Best Pennsylvania to DC Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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PA to DC Moving Specialists

Moving from the Keystone State to the Nation's Capital marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. Leaving behind Pennsylvania's historic landscapes for D.C.'s vibrant city life and iconic monuments is a journey of discovery. Recognizing the challenges of such a move, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we use an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you're connected with the best movers for a smooth transition to your new beginning.

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Best Pennsylvania to DC Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pittsburgh Moving9.62NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Mic's Moving9.60NRAuthorized For HHGContact
EverSafe Moving Co.9.51A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC9.50A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC9.47NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from DC to Pennsylvania guide.

6 Best PA to DC Moving Companies

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

Pittsburgh Moving Logo
Exceptional9.62/10
based on 1,264+ data points

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...Read More >>

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 4,108+ data points

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
3
EverSafe Moving Co. Logo
Exceptional9.51/10
based on 2,941+ data points

About EverSafe Moving Co.

Founded in 2011, EverSafe Moving has built a reputation in the Greater Philadelphia area for courtesy, care, and quality due to its team of ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long-distance Movers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261303 / 771755

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 755+ data points

About Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal is a BBB-accredited moving company in Mechanicsburg that services Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and all surround...Read More >>

Services

  • Local & long-distance moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Labor-only moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3011826 / 59310

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
S
Exceptional9.47/10
based on 699+ data points

About Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC

Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC is a family-owned and operated business that offers various moving and storage solutions in Southea...Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential & Commercial Relocation
  • Packing & Crating

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3375156 / 1082634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to DC

Making the move from Pennsylvania to DC can be a big decision. This comparison offers an honest reflection of the pros and cons to help illustrate the life changes you can expect. From the pace of life to the cost of living, let’s dive into the realities of relocating from Pennsylvania to DC, presenting both the challenges and rewards.

CONs
PROs
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower job market
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Lower public transit use
  • More suburban
DC iconDC
  • Robust job opportunities
  • High cultural diversity
  • Extensive public transit
  • Urban living
DC iconDC
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Less green space
  • Noisier environment
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious living
  • Natural beauty
  • Quieter neighborhoods

Moving from Pennsylvania’s spacious and quieter neighborhoods like those in Bucks County to the bustling streets of DC, such as the vibrant Dupont Circle or historical Capitol Hill, marks a significant change in daily life. You'll find Smithsonian museums and the National Mall becoming part of your new backyard, offering rich educational and recreational outings. The plethora of dining options, from the food trucks lining the streets near George Washington University to high-end eateries in Georgetown, highlights the distinct shift to an urban lifestyle. While the cost of living might be higher, the increase in cultural diversity, job opportunities, and public transit accessibility in DC presents an exciting urban convenience seldom matched.

Pennsylvania vs. DC Food Guide

Understanding the intricacies of an area extends beyond its landscape to its culinary scene. Food is a crucial component of local culture. This guide compares the local cuisine between Pennsylvania & DC to give you a taste of what to expect in your new home.

PennsylvaniaDC
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautMumbo Sauce Chicken Wings
Most popular street food itemPretzelsFalafel
Most popular vegan foodSeitan CheesesteakVegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Zahav
  • Vesuvio
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Zaytinya
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In moving from Pennsylvania to DC, you'll transition from the hearty, comfort-laden offerings epitomized by dishes like the Philly Cheesesteak, to a more diverse and internationally influenced fare, as represented by DC's famed Half-Smokes and plethora of vegan options. DC's food scene is vibrant, with areas like U Street, H Street, and Capitol Hill offering a dynamic range of culinary experiences. The city's higher health consciousness is reflected in its abundance of food trucks and vegan eateries, catering to a broad spectrum of diets and lifestyles. Whether you're dining at Ben's Chili Bowl or exploring the globally-inspired menus of Rose's Luxury or Zaytinya, you'll find that DC's culinary scene offers something to satisfy every palate.

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Pennsylvania vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move from Pennsylvania to DC, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison shines a light on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle to ensure you make an informed decision.

ComparisonPennsylvaniaDC
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, FarmhouseVictorian, Row Houses
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious layout, Natural sceneryProximity to metro, Rooftop decks

In comparison, DC boasts a more urban and high-paced lifestyle with an average urban lifestyle rating of 9 out of 10, reflecting its vibrant city life and wealth of amenities. The architecture in DC, characterized by Victorian and Row Houses, has become a signature style, diverging from Pennsylvania's more traditional Colonial and Farmhouse designs. Furthermore, DC's higher walkability and bikeability scores highlight its compact, accessible nature, making it a haven for those who prefer to traverse the city without a vehicle. The prominence of rooftop decks and metro proximity in DC's real estate listings underscores the unique urban experience awaiting newcomers.

