Best Indianapolis to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA is not just a relocation; it's an exciting journey to embark on, filled with new opportunities and adventures. While you're transitioning from the racing heart of Indy, with its famous Speedway, to the historical charm of the "Hartford of the West," it's essential to leave your moving worries behind. This is why securing the services of trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial for such a long distance move—allowing you to focus on the excitement ahead, with the assurance that your belongings are in safe hands.
Best Indianapolis to Des Moines Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Indianapolis guide.
5 Best Indianapolis to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 Bulldogs Moving Co.
Bulldogs Moving Co., based in Lapel, Indiana, is a local moving company dedicated to providing high-quality services for residential and com...Read More >>
Services
- Full-service Moves
- Packing / Unpacking
- Loading / Unloading
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 Soft Touch Moving
Soft Touch Moving has more than 20 years in the moving and relocation industry. It has consistently provided quality full-service moving, pa...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About You Move Me Indianapolis
You Move Me Indianapolis is a professional moving company founded in September 2012 with the goal of revolutionizing the local moving indust...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Senior Moving
- Premium Long Distance Moving
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.
Indianapolis vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. Our guide aims to ease your transition by comparing the local neighborhoods between Indianapolis, IN & Des Moines, IA . This will help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home by using what you already know and love about your current one.
| Indianapolis | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Ripple | East Village | Artistic, vibrant nightlife |
| Meridian-Kessler | Waterbury | Historic homes, quiet ambiance |
| Fountain Square | Sherman Hill | Eclectic, strong community vibe |
| Broadmoor Plaza | Beaverdale | Family-friendly, suburban feel |
| Mass Ave | Western Gateway Park | Cultural hub, modern |
| Carmel Arts & Design District | Valley Junction | Historic, art-focused |
| Lockerbie Square | Drake Neighborhood | Historic, educational institutions |
| Wholesale District | Downtown | Urban heart, entertainment |
| Irvington | Highland Park | Historic, community-oriented |
| Zionsville | Windsor Heights | Quaint, upscale shops |
If you're charmed by the artistic and lively atmosphere of Broad Ripple, Des Moines' East Village will catch your eye with its unique blend of arts, culture, and nightlife. Similarly, Zionsville's upscale, family-friendly environment has its match in Windsor Heights, known for its blend of quaint and upscale local shopping experiences. Meridian-Kessler and Waterbury both share an emphasis on historic homes and a quieter, more laid-back vibe, appealing to those who appreciate well-preserved architecture and serene streets. These comparisons should help you navigate your way through Des Moines, making the unfamiliar familiar by linking it with the essence of Indianapolis neighborhoods you've grown to love.
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines
Moving from city to city isn't just about changing addresses. It's about weighing the benefits against the drawbacks to make an informed decision. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA . By comparing the cons to the pros and vice-versa, you'll get a clearer picture of what to expect in this significant life change.
Indianapolis, IN- Higher crime rates
- Less bike-friendly
- Fewer green spaces
- Smaller job market
Des Moines, IA- Lower crime rates
- More bike paths
- More parks
- Larger job market
Des Moines, IA- Fewer major teams
- Less cultural variety
- Fewer nightlife spots
- Smaller city feel
Indianapolis, IN- Better sports scene
- More cultural institutions
- Greater entertainment options
- Larger city vibe
When considering a move from Indianapolis to Des Moines, it's important to note that while you might be leaving behind a vibrant sports culture, including venues like Lucas Oil Stadium, you'll be welcomed in Des Moines with open arms by an expansive network of bike paths and green spaces such as the Gray’s Lake Park. Moreover, Des Moines boasts a burgeoning job market, particularly in tech and insurance sectors, making it an enticing destination for career-oriented individuals. Nonetheless, while Indianapolis prides itself on a wealth of cultural institutions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Des Moines offers its own array of attractions, albeit on a smaller scale, such as the Des Moines Art Center. This relocation brings not just a change of scenery but a shift toward a lifestyle more reflective of your current needs and aspirations.
