Best South Dakota to Virginia Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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SD to VA Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another opens up a thrilling chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. As you transition from South Dakota's breathtaking Mount Rushmore and serene landscapes to Virginia's rich historical tapestry and vibrant community life, you're not just moving between states—you're embracing a whole new way of life. For such a significant journey, it's crucial to have trusted and reliable professional movers by your side, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition. With Great Guys Moving, we take the guesswork out of finding the best movers, using an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with top-tier moving services for your long-distance move.

South Dakota iconArrow iconVirginia icon

Best South Dakota to Virginia Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
ARS Movers9.63A+Authorized For HHGContact
A Change of Place Movers9.58NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Dial-A-Move Inc.8.92A+Authorized For HHGContact
Two Men and a Truck8.91A+Authorized For HHGContact
Dial-A-Move8.25A+Authorized For HHGContact
The Moving Guys, LLC8.06NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Virginia to South Dakota guide.

6 Best SD to VA Moving Companies

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

ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,704+ data points

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a wide r...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
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1
A
Exceptional9.58/10
based on 925+ data points

About A Change of Place Movers

The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever meet. They genuinel...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1293943 / 503371

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved290,815 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Dial-A-Move Inc. Logo
Superb8.92/10
based on 483+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Superb8.91/10
based on 843+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2575221 / 904586

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved180,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Dial-A-Move Logo
Very Good8.25/10
based on 108+ data points

About Dial-A-Move

Dial-A-Move is your one-stop shop for affordable moving options. It has offices in Watertown, Aberdeen, and Huron, serving the Midwest and b...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving options
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
The Moving Guys, LLC Logo
Good8.06/10
based on 157+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3199241 / 160684

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved175,000 (2022)
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 South Dakota to Virginia

Moving from one state to another can be a daunting yet exciting endeavor. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from South Dakota to Virginia. By examining the pros and cons through tailored charts, you'll gain a clear perspective on what to expect from your new home in contrast to what you're leaving behind.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited job market
  • Fewer entertainment options
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Milder winters
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Broader job market
  • More entertainment options
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less open space
  • More traffic
  • Less community intimacy
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Vast natural landscapes
  • Less traffic
  • Strong community bonds

While moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll find that Virginia offers a wide array of cultural and entertainment options, from the iconic theaters and museums in Charlottesville to the vibrant restaurant scene in Richmond. Notable places such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or the historic Colonial Williamsburg offer enriching experiences that are rare in South Dakota. However, this comes with the trade-off of a higher cost of living, especially in popular areas like Arlington and Alexandria. Additionally, Virginia's natural beauty, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, might offer less open space than South Dakota's vast landscapes but compensates with breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. Nevertheless, the adjustment to more congested traffic, particularly in the Northern Virginia region, can be significant for those accustomed to South Dakota's quieter roads.

South Dakota vs. Virginia Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is vital as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we'll embark on a journey to compare the food scenes of two distinct locations. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Virginia, aimed at offering you a better picture of what culinary delights await you in your new home.

South DakotaVirginia
Most iconic local food itemChislicVirginia Ham
Most popular meat dishPheasantBarbecue
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice DishVegetable Grain Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Minervas
    • Phillips Avenue Diner
    • Cattleman's Club Steakhouse
    • The Inn at Little Washington
    • L’Opossum
    • Mama 'Zu
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In South Dakota, chislic, a simple yet delicious fried meat dish, reigns supreme as the state's most iconic food item. In contrast, Virginia offers a rich history with its famous Virginia Ham, a staple you must try. Virginia is known for its vibrant food scene, particularly in trendy neighborhoods and cities like Richmond and Norfolk, where you'll find an array of vegan options and a pulsating food truck culture. The Inn at Little Washington, located in Virginia, is a notable restaurant that provides an unforgettable dining experience, highlighting the state's commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.

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South Dakota vs. Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. Here's a comparison to help you gauge how South Dakota and Virginia stack up in terms of housing , highlighting differences in costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle aspects.

