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South Dakota to Kansas Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Embarking on a state-to-state move is not just a relocation; it's an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. You might be swapping the rugged, expansive landscapes of South Dakota, known as the Mount Rushmore State, for the sunflower-filled horizons of Kansas, the Sunflower State, leaving behind one set of familiarities for another. Recognizing the importance of this transition, we emphasize the need for you to choose trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring your move is as smooth and worry-free as possible.

6 Best Movers for Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

#1
American Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,901+ data points

Wichita, KS
Full-service pack and move, Help with large or treasured items, Residential and Commercial Storage Units See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 1698749 Verify

About American Movers

American Movers has been in business since 2003 and has earned an A+ rating over the decades. The company is proud to serve the city of Wich...Read More >>

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#2
Dial-A-Move Inc. Logo
Superb

based on 483+ data points

Aberdeen, SD
Cheap moving options, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/26/2022)

USDOT: 885778 Verify

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 >>

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#3
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Superb

based on 843+ data points

Sioux Falls, SD
Local moving, Junk removal, Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 2575221 Verify

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 >>

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#4
It's Your Move Logo
Fabulous

based on 139+ data points

Parsons, KS
Local Moves, Long-Distance Moves, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/20/2024)

USDOT: 3084348 Verify

About It's Your Move

It’s Your Move is one of the most honest and trustworthy moving companies in Parsons, KS. It has been helping people for over five years, mo...Read More >>

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#5
The Moving Guys, LLC Logo
Very Good

based on 157+ data points

Rapid City, SD
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3199241 Verify

About The Moving Guys, LLC

The Moving Guys, LLC is a locally-owned moving company based in Rapid City, providing comprehensive moving services to the Black Hills commu...Read More >>

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#6
Perkins Storage and Transfer Co. Inc. Logo
Very Good

based on 72+ data points

Brookings, SD
Local moving, Cross-country moving, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 10/27/2021)

USDOT: 969 Verify

About Perkins Storage and Transfer Co. Inc.

In over a century of community service, Perkins Storage and Transfer has always been guided by the motto: “Moving with Care Anywhere.” Found...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

Moving can be a mix of excitement and anxiety as you weigh new opportunities against the comfort of familiar surroundings. This guide provides a balanced look at relocating from South Dakota to Kansas, aiming to show an honest reflection of the South Dakota to Kansas relocation journey. We'll explore both the challenges and the allure, presenting you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsher winters
  • Less urban areas
  • Smaller population
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Lower diversity
Kansas iconKansas
  • Milder winters
  • More city life
  • Larger population
  • More job markets
  • Higher diversity
Kansas iconKansas
  • More crowded
  • Noisier environments
  • Less intimate communities
  • Less natural landscapes
  • Higher cost of living
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Wide open spaces
  • Quiet lifestyle
  • Close-knit communities
  • Natural beauty
  • Low cost of living

While navigating the transition from South Dakota's wide-open spaces to Kansas's more urban landscape, you'll discover both challenges and rewards. Kansas offers a vibrant city life with a diversity of restaurants, shops, and cultural spaces. Cities like Wichita boast attractions such as the Wichita Riverwalk and Exploration Place, providing ample opportunities for exploration and entertainment. In contrast, South Dakota's natural beauty and quiet lifestyle offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle, with places like the Badlands National Park offering breathtaking landscapes. Each state offers unique opportunities and lifestyles, and a move from South Dakota to Kansas is sure to bring a mix of new experiences.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

Food is a crucial part of understanding the local culture and living experience of any area. This comparison aims to give you a better insight into the food scene you'll be embracing or missing when moving. Let's dive into the comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Kansas to help you make an informed decision about your relocation.

South DakotaKansas

Most iconic local food item

ChislicBBQ Ribs

Most popular meat dish

PheasantBrisket

Most popular street food item

Indian TacosSmoked Sausage

Most popular vegan food

Wild Rice StewBBQ Jackfruit

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

    1. Phillips Avenue Diner
    2. Minervas
    3. Granite City Food & Brewery
    1. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
    2. Slap's BBQ
    3. Q39

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

67

Abundance of Food Trucks

48

Foodie Scene

58

Vegan Friendly

47

In South Dakota, the unique offering of Chislic, deep-fried cubed meat, showcases the state's love for straightforward, hearty dishes, which can be found in local eateries such as Phillips Avenue Diner. Moving to Kansas introduces you to a BBQ haven where the smoky flavors of brisket and BBQ ribs dominate, and venues like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que provide authentic tastes that embody the region. This contrast in culinary focus—from South Dakota's wild, local game-centric dishes to Kansas's mastery over barbecue—offers a rich tapestry of flavors to explore. Kansas City, in particular, serves as a melting pot of BBQ cultures, making it a must-visit for newcomers seeking the ultimate food experience in their new home state.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is essential. Comparing South Dakota and Kansas provides valuable insights into what you can expect in terms of housing costs, architecture preferences, and livability. This comparison aims to help you make an informed decision about your potential new home.

