Best Des Moines to Pittsburgh Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the heart of the Midwest, Des Moines, to the Steel City, Pittsburgh, marks an exciting chapter in your life, ripe with new opportunities and adventures. You're transitioning from the laid-back atmosphere and spacious landscapes of Iowa's capital to the rich history and vibrant neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, leaving behind the "Hawkeye State" for the "City of Bridges". It's crucial to ensure this pivotal journey is as smooth as possible by enlisting the help of trusted and reliable professional movers, guaranteeing peace of mind as you embark on this long-distance move.
Best Des Moines to Pittsburgh Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Pittsburgh to Des Moines guide.
5 Best Des Moines to Pittsburgh Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Pittsburgh Moving
Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...Read More >>
Services
- Local move in Pittsburgh
- Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
- Residential move
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 Meta Movers
Meta Movers is a licensed and insured moving company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with over a decade of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Full-service local Pittsburgh moves
- Long distance residential and commercial moves
- Loading or unloading your truck or pod
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. Pittsburgh Neighborhood Comparison
When relocating from one city to another, familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide is designed to help ease that transition by providing a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & Pittsburgh, PA . By comparing top neighborhoods in Des Moines with their counterparts in Pittsburgh, you can find a new home that matches your lifestyle and preferences.
| Des Moines | Pittsburgh | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Beaverdale | Squirrel Hill | Vibrant community, rich in family-friendly amenities |
| East Village | Shadyside | Eclectic shops, dining scene, and cultural diversity |
| Waveland Park | Point Breeze | Quiet, leafy streets with stately homes |
| Sherman Hill | Lawrenceville | Historical charm, vibrant arts scene |
| Drake | Bloomfield | Dense, walkable with a unique blend of old and new |
| Highland Park | Highland Park | Resonant names, extensive parkland, and community focus |
| South of Grand | Mount Washington | Stunning views, upscale dining, and quiet neighborhoods |
| Waterbury | Friendship | Historic homes, close to amenities while maintaining a peaceful vibe |
| Ingersoll Park | Polish Hill | Quirky, strong sense of community, urban feel |
| Gray's Lake | Riverfront | Access to water, recreation, and green space |
If you're moving from Beaverdale, you might find Squirrel Hill appealing for its vibrant community spirit and abundance of family-friendly amenities, such as the nearby Schenley Park. East Village and Shadyside both offer a similar eclectic mix of shops, dining, and cultural diversity, making them perfect for those who enjoy a lively neighborhood atmosphere. For those accustomed to the tranquil, leafy streets of Waveland Park, Point Breeze in Pittsburgh offers a similar vibe, with the added bonus of proximity to The Frick Pittsburgh for cultural outings. Lastly, if the historic charm and community focus of Sherman Hill have been to your liking, you'll find a similar vibe in Lawrenceville, known for its vibrant arts scene and historical row houses.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Pittsburgh
Moving from one city to another presents an opportunity to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA . It's a visual guide to understanding the changes you'll encounter, allowing you to prepare for both the perks and challenges ahead.
Des Moines, IA- Smaller cultural scene
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less public transit
- Lower restaurant variety
Pittsburgh, PA- Richer cultural diversity
- More career options
- Extensive public transportation
- Greater culinary diversity
Pittsburgh, PA- Higher cost of living
- More traffic
- Smaller living spaces
- Steeper learning curve for navigation
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic congestion
- More spacious homes
- Easier navigation
Moving from Des Moines to Pittsburgh offers a chance to immerse yourself in a city brimming with cultural diversity and rich history. In Pittsburgh, you'll find an abundance of career opportunities across various industries, notably in healthcare, education, and technology. The city's extensive public transportation system, including buses and the Pittsburgh Light Rail, makes commuting easier than ever. For culinary enthusiasts, Pittsburgh's restaurant scene is a melting pot of international cuisines and innovative dining experiences. While Des Moines provides a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle with spacious homes and less congestion, Pittsburgh invites you to explore vibrant neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Lawrenceville to the bustling avenues of Downtown. Though the cost of living might be higher, the array of parks, such as Schenley Park, restaurants like Primanti Bros., and sights including the Andy Warhol Museum, more than compensates by enriching your daily life with unique experiences and the beauty of Pittsburgh's landscape.
