Trusted. Licensed. Insured.Moving from the heartland to a bustling coastal city is both an exciting adventure and a significant life change. You're leaving behind Des Moines, known for its rich agricultural roots and tight-knit community, for Seattle, the Emerald City, famous for its tech scene, vibrant arts, and coffee culture. Given the distance and logistic complexities, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we ensure your transition is smooth by connecting you with the best service providers, as determined by our unbiased ranking algorithm.
Moving from Des Moines to Seattle?
5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide
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5 Best Des Moines to Seattle Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
#1
| Burlington, IA | |
| Material Packing, Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 5/24/2024) | |
| USDOT: 749231 Verify |
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 >>
#2
| Bothell, WA | |
| Local moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/10/2024) | |
| USDOT: 2895681 Verify |
About People Movers
People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle since it op...Read More >>
#3
| Ames, IA | |
| Local moving, Long distance moving, Small moving See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/11/2024) | |
| USDOT: 608245 Verify |
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 >>
#4
| Seattle, WA | |
| Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Long Distance Moving See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 11/14/2023) | |
| USDOT: 2083124 Verify |
About All Service Moving
All Service Moving is a full-service moving company that performs a wide array of relocation services in Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas....Read More >>
#5
| Urbandale, IA | |
| Local Moving, Junk Removal, Storage See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/10/2024) | |
| USDOT: 739369 Verify |
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 >>
Relocating from Des Moines to Seattle Neighborhood Guide
Moving to a new city can be a maze of unknowns. To help you navigate, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & Seattle, WA . This guide is designed to match you with a neighborhood in Seattle that shares the vibes and amenities you love back in Des Moines, making the transition just a bit easier.
| Des Moines | Seattle |
|---|---|
East VillageCapitol Hill Vibrant nightlife and indie stores | |
BeaverdaleBallard Cozy, with historic homes and strong community | |
DrakeUniversity District College town feel with diverse food options | |
WaterburyMadrona Leafy residential areas next to boutiques and cafes | |
Sherman HillQueen Anne Historic architecture with a mix of modern amenities | |
South of GrandLeschi Lake views and upscale dining with a relaxed vibe | |
Waveland ParkGreen Lake Active outdoor community with a park and lake | |
Highland ParkWest Seattle Strong sense of community with waterfront access | |
Ingersoll ParkWallingford Quiet, family-friendly with great local dining | |
Gray's LakeSouth Lake Union Bustling tech hub with recreational activities | |
Imagining life in Seattle becomes easier when you can draw parallels with Des Moines. For instance, East Village's artsy, progressive spirit finds its echo in Capitol Hill, where murals color the streets and indie shops abound. Imagine sipping coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters after a stroll through Cal Anderson Park. Those missing the cozy, community vibes of Beaverdale will find comfort in Ballard's Sunday Farmers Market and historic Ballard Avenue. Similarly, the tranquility and grand homes of Waterbury are mirrored in Madrona's leafy streets, where you can enjoy a lakeview brunch at Hi-Spot Café. Seattle offers a mosaic of communities, each with unique characteristics but with surprising parallels to the neighborhoods you’ve come to love in Des Moines.
Things to Do in Seattle
- Visit the Space Needle for iconic city views.
- Explore Pike Place Market's unique shops.
- Relax at Green Lake Park.
- Discover art at Seattle Art Museum.
- Enjoy a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island.
- Watch a Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park.
- Hike in Mount Rainier National Park.
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Seattle
Moving can be a significant life decision, with plenty of factors to consider. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA. By examining the cons and pros in parallel, you'll gain a clearer picture of what each city offers, helping you make a more informed choice.
CONs
PROs
Des Moines, IA- Lesser job opportunities
- Smaller cultural scene
- Lower diversity
- Harsh winters
- Limited seafood options
Seattle, WA- Thriving tech industry
- Vibrant arts community
- Greater cultural diversity
- Milder climate
- Fresh seafood abundancy
Seattle, WA- Higher cost of living
- Longer commutes
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Higher property taxes
- Difficult parking
Des Moines, IA- Affordable living
- Shorter commute times
- Friendly communities
- Lower property taxes
- Easy navigation
Moving from Des Moines to Seattle introduces you into a world teeming with diverse cultures and an impressive arts scene that includes landmarks like the Seattle Art Museum and the iconic Space Needle. The tech job market in Seattle is robust, with giants like Amazon and Microsoft headquartered there, offering plentiful opportunities for career growth. While Seattle's cost of living and property taxes are higher, the city compensates with its stunning natural beauty, exemplified by places like Discovery Park, and a gastronomic paradise especially for seafood lovers highlighted by eateries such as Pike Place Fish Market. Despite the potential for longer commutes, Seattle's comprehensive public transport system, including the Seattle Light Rail, makes navigating the city manageable.
