Best Pennsylvania to South Dakota Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, to South Dakota, the Mount Rushmore State, represents an exciting transition from one rich cultural tapestry to another, each with its unique charm and challenges. You’re leaving behind the bustling historical streets of Pennsylvania for the vast, open landscapes and tight-knit communities of South Dakota. Given the substantial distance and logistical concerns of such a move, entrusting your journey to professional movers not only eases the transition but ensures that your possessions arrive safely, making Great Guys Moving your dependable partner through this significant life change.
Best Pennsylvania to South Dakota Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Moving | 9.62 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| EverSafe Moving Co. | 9.51 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC | 9.50 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC | 9.47 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Dial-A-Move Inc. | 8.94 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Two Men and a Truck | 8.91 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania guide.
6 Best PA to SD Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
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
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
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 Sou...Read More >>
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Relocation
- Packing & Crating
About Dial-A-Move Inc.
Family-run Dial-A-Move is a professional moving company incorporated in 2001. It has a location in Aberdeen, SD, offering a wide range of af...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving options
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About Two Men and a Truck
Launched in the 1980s, Two Men and a Truck serves residential and commercial customers all over the country. The company opened its Sioux Fa...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Junk removal
- Storage
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.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota
Moving homes is a significant life event, filled with both excitement and anxiety. This guide aims to provide a balanced view of relocating from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, highlighting both the challenges and benefits. By comparing cons in Pennsylvania to pros in South Dakota and vice versa, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your move.
Pennsylvania- Higher taxes
- Colder winters
- Dense population
- Higher living cost
South Dakota- Lower taxes
- Milder winters
- Less crowded
- Lower living cost
South Dakota- Less historical sites
- Fewer entertainment options
- Less public transport
- Fewer job opportunities
Pennsylvania- Rich history
- More entertainment
- Better public transport
- More job opportunities
While Pennsylvania boasts rich historical landmarks such as Independence Hall and the bustling streets of Philadelphia, offering a vibrant urban life with endless entertainment and dining options, South Dakota presents a different appeal. In South Dakota, cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City are gateways to the great outdoors. Badlands National Park and Custer State Park offer breathtaking landscapes and a sense of tranquility far removed from the urban hustle. While you might find fewer high-profile job prospects, the lower cost of living and the abundance of natural beauty in South Dakota offer a unique lifestyle that's hard to find in densely populated states. This contrast in lifestyle encapsulates the essence of what you're trading off and gaining in the move from Pennsylvania to South Dakota.
Pennsylvania vs. South Dakota Food Guide
Food is a big part of what makes local culture unique and provides insight into what life is like in a new area. In this guide, we will compare the local cuisine between Pennsylvania & South Dakota so you can get a taste of the food scene in your new home.
| Pennsylvania | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Philly Cheesesteak | Chislic |
| Most popular meat dish | Pork and Sauerkraut | Bison Steak |
| Most popular street food item | Soft Pretzels | Indian Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Mushroom Soup | Lentil Stew |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia, you can't go more than a few blocks without running into a vendor selling the iconic Philly Cheesesteak. For those moving to South Dakota, the local lust for Chislic—a simple, yet delicious dish made of deep-fried cubed meat—can be an intriguing culinary experience. South Dakota is also known for its love of bison, not only as a meat dish but as a symbol of the state's connection to its natural and historical roots. While Pennsylvania boasts a vibrant urban food scene with an abundance of food trucks, especially in larger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, South Dakota offers a more laid-back dining atmosphere. In South Dakota, restaurants like Minervas and the Phillips Avenue Diner in Sioux Falls are community staples, showcasing the state's friendly, homely vibe.
Ready to start your move?
Pennsylvania vs. South Dakota Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how Pennsylvania and South Dakota compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, walkability, and lifestyle can help you make an informed decision. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of what to expect in both states.
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Ranch, Split-level |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Granite countertops | Big yards, Energy efficiency |
In considering a move from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, you'll find notable differences in both the cost and style of living. Pennsylvania’s higher median home prices reflect its colonial and Cape Cod architectural styles common in more urban and suburban settings, which may offer a more traditional East Coast feel. In contrast, South Dakota features more ranch and split-level homes, indicative of its open landscapes and preference for spacious living. Additionally, South Dakota's significantly lower median monthly rent points to a more affordable cost of living, but this comes with a trade-off in terms of walkability and urban lifestyle scores. The choice between these states may ultimately hinge on your preference for a bustling urban life versus a more laid-back, spacious environment.
Pennsylvania vs. South Dakota Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, it's crucial to understand how the weather will shift. Comparing factors such as temperature, sunshine, humidity, and natural disaster prevalence in Pennsylvania and South Dakota ensures you're well-prepared for your new environment. This comparison aims to highlight key weather differences to help adjust expectations and planning.
