Best St. Louis to Grand Rapids Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Gateway City to River City is not just a relocation; it's an exciting journey, teeming with new opportunities and adventures. You're leaving behind St. Louis, known for its iconic Arch and vibrant blues scene, to embrace Grand Rapids, where art, craft beer, and the Grand River await. Given the distance and the importance of starting this new chapter on the right foot, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers, and that's where our expertise at Great Guys Moving comes in, ensuring your transition is smooth and worry-free.
Best St. Louis to Grand Rapids Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC | 9.61 | NR | AUTHORIZED FOR HHG | Contact |
| MASS Movers | 9.03 | NR | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| BEK Moving Co. | 9.01 | C+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Kingsley Moving Systems | 8.99 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| New Day Moving LLC | 8.90 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Grand Rapids to St. Louis guide.
5 Best St. Louis to Grand Rapids 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 MASS Movers
MASS Movers is a leading moving company in Lansing, MI. Established in 2016, this family-owned and operated business specializes in creating...Read More >>
Services
- Packing Service
- Large Item Moving
- Small to Medium Business 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 Kingsley Moving Systems
Kingsley Moving Systems is an experienced moving company located in Lansing, Michigan with over 20 years in the moving industry. Its profess...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Statewide Moving
- Interstate Moving
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. Grand Rapids Neighborhood Comparison
When moving from one city to another, finding a new neighborhood that feels like home can be challenging. This guide is crafted to help you compare local neighborhoods between St. Louis, MO & Grand Rapids, MI, using your familiar surroundings as a baseline for your next community.
| St. Louis | Grand Rapids | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Central West End | Heritage Hill | Diverse architecture, vibrant community |
| The Hill | Eastown | Bustling, culinary hotspot |
| Soulard | East Hills | Rich history, local bars and restaurants |
| Lafayette Square | Midtown | Historic homes, green spaces |
| Forest Park Southeast | Belknap Lookout | Urban feel, close to parks |
| South Grand | Westside | Diverse dining, walkability |
| The Loop | Uptown | Entertainment district, unique shops |
| Shaw | Fulton Heights | Community-oriented, access to parks |
| Tower Grove South | Eastgate | Family-friendly, outdoor activities |
| Clayton | Ottawa Hills | Upscale, excellent schools |
In both St. Louis and Grand Rapids, the heart of each city is mirrored through its neighborhoods. If you’re someone who appreciates the historic charm and vibrant dining scene of The Hill in St. Louis, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Eastown, Grand Rapids, where eclectic eateries line the streets promising a gastronomic adventure. Nature enthusiasts who frequent Forest Park Southeast for its lush parkland will be pleased with Belknap Lookout’s urban green spaces, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. For those who thrive in the cultural buzz of The Loop, Uptown Grand Rapids offers an equally enticing blend of live music venues, galleries, and boutiques. Diving into these neighborhoods reveals more than just places to live; it uncovers communities where life’s moments are cherished and celebrated.
Things to Do in Grand Rapids
Explore the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park- Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Enjoy a show at DeVos Performance Hall
- Sample beer on the Beer City Ale Trail
- Stroll through Eastown neighborhood
- Attend a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game
- Canoe on the Grand River
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from St. Louis to Grand Rapids
Moving from one city to another offers a chance to weigh the balance between challenge and opportunity. This comparison is your guide to understand the pros and cons of relocating from St. Louis, MO to Grand Rapids, MI. Embrace an honest reflection of the changes awaiting you, capturing the essence of both cities.
St. Louis, MO- Higher crime rates
- Hot summers
- Fewer craft breweries
- Less snowfall
Grand Rapids, MI- Lower crime rates
- Cooler summers
- Rich craft beer scene
- More winter activities
Grand Rapids, MI- Smaller city
- More subdued music scene
- Less famous BBQ
- Fewer dining options
St. Louis, MO- Larger city
- Rich music scene
- Famous BBQ
- Diverse cuisine
Moving from St. Louis, you'll miss the vibrant music scene with iconic venues like The Pageant, where live performances have long defined the city's cultural nightlife. St. Louis's reputation for having some of the best BBQ in the country, with institutions like Pappy's Smokehouse, will also set a high culinary bar. However, Grand Rapids welcomes you with its own local gems. The city's craft beer scene is nationally recognized, with pioneers like Founders Brewing Co. at the forefront. Winter in Grand Rapids transforms the city into a playground for snow enthusiasts, offering activities from skating at Rosa Parks Circle to skiing nearby. Although smaller, Grand Rapids boasts a burgeoning food scene, highlighted by spots such as San Chez Bistro, which melds innovation with local charm.
