Moving from New Jersey to Iowa?

6 Best NJ to IA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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NJ to IA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state marks the start of an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and experiences. Leaving behind New Jersey's lively shorelines, bustling cities, and the moniker of 'The Garden State' for Iowa's expansive skies, welcoming communities, and the peaceful tranquility known as 'The Hawkeye State' can be a thrilling yet bittersweet transition. Understanding the importance of this journey, we emphasize the need for trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure a smooth transition during such a significant long-distance move.

New Jersey iconArrow iconIowa icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to New Jersey guide.

6 Best New Jersey to Iowa Movers

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

#1
Big G Movers, INC Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,636+ data points

Metuchen, NJ
Local Residential Moving, East Coast Long Distance Moving, Office & Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 2358159 Verify

About Big G Movers, INC

Located in Metuchen, Big G Movers is one of the top-rated hometown movers in New Jersey. This family-owned and operated business has a years...Read More >>

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#2
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,268+ data points

Iowa City, IA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Apartment/Condo Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1471037 Verify

About Adamantine Spine Moving

Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transp...Read More >>

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#3
Cimply Labor, LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,172+ data points

Keyport, NJ
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 2988167 Verify

About Cimply Labor, LLC

Cimply Labor, LLC is a moving company based in New Jersey that aims to make the moving process simple and easy for its customers. They offer...Read More >>

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#4
All Brunswick Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 929+ data points

Dayton, NJ
Residential Moves, Corporate Relocation, International Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 866526 Verify

About All Brunswick Moving & Storage

All Brunswick Moving & Storage is a full-service moving company in Dayton that has been serving customers throughout the state of New Je...Read More >>

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#5
UMEX Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 752+ data points

Morristown, NJ
Residential moving, Commercial moving, Local moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 686881 Verify

About UMEX Moving & Storage

UMEX Moving & Storage services Morris, Hudson, Bergen, and Essex Counties with safe and efficient relocations. Its staff members are exp...Read More >>

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#6
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional

based on 520+ data points

Burlington, IA
Material Packing, Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 749231 Verify

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 >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Iowa

Moving can be a daunting yet exciting venture, especially when it involves transitioning from one state to another. This guide provides a balanced view by showcasing the cons of living in New Jersey compared to the pros of relocating to Iowa and vice versa. By examining these aspects side by side, we aim to offer an honest reflection of the benefits and drawbacks of making such a move.

CONs
PROs
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Dense population
  • Fewer natural landscapes
  • Harsher winters
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • More spacious
  • Abundant nature
  • Milder winters
Iowa iconIowa
  • Less diversity
  • Far from major cities
  • Less historic venues
  • Dependent on cars
  • No ocean access
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Cultural diversity
  • Proximity to NYC
  • Rich history
  • Excellent public transit
  • Beaches access

Moving from New Jersey to Iowa brings about a significant change in lifestyle. In Iowa, the cost of living is substantially lower, which means your dollars go further, whether you're renting in Des Moines or buying a house in Cedar Rapids. The wide, open spaces and abundant nature in areas like Ledges State Park provide a stark contrast to New Jersey's densely populated cities. However, you might miss the cultural diversity and rich historical sites of New Jersey, such as the iconic Liberty State Park or the bustling streets of Hoboken. Nonetheless, Iowa offers its charm through local establishments like Iowa City's Ped Mall or the historical Amana Colonies, providing unique experiences that are distinct to the state.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Iowa

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between New Jersey & Iowa, illustrating the vital role food plays in the local culture and living experience of an area. Understanding the differences can help you better adapt to your new home.

New JerseyIowa

Most iconic local food item

Pork Roll (Taylor Ham)Corn on the Cob

Most popular meat dish

Italian Hot DogPork Tenderloin Sandwich

Most popular street food item

Salt Water TaffyState Fair Corn Dog

Most popular vegan food

Vegetable SamosaVegan Cornbread

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

    1. Carlo's Bakery
    2. White House Sub Shop
    3. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

76

Abundance of Food Trucks

85

Foodie Scene

87

Vegan Friendly

76

New Jersey and Iowa offer unique culinary experiences deeply rooted in their local culture. In New Jersey, the Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) is a breakfast staple you'll find in diners throughout the state, while Iowa's fame shines through its Corn on the Cob, showcasing the state's strong agricultural roots. For enthusiasts of meat dishes, the Italian Hot Dog and the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich are must-tries in New Jersey and Iowa, respectively. The foodie scenes in both states are vibrant, with New Jersey slightly edging out with its abundance of food trucks and vegan options. Notably, places like Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, NJ, and The Sumo in Grinnell, IA, are iconic eateries that provide a taste of each state's culinary riches.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from New Jersey to Iowa

When considering a move, analyzing real estate elements between New Jersey and Iowa proves crucial. This comparison illuminates differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle, guiding your transition effectively.

Understanding the stark differences in housing costs between New Jersey and Iowa is crucial for your move. The median home price in New Jersey is significantly higher than in Iowa, reflecting the denser population and proximity to major urban areas like New York City. This cost discrepancy extends to the rental market as well. Architecture styles also reflect the historical development of each state, with colonial and Victorian homes prevalent in New Jersey, while Iowa has a mix of mid-century modern and ranch-style homes. Although both states score similarly on walkability and bikeability, New Jersey offers a more urban lifestyle with its cities and towns closely knit and bustling with activity, as opposed to Iowa's spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods.

