Best Des Moines to Seattle Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Des Moines to Seattle Movers

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.

Iowa iconArrow iconWashington icon

Best Des Moines to Seattle Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Seattle Moves & More9.54A+Authorized For HHGContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.53A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best Move Inc9.23A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Hemmen Moving9.10A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Seattle to Des Moines guide.

5 Best Des Moines to Seattle Moving Companies

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

S
Exceptional9.54/10
based on 1,243+ data points

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional9.53/10
based on 956+ data points

About Adamantine Spine Moving

With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
2
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,571+ data points

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
3
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional9.23/10
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 12/18/2024)

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
4
Hemmen Moving Logo
Exceptional9.10/10
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 12/17/2024)

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
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. Seattle Neighborhood Comparison

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 MoinesSeattleHow They're Similar
East VillageCapitol HillVibrant nightlife and indie stores
BeaverdaleBallardCozy, with historic homes and strong community
DrakeUniversity DistrictCollege town feel with diverse food options
WaterburyMadronaLeafy residential areas next to boutiques and cafes
Sherman HillQueen AnneHistoric architecture with a mix of modern amenities
South of GrandLeschiLake views and upscale dining with a relaxed vibe
Waveland ParkGreen LakeActive outdoor community with a park and lake
Highland ParkWest SeattleStrong sense of community with waterfront access
Ingersoll ParkWallingfordQuiet, family-friendly with great local dining
Gray's LakeSouth Lake UnionBustling 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.

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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.

Ready to start your move?

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 iconDes Moines, IA
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Lower diversity
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited seafood options
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Vibrant arts community
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Milder climate
  • Fresh seafood abundancy
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Longer commutes
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Higher property taxes
  • Difficult parking
Des Moines, IA iconDes 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.

Des Moines vs. Seattle Food Guide

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 MoinesSeattle
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichSalmon
Most popular meat dishSmoked Pork ChopsDungeness Crab
Most popular street food itemTaco Truck TacosFood Truck Pho
Most popular vegan foodVegan BLTSeitan Steak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Zombie Burger
  • Fong's Pizza
  • 801 Chophouse
  • Canlis
  • Rover's
  • Pike Place Chowder
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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.

Des Moines vs. Seattle Restaurant Comparison

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.

Des MoinesSeattleWhat You'll Love
CentroCafe LagoFamily-style Italian reminiscent of Centro's charm
AlbaAlturaInnovative American cuisine with a high-end touch
Fong's PizzaDelanceyArtisanal pizzas that match Fong's unique flavors
Zombie Burger + Drink LabKatsu BurgerCreative burgers with a twist similar to Zombie Burger
HarbingerWalrus and the CarpenterOffering a foodie haven with unique dishes
Jethro’s BBQJack’s BBQAuthentic barbeque experience mirroring Jethro’s comfort vibes
Miyabi 9Umi Sake HouseJapanese cuisine that rivals Miyabi 9’s sushi and offerings
A dongLong Provincial VietnameseCaptivating flavors similar to A dong’s menu
La Mie BakeryBakery NouveauA beloved spot for pastries and baked goods plein air
Gusto Pizza Co.Serious PiePizza 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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Ready to start your move?

Des Moines vs. Seattle Real Estate & Living Facts

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.

ComparisonDes MoinesSeattle
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and CraftsmanContemporary and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge Yards, Quiet StreetsViews, Eco-friendly Features

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 background image

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.

Des Moines vs. Seattle Weather Considerations

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.

Summer icon
86/65

Des Moines, IA

75/55

Seattle, WA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
34/18

Des Moines, IA

47/37

Seattle, WA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Des Moines, IA

37.5

Seattle, WA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33

Des Moines, IA

5

Seattle, WA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDes MoinesSeattle
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsEarthquakes, Landslides
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

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.

Ready to start your move?

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.

ComparisonDes MoinesSeattle
Avg. Household Income$60,693$110,781
Cost of Living Index90.9121.4
State Income TaxUp to 8.53%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.56%0.99%
Avg. Sales Tax7%10.1%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Insurance, ManufacturingTechnology, Aerospace, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh

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.

Des Moines vs. Seattle Political & Religious Comparison

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 MoinesSeattle
Political Make-upModerately LiberalVery Liberal
Local PoliticsCombination of Progressive and TraditionalStrong Progressive Policies
ReligionChristianity 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.

Des Moines vs. Seattle Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

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.

ComparisonDes MoinesSeattle
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2028
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingReasonably easy

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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