Moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Detroit to Virginia Beach Movers

Moving from the industrious Motor City to the tranquil shores of Virginia Beach marks a thrilling chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and perspectives. On this journey, you're trading the iconic skyline and gritty charm of Detroit for the serene beaches and warm community of "Neptune City". Recognizing the magnitude of this transition, it's crucial to entrust your move to professional movers who are not only reliable but have been meticulously ranked by our unbiased algorithm at Great Guys Moving, ensuring you start this new chapter on the right foot.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Virginia Beach to Detroit guide.

5 Best Detroit to Virginia Beach Movers

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

#1
Marathon Moving Services Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,058+ data points

Virginia Beach, VA
Residential Moves, Commercial Moves, Packing & Delivery See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 3572153 Verify

About Marathon Moving Services

Are you looking for an independently-owned moving company that provides affordable and reliable moving services in Virginia Beach? Marathon ...Read More >>

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#2
Prime Movers USA Logo
Exceptional

based on 628+ data points

Virginia Beach, VA
Local moves (within 50 miles), Long distance moves (over 50 miles), Packing/unpacking services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 2995403 Verify

About Prime Movers USA

Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Prime Movers offers premium moving services at unmatched prices. Founded in 2015, it takes pride in its highly-...Read More >>

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#3
Professional Movers.com Logo
Fabulous

based on 270+ data points

Detroit, MI
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, International Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 266582 Verify

About Professional Movers.com

With three locations in Michigan, including one in Detroit, family-owned Professional Movers is an expert moving company specializing in sta...Read More >>

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#4
B
Fabulous

based on 69+ data points

Livonia, MI
White Glove Service, Long Distance Moves, Small Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/12/2024)

USDOT: 4059339 Verify

About Balance Detroit

Located in Detroit, Balance Detroit is a reputable moving company offering a variety of services including white glove service, long-distanc...Read More >>

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#5
G
Fabulous

based on 379+ data points

Detroit, MI
Residential moving, Commercial moving, Corporate moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 279708 Verify

About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc

Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the company...Read More >>

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Relocating from Detroit to Virginia Beach Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can initially seem daunting when you're not familiar with your new surroundings. To ease the transition, we've compared comparable local neighborhoods between Detroit, MI & Virginia Beach, VA . This comparison aims to help you find a neighborhood in Virginia Beach that feels like home, using your favorite Detroit neighborhood as a baseline.

DetroitVirginia Beach
MidtownTown Center

Cultural hub with vibrant nightlife

CorktownVibe District

Creative and artsy with unique eateries

Indian VillageBay Colony

Historic homes with a peaceful setting

Palmer WoodsAlanton

Upscale with grand homes and water access

RiverfrontChic's Beach

Laid-back atmosphere by the water

WoodbridgeKempsville

Family-friendly with a strong sense of community

Brush ParkGhent

Historic charm with a modern twist

Lafayette ParkGreat Neck

Green spaces with a suburban feel

Rosedale ParkLittle Neck

Quiet, tree-lined streets

Eastern MarketOld Beach Farmers Market

Fresh produce and community vibe

For those who love the art scene and coffee culture of Detroit's Corktown, Virginia Beach’s Vibe District offers a similar atmosphere with its unique blend of galleries, mural art, and artisan coffee shops like Vienna Coffee Company. Meanwhile, lovers of Detroit's historic Indian Village may find a kindred spirit in Bay Colony, where the deep roots of history are showcased in each uniquely designed home, surrounded by the natural beauty of Virginia's coastline. And if the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of Detroit's Midtown is what you'll miss, then Town Center in Virginia Beach will help fill that void with its array of dining, entertainment, and shopping – not to mention the annual festivals that bring the community together, similar to Midtown's beloved events.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Virginia Beach

  • Stroll along Virginia Beach Boardwalk
  • Explore Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
  • Enjoy hikes at First Landing State Park
  • Visit Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Take a dolphin watching tour
  • Surf at Sandbridge Beach
  • Experience Neptune Festival events

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach

Moving homes is a significant decision, requiring a balance of factors. This guide aims to give you a candid, comprehensive comparison between leaving Detroit, MI, and settling in Virginia Beach, VA , enumerating the goods and the bads. Whether it’s the change in weather or the shift in lifestyle, understanding these differences will help ensure your relocation is as smooth as possible.