Des Moines vs. Pittsburgh Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & Pittsburgh to help you acclimate to the food scene in your new city. Understanding food is essential because it reflects the culture and lifestyle of a place. Let's dive into what culinary delights await you.
| Des Moines | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Pierogi |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop | Primanti Bros. Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Sweet Corn | Haluski |
| Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In exploring the food scene of Pittsburgh, you'll discover neighborhoods like the Strip District and Lawrenceville buzzing with culinary creativity. The iconic Primanti Bros., known for its skyscraper sandwiches loaded with fries and coleslaw, encapsulates the hearty, blue-collar spirit of the city. Pittsburgh’s vibrant foodie scene also showcases a commendable variety of vegan and plant-based options, with places like Apteka and B52 Cafe leading the charge in innovative vegan dining. Whether you’re sampling pierogis at a traditional Polish Hill spot or grabbing Seitan wings in Shadyside, Pittsburgh offers an eclectic mix of foods that cater to every palate.
Des Moines vs. Pittsburgh Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This comparison charts will help bridge the familiarity gap, guiding you through a gastronomic journey from Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA , assisting in finding your new favorite spots through beloved local flavors.
| Des Moines | Pittsburgh | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Aku Aku | Hidden Harbor | Tropical atmosphere and expertly crafted tiki drinks |
| Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | Burgatory | Creative burgers and shakes with a vibrant environment |
| Centro | DiAnoia's Eatery | Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients |
| Fong's Pizza | Driftwood Oven | Innovative pizza offerings with a twist on traditional flavors |
| Django | Paris 66 | Authentic French bistro experience with a cozy setting |
| El Bait Shop | Church Brew Works | A unique brewery experience within a historic building |
| Harbinger | Cure | Farm-to-table dining with a seasonal menu focused on local ingredients |
| Proof | Altius | Modern dining with a focus on innovative dishes |
| Mi Patria Ecuadorian Restaurant | Casa Reyna | Traditional Mexican with an array of authentic dishes |
| Exile Brewing Co. | East End Brewing Company | Craft beers with a focus on quality and community |
For culinary adventurers moving from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, there's no need to worry about missing your favorite dishes. Just like Exile Brewing Co. provides a local haven for craft beer enthusiasts in Des Moines, East End Brewing Company fills that niche in Pittsburgh, promoting a love for community and high-quality brews. If you're missing the uniquely thrilling dining experience of Aku Aku, you'll find a similar vibe at Hidden Harbor, where the tropical décor and elaborate tiki drinks transport you to an island paradise without leaving the city. Whether you’re craving the innovative pizzas of Fong's Pizza or the creative burger combinations found at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Driftwood Oven and Burgatory in Pittsburgh offer comparable culinary delights that promise to satisfy your taste buds while offering their unique take on casual dining.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. Pittsburgh Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning your move from Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison highlights key differences in housing options, offering insights into costs, styles, and livability. Let's dive into how these cities stack up.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch and Craftsman | Victorian and Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, quiet streets | Close to amenities, historic charm |
In comparing Des Moines and Pittsburgh, you'll notice significant differences in the housing market and urban lifestyle. Pittsburgh offers a more vibrant urban experience with a higher walkability and bikeability score, signifying a city dense enough to support a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle. This is complemented by the city's rich stock of historic Victorian and Colonial homes that often feature proximity to local amenities, highlighting Pittsburgh's preference for charm and convenience. On the other hand, Des Moines tends to offer more space with its ranch and Craftsman homes, highlighting spacious yards and quiet streets, catering to those who prioritize privacy and tranquility. The difference in median home prices and monthly rents reflects these lifestyle and architectural variations, with Pittsburgh presenting a more affordable option for homebuyers, although renters may find Des Moines to be slightly less expensive.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA
1. Lawrenceville: This neighborhood boasts a vibrant community with easy access to dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants like The Vandal, making it perfect for you and your furry friend.
