Best St. Louis to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the vibrant, bustling Gateway City to the calm, culture-rich heart of the Hawkeye State is indeed an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind the iconic Arch and buzzing St. Louis BBQ scene for Des Moines' community-focused vibe and burgeoning arts scene marks a significant life shift. With this adventure, understanding the importance of trusted and reliable professional movers cannot be overstated; it's why we at Great Guys Moving ensure you're matched with the best, making your long-distance transition as smooth as possible.
Best St. Louis to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC | 9.61 | NR | AUTHORIZED FOR HHG | Contact |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.23 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| BEK Moving Co. | 9.00 | C+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| New Day Moving LLC | 8.88 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to St. Louis guide.
5 Best St. Louis to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
This listing has been claimed by Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLCAbout Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC is a full-time moving company servicing the St. Louis, MO metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Thi...Read More >>
Services
- Full Moving Service
- Commercial Moving Service
- Long Distance Services
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
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 BEK Moving Co.
Although BEK Moving Co. started in 2017, it has over 45 years of working experience performing residential moves, commercial relocations, an...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moves (houses, apartments, high rises, etc.)
- Long-distance moves
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly
About New Day Moving LLC
New Day Moving LLC is an independent full-service moving company based in St. Louis, MO, and founded in 2015. It has a licensed and insured ...Read More >>
Services
- Local & Long-Distance Moving for Residential & Commercial Properties
- Packing, Unpacking, & Crating
- Furniture 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.
St. Louis vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
When considering a move, getting to know your new city can be daunting. This guide aims to ease that transition. We offer a comparison of popular neighborhoods in St. Louis, MO & Des Moines, IA to help you find a new area that feels like home. By benchmarking against familiar locales, you'll be better prepared to make an informed decision on where to put down roots.
| St. Louis | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Central West End | Sherman Hill | Historic charm, diverse architecture |
| The Hill | Beaverdale | Strong sense of community, brick homes |
| Soulard | East Village | Vibrant nightlife, eclectic dining |
| Clayton | Downtown Des Moines | Bustling business district, upscale living |
| Forest Park | Water Works Park | Expansive green spaces, outdoor activities |
| South Grand | Ingersoll Avenue | Diverse dining options, lively atmosphere |
| Lafayette Square | Valley Junction | Quaint shops, historic feel |
| The Grove | East Village | Cultural hub, unique boutiques |
| Tower Grove South | Drake Neighborhood | Community-centric, local events |
| Cherokee Street | Historic East Village | Art scene, bohemian vibe |
Delving deeper into the neighborhoods, imagine wandering the historic, tree-lined streets of Sherman Hill, reminiscent of St. Louis's Central West End, where community and architecture combine to create a vibrant yet peaceful living environment. Envision enjoying an afternoon at Water Works Park, which could easily evoke memories of the ample greenery and outdoor offerings found at Forest Park. For those drawn to the artistic and eclectic, the East Village in Des Moines mirrors Cherokee Street's bohemian charm and rich cultural tapestry. Picture yourself strolling through Valley Junction, browsing through unique shops and soaking in the historic atmosphere, a direct nod to the quaint charm Lafayette Square is loved for. Each of these Des Moines neighborhoods offers its own version of the familiar, ensuring you'll find a new place to call home that resonates with your tastes and lifestyle.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from St. Louis to Des Moines
Moving from one city to another involves weighing several factors to ensure it's the right decision. This comparison will provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA , helping you make an informed choice.