Indianapolis vs. Des Moines Food Guide
Understanding the essence of local culture is crucial when relocating, and food plays a significant part in that essence. In this guide, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Indianapolis, IN & Des Moines, IA , providing insights into what you can expect from the food scene in your new city.
| Indianapolis | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Loose-Meat Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Shrimp cocktail | Pork chops |
| Most popular street food item | Gourmet Popcorn | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan wings | Veggie burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When settling into your new home in Des Moines, IA, you'll quickly notice a vibrant local cuisine scene that reflects the city's agricultural history. Places like Fong's Pizza offer a unique twist on pizza with Asian-inspired toppings, while A Dong Restaurant is a must-visit for fans of Vietnamese cuisine. The presence of food trucks and vegan-friendly options throughout Des Moines speaks to the city's growing foodie scene and commitment to health-conscious dining. Whether exploring the historic East Village or dining downtown, you'll find that Des Moines embraces both innovation and tradition in its culinary offerings.
Indianapolis vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a pivotal role in making a new city feel like home. This comparison aims to ease your transition from Indianapolis to Des Moines by comparing top dining spots in each city. Whether you're craving a fancy night out or a casual bite, this guide will help you discover your new favorite eateries.
| Indianapolis | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| St. Elmo Steak House | 801 Chophouse | Classic steakhouse experience with a similar commitment to quality. |
| Bluebeard | Centro | Urban eatery with a creative spin on Italian classics, paralleling Bluebeard’s innovative dishes. |
| Milktooth | St. Kilda | Cafe and bakery offering unique brunch options that match Milktooth’s creative flair. |
| The Eagle | High Life Lounge | Comfort food and a laid-back atmosphere that echoes The Eagle’s casual vibe. |
| Fogo de Chão | Rodizio Grill | A haven for meat lovers with an all-you-can-eat style similar to Fogo de Chão. |
| Beholder | Django Restaurant | Both restaurants offer a sophisticated but unpretentious dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients. |
| Iron Skillet | Machine Shed Restaurant | Iconic American comfort food with a homey, rustic charm akin to Iron Skillet. |
| Vida | Alba | Contemporary dining with inventive dishes and an artsy ambiance that matches Vida’s culinary creativity. |
| Public Greens | Fresh Cafe & Market | Focus on locally sourced, healthy options reminiscent of Public Green’s farm-to-table approach. |
| Livery | Panka Peruvian Restaurant | Offers a cultural culinary journey with vibrant flavors that mirror Livery’s Latin-inspired dishes. |
When the craving for innovative and fresh brunch options hits, St. Kilda in Des Moines serves up a vibe and menu that will remind you of Milktooth’s beloved offerings. Both establishments take pride in their unique, chef-driven dishes, ensuring that your brunch experiences in Des Moines will be as fulfilling as they were in Indianapolis. For those special nights out, Centro’s urban Italian dishes and atmosphere provide a comparable experience to what Bluebeard has been famous for, blending creative culinary arts with a convivial dining setting. Meanwhile, the meat aficionados moving from Indianapolis will find solace in Rodizio Grill, where the spirit and flavors of Fogo de Chão are mirrored through an endless parade of grilled meats served right at your table, ensuring a seamless transition of your carnivorous habits.
Ready to start your move?
Indianapolis vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial component when planning a move. Understanding how Indianapolis, IN, and Des Moines, IA compare in housing characteristics such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle is essential for making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Craftsman, Bungalow |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, proximity to schools | Green spaces, downtown access |
In diving deeper into the housing landscape, Indianapolis and Des Moines offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences. For example, Indianapolis boasts affordability with a median home price of $200,000 and amenities such as spacious yards, making it ideal for families seeking suburban comfort. On the other hand, Des Moines, with its slightly higher median home price, places a greater emphasis on green spaces and accessibility to the downtown area, appealing to those who appreciate urban living with a touch of nature. In terms of architecture, Indianapolis commonly features Colonial and Ranch styles, while Des Moines leans towards the Craftsman and Bungalow styles, offering a quaint charm to the city's neighborhoods. Movement around the cities also varies; Des Moines scores slightly higher in walkability and bikeability, indicating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
1. Beaverdale: Known for its charming brick homes and a strong sense of community, Beaverdale offers numerous parks and pet-friendly events making it an ideal place for you and your furry friend.
