Moving from Massachusetts to DC?

6 Best MA to DC Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Moving from the historical tapestry of Massachusetts to the bustling political heart of D.C. marks an exciting chapter in your life, ripe with adventure and change. You're trading the serene autumns and spirited sports culture of the Bay State for the monumental landmarks and pulsing policy beat of the Capital. Recognizing the importance of making this transition as smooth as possible, we stress the essential need to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring your journey to a new beginning is both secure and seamless.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from DC to Massachusetts guide.

6 Best Massachusetts to DC Movers

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

#1
Paradise Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,118+ data points

Framingham, MA
Affordable insured local and long distance movers, Hourly Charges only with no hidden fees, Furniture wrapping See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 3619865 Verify

About Paradise Moving & Storage

Paradise Moving & Storage is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in Massachusetts, with locations in Framingham, Boston, a...Read More >>

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#2
Stairhopper Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 9,261+ data points

Boston, MA
Local moves, Long distance moves, Commercial moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1696867 Verify

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in america 2023 image
top ranked movers in boston 2023 stairhopper movers image
#3
Varsity Movers LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 794+ data points

Hopkinton, MA
Local Moving, Apartment/Townhome/Condo Moving, Small Job Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 3751873 Verify

About Varsity Movers LLC

Varsity Movers LLC is a moving company based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, offering services in the New England area. Established by a mother...Read More >>

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#4
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 6,631+ data points

Hyattsville, MD
Local moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT: 2005212 Verify

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in washington dc 2023 bookstore movers image
top ranked movers in washington dc 2022 bookstore movers image
#5
Centaur Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,675+ data points

Cambridge, MA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Relocations See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3638077 Verify

About Centaur Moving

Centaur Moving, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a fully licensed and insured moving company with services for local and nationwide mov...Read More >>

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#6
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 4,108+ data points

Washington DC, DC
Local Move, Long Distance Moving, Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 2474176 Verify

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in gaithersburg 2023 mics moving image
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to DC

Moving from one city to another carries both exciting opportunities and potential drawbacks. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from Massachusetts to DC, making your decision as informed as possible. Here, we'll compare the cons and pros in a tangible, easy-to-digest format.

CONs
PROs
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Higher living costs
  • Colder winters
  • Less political presence
  • Smaller city feel
DC iconDC
  • More job opportunities
  • Milder winters
  • Stronger political scene
  • Vibrant urban life
DC iconDC
  • Less historic depth
  • More urbanized area
  • Higher education costs
  • Limited waterfront
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Richer historical sites
  • Varied landscapes
  • Better for education
  • More coastal access

By moving from Massachusetts to DC, you'll experience both the advantages of a dynamic, politically charged environment and confront the challenges of adapting to a more urbanized living space. DC is renowned for its Smithsonian museums and vibrant neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and U Street, offering a rich tapestry of culture, history, and nightlife. While Massachusetts may boast a broader range of natural landscapes and historical depth, DC's unique blend of cultural diversity, political significance, and a slightly milder climate presents a compelling new chapter. Nonetheless, the cost of living and education in DC might be steep compared to Massachusetts, prompting a need for careful financial planning. This move invites the thrilling prospect of embracing change, discovering new favorite spots, from the serene expanse of Rock Creek Park to the bustling streets of Downtown DC, while navigating the intricacies of your new urban home.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to DC

When planning your move, it's essential to consider how local cuisine reflects an area's culture and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed comparison of the local cuisine between Massachusetts & DC to help you get a taste of what culinary delights await in your new home.

MassachusettsDC

Most iconic local food item

Clam ChowderHalf-Smoke

Most popular meat dish

Lobster RollFried Chicken

Most popular street food item

Food TrucksFood Trucks

Most popular vegan food

Vegan ChowderVegetable Grain Bowls

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Zaytinya

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

89

Abundance of Food Trucks

79

Foodie Scene

910

Vegan Friendly

79

In both Massachusetts and DC, local cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors reflecting each area's unique cultural makeup. Massachusetts, with its coastal charm, is known for seafood delights like Clam Chowder and Lobster Rolls, best enjoyed in iconic establishments such as Legal Sea Foods or the historic Union Oyster House. DC's food scene, on the other hand, combines tradition with diversity, where local favorites like the Half-Smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl meet global flavors at places like Zaytinya. Both areas boast a thriving street food scene, with food trucks offering everything from classic American fare to global cuisines. The health and fitness conscious will find plenty of options too, with DC slightly edging out in terms of vegan offerings and overall foodie scene vibrancy. Whether you're exploring the historic neighborhoods of Massachusetts or the bustling streets of DC, you're in for a culinary treat that mirrors the local lifestyle and culture.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Massachusetts to DC

Understanding the nuances of real estate between Massachusetts and DC is crucial when planning a move. Comparing housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle facets can provide insights into what to expect in your new home.

