Best Omaha to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Omaha, the heart of the Midwest, to Des Moines, the insurance capital of the world, is not just a relocation; it's an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. You're trading Omaha's famous steaks and vibrant Old Market for Des Moines' bustling downtown and the iconic Iowa State Fair. Given the distance and the significance of this move, it's crucial to entrust your belongings to professional movers. Our team at Great Guys Moving ensures your journey is smooth, selecting only the most trusted and reliable movers for your long-distance adventure.
Best Omaha to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha | 9.48 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| King's Moving | 9.36 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.23 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Tetris Movers | 9.18 | A | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Omaha guide.
5 Best Omaha to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha
Whether you're relocating within the city or have a long-distance move, Omaha, NE movers have you covered. One such company is King's Moving...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Residential moving
About King's Moving
King’s Moving is a five-star rated business established in 2012. Widely regarded as Omaha’s top local moving company, King’s Moving has a te...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Residential 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 Tetris Movers
Tetris Movers is a locally-operated moving company serving clients locally and long distance, boasting over 15 years of experience in the in...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Cost Effective Moving Services
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.
Omaha vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be overwhelming, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we’ve created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Omaha, NE & Des Moines, IA , offering a glimpse into how your lifestyle and preferences in Omaha can find a new home in Des Moines. This comparison aims to familiarize you with similar neighborhoods, making the move feel like stepping into a new chapter rather than starting from scratch.
| Omaha | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Dundee-Happy Hollow | Beaverdale | Historic homes, local charm |
| Old Market | East Village | Vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops |
| Aksarben Village | Drake | University vibe, lively community |
| Benson | Sherman Hill | Diverse, historic architecture |
| Blackstone | Ingersoll Avenue | Thriving nightlife, dining options |
| West Omaha | Waveland Park | Family-friendly, spacious parks |
| Midtown Crossing | Highland Park | Revitalized area, local shops |
| Elkhorn | Urbandale | Suburban feel, great schools |
| Florence | Highland | Quiet, historic ambiance |
| Millard | Merle Hay | Strong community vibe, amenities |
If you adore the cultured, lively atmosphere of Dundee-Happy Hollow, with its blend of historic homes and trendy eateries like Avoli Osteria, you'll find Beaverdale in Des Moines equally endearing, where places like Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure bring the community together. Similarly, if the artesian spirit of Old Market captured your heart, Des Moines’ East Village will enchant you with its creative flair and unique shopping options, like the eclectic finds at RAYGUN. For those drawn to the youthful and vivacious vibe of Aksarben Village, the Drake neighborhood provides a seamless transition with its spirited university culture and local haunts such as Mars Café. Exploring these neighborhoods reveals not just the aesthetic and vibe similarities but also showcases the vibrant community life and rich history that both cities celebrate, ensuring you feel right at home in your new surroundings.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Omaha to Des Moines
Moving from one city to another can be a daunting decision, full of unknowns and unexpected surprises. This guide aims to give a balanced viewpoint on the journey from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA, highlighting both the advantages and drawbacks that come with such a move. By examining the cons of Omaha and the pros of Des Moines, as well as the pros of Omaha and the cons of Des Moines, this comparison will offer an honest reflection of what to expect in this relocation.
Omaha, NE- Higher crime rate
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less green space
- Smaller arts scene
Des Moines, IA- Lower crime rate
- More job opportunities
- More parks and trails
- Larger arts community
Des Moines, IA- Quieter nightlife
- Less sports enthusiasm
- Fewer dining options
- No major zoo
Omaha, NE- Vibrant nightlife
- Better sports scene
- More restaurants
- Excellent zoo
Moving to Des Moines from Omaha comes with its share of trade-offs. Des Moines boasts a considerably safer environment, with a lower crime rate that might bring peace of mind to residents. It also offers a vibrant arts community with venues like the Des Moines Performing Arts center, providing ample cultural consumption and participation opportunities. The city's commitment to green spaces is evident in places like Gray’s Lake Park and the extensive network of trails ideal for biking and walking. While Omaha has its charms, such as a dynamic sports scene and a wide array of dining options including the famous Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Des Moines’ quiet charm, and burgeoning job market make it a compelling place to call home.
