Best Oklahoma City to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling city life of the Big Friendly, Oklahoma City, to the welcoming community vibes of the Hawkeye State's capital, Des Moines, marks an exhilarating chapter in your life's book. While you're trading Oklahoma City's renowned cowboy culture and steak dinners for Des Moines' rich political tapestry and charming farmers' markets, the transition promises a blend of excitement and nostalgia. Recognizing the pivotal role of trusted and reliable professional movers in this long-distance adventure, we are here to ensure your journey from OKC to Des Moines is seamless and stress-free.
Best Oklahoma City to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.23 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Serenity Moving Services | 9.11 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Sneedworks | 9.04 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Bigger Better Movers | 8.56 | A- | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Oklahoma City guide.
5 Best Oklahoma City 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 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
This listing has been claimed by Serenity Moving ServicesAbout Serenity Moving Services
Locally owned and operated since 2014, Serenity Moving Services provides local residential relocation services to the Oklahoma City, Oklahom...Read More >>
Services
- Full Service Moving
- Packing & Unpacking
- Piano Moving
About Sneedworks
Sneedworks is a locally owned and operated moving company specializing in commercial and residential moving and storage services. Their team...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About Bigger Better Movers
Founded in 2017, Bigger Better Movers is a local Oklahoma moving company that offers residential and commercial relocation services to Oklah...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Local Moves
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.
Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, but comparing the neighborhoods you're familiar with to those in your new home can help. We'll take a look at the comparison of the local neighborhoods between Oklahoma City, OK & Des Moines, IA to assist you in finding your new favorite spot.
| Oklahoma City | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Edgemere Park | South of Grand | Historic charm, tree-lined streets |
| Paseo Arts District | East Village | Vibrant arts scene, unique shops |
| Plaza District | Holmes Foster | Trendy spots, community vibe |
| Mesta Park | Waterbury | Family-friendly, historic homes |
| Nichols Hills | Greenwood/Ashworth Park | Upscale, tranquil parks |
| Bricktown | Historic East Village | Lively nightlife, entertainment |
| Midtown | Sherman Hill | Diverse, historic architecture |
| Lincoln Terrace | Owl's Head | Quiet, historic, near amenities |
| The Village | Beaverdale | Quaint, community-focused |
| Automobile Alley | Western Gateway | Urban, trendy lofts |
In Des Moines's East Village, much like Oklahoma City's Paseo Arts District, you'll find a blend of unique shops, local arts, and vibrant cultural experiences. The East Village, with businesses like RAYGUN, the renowned T-shirt shop, exemplifies the innovative spirit that characterizes both communities. For those enchanted by the historic charm of Edgemere Park in Oklahoma City, the South of Grand neighborhood in Des Moines offers a similar appeal with its tree-lined streets and majestic homes, providing a picturesque setting that echoes the tranquility and beauty of a bygone era. These neighborhood comparisons aim to bridge the familiarity gap, helping you visualize your new home in Des Moines with likenesses that resonate with your experiences in Oklahoma City.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma City to Des Moines
Moving is a significant decision, full of both exciting possibilities and potential drawbacks. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from Oklahoma City, OK to Des Moines, IA . By examining the pros and cons side by side, you can gauge not just the practical aspects of such a move but also its impact on your quality of life.
Oklahoma City, OK- Hotter summers
- Lower job growth
- Less vibrant downtown
- Fewer green spaces
- Lower cultural diversity
Des Moines, IA- Cooler summers
- Higher job growth
- More vibrant downtown
- More parks and trails
- Higher cultural diversity
Des Moines, IA- Higher cost of living
- Less suburban space
- Colder winters
- Weaker sports culture
- Less diverse dining
Oklahoma City, OK- Lower cost of living
- More suburban space
- Warmer winters
- Stronger sports culture
- More widespread dining
When considering a move from Oklahoma City, OK to Des Moines, IA, you're not just changing locations, but also potentially enhancing your lifestyle. Des Moines offers a rich tapestry of cultural diversity reflected in its vibrant downtown area, home to delightful restaurants like Centro and popular sights such as the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. While you might miss the more temperate winters and the vast suburban spaces of Oklahoma City, the wealth of parks and trails in Des Moines, including the renowned Gray's Lake Park, provides ample outdoor activities. Although the cost of living may be slightly higher in Des Moines, the city's higher job growth and the opportunity to engage with a more diverse cultural landscape present compelling reasons to consider the move.
Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines Food Guide
Understanding the essence of local cuisine is vital since food is a significant aspect of local culture and what living in an area feels like. In this section, we will embark on a journey to explore and compare the local cuisine between Oklahoma City & Des Moines, allowing you to get better acquainted with the culinary scenes of your current and future hometowns.
| Oklahoma City | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Chicken Fried Steak | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | BBQ Brisket | Italian Sausage |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan BBQ | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Oklahoma City, the local cuisine scene is deeply rooted in traditional Southern and Western flavors, where Chicken Fried Steak and BBQ Brisket reign supreme. You'll find an impressive variety of tacos and vegan BBQ options that cater to all gastronomical preferences. Among the city's culinary treasures is Cattlemen's Steakhouse, a historic venue known for its rich heritage and hearty American meals. Moving to Des Moines, you'll notice a shift towards Midwestern culinary staples with the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and a strong Italian influence evident in the popularity of Italian Sausage dishes. The Des Moines food scene is vibrant and diverse, with establishments like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab showcasing innovative and quirky takes on American classics. Both cities boast a rich foodie scene with a plethora of food trucks and vegan-friendly options, though Des Moines slightly edges out with its fitness and health consciousness. Whether you're exploring the historic East Village in Des Moines or delving into the Plaza District in Oklahoma City, you're in for a culinary adventure that's as flavorful and diverse as the cities themselves.
Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Moving cities can be a monumental task, especially when it comes to finding those new favorite spots that make an area feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Oklahoma City, OK, and Des Moines, IA, will help you transition smoothly by identifying comparable dining experiences in your new city. Whether you crave high-end dining or the comfort of casual eateries, this guide is your culinary compass.
| Oklahoma City | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Cattlemen's Steakhouse | 801 Chophouse | upscale steak dining experience |
| Nonesuch | Harbinger | innovative and seasonal small plates |
| Empire Slice House | Gusto Pizza Co. | unique and creative pies |
| Ludivine | Table 128 | modern American cuisine with a twist |
| The Jones Assembly | Centro | urban eatery with a vibrant atmosphere |
| Maple's Barbecue | Smoky D's BBQ | award-winning barbecue and sides |
| Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill | Jethro’s BBQ | hearty American fare and live music |
| Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes | Malos Cantina | inventive Mexican cuisine |
| Waffle Champion | Waveland Cafe | traditional breakfast and brunch |
| Picasso Cafe | Fresko | fresh and creative dishes in a casual setting |
When you find yourself missing the unique flavors of Oklahoma City, restaurants in Des Moines are ready to offer you a taste of home with their own local flair. For instance, if you've loved the upscale steak dining at Cattlemen's Steakhouse, 801 Chophouse in Des Moines promises an equally memorable steak experience, focusing on prime cuts and a sophisticated ambiance. Fans of Nonesuch's innovative cuisine will find a similar approach to seasonal and creative dishes at Harbinger, where the small plates are designed to surprise and delight your palate. And for those casual evenings when only a slice of pizza will do, Gusto Pizza Co. echoes the inventive toppings and quality of Empire Slice House, bringing a piece of Oklahoma City's vibrant food scene to the heart of Des Moines.
Ready to start your move?
Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate between Oklahoma City and Des Moines is crucial. Understanding the differences in housing, from costs to walkability, can help you make a more informed decision about your new home.
| Comparison | Oklahoma City | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Tudor |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, open floor plans | Historic charm, proximity to amenities |
In both Oklahoma City and Des Moines, affordable housing options are a significant attraction for new residents. However, the styles and features prioritized in each city reflect different lifestyles. Oklahoma City homes often emphasize spacious yards and open floor plans, suggesting a preference for private, expansive living spaces. In contrast, Des Moines listings frequently highlight the historic charm of properties and their proximity to local amenities, indicating a community with an urban, walkable lifestyle. This variation in housing attributes reveals the diverse urban cultures and priorities of these Midwestern cities, making them uniquely appealing depending on your personal preferences and needs.
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.
Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
Understanding the weather differences between Oklahoma City and Des Moines is crucial if you're planning a move. This comparison will give you a sense of what to expect weather-wise so you can plan accordingly and adapt to your new environment more easily.
Oklahoma City, OK
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Oklahoma City, OK
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Oklahoma City, OK
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Oklahoma City, OK
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Oklahoma City | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Hail | Tornadoes, Blizzards |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Notably, Oklahoma City generally experiences hotter summers and milder winters compared to Des Moines. With their distinct seasonal changes, both cities offer unique experiences for their residents. For instance, while Oklahoma City boasts more days of sunshine, Des Moines, with higher annual snowfall, can be a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Moving from a warmer climate, you may find Des Moines' winters quite cold, requiring adjustments in your wardrobe and possibly your daily routine. Conversely, the dryer and hotter summers of Oklahoma City might be a significant change from Des Moines’ more temperate summers.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oklahoma City to Des Moines
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how your financial landscape might change is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the main economic differences you will encounter when moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Des Moines, IA, focusing on various finance-related metrics.
| Comparison | Oklahoma City | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $59,214 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.7 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 0.5 to 5.0 | 0.33 to 8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.89 | 1.29 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.94 | 7.00 |
| Top 3 Industries | Aerospace, Biotechnology, Energy | Insurance, Financial Services, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Lower |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Moderate |
Moving from Oklahoma City to Des Moines, you will likely notice a change in your financial landscape. With an average household income significantly higher in Des Moines, your earning potential might also see a boost. However, this increase comes with a marginally higher cost of living index and property tax rate. The diversity in top industries between the two cities indicates a shift in employment opportunities, potentially influencing your career path. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your move, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home in Des Moines.
Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
When preparing to move from Oklahoma City, OK to Des Moines, IA, understanding the community you're joining is crucial. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, offering insights into what might await you.
| Oklahoma City | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
| Local Politics | Mixed, with conservative leadership | Liberal leadership |
| Religion | Highly religious, Christian majority | Moderately religious, diverse faiths |
While Oklahoma City leans more conservative with a notably Christian majority, Des Moines tends to lean liberal and boasts a more diverse religious landscape. This difference in political and religious makeup means you might find Des Moines to offer a somewhat different community vibe, potentially influencing everything from local policies to social activities. As Des Moines shows stronger liberal leadership, you could encounter more progressive initiatives and policies compared to the mixed or conservative leadership seen in Oklahoma City. Embracing these differences can enrich your experience as you transition into your new home.
Oklahoma City vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Des Moines, IA? It's essential to better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like. This comparison between Oklahoma City & Des Moines will provide you with insights into driving and taking public transit in these cities.
| Comparison | Oklahoma City | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20.7 | 19.4 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Challenging | More feasible |
Moving to either Oklahoma City or Des Moines, you'll find a distinct experience in your daily commutes. Oklahoma City has an average commute time just slightly longer than that in Des Moines, but both cities offer relatively short commutes compared to larger metropolitan areas. However, if you are considering relying on public transportation, Des Moines might offer a slightly better experience with its higher availability rating. While having a car in Oklahoma City is nearly essential due to its sprawling layout and lower public transit scores, Des Moines is gradually becoming more accommodating for those wishing to live car-free or car-light, thanks to investment in public transit and the city's more condensed urban layout.
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