St. Louis vs. Grand Rapids Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between St. Louis & Grand Rapids, designed to give you a deeper understanding of what each food scene has to offer. Knowing about the local cuisine is crucial as food is a vital part of local culture and the overall living experience in an area. This comparison aims to better inform you about the food scene in your new city.
| St. Louis | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | St. Louis-style BBQ | Michigan Cherry Salad |
| Most popular meat dish | St. Louis-style Ribs | Beer Braised Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Toasted Ravioli | Poutine |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit BBQ | Tempeh Reuben |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In St. Louis, the most iconic local food item is the St. Louis-style BBQ, best exemplified by restaurants like Pappy's Smokehouse. The city's popular street food, Toasted Ravioli, can often be found in the vibrant Delmar Loop neighborhood. Over in Grand Rapids, the food scene shines with Michigan Cherry Salad and Beer Braised Beef, a nod to the state's rich agricultural and brewing heritage. Neighborhoods like Eastown are hotspots for discovering unique dishes such as the Tempeh Reuben, showcasing the city's dedication to diverse and vegan-friendly options. Both cities take pride in their culinary scenes, but you'll find Grand Rapids slightly more health-conscious and vegan-friendly, reflecting in their higher scores for fitness and vegan friendliness.
St. Louis vs. Grand Rapids Restaurant Comparison
Moving to a new city can be a daunting experience, but finding your new favorite spots to dine can make anywhere feel like home. This guide will help you transition from St. Louis, MO to Grand Rapids, MI by comparing top restaurants in St. Louis to their closest counterparts in Grand Rapids , ensuring you won't miss out on great food as you settle into your new surroundings.
| St. Louis | Grand Rapids | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Pappy's Smokehouse | Two Scotts Barbecue | Authentic smoked flavors and a commitment to quality meats. |
| Sidney Street Cafe | Grove | Farm-to-table dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. |
| The Hill | Amore Trattoria Italiana | Classic Italian dishes in a cozy, family-friendly setting. |
| Blueberry Hill | Stella's Lounge | Unique burgers and a vast selection of whiskey, with a lively atmosphere. |
| Olio | Marcona on Lyon | Mediterranean menus with a modern twist, emphasizing seasonal produce. |
| Bogart's Smokehouse | Slows Bar BQ | Slow-cooked barbecue with a mix of traditional and innovative sauces. |
| Rooftop Cafe | New Hotel Mertens | Rooftop dining with panoramic city views and a French-inspired menu. |
| Peacemaker Lobster and Crab | Fish Lads | Fresh seafood offerings reminiscent of coastal eateries, with a focus on sustainability. |
| Salt + Smoke | Pit Stop Catering | Gourmet BBQ with a personal touch, highlighting local flavors. |
| Ted Drewes Frozen Custard | Love's Ice Cream | Artisanal ice creams and vegan gelatos made with organic ingredients. |
For those moving from St. Louis to Grand Rapids, finding a place where the food resonates with your taste can be an essential part of settling in. Take Sidney Street Cafe and Grove, for example. Both offer an exquisite farm-to-table dining experience, focusing on local produce and innovative dishes that cater to food enthusiasts. Similarly, seafood lovers who cherished Peacemaker Lobster and Crab in St. Louis will find a new haven in Fish Lads, where the freshness of the seafood and the commitment to sustainable dining echo their favorite spot back home. While not an exact replica, these Grand Rapids eateries offer a familiar comfort through their food, ambiance, and dedication to quality, ensuring that you can always find a slice of home, no matter where you are.
Ready to start your move?
St. Louis vs. Grand Rapids Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. In this comparison, we'll explore the differences between St. Louis, MO, and Grand Rapids, MI in terms of housing. This includes cost, architecture, and lifestyle ratings to help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | St. Louis | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Brick Bungalows/Colonial | Mid-Century Modern/Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic Properties, Proximity to Parks | Energy Efficiency, Community Spaces |
The housing markets of St. Louis and Grand Rapids present contrasting appeals. St. Louis, known for its beautiful, historic brick homes, typically offers more affordable housing costs. This city scores higher in walkability and urban lifestyle, reflecting its dense, vibrant urban core. On the other hand, Grand Rapids' housing market emphasizes modern conveniences and sustainability, with many listings highlighting energy-efficient features and communal spaces. Its architecture leans towards the Mid-Century Modern and Craftsman styles, catering to a different aesthetic preference. Moreover, Grand Rapids edges out St. Louis in bikeability, indicating a slightly more bicycle-friendly infrastructure - ideal if you prefer cycling over driving or walking.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI
1. Eastown: Known for its vibrant community and walkability, you'll find pet-friendly cafes and a welcoming atmosphere in Eastown, making it a perfect place for pet owners.