St. Louis, MO- Higher crime rates
- Hot, humid summers
- Less job growth
- Denser traffic
- Fewer green spaces
Des Moines, IA- Lower crime rates
- Mild, pleasant summers
- Robust job market
- Less traffic congestion
- Abundant parks and trails
Des Moines, IA- Smaller cultural scene
- Fewer tourist attractions
- More limited cuisine
- Less major sports teams
- Fewer entertainment venues
St. Louis, MO- Rich cultural scene
- Iconic landmarks
- Diverse dining options
- Better sports scene
- More entertainment options
When considering a move from St. Louis, MO, to Des Moines, IA, it's important to delve deeper into the lifestyle changes you might encounter. In Des Moines, you might miss the vibrant cultural scene of St. Louis, which boasts landmarks like the Saint Louis Science Center and the iconic Gateway Arch, but you'll be greeted with a city that takes pride in its community, offering ample green spaces such as the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Gray’s Lake Park, ensuring a closer connection with nature. Des Moines also has a burgeoning job market, particularly in the insurance and finance sectors, making it an attractive option for professionals. While St. Louis is known for its dynamic dining scene, featuring spots like Pappy's Smokehouse, Des Moines counters with its own unique culinary experiences, such as those found in the Historic East Village, though it might offer fewer options. All considered, both cities have their unique charms and potential drawbacks, depending on your personal and professional needs.
St. Louis vs. Des Moines Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between St. Louis & Des Moines will give you a taste of the food culture awaiting you. Food is a significant part of local culture, shaping what it's like to live in an area. We aim to better inform you about the distinct culinary scene of your new city.
| St. Louis | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | St. Louis-style pizza | Pork tenderloin sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | St. Louis-style ribs | Corn-fed beef steak |
| Most popular street food item | Toasted ravioli | Taco trucks tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit BBQ | Lentil tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move to Des Moines, your culinary adventures will broaden with local favorites like the iconic Pork tenderloin sandwich, found at many establishments, and a vibrant food truck scene offering a variety of dishes including tasty taco trucks tacos. Ample vegan options like lentil tacos can easily be found, reflecting the city's growing health-conscious community. Not to be missed are local dining landmark Zombie Burger + Drink Lab for an innovative take on American classics, Centro for upscale Italian, and Fong's Pizza, where pizza receives a unique Asian twist, offering you a taste of Des Moines' diverse and rich food scene.
St. Louis vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Relocating can be challenging, but discovering new favorite spots to eat makes any place feel like home. This comparison will compare top restaurants in St. Louis to their Des Moines equivalents, allowing you to discover your new gastronomic haven . Whether you’re craving sophisticated dining experiences or comforting casual eats, this guide has got you covered.
| St. Louis | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Pappy's Smokehouse | Smoky D's BBQ | Known for award-winning smoked meats akin to Pappy's. |
| Sidney Street Cafe | Table 128 Bistro + Bar | Offers an upscale dining experience with innovative dishes. |
| Blueberry Hill | Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | Both offer a unique vibe with iconic foods and decor. |
| Pastaria | Centro | Italian fare that matches Pastaria's focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. |
| Bogart's Smokehouse | Jethro’s BBQ | Another BBQ heavyweight offering succulent, fall-off-the-bone meats. |
| Olio | Proof | Contemporary dining with a similarly inventive menu and ambience. |
| Rooster | Waveland Cafe | Both are beloved for their hearty breakfasts and brunches. |
| Peacemaker Lobster & Crab | Waterfront Seafood Market | A go-to for fresh seafood, echoing Peacemaker’s coastal flavors. |
| Tony's | Lucca | Upscale Italian dining with impeccable service and a refined menu. |
| Brasserie by Niche | French Cafe | Authentic French cuisine, offering a similarly cozy and inviting atmosphere. |
While St. Louis and Des Moines may be miles apart, the culinary scene in both cities provides a comforting sense of familiarity paired with unique local flavors. For instance, if you find yourself missing the smoky delights of Pappy’s Smokehouse, Smoky D’s BBQ in Des Moines is your go-to for an award-winning BBQ experience reminiscent of the original. Similarly, aficionados of innovative Italian cuisine who frequented Pastaria in St. Louis will find Centro in Des Moines a perfect match, offering dishes that are crafted with a focus on quality and taste. Each restaurant pair not only mirrors the culinary standards of its counterpart but also contributes to the vibrant food scene in their respective cities, making the transition from St. Louis to Des Moines a delicious journey.
Ready to start your move?