Food Scene Guide When Moving from Des Moines to Seattle
Understanding the essence of local cuisine is vital as food is a significant part of local culture and impacts the living experience in an area. To aid in your relocation decision-making, we present a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & Seattle , offering insight into what culinary delights await you in either city.
| Des Moines | Seattle |
|---|---|
Most iconic local food item Pork Tenderloin SandwichSalmon | |
Most popular meat dish Smoked Pork ChopsDungeness Crab | |
Most popular street food item Taco Truck TacosFood Truck Pho | |
Most popular vegan food Vegan BLTSeitan Steak | |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
| |
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness 68 | |
Abundance of Food Trucks 59 | |
Foodie Scene 79 | |
Vegan Friendly 68 | |
In Des Moines, you'll find the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich at local favorites like Zombie Burger, while in Seattle, fresh Salmon and Dungeness Crab are must-tries, with Pike Place Market offering an abundance of fresh, local seafood. Seattle's food scene is renowned for its diversity and innovation, particularly in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Ballard, where food trucks, plant-based restaurants, and sustainable seafood eateries thrive. Meanwhile, Des Moines' burgeoning food scene boasts an impressive array of vegan options and local meat dishes, reflecting the city's agricultural roots and innovative culinary spirit. Both cities offer a unique taste of local flavors that are reflective of their respective cultures and regions.
Restaurant Guide for Moving from Des Moines to Seattle
Understanding the significance of cuisine in creating a sense of belonging, this comparison aims to ease your transition by aligning your culinary favorites from Des Moines to the closest equivalent spots in Seattle. Food plays a pivotal role in feeling at home, and by using this guide, you'll be well on your way to discovering your new favorite eateries.
CentroCafe Lago Family-style Italian reminiscent of Centro's charm |
AlbaAltura Innovative American cuisine with a high-end touch |
Fong's PizzaDelancey Artisanal pizzas that match Fong's unique flavors |
Zombie Burger + Drink LabKatsu Burger Creative burgers with a twist similar to Zombie Burger |
HarbingerWalrus and the Carpenter Offering a foodie haven with unique dishes |
Jethro’s BBQJack’s BBQ Authentic barbeque experience mirroring Jethro’s comfort vibes |
Miyabi 9Umi Sake House Japanese cuisine that rivals Miyabi 9’s sushi and offerings |
A dongLong Provincial Vietnamese Captivating flavors similar to A dong’s menu |
La Mie BakeryBakery Nouveau A beloved spot for pastries and baked goods plein air |
Gusto Pizza Co.Serious Pie Pizza with an elevated twist that mirrors Gusto’s creativity |
Transitioning to a new city doesn't mean you have to leave behind the flavors you love. For instance, if Centro’s Italian cuisine holds a special place in your heart, Cafe Lago in Seattle will comfort you with its similar family-style Italian dishes and warm atmosphere. Interestingly, both Alba in Des Moines and Altura in Seattle elevate the dining experience with their own unique takes on American cuisine, offering innovative dishes that cater to the fine dining aficionado. On a more casual note, Fong's Pizza and Delancey stand out for their dedication to crafting artisanal pizzas, making sure that whether you're in Des Moines or Seattle, your pizza cravings are met with top-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Venturing into such restaurants not only introduces you to Seattle's diverse culinary scene but also bridges the gap between the old and new chapters of your life.
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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Des Moines to Seattle
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial, particularly when comparing Des Moines, IA, and Seattle, WA. This comparison offers insights into housing costs, architecture, and the overall lifestyle in both cities, aiding in making an informed decision.
The discrepancies in housing between Des Moines and Seattle highlight the contrasting lifestyle preferences and financial requirements of the two cities. While Des Moines offers affordability with a median home price and rent far below that of Seattle, the latter compensates with its high walkability and urban lifestyle score, indicative of a vibrant city life. Seattle's emphasis on eco-friendly features and the views of the Puget Sound or mountain ranges in real estate listings reflect the city's connection with nature and modern living standards. Conversely, Des Moines real estate prides itself on more traditional values like large yards and quiet, family-friendly streets, appealing to those seeking a quieter, more spacious living environment.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA
1. Ballard: With its numerous off-leash dog parks, Ballard is ideal for your furry friends to run free and socialize.
2. Green Lake: Known for the pet-friendly Green Lake Park, you and your pet will enjoy the scenic 2.8-mile trail and ample green space for play.