2. Shadyside: Known for its walkable streets and a welcoming atmosphere for pets, Shadyside offers numerous pet stores such as Petagogy and outdoor areas, ideal for keeping your pet healthy and happy.
3. Squirrel Hill: With its close proximity to Frick Park, Squirrel Hill provides endless trails and green spaces for you and your pet to explore, alongside pet-friendly cafes and community activities.
Des Moines vs. Pittsburgh Weather Considerations
When relocating, understanding weather differences between your current and future home is crucial. This guide compares Des Moines, IA, and Pittsburgh, PA weather to help you prepare for the change.
Des Moines, IA
Pittsburgh, PA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Pittsburgh, PA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Pittsburgh, PA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
Pittsburgh, PA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Floods, Snowstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Although both Des Moines and Pittsburgh experience four distinct seasons, you'll find that winters are slightly milder in Pittsburgh, with higher low temperatures and more snowfall due to its northern and elevated location. You may also notice fewer sunny days per year in Pittsburgh, which could affect your daily outdoor activities. Furthermore, while both cities face natural disasters like floods, Des Moines is also prone to tornadoes, offering a different risk profile that you should prepare for. These subtle climate and weather differences can impact everything from your wardrobe to your transportation choices, so it's essential to consider them when planning your move.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Pittsburgh
When you're considering a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is vital. This comparison aims to highlight the economic differences between Des Moines, IA, and Pittsburgh, PA, focusing on factors such as income, taxes, and living costs. Knowing these differences will better prepare you for the financial adjustments needed in your new city.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $57,821 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 91.5 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 8.53% | Up to 3.07% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.5% | 1.58% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 7% |
| Top 3 Industries | Insurance, Finance, Healthcare | Technology, Healthcare, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Low to Moderate |
Although the average household income in Des Moines is slightly higher than in Pittsburgh, the cost of living index also suggests that daily expenses might be somewhat lower in Iowa's capital. However, Pennsylvania's lower state income tax rate could potentially counterbalance this difference, making Pittsburgh an attractive option for those looking to maximize their income. Both cities boast significant healthcare industries, yet Pittsburgh diversifies with a focus on technology and education, hinting at varied job opportunities. Despite the apparent economic and tax discrepancies, both locales offer comparable environments concerning affluence, poverty levels, and homelessness.
Des Moines vs. Pittsburgh Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Des Moines, IA, to Pittsburgh, PA, it's important to understand how each city's residents align on key societal dimensions. This comparison of the politics between Des Moines & Pittsburgh alongside religious practices offers a quick snapshot for potential newcomers.
| Des Moines | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive on local issues | Highly progressive, active local government |
| Religion | Christian majority with diverse religious communities | Largely Christian, with a significant Jewish community (source) |
When you move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, you’ll notice a shift towards a more strongly Democratic political landscape, reflecting Pittsburgh's active and progressive local governance. While both cities boast a Christian majority, Pittsburgh stands out with its significant Jewish community, providing a rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity. This variety enriches the local culture, offering you a wider array of community engagements and festivals that celebrate both cities' diversity.
Des Moines vs. Pittsburgh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA? This comparison will help you better understand the daily commute and traffic, alongside transportation options in both cities. It's essential for planning your move and adjusting to your new home.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20.4 | 26.1 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes, with some planning |
Moving to Pittsburgh, you’ll notice a significant shift in your daily commute. With its higher traffic congestion score, Pittsburgh might initially seem daunting. However, the availability of public transit rated significantly better here allows for a viable alternative to driving. Services like the Port Authority Transit offer comprehensive bus and light rail options covering most of the city. This makes living without a car more feasible in Pittsburgh than in Des Moines, where public transit options are relatively limited.