St. Louis vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing the real estate market between your current city and future home is crucial. This analysis helps in understanding how St. Louis, MO, and Des Moines, IA stack up in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle.
| Comparison | St. Louis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Ranch, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic charm, accessibility | Family-friendly, green spaces |
In comparing housing aspects of St. Louis and Des Moines, it's evident that despite St. Louis having a lower median home price, Des Moines offers more affordable median monthly rent. The architectural styles reflect the cities' unique heritage, with St. Louis favoring Colonial and Victorian styles, indicative of its deep historical roots, and Des Moines gravitating towards Ranch and Craftsman styles, aligning with its Midwestern ethos. Interestingly, while St. Louis presents a slightly more urban lifestyle, reflected in its higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores, Des Moines takes the lead in bikeability, illustrating the city's commitment to facilitating green transportation. The most popular items mentioned in real estate listings highlight each city's appeal: St. Louis is celebrated for its historic charm and accessibility, while Des Moines is appreciated for being family-friendly with ample green spaces.
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.
St. Louis vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
When preparing to move, it's important to understand how the weather in your new city compares to what you're used to. This comparison between St. Louis, MO and Des Moines, IA weather will highlight key differences and similarities to help you prepare for your relocation.
St. Louis, MO
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
St. Louis, MO
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
St. Louis, MO
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
St. Louis, MO
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | St. Louis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Tornadoes, Severe Winter Weather |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both St. Louis and Des Moines enjoy a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, you'll find that Des Moines experiences colder winters with more snowfall, which can average up to 33 inches compared to St. Louis' 18 inches. This means that if you're moving from St. Louis to Des Moines, you'll need to prepare for more intense winter conditions. Additionally, while both cities face the risk of tornadoes, Des Moines also prepares for severe winter weather, indicating a need for readiness against different types of natural disasters. Air quality in Des Moines tends to be better, offering a slight advantage for those sensitive to pollution. Understanding these differences will help you adjust more comfortably to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from St. Louis to Des Moines
When considering a move from one city to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. Our comparison chart underscores the differences in money and finance between St. Louis, MO, and Des Moines, IA, providing a clear perspective on how your cost of living and financial well-being could be affected.
| Comparison | St. Louis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $49,965 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.4 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 0-5.4% | 0.33-8.53% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.38% | 1.56% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.68% | 7% |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Comparatively higher |
| Poverty | Higher | Lower |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Lesser |
In transitioning from St. Louis to Des Moines, you might observe a slight yet beneficial financial shift. While the average household income is notably higher in Des Moines, the cost of living remains comparable to St. Louis, presenting potentially more disposable income for residents. Noteworthy is the stark contrast in state income tax rates; Des Moines offers a wider range, which could affect you differently based on your income bracket. Additionally, Des Moines' dominant industries, especially finance and insurance, not only underscore its economic strength but might also offer new career opportunities, aligning with its slightly more affluent status compared to St. Louis.
St. Louis vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA and curious about the local community dynamics? Here's a comparison of the politics between St. Louis & Des Moines to offer you a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities.
| St. Louis | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressively oriented local governance | Moderately progressive local policies |
| Religion | Diverse with strong Catholic presence | Religiously diverse with noticeable Protestant demographic |
As you consider your move, it's insightful to see how St. Louis and Des Moines differ slightly in their political and religious landscapes. While both cities lean Democratic, St. Louis has a more pronounced progressive stance in its local governance compared to Des Moines, which adopts a more moderate approach. On the religious front, St. Louis showcases a significant Catholic demographic, whereas Des Moines has a more prominent Protestant community. Understanding these nuances can help you better acclimate to the unique cultural and social fabric of your new home.
St. Louis vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
As you plan your move from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to understand how this change will affect your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison will provide insights into what you can expect in terms of traffic and transportation options in both cities.
| Comparison | St. Louis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible with efforts | Challenging |
In St. Louis, the average commute time is slightly longer, reflecting its larger metropolitan area and denser traffic conditions. With a public transit rating of 7 out of 10, St. Louis boasts a more developed public transit system, including MetroLink and buses, facilitating a somewhat easier life without a car. Des Moines, while having less traffic congestion, has a less robust public transit system, making car ownership more of a necessity for efficient daily commuting. The differences in these cities highlight the importance of considering how transportation will play into your new lifestyle and daily routines.
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