When digging deeper into these aspects, it's notable that Kansas offers a slightly more urban lifestyle compared to South Dakota, with its higher scores in walkability, bikeability, and urban living. This might be due to Kansas' well-established communities like Overland Park and Wichita, which tend to offer more amenities conducive to an active, urban lifestyle. Furthermore, the emphasis on energy efficiency and open-concept kitchens in Kansas real estate listings suggests a trend towards modern living spaces, whereas South Dakota's real estate market values traditional aspects like garages and spacious backyards, reflective of its more rural character.

Weather Considerations for Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

When planning a move from one state to another, comparing the weather conditions can help you understand and prepare for the changes. Here, we'll explore how South Dakota and Kansas measure up against each other in terms of climate. Knowing this information is crucial for adjusting lifestyle, wardrobe, and even your home to your new surroundings.

Summer icon
85/60

South Dakota

91/69

Kansas

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32/13

South Dakota

42/20

Kansas

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
20-30

South Dakota

28-40

Kansas

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
30-60

South Dakota

12-20

Kansas

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While South Dakota and Kansas both enjoy a significant amount of sunshine annually, with Kansas slightly leading, there are notable differences in temperatures, specifically during the winter months where South Dakota experiences colder highs and lows. Not only does Kansas have warmer winters, but its summers are also hotter. A crucial aspect to consider is the risk of natural disasters; both states have a history of tornadoes, but South Dakota also faces blizzards. These differences in weather conditions may influence your daily life, emergency preparedness, and outdoor activities.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

When planning a move from one region to another, it's essential to grasp how your finances might be impacted. This comparison offers insights into the economic differences between South Dakota and Kansas , helping you align your budget with your new living situation.

Finances play an essential role in determining the ease of transitioning between South Dakota and Kansas. An immediate financial advantage in South Dakota is the lack of a state income tax, which contrasts with Kansas's variable rate. However, Kansas tends to have a slightly higher cost of living and property taxes, which can influence your budgeting. Despite these differences, both states enjoy moderate affluence with low poverty and homelessness rates. The primary industries also vary, reflecting opportunities for employment depending on your field. Understanding these factors can help tailor your expectations and financial plans to your new home.

Political & Religious Comparison between South Dakota and Kansas

In making the move from South Dakota to Kansas, it's helpful to grasp a quick comparison of the local demographics. This includes a glance at the comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Kansas, alongside the religious landscapes that shape the culture of each state. This snapshot will give you an understanding of what to expect from both states at a local level.

South DakotaKansas

Political Make-up

Primarily RepublicanLargely Republican, with Democratic strongholds

Local Politics

Conservative lean in rural areasMixed, with liberal leanings in urban areas like Wichita and Lawrence

Religion

Majority Christian, with a strong Protestant presenceMajority Christian, diverse denominations including a significant Catholic population

When you move from South Dakota to Kansas, you'll notice differences in political and religious attitudes despite both states having a predominantly Republican lean. South Dakota's political landscape is more uniformly conservative, especially in rural areas. In contrast, Kansas presents a more mixed political scene with liberal inclinations in its urban centers like Wichita and Lawrence. Religiously, both states are primarily Christian but Kansas has a broader diversity within Christianity, including a more noticeable Catholic community alongside Protestant denominations. Understanding these nuances will help you better anticipate the social and cultural environment of your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Kansas

Moving from South Dakota to Kansas offers new opportunities and challenges, especially in terms of education for you and your family. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comparison chart. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between South Dakota and Kansas school options.

South DakotaKansas

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Black Hills State University
University of Kansas
Kansas State University
Wichita State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elementary (Harrisburg)
Briarwood Elementary (Overland Park)
Corinth Elementary (Prairie Village)
Sunset Hill Elementary (Lawrence)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Whittier Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Leawood Middle School (Leawood)
Lakewood Middle School (Overland Park)
Harmony Middle School (Overland Park)

Top 3 High Schools

Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Brookings High School (Brookings)
Blue Valley North High School (Overland Park)
Shawnee Mission East High School (Prairie Village)
Lawrence Free State High School (Lawrence)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran (Watertown)
Bishop Miege High School (Roeland Park)
Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School (Wichita)
St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Overland Park)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

No relevant dataThe Independent School (Wichita)
Wichita Collegiate School (Wichita)
Cair Paravel Latin School (Topeka)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brookings School District
Blue Valley School District (Overland Park)
Shawnee Mission School District (Shawnee Mission)
DeSoto School District (DeSoto)

In comparing the educational landscape between South Dakota and Kansas, a few patterns emerge. South Dakota's top universities are closely tied to their state's name, reflecting a strong state-school preference among graduating seniors. Kansas, on the other hand, offers a blend of large public universities with strong athletic and academic programs. For families concerned with K-12 education, Kansas boasts highly-rated elementary, middle, and high schools in suburban areas like Overland Park and Lawrence, often highlighted for their innovative programs and strong community support. Private education also presents robust options in Kansas, with schools like The Independent School and Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School offering comprehensive K-12 programs. Each state presents unique opportunities and strengths in education, whether you're considering public, private, or higher education.

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