CONs
PROs
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • Higher crime rates
  • Colder winters
  • Industrial landscape
  • Limited outdoor activities
Virginia Beach, VA iconVirginia Beach, VA
  • Lower crime rates
  • Milder winters
  • Beachfront living
  • Abundant outdoor activities
Virginia Beach, VA iconVirginia Beach, VA
  • Smaller music scene
  • Higher living costs
  • Less diverse nightlife
  • Fewer job opportunities in auto
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • Rich music history
  • Lower living costs
  • Vibrant urban culture
  • Robust auto industry

When you move to Virginia Beach from Detroit, you're not just changing your address, but also your lifestyle. You'll exchange the gritty, industrious vibe of Detroit, known for its monumental contribution to music, specifically Motown records, for the laid-back, oceanfront ambiance that Virginia Beach offers. There, your weekends could be spent exploring First Landing State Park or lounging at Virginia Beach itself, soaking in more sun and less snow than in the Motor City. However, it's worth noting the cost of living might tick upwards, so budgeting for potentially higher expenses in Virginia Beach will be essential. Dining out will also offer a different scene; you might miss Detroit's iconic Coney Island hot dogs but find new favorites among Virginia Beach’s seafood restaurants like Waterman's Surfside Grille or the upscale Terrapin Restaurant, providing culinary experiences with a view.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Detroit & Virginia Beach to help you understand the food scene in your new city. Food plays a significant role in the local culture and can deeply influence your living experience. Here's how the culinary landscapes of these two cities stack up against each other.

DetroitVirginia Beach

Most iconic local food item

Coney Island Hot DogSeafood (especially crab)

Most popular meat dish

Detroit-style Pepperoni PizzaBarbecue Ribs

Most popular street food item

Greek GyrosFish Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Vegan Coney DogsAvocado Toast

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Lafayette Coney Island
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Buddy's Pizza
  • Tautog's Restaurant
  • Blue Seafood & Spirits
  • Doc Taylor's

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

68

Abundance of Food Trucks

57

Foodie Scene

78

Vegan Friendly

67

In Detroit, the iconic Coney Island Hot Dog can be savored in its birthplace at spots like Lafayette Coney Island, a symbol of the city's rich food heritage. On the other hand, Virginia Beach offers a fresh seafood experience with its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, highlighted at restaurants like Tautog's Restaurant. Each city manifests a distinctive food identity, from Detroit's industrial-influenced culinary scene to Virginia Beach's oceanfront dining culture. While Detroit boasts a strong tradition of meat and vegan adaptations of classic dishes, Virginia Beach leans towards a health-conscious menu with an abundant offering of seafood and vegan options. Notably, Virginia Beach's higher rating in fitness/health conscientiousness and the abundance of food trucks suggest a vibrant, outdoor-oriented eating culture, contrasting with Detroit's more comfort food-oriented scene.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach

Relocating can be exhilarating yet challenging, particularly when you're keen on finding local flavors that remind you of home. This comparison between top restaurants in Detroit and their Virginia Beach counterparts will guide you in discovering your next favorite eateries, making the transition feel like a culinary adventure from Detroit to Virginia Beach .

Selden StandardTerrapin Restaurant

Offers a seasonal, high-quality dining experience similar to the farm-to-table emphasis at Selden Standard.

Rose's Fine FoodCommune

Famous for its locally sourced ingredients and unique, cozy atmosphere, akin to the homey vibe of Rose's Fine Food.

Slows Bar BQBeach Bully BBQ

Both places are celebrated for their amazingly tender, slow-cooked BBQ and a laid-back, friendly environment.

Supino PizzeriaWaterman's Surfside Grille

While known for seafood, the pizza here rivals that of Supino’s thin crust, emphasizing quality ingredients.

Dime StoreBay Local Eatery

Similar vibe with inventive brunch dishes and a commitment to quality, local produce, echoing Dime Store's ethos.

SheWolfAldo's Ristorante

Both Italian eateries pride themselves on authentic dishes with a contemporary twist and an extensive wine list.

Lafayette Coney IslandDoc Taylor's

Doc Taylor's brings a laid-back, traditional diner feel with a local twist, much like Lafayette's iconic status in Detroit.

RoastBlue Seafood & Spirits

Specializes in high-end, meat-focused dishes with a significant emphasis on quality and presentation, like Roast.

KatoiCommune

A second mention for Commune, because its innovative and globally inspired cuisine aligns well with Katoi’s forward-thinking dishes.

Maru SushiZushi Japanese Bistro

High-quality, fresh sushi and a similar dedication to a modern-but-traditional dining experience tie these two together.

While exploring Virginia Beach, you'll find that Terrapin Restaurant mirrors the sophisticated farm-to-table experience that Selden Standard is known for in Detroit, ensuring that your love for seasonal and fresh ingredients continues. For the BBQ enthusiasts, Beach Bully BBQ offers a familiar, laid-back atmosphere where the slow-cooked, tender meats rival those of Slows Bar BQ, ensuring your cravings for authentic BBQ are well catered to. Likewise, Aldo's Ristorante in Virginia Beach promises an Italian dining experience reminiscent of SheWolf, with both places offering a blend of traditional dishes and contemporary flair. These establishments not only provide a seamless culinary bridge between Detroit and Virginia Beach but also ensure your new local favorites are ready to welcome you.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach

When contemplating a move, exploring the real estate landscape is crucial to understand how Detroit and Virginia Beach compare in terms of housing features such as cost, architecture, and urban lifestyle. This comparison will offer insights into what each city has to offer, helping you make a well-informed decision.