3. Queen Anne: This neighborhood is packed with pet-friendly cafes and shops, plus it offers easy access to Kinnear Park's off-leash area, making it a perfect spot for pet owners.
Weather Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Seattle
If you're planning on moving, understanding the weather comparison between Des Moines, IA and Seattle, WA is crucial. This comparison will help prepare you for the weather changes you're about to experience, ensuring there are no surprises as you adjust to your new city.
86/65
Des Moines, IA
75/55
Seattle, WA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
34/18
Des Moines, IA
47/37
Seattle, WA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
36
Des Moines, IA
37.5
Seattle, WA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
33
Des Moines, IA
5
Seattle, WA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
When moving from Des Moines to Seattle, you'll notice a significant difference in weather patterns. Seattle's milder summer highs and warmer winter lows compared to Des Moines mean that you'll experience less of a temperature range over the year. Additionally, while Des Moines enjoys more sunny days annually, Seattle's higher average humidity can make its fewer sunny days feel quite pleasant. Understanding the prevalence of natural disasters in each area—tornadoes and floods in Des Moines versus earthquakes and landslides in Seattle—can also help you prepare for emergencies. Lastly, the slight difference in annual rainfall might not seem significant, but Seattle's reputation for rain is due to its frequent drizzle rather than heavy downpours, contrasting with Des Moines' more intense but less frequent rainfall events.
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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Seattle
When planning a move, understanding how your financial standing will change is critical. This chart aims to capture the essential monetary differences to anticipate when relocating. It highlights the cost of living, taxes, and earning potential from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA, providing a clear financial roadmap for your upcoming transition.
While Des Moines boasts a more affordable cost of living and lower sales taxes, Seattle offers significantly higher average household incomes. However, the considerable difference in the cost of living index between the two cities indicates that this increased income is necessary to maintain a similar standard of living. Seattle's lack of state income tax may initially seem like a financial advantage, but it's compensated for by higher sales and property taxes. Additionally, the unemployment rates and industry focus reflect the diverse economic landscapes, with Des Moines favoring traditional sectors like finance and manufacturing, and Seattle leaning towards technology and aerospace. Understanding these financial nuances will help you better prepare for your move.
Political & Religious Comparison between Des Moines, IA and Seattle, WA
When planning your move from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA, it's helpful to understand the community you'll be joining. This quick comparison provides insights into the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities.
| Des Moines | Seattle |
|---|---|
Political Make-up Moderately LiberalVery Liberal | |
Local Politics Combination of Progressive and TraditionalStrong Progressive Policies | |
Religion Christianity Dominant Local ChurchesLess Religious, Diverse Beliefs Seattle Unity Church | |
In Des Moines, you'll find a dynamic political environment where liberalism is prominent yet balanced with traditional perspectives. The city's politics can be described as a mix, engaging both progressive and conservative communities. Moving to Seattle, expect a shift towards a more pronounced liberal atmosphere, where progressive policies and viewpoints shape the city. Religion in Des Moines primarily revolves around Christian practices, with numerous churches serving as community hubs. By contrast, Seattle presents a more secular lifestyle, with a diversity of religious beliefs and a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious. The community welcomes a range of spiritual and secular perspectives, making it a mosaic of cultural and religious backgrounds.
Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Seattle
Moving cities can be a big adjustment, especially when it comes to navigating new streets and understanding local transit options. This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines & Seattle, helping you better understand what your daily commute and traffic might be like.
| Des Moines | Seattle |
|---|---|
2028 Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | |
47 Traffic Congestion (out of 10) | |
68 Availability of Public Transit (out of 10) | |
ChallengingReasonably easy Can you get by without car? | |
When relocating from Des Moines to Seattle, you'll notice a significant shift in your daily transit experience. Seattle's slightly higher average commute time and traffic congestion reflect its dense urban structure. However, its public transit system is more robust, with services like the Sound Transit Light Rail and King County Metro, making it easier to move around without a car. While Des Moines offers a more relaxed commute with less congestion, its dependency on cars is greater due to a less extensive public transit network. Transitioning to Seattle, you might find your reliance on a vehicle significantly reduced, offering a different but potentially more sustainable lifestyle.
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