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Very Good |
| Natural Disasters | Flooding, Snowstorms | Tornadoes, Blizzards |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, you'll experience more sunny days annually but prepare for colder winters with lower high and low temperatures. While both states face natural disasters, South Dakota is more prone to tornadoes and blizzards, contrasting Pennsylvania's flooding and snowstorms. Although average summer temperatures are similar, South Dakota's air quality ranks higher, contributing to a more comfortable living environment. Awareness of these differences can help ease your transition and adapt to life in South Dakota more smoothly.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota
When considering a move from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, it’s essential to know how their financial landscapes compare. Understanding the difference in cost of living, taxes, and income between Pennsylvania and South Dakota will help you adjust your budget and expectations for your new life.
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $71,798 | $69,728 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.7 | 94.1 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.58 | 1.22 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.34 | 4.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing | Finance, Retail, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Low |
| Homelessness | Low | Very low |
Moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, you'll notice both states offer a moderate level of affluence and low poverty rates, though South Dakota boasts a lower cost of living and virtually no state income tax. This could mean more disposable income for you, especially if your income source remains constant or increases. The difference in sales tax could also contribute to lower everyday expenses in South Dakota. However, it's important to consider the slightly lower average household income in South Dakota, which can influence the overall affordability of your lifestyle. Whether you're buying a house or investing in local industries, understanding these financial nuances will guide your decision-making process.
Pennsylvania vs. South Dakota Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, it's important to grasp the unique characteristics of each state's population. This comparison offers a quick look at the political and religious makeup of the residents between Pennsylvania & South Dakota , providing insight into the communities you'll be engaging with.
| Pennsylvania | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Swing State | Conservatively Leaning |
| Local Politics | Mixed, urban areas lean Democratic | Mostly Republican, with some Democratic presence in cities |
| Religion | Christianity predominates, diverse religious communities in urban areas | Christianity predominates, less religious diversity |
Moving from Pennsylvania, a swing state with a mix of urban and rural political ideologies, to South Dakota, which leans more conservatively, especially in rural areas, you'll notice differences in political conversations and local governance. Pennsylvania's urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh often lean Democratic, creating a diverse political atmosphere across the state. In contrast, South Dakota's political landscape is more uniformly Republican, although cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City show some Democratic presence. Religious practices in both states are predominantly Christian, but Pennsylvania, especially in its urban areas, houses a wider variety of religious communities compared to South Dakota, where the population is more homogeneously Christian.
Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota
To better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Pennsylvania and South Dakota, our comparison chart provides a detailed look at the educational landscape in both states. This guide will help you make an informed decision on your family's educational future.
| Pennsylvania | South Dakota |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) 1. University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia 2. Pennsylvania State University State College 3. Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh1. South Dakota State University Brookings 2. University of South Dakota Vermillion 3. Dakota State University Madison | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools 1. South Fayette Township Elementary McDonald 2. Marshall Elementary School Wexford 3. Bradford Heights Elementary School Downingtown1. Challenge Center Sioux Falls 2. Fred Assam Elementary Sioux Falls 3. Discovery Elementary Sioux Falls | |
Top 3 Middle Schools 1. Haverford Middle School Havertown 2. Radnor Middle School Wayne 3. Charles F. Patton Middle School Kennett Square1. Edison Middle School Sioux Falls 2. Mickelson Middle School Brookings 3. Yankton Middle School Yankton | |
Top 3 High Schools 1. Julia R. Masterman Secondary School Philadelphia 2. Conestoga High School Berwyn 3. Central High School Philadelphia1. Lincoln High School Sioux Falls 2. Roosevelt High School Sioux Falls 3. Washington High School Sioux Falls | |
Top 3 private high schools 1. The Baldwin School Bryn Mawr 2. The Haverford School Haverford 3. Mercersburg Academy Mercersburg1. O'Gorman High School Sioux Falls 2. Sioux Falls Christian Schools Sioux Falls 3. Great Plains Lutheran High School Watertown | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools 1. Germantown Friends School Philadelphia 2. Friends' Central School Wynnewood 3. Lancaster Country Day School Lancaster1. Sioux Falls Christian Schools Sioux Falls 2. Rapid City Christian School Rapid City 3. Dakota Christian School Corsica | |
Top 3 School Districts 1. Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Wayne 2. Radnor Township School District Radnor 3. Lower Merion School District Ardmore1. Sioux Falls School District Sioux Falls 2. Brookings School District Brookings 3. Yankton School District Yankton | |
Exploring the educational options in Pennsylvania and South Dakota reveals distinct differences. Pennsylvania boasts some of the nation's premier universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, contrasting South Dakota's focus on state universities known for their dedicated research and development. Similarly, top-rated elementary to high school education in Pennsylvania, like South Fayette Township Elementary and Julia R. Masterman Secondary School, show a broad offering from public to private institutions, indicating a denser population and possibly more funding towards education. In contrast, South Dakota's educational landscape, highlighted by schools like Lincoln High School and the Challenge Center, offers a focused educational environment that may benefit students looking for smaller class sizes and community-based schooling. Choosing between these states' schools depends on prioritizing either a wide array of highly competitive institutions or a close-knit educational community.
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