Weather Considerations for Moving from New Jersey to Iowa

When planning a move from New Jersey to Iowa, understanding how the weather differs can make your transition smoother. This comparison is key to preparing for New Jersey's humid summers and mild winters versus Iowa's more extreme seasonal temperatures and weather conditions.

Summer icon
85°F / 66°F

New Jersey

86°F / 65°F

Iowa

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40°F / 25°F

New Jersey

31°F / 14°F

Iowa

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47

New Jersey

36

Iowa

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
23

New Jersey

34

Iowa

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While both New Jersey and Iowa enjoy a fair amount of sunlight each year, Iowa's winters are notably harsher, with higher snowfall and lower temperatures. The average annual UV index in Iowa is also higher, indicating a stronger sun exposure compared to New Jersey. It's important to note that while New Jersey faces threats from hurricanes and nor'easters, Iowa's weather risks include tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, emphasizing the need for different types of weather preparedness. Air quality typically fares well in both states, but seasonal allergies from pollen and mold are common, which may affect you if you're sensitive.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from New Jersey to Iowa

If you're considering relocating, comparing the financial landscape of your current and future home is crucial. Moving between states can have a significant impact on your wallet. This comparison will shed light on the financial aspects of transitioning from New Jersey to Iowa , helping you understand the economic differences and prepare accordingly.

When you move from New Jersey to Iowa, you're transitioning from one of the more affluent states in the U.S. to a state with a markedly different economic profile. The average household income in New Jersey stands significantly higher than in Iowa, reflecting its higher cost of living and property taxes. Despite this, Iowa offers a comfortable lifestyle with a cost of living index well below the national average. The differences in state income tax brackets can also impact your take-home pay, making Iowa potentially more appealing from a taxation perspective. The main industries driving each state's economy differ greatly, from pharmaceuticals and finance in New Jersey to agriculture and manufacturing in Iowa, which could influence employment opportunities based on your career field.

Political & Religious Comparison between New Jersey and Iowa

This brief comparison offers a snapshot of the political and religious makeup between New Jersey & Iowa, helping you get familiar with the community you're about to join.

New JerseyIowa

Political Make-up

Leans DemocraticSwing state, historically leans slightly Republican

Local Politics

Urban areas more liberal, rural areas more conservativeRural areas predominantly conservative, urban centers lean liberal

Religion

Diverse, with Catholicism being predominantPrimarily Protestant, with significant Catholic community

Moving from New Jersey to Iowa, you'll notice a shift in the political atmosphere. While New Jersey often leans Democratic, especially in urban areas, Iowa's status as a swing state means politics may vary more widely, with a historical tilt towards Republican preferences. This is particularly noticeable at the local level, where Iowa's urban centers, much like those in New Jersey, show more liberal tendencies amidst a predominantly conservative rural backdrop. Regarding religious makeup, while both states are religiously diverse, Catholicism dominates in New Jersey, whereas Iowa has a stronger Protestant presence, alongside a significant Catholic community. This blend of political and religious landscapes will introduce you to a variety of perspectives and communities in your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Iowa

Moving to a new state comes with many considerations, especially when it comes to education. This comparison aims to provide a clearer understanding of what the education landscapes look like between New Jersey and Iowa . By exploring the differences in school options, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.

New JerseyIowa

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Rutgers University
Princeton University
Montclair State University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Littlebrook Elementary School - Princeton
Princeton Charter School - Princeton
Hillside Elementary School - Closter
Wickham Elementary School - Coralville
Shimek Elementary School - Iowa City
Lincoln Elementary School - Mount Vernon

Top 3 Middle Schools

Community Middle School - Plainsboro
Princeton Charter School - Princeton
Thomas R. Grover Middle School - West Windsor
Ames Middle School - Ames
North Central Junior High - North Liberty
Northwest Junior High - Coralville

Top 3 High Schools

High Technology High School - Lincroft
Biotechnology High School - Freehold
Bergen County Academies - Hackensack
Ames High School - Ames
West High School - Iowa City
Pleasant Valley High School - Bettendorf

Top 3 private high schools

The Lawrenceville School - Lawrenceville
Pingry School - Basking Ridge
Delbarton School - Morristown
Phillips Academy - Sioux City
Scattergood Friends School - West Branch
St. Albert Catholic Schools - Council Bluffs

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Newark Academy - Livingston
The Pennington School - Pennington
Morristown-Beard School - Morristown
Maharishi School - Fairfield
Des Moines Christian School - Urbandale
Cedar Valley Christian School - Cedar Rapids

Top 3 School Districts

Princeton Public Schools
Millburn Township Schools
Summit Public Schools
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools

When comparing the educational landscapes of New Jersey and Iowa, you'll find both states offer highly rated options, though they each have their own unique strengths. For instance, New Jersey stands out for its prestigious universities like Princeton University and high-achieving public schools such as High Technology High School in Lincroft. On the other hand, Iowa is remarkable for its accessible top-tier public university system, with the University of Iowa being a popular choice among high school graduates. Moreover, the presence of specialized schools like the Maharishi School in Fairfield highlights Iowa's diversity in educational approaches. These distinctions underline the importance of considering both academic quality and the variety of educational experiences each state offers as you make your moving decision.

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