living, taxes, and overall economic health between these two cities, providing a clearer picture for prospective movers.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $81,958 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 129.7 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 8.53% | Up to 10.75% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.5% | 1.62% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 6.625% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Finance, Technology, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Lower |
A closer look at the data reveals that although the average household income is slightly higher in Jersey City, the cost of living is significantly greater, with a cost of living index of 120 compared to Des Moines' more modest 81. This increase is particularly noticeable in housing costs, despite similar average property taxes. The higher cost of living in Jersey City is somewhat balanced by the concentration of high-paying industries, such as finance and technology, potentially offering more lucrative employment opportunities than those commonly found in Des Moines. However, higher state income taxes in New Jersey could offset some of these financial benefits. Understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision about this significant move.
Des Moines vs. Jersey City Political & Religious Comparison
As you consider the move from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious makeup of each city can offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot that may influence your decision or prepare you for the cultural shift. This comparison will delve into the local political landscape and predominant religious views among the residents of both cities.
| Des Moines | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Liberal | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | Democratic Focus | Democratic Dominance |
| Religion | Christianity Predominant | Religiously Diverse |
In Des Moines, the political landscape leans liberal, with a strong focus on Democratic values in local politics. This mirrors the national trend, yet the city exhibits a moderate pace in embracing extremely progressive measures. Christianity plays a significant role in the community life, reflecting in various local churches and gatherings. In contrast, Jersey City stands out for its very liberal stance and political dominance by the Democratic Party, making it a nexus of progressive policies and activism in the region. The religious landscape in Jersey City is highly diverse, embracing a variety of beliefs that mirror its multicultural population, from Catholic establishments to Jewish communities and beyond, offering a vibrant tapestry of faiths that enrich its cultural fabric.
Des Moines vs. Jersey City Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Jersey City, NJ, entails various changes, especially in daily commuting habits. This guide aims to help you better understand the differences between the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines & Jersey City, ensuring a smoother transition in your relocation.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 35 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | No | Yes |
When transitioning from Des Moines to Jersey City, you will notice a significant difference in daily commutes and transportation options. The average commute time in Jersey City is longer, reflecting the city's denser urban environment and heavy traffic. However, Jersey City excels in public transit availability, a stark contrast to Des Moines, where a car is almost essential for getting around. This difference is crucial for planning your daily commutes in Jersey City, where you can rely on various transit options like the PATH train or NJ Transit services, easing the transition from a car-dependent lifestyle.