Pennsylvania vs. DC Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Pennsylvania to DC, understanding the weather differences between Pennsylvania and DC is crucial to prepare for the changes you'll experience. This comparison will help you adapt to your new home's climate more comfortably.

Summer icon
85°F / 62°F

Pennsylvania

88°F / 71°F

DC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40°F / 20°F

Pennsylvania

47°F / 29°F

DC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

Pennsylvania

40

DC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
38

Pennsylvania

15

DC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPennsylvaniaDC
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Natural DisastersBlizzards, FloodsHeatwaves, Hurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Pennsylvania to DC, you'll find the summers a bit warmer and the winters slightly milder in DC. With more days of sunshine, DC offers a brighter climate, which is further complemented by a higher UV index, meaning more attention to sun protection is necessary. Notably, DC experiences fewer blizzards than Pennsylvania but may encounter heatwaves and the occasional hurricane. Additionally, allergy sufferers might find differences in the predominant seasonal allergies, adjusting to new triggers like mold in DC's humid environment.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Pennsylvania to DC

When planning a move from Pennsylvania to DC, it's crucial to understand how the financial landscape shifts. This comparison helps illustrate the money and finance differences between Pennsylvania and DC , giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and economic conditions.

ComparisonPennsylvaniaDC
Avg. Household Income$71,798$101,027
Cost of Living Index99.7140.1
State Income Tax3.078.95 (Highest bracket)
Avg. Property Tax1.500.56
Avg. Sales Tax6.346.00
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Retail, ManufacturingGovernment, Professional Services, Education
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessSignificantConcerning

Moving from Pennsylvania to DC, you'll encounter a significant change in the cost of living, with DC being substantially more expensive. Despite the higher average household income in DC, it's important to budget carefully, considering the higher costs across various essentials. The tax landscape also shifts; while DC has a notably higher income tax, especially for top earners, it benefits from a lower property tax rate. The economic environment changes too, from Pennsylvania's manufacturing and retail-driven economy to DC's focus on government and professional services. Comprehensive financial planning is crucial for this transition.

Pennsylvania vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Pennsylvania to DC involves not just a change in scenery, but also a shift in the community's fabric. This comparison aims to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Pennsylvania & DC . Understanding these differences can help you anticipate the culture and conversations you might encounter in your new home.

PennsylvaniaDC
Political Make-upBattleground StateStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed; varies by regionLiberal-dominant
ReligionDiverse; Christian majorityHigh religious diversity; less religious overall

When preparing for your move from Pennsylvania to DC, bear in mind that you'll be transitioning from a politically competitive state to one where liberal politics heavily predominate. Local politics in DC tend to reflect more progressive views compared to the varied political landscape across Pennsylvania's rural and urban areas. Additionally, while Pennsylvania has a strong Christian majority, DC's population is marked by a high degree of religious diversity, though it also has a significant portion of its residents identifying as less religious or secular. Understanding these facets can pave the way for a smoother adjustment to your new surroundings.

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to DC

Moving from Pennsylvania to DC? Understanding the educational landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options from Pennsylvania to DC, ensuring you make informed decisions for your family.

PennsylvaniaDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Marshall Elementary (Pittsburgh)
Albert M. Greenfield School (Philadelphia)
Ad Prima Charter School (Philadelphia)
Lafayette Elementary School
Mann Elementary School
Janney Elementary School (All in Washington
DC)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Charles F. Patton Middle School (Kennett Square)
Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (All in Washington
DC)

Top 3 High School Schools

Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)
School Without Walls
Banneker High School
McKinley Technology High School (All in Washington
DC)

Top 3 private high schools

The Haverford School (Haverford)
The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School (All in Washington
DC)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
Friends' Central School (Wynnewood)
The Agnes Irwin School (Rosemont)
Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
Maret School (All in Washington
DC)

Top 3 School Districts

Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
There is no school district system as DC is a single district under DC Public Schools (DCPS)

When looking at the specifics, it’s clear that both Pennsylvania and DC offer exceptional educational opportunities, but the environments and offerings differ. For instance, Pennsylvania's best colleges like Penn State University and University of Pennsylvania draw students nationwide, offering diverse programs. On the other hand, DC’s focus on politics and international relations makes Georgetown University and George Washington University unique for those fields. The presence of highly regarded private schools in both regions, such as The Haverford School in Pennsylvania and Sidwell Friends School in DC, denote the quality of private education. Understanding these nuances helps in making an informed choice for your family’s educational path when moving from Pennsylvania to DC.

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