2. Heritage Hill: With its spacious parks and historic charm, Heritage Hill offers plenty of green space for your pets to explore, alongside pet-friendly housing options.
3. Heartside: A bustling downtown neighborhood, Heartside stands out for its pet-friendly apartments and proximity to dog parks, ensuring your furry friends are always welcome.
St. Louis vs. Grand Rapids Weather Considerations
Moving to a new city means adapting to new weather patterns. This comparison between St. Louis and Grand Rapids' weather helps you understand what to expect, making your transition smoother.
St. Louis, MO
Grand Rapids, MI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
St. Louis, MO
Grand Rapids, MI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
St. Louis, MO
Grand Rapids, MI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
St. Louis, MO
Grand Rapids, MI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | St. Louis | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Snowstorms, Flooding |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When you're relocating from St. Louis to Grand Rapids, one of the most significant changes you'll notice is in the winter temperatures and snowfall. Grand Rapids experiences much colder winters with significantly more snow, averaging 74 inches annually compared to St. Louis's 17 inches. This means you'll need to prepare for winter driving conditions and possibly invest in warmer clothing and snow removal equipment. On the other hand, summers in Grand Rapids tend to be slightly cooler and less humid, which could be a pleasant change for those who find the St. Louis summers too hot or humid. Regardless, adapting to Grand Rapids' weather will require some adjustments, but understanding these differences ahead of time can help you better prepare for your move.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from St. Louis to Grand Rapids
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living, taxes, and income potential in St. Louis compare to Grand Rapids . This comparison will help you make an informed decision about your financial future in a new city.
| Comparison | St. Louis | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $49,965 | $59,596 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.4 | 90.7 |
| State Income Tax | 5.4 | 4.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.2 | 1.58 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.68 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Substantial | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Lower |
When moving from St. Louis to Grand Rapids, it's essential to note that while the average household income might be lower in Grand Rapids, the city offers a somewhat higher cost of living index. However, this is offset by lower state and average sales tax rates, potentially leading to a more manageable financial situation. The top industries in both cities are similar, which bodes well for employment opportunities. Yet, the differences in affordability and tax burden could influence your quality of life. Understanding these nuances is key to making a seamless transition.
St. Louis vs. Grand Rapids Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison between St. Louis & Grand Rapids is designed to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, helping you feel more at home in your new city.
| St. Louis | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderately Conservative/Republican |
| Local Politics | Democratic leadership | Mixed, with Republican leanings |
| Religion | Largely Christian, with a significant Catholic presence | Diverse, strong Catholic and Protestant communities |
When moving from St. Louis to Grand Rapids, you'll find the political landscape shifts from a more liberal, Democratic-leaning environment to one that is moderately conservative, with a history of Republican leanings. This transition may reflect variations in local politics and community initiatives. However, on a religious front, both cities boast a vibrant Christian community, though St. Louis has a particularly significant Catholic presence. Grand Rapids counters with its own robust Catholic and Protestant communities, reflecting the city's diverse religious tapestry. As you settle into Grand Rapids, you'll likely notice these differences shaping local culture and public discourse.
St. Louis vs. Grand Rapids Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from St. Louis, MO to Grand Rapids, MI, it's essential to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison between the two cities will provide insights about what to expect when transitioning from one city to the other.
| Comparison | St. Louis | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 22 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | More challenging |
While both St. Louis and Grand Rapids offer distinct living and commuting experiences, there are notable differences in navigating daily life in each city. St. Louis has a slightly higher average commute time and more traffic congestion, reflecting its larger metropolitan area and denser urban structure. Public transit is marginally better in St. Louis due to services like Metro Transit, which includes bus and light rail options. However, both cities are not ideally suited for living without a car, with Grand Rapids being slightly more challenging due to fewer public transit options and a more spread out urban design. Adjusting to these differences will be crucial for a smooth transition.
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