In comparing Massachusetts and DC, you'll find significant differences in housing affordability and lifestyle. While Massachusetts offers a blend of historical and coastal living, often highlighted by proximity to parks and schools, DC boasts a highly urban lifestyle, emphasized by its vibrant neighborhoods and exceptional access to public transit. The appeal of DC’s walkability and bikeability significantly benefits those seeking an active, car-lite lifestyle. For architecture enthusiasts, moving from the colonial and Cape Cod styles prevalent in Massachusetts to the Federal and Victorian beauties of DC will be a delightful transition, offering a fresh perspective on historical American architecture.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Massachusetts to DC

When planning a move from one location to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison between Massachusetts and DC will help outline the key weather differences to expect and how to best prepare for them.

Summer icon
80°F/60°F

Massachusetts

87°F/71°F

DC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
37°F/22°F

Massachusetts

47°F/29°F

DC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
48

Massachusetts

40

DC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
51

Massachusetts

15

DC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from Massachusetts to DC, you will notice significant changes in weather, especially during the summer and winter months. DC's summers are warmer with higher lows at night, posing a more extended period of heat. Winters in DC are milder, with less snow, which might be a relief if you’re not a fan of heavy snowfall and extensive shoveling. Additionally, while both locations suffer from humidity and seasonal allergies, DC experiences a greater intensity of heatwaves and hurricanes compared to Massachusetts' snowstorms and Nor'easters. Hence, preparing for different types of natural disasters and understanding weather patterns is crucial for your transition.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Massachusetts to DC

Moving from Massachusetts to DC involves a significant shift in the financial landscape. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes compare is crucial to planning your move. This comparison will help you grasp the financial changes you might experience when relocating from Massachusetts to DC.

While the average household income is slightly higher in DC than in Massachusetts, the cost of living index also sees a substantial increase. This means your dollars might not stretch as far in DC, especially considering the higher state income tax rate. However, property taxes in DC are significantly lower, which could be beneficial if you're planning to buy a home. Each area has its unique economic landscape, with Massachusetts being known for its healthcare, education, and technology sectors, while DC's economy is deeply interconnected with government, professional services, and tourism. Understanding these differences is key to making a smooth transition.

Political & Religious Comparison between Massachusetts and DC

Moving from Massachusetts to DC offers a compelling glimpse into the diverse cultural and political landscapes of the United States. This comparison provides a quick look at the political and religious makeup of residents in both regions, highlighting the comparison of the politics between Massachusetts & DC and how local nuances shape community life.

MassachusettsDC

Political Make-up

Liberal-leaning; Democratic majorityStrongly Democratic

Local Politics

Varied; includes liberal and pockets of conservative communitiesHighly progressive local policies

Religion

Christianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesVarious religious practices, with a notable presence of non-religious residents

Moving from Massachusetts, known for its historical significance and liberal-leaning populace, to DC, a hub of national politics with a highly progressive stance on local policies, presents a unique transition. In Massachusetts, you might have experienced a blend of political views and religious practices, reflecting its diverse population. DC, on the other hand, is characterized by its strong Democratic lean, shaping a community deeply involved in national politics. The city's progressive local policies tend to mirror its residents' political inclinations, while also fostering a landscape where various religious and non-religious practices coexist peacefully. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate and appreciate the vibrant cultures of your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to DC

When planning a move from Massachusetts to DC, it’s crucial to understand how schooling options compare. This guide will provide a comprehensive comparison between school options in Massachusetts and DC to assist you in making informed decisions for your family's educational needs.

MassachusettsDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Maria Hastings Elementary (Lexington)
Vineyard Montessori School (Vineyard Haven)
Bowman Elementary (Lexington)
Lafayette Elementary School (Washington)
Mann Elementary School (Washington)
Janney Elementary School (Washington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Amigos School (Cambridge)
William Diamond Middle School (Lexington)
Jonas Clarke Middle School (Lexington)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
McKinley Middle School (Washington)

Top 3 High Schools

Boston Latin School (Boston)
Lexington High School (Lexington)
Brookline High School (Brookline)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
Wilson High School (Washington)

Top 3 private high schools

Phillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Milton Academy (Milton)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (Cambridge)
Noble and Greenough School (Dedham)
Concord Academy (Concord)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
Maret School (Washington)

Top 3 School Districts

Lexington Public Schools
Newton Public Schools
Wellesley Public Schools
District of Columbia Public Schools

Moving from Massachusetts to DC presents unique opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to education. In Massachusetts, prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology often attract graduating seniors from top high schools such as Boston Latin School and Lexington High School. Similarly, in DC, renowned universities like Georgetown and George Washington University are top destinations for graduates of exceptional high schools, including School Without Walls and Banneker High School. When considering elementary and middle schools, Massachusetts boasts highly acclaimed schools in Lexington and Cambridge, while DC offers excellent options like Lafayette and Deal Middle School. Whether you’re interested in public or private education, both Massachusetts and DC provide a range of top-tier schools to fit your family's needs.

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