2. East Village: This eclectic area is not only rich in culture and shopping but also boasts several pet-friendly restaurants and shops, including East Village Pet Hospital for your pet's health needs.
3. Gray's Lake Park area: While not a neighborhood per se, the area around Gray's Lake Park is highly popular among pet owners for its spacious park, perfect for long walks, and the nearby residential areas offer a welcoming community for pet owners.
Indianapolis vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather in Indianapolis compared to Des Moines will impact your daily life is essential. This comparison includes *temperature variations, sunshine days, humidity levels, and other weather-related factors* to ensure you know what to expect and how to prepare for your new home.
Indianapolis, IN
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Indianapolis, IN
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Indianapolis, IN
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Indianapolis, IN
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Indianapolis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Tornadoes, Severe Winter Storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Indianapolis and Des Moines experience a range of temperatures from warm summers to cold winters, there are key differences to note. Des Moines tends to have a slightly higher average UV index, meaning more days with intense sun, and enjoys more days of sunshine annually than Indianapolis. Interestingly, Des Moines also receives a higher annual snowfall, which is something to consider if you enjoy winter sports or will need to prepare for snowier conditions. Air quality in Des Moines generally ranks as 'Good', potentially offering a fresher environment compared to the 'Moderate' air quality found in Indianapolis.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines
When you're considering a move from one city to another, it's essential to understand how the cost of living and financial aspects will change. This comparison specifically looks at moving from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA, providing a snapshot of what to expect in terms of money and finance.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $58,479 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.2 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 3.23 | Up to 8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.87 | 1.53 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education | Financial Services, Insurance, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | High | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
While both Indianapolis and Des Moines offer unique financial environments, there are notable differences. For instance, the average household income is higher in Des Moines, possibly influenced by its dominant industries in financial services and insurance. Despite a higher potential state income tax in Des Moines, the lower cost of living index and average sales tax could offset this difference for many. Additionally, Des Moines boasts a higher affluence level and lower rates of poverty and homelessness compared to Indianapolis. Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision about your move.
Indianapolis vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA offers a unique opportunity to compare and contrast the communities you'll be joining. This comparison explores the politics between Indianapolis & Des Moines , providing a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, helping you understand the social landscape.
| Indianapolis | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on urban development | Focus on sustainability initiatives |
| Religion | Christianity dominant, diverse religious presence | Christianity dominant, growing multicultural religious communities |
The political climate in both Indianapolis and Des Moines leans towards the Democratic side, reflecting a progressive viewpoint prevalent in urban centers. When it comes to local politics, Indianapolis has been focusing on urban development and revitalization, which can be seen in projects like the redevelopment of the Bottleworks District. Des Moines, meanwhile, puts a strong emphasis on sustainability initiatives, as seen in its commitment to becoming a sustainable city. On the religious front, both cities have a strong Christian presence, but they also boast an increasing diversity in religious beliefs and places of worship, accommodating a range of spiritual needs. This reflects the growing multicultural fabric of both cities, inviting newcomers to find both familiarity and new communities.
Indianapolis vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA? This guide is designed to help you better understand the daily commute and traffic is like, specifically comparing the traffic and transportation options between Indianapolis & Des Moines.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Moderately Feasible |
When comparing Indianapolis and Des Moines, it becomes clear that daily life in Des Moines may pose slightly less of a challenge for those relying on public transportation or preferring less congested roads. Commute times are on average shorter in Des Moines, and traffic congestion is less severe. This could mean a smoother, quicker commute to work or leisure activities. While public transit options are somewhat limited in both cities, Des Moines offers a marginally better public transportation experience, making a car-free lifestyle more feasible than in Indianapolis. However, in both cities, depending on one’s exact location and lifestyle, having access to a car could significantly ease daily transportation needs.
Popular Indianapolis, IN to Iowa Moving Routes