Omaha vs. Des Moines Food Guide
When relocating, the appeal of local cuisine is an undeniable part of the cultural tapestry of a new city. Understanding the food scene is crucial in feeling at home. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Omaha & Des Moines to help you get acquainted with what culinary delights await you.
| Omaha | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Omaha Steak | Loose-meat sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Reuben Sandwich | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Steak Tacos | Elote (Mexican Street Corn) |
| Most popular vegan food | Black Bean Burger | Veggie Bowl |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Omaha, the legendary Omaha Steak is synonymous with the city’s culinary identity, often found in top restaurants like The Grey Plume. Meanwhile, Des Moines prides itself on the loose-meat sandwich, a must-try at places like Fong's Pizza. Neighborhoods such as the Old Market in Omaha and the East Village in Des Moines are food havens, offering a wide range of street food and vegan options. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meat dish or searching for vegan delights, both cities cater to a variety of palates, making your culinary exploration an exciting part of settling into your new home.
Omaha vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Are you moving from Omaha, NE, to Des Moines, IA, and worried about finding your new favorite dining spots? Food plays a pivotal role in making a place feel like home. This comparison chart aims to ease your transition by matching top Omaha restaurants with their Des Moines counterparts, ensuring you discover new go-to eateries .
| Omaha | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Drover | 801 Chophouse | Upscale steakhouse experience similar in elegance and menu selection. |
| Block 16 | Zombie Burger+Drink Lab | Inventive burgers and casual vibe, appealing to food enthusiasts. |
| M's Pub | Centro | Both offer refined casual dining with a focus on local ingredients. |
| La Casa Pizzaria | Gusto Pizza Co. | Unique pizza creations that cater to the foodie's adventurous palate. |
| Malara's Italian | Baratta's | A homestyle Italian dining experience equating to Malara's comforting charm. |
| Pitch Pizzeria | Fong's Pizza | Both are known for their unique pizza offerings, blending classic with creative. |
| Le Bouillon | Harbinger | While focusing on different cuisines, both restaurants are known for their innovative small plates. |
| Boiler Room | Alba | Offers a distinctive, chef-driven dining experience with a passionate approach to local ingredients. |
| V. Mertz | Table 128 Bistro + Bar | Both specialize in fine dining with meticulous attention to presentation and flavor. |
| Jams | St. Kilda Café & Bakery | A spot for upscale comfort food and modern atmosphere, paralleling Jams’ approach to dining. |
When transitioning from Omaha to Des Moines, the variety in dining experiences ensures you won't miss out on culinary adventures. For instance, if the rustic and cozy charm of Malara's Italian has been your staple in Omaha, Baratta's in Des Moines awaits with open arms and a similar homestyle Italian fare, promising an almost seamless transition. On the other hand, innovative and foodie-driven destinations like Pitch Pizzeria find a kindred spirit in Des Moines' Fong's Pizza, where the pizza transcends traditional expectations, mirroring Pitch's knack for creativity. Thus, Des Moines not only offers a new landscape to explore but also a culinary scene rich enough to evoke the comforts and delights of Omaha's dining spots.
Ready to start your move?
Omaha vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal component when moving, as it shapes much of your living experience. Understanding how Omaha and Des Moines compare in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, walkability , and urban lifestyle is crucial. This overview aims to dissect these components to help you make an informed decision on your move.
| Comparison | Omaha | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, hardwood floors | Close to parks, granite countertops |
When delving into the housing details of Omaha and Des Moines, several facets stand out. Omaha's higher median home price reflects its robust real estate market, yet both cities offer reasonable options for those looking to rent or buy. While Omaha features more ranch-style homes, indicative of its suburban spread, Des Moines boasts Craftsman homes, echoing its historic charm. Despite Des Moines rating slightly lower in walkability, its higher bikeability and urban lifestyle scores suggest a compact, bike-friendly environment with ample urban amenities. Real estate listings in Omaha frequently highlight spacious backyards and hardwood floors, appealing to those desiring a mix of indoor luxury and outdoor leisure. Conversely, Des Moines listings often mention proximity to parks and granite countertops, catering to those valuing recreational access and modern interiors.