In detailing the housing characteristics between Detroit and Virginia Beach, it's evident each city caters to different preferences and lifestyles. Detroit, with its rich history, offers more affordable housing options and features spacious lots within historic neighborhoods. This contrasts with Virginia Beach's higher median home prices and rent, attributed to its desirable waterfront properties and proximity to beaches, influencing its architecture to favor modern and colonial styles. Walkability and bikeability scores also highlight the urban lifestyle differences, with Virginia Beach leaning slightly more towards a suburban feel compared to Detroit's more urban environment. Deciding between the two depends on what you value most: Detroit's affordability and historical charm or Virginia Beach's coastal allure and modern amenities.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, VA

1. ViBe Creative District: Known for its artistic vibe, the ViBe Creative District hosts numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, making it a perfect neighborhood for you and your furry friend to explore together.

2. Great Neck: With spacious parks like Great Neck Park, this area offers ample green space for your pets to play in, along with pet-friendly walking trails.

3. Shore Drive: This neighborhood is renowned for its close proximity to First Landing State Park, providing you and your pet miles of beaches and nature trails to enjoy year-round.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach

Moving from one location to another requires adjusting to a new climate. This comparison showcases how the weather in Detroit, MI, and Virginia Beach, VA will differ, helping you prepare for your relocation. Understanding the seasonal variations, average temperatures, and potential natural disasters can significantly impact your lifestyle and daily activities.

Summer icon
83/63

Detroit, MI

87/70

Virginia Beach, VA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/22

Detroit, MI

50/32

Virginia Beach, VA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
33

Detroit, MI

47

Virginia Beach, VA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
34

Detroit, MI

6

Virginia Beach, VA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach, you'll notice significant weather changes, including warmer and more humid summers, milder winters, and an increase in sunny days annually. Virginia Beach's coastal location leads to higher humidity levels and an increased risk of hurricanes and flooding, contrasting with Detroit's snowstorms and colder winters. The significant decrease in annual snowfall from Detroit to Virginia Beach means less shoveling, but prepare for Virginia Beach's higher annual rainfall. Adapting to these differences will be key to enjoying your new home in Virginia Beach.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach

When planning a move from Detroit, MI to Virginia Beach, VA, it's crucial to grasp the financial implications of such a decision. By comparing these cities in terms of cost of living, taxes, income, and industry, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle expectations.

Comparing Detroit and Virginia Beach reveals significant differences in economic vitality and living costs. Virginia Beach showcases a substantially higher average household income, which complements its higher cost of living index. It reflects a more affluent community with lower rates of poverty and homelessness. On the other hand, Detroit's lower income levels and higher poverty rates are a testament to its ongoing economic challenges despite the revival efforts in certain sectors. The move to Virginia Beach could mean a higher financial threshold due to elevated property costs and state income tax, yet it often corresponds with a better quality of life and stronger job markets in defense, tourism, and agriculture.

Political & Religious Comparison between Detroit, MI and Virginia Beach, VA

Moving from Detroit, MI to Virginia Beach, VA ? This quick comparison provides a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in these cities, offering insight into the community you're moving to or from.

DetroitVirginia Beach

Political Make-up

Heavily DemocraticLeans Republican

Local Politics

City of Detroit GovernmentCity of Virginia Beach Government

Religion

Diverse, with a strong Christian presenceMixed, with a notable Christian majority

When moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach, you'll transition from a city with a heavily Democratic leaning to one that generally leans Republican, reflecting a significant shift in political culture. Both cities, however, have diverse religious communities with a strong Christian presence, allowing for a smoother cultural transition on that front. Engaging with local government, whether through the City of Detroit Government or the City of Virginia Beach Government, can provide further insights into how these political and religious landscapes impact local policies and community life.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach

Moving from Detroit, MI to Virginia Beach, VA, necessitates understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Detroit & Virginia Beach will help you better understand what your daily commute might look like.

DetroitVirginia Beach
2624

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

64

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

43

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

NoNot easily

Can you get by without car?

When moving from Detroit to Virginia Beach, you'll notice subtle differences in commute dynamics and transportation options. Though the average commute time is slightly less in Virginia Beach, the city has a lower traffic congestion score, potentially making for a smoother ride during peak hours. However, both cities score relatively low in public transit availability, highlighting a similar reliance on personal vehicles for daily commuting. In Detroit, getting by without a car might be challenging given its larger geographical spread and less dense public transportation network. Virginia Beach, while also difficult to navigate without a personal vehicle, offers slightly more manageable distances, but still places significant reliance on driving due to limited public transit options.

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