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.
Omaha vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
If you're planning a move from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA, it's vital to understand how the weather between Omaha and Des Moines will impact your lifestyle. This comparison aims to outline the climate differences to help you adjust to your new home seamlessly.
Omaha, NE
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Omaha, NE
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Omaha, NE
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Omaha, NE
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Omaha | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When comparing the weather of Omaha and Des Moines, notable similarities exist, especially in terms of average summer and winter temperatures. However, Des Moines experiences slightly more snowfall annually, which might require adjustments if you're used to Omaha's winters. It also boasts more days of sunshine per year, offering more opportunities to explore outdoor activities in your new city. Understanding the subtle differences in climate such as these can help you adapt more quickly and comfortably to life in Des Moines.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Omaha to Des Moines
When planning a move, understanding the financial implications is crucial. Whether you're moving from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA, comparing money and finance aspects is vital to prepare for the cost differences you'll encounter. This guide will help you navigate through this transition effectively.
| Comparison | Omaha | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $62,948 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.3 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 5.9 | 6.5 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.7 | 1.5 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.0 | 6.0 |
| Top 3 Industries | Insurance, Finance, Agriculture | Insurance, Finance, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Low to Moderate |
| Homelessness | Minimal | Minimal to Low |
When you're considering the move from Omaha to Des Moines, it's helpful to dive deeper into the financial landscape of these cities. The average household income in Omaha is slightly higher than in Des Moines, which might reflect in the local economy and job market. However, Des Moines enjoys a marginally lower cost of living and property taxes, potentially offsetting the income difference. The state income tax is slightly higher in Des Moines, so it's critical to account for this when budgeting. Both cities boast strong insurance and finance sectors, promising ample employment opportunities. Despite these differences, both cities exhibit moderate affluence and minimal homelessness, indicating a stable economic environment welcoming to newcomers.
Omaha vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Omaha, NE, to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to understand not just the physical but also the social landscape. This brief provides a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Omaha & Des Moines , offering a glimpse into what might feel familiar or distinctly different in your new home environment.
| Omaha | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately conservative | Slightly more liberal |
| Local Politics | Strong emphasis on economic development and education | Focus on progressive urban policies and infrastructure |
| Religion | Diverse; notable presence of Catholic and Evangelical Christian communities | Diverse; strong Catholic community with growing numbers of non-religious residents |
Oftentimes, when moving to a new city, the socio-political climate can be as impactful on your daily life as the weather. In shifting from Omaha to Des Moines, you'll likely notice a subtle shift towards more liberal policies and perhaps a more openly progressive atmosphere in local governance. The religious landscape, while diverse in both cities, might feel familiar but with Des Moines presenting a slightly more secular environment as reflected in its growing non-religious population. It's these nuances that can help you adjust and set expectations for your new community in Des Moines.
Omaha vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA, it's important to understand the differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison integrates an in-depth look at the traffic and transportation options between Omaha & Des Moines, helping you make an informed decision about your relocation.
| Comparison | Omaha | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 19 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Limited | Moderately |
When comparing the daily commute between Omaha and Des Moines, the overall time spent in transit is relatively similar, with Des Moines having a slight edge by averaging one minute less. Traffic congestion is slightly more manageable in Des Moines, possibly contributing to this efficiency. However, both cities experience relatively low congestion compared to larger metropolitan areas. The availability of public transit is a crucial factor to consider; Omaha offers slightly better options, making getting around without a car somewhat easier than in Des Moines. Yet, in both cities, having a car could significantly ease your daily commute and expand your mobility.
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