ComparisonSouth DakotaVirginia
Typical Architecture StyleRanch & Split-levelColonial & Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Natural landscapesProximity to amenities, Historic charm

Moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll find notable differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle. For instance, the higher median home price and rent in Virginia reflect its proximity to major urban centers and richer historical influences, offering Colonial and Craftsman styles. However, both states value outdoor space, seen through South Dakota's spacious yards and Virginia's appreciation for historic charm and accessibility to amenities. While South Dakota offers a more laid-back urban lifestyle with its ranch and split-level homes nestled among natural landscapes, Virginia provides a denser urban experience with better walkability and bikeability, perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and urban convenience.

South Dakota vs. Virginia Weather Considerations

Moving from one state to another can be a big adjustment, especially when it comes to the weather. It's vital to compare weather patterns and prepare for how they will impact your daily life moving between South Dakota and Virginia. This overview will help you understand the differences and similarities in climate you can expect.

Summer icon
85°F / 60°F

South Dakota

87°F / 67°F

Virginia

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
30°F / 10°F

South Dakota

48°F / 29°F

Virginia

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
20-30"

South Dakota

40-45"

Virginia

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
30-40"

South Dakota

10-20"

Virginia

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth DakotaVirginia
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesHurricanes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll find Virginia's winters milder and the summers slightly more humid and warmer. While both states enjoy a roughly comparable number of sunny days, Virginia receives significantly more rainfall annually, which contributes to its lush landscapes. Notably, Virginia is prone to different natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods, as opposed to South Dakota's blizzards and tornadoes. This means you'll need to prepare for different emergency situations. Additionally, the increased humidity and pollen types in Virginia could affect those with allergies differently than in South Dakota. Understanding these differences will help you better adjust to your new environment.

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

When considering relocating from one state to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. Understand how the cost of living and economic factors of South Dakota and Virginia compare to ensure a smooth transition. This overview will help you anticipate changes in your expenditures and lifestyle.

ComparisonSouth DakotaVirginia
Avg. Household Income$69,728$85,873
Cost of Living Index94.196.6
State Income Tax02 - 5.75
Avg. Property Tax1.220.80
Avg. Sales Tax4.55.3
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, TourismTechnology, Military Defense, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowLower
HomelessnessLowLower

Relocating from South Dakota to Virginia, you’ll notice differences in both income and expenses. Despite the higher average household income in Virginia, the cost of living is also greater, shaped by higher housing and living expenses. However, Virginia's broader employment opportunities in the technology and defense industries may offset these costs. While state income tax in Virginia varies, South Dakota enjoys a 0% income tax rate, which could be a significant adjustment. Each state presents a unique financial portrait, influenced by local industries and tax policies, which underscores the importance of planning your move carefully.

South Dakota vs. Virginia Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from South Dakota to Virginia, it's beneficial to understand the communities you'll be embracing. This comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Virginia provides a quick glance at the political and religious landscape, helping you prepare for the cultural shift.

South DakotaVirginia
Political Make-upLean conservativeSwing state, recently leaning Democratic
Local PoliticsRural interests dominateUrban and suburban interests more influential
ReligionHigh Protestant presenceDiverse religious landscape

If you're moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll find the political landscape quite different. South Dakota tends to have a conservative leaning heavily influenced by its rural makeup, where local concerns, such as agriculture, tend to guide political discussions. In contrast, Virginia's political climate has been shifting, particularly due to the growing influence of its urban and suburban areas, making it a key swing state with a more diverse set of political views. Religion in South Dakota is predominantly Protestant, reflecting the state's traditional values. On the other hand, Virginia offers a more pluralistic religious scene, mirroring its diverse population. This shift from a more homogenous to a diverse environment in terms of politics and religion might be particularly noticeable.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Virginia

Moving from South Dakota to Virginia brings a host of changes, especially when it comes to education. By comparing the educational landscape between these two states, the purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options from South Dakota to Virginia. This guide will help you navigate your options and make informed decisions for your family's educational journey.

South DakotaVirginia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elem (Harrisburg)
Discovery Elem (Sioux Falls)
Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington)
Stenwood Elementary (Vienna)
Nottingham Elementary (Arlington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Mickelson Middle (Brookings)
George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Yankton Middle School (Yankton)
Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church)
Frost Middle (Fairfax)
Kilmer Middle (Vienna)

Top 3 High Schools

Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
McLean High School (McLean)
Langley High School (McLean)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
The Madeira School (McLean)
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (Alexandria)
Episcopal High School (Alexandria)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Aberdeen Christian School (Aberdeen)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
James Valley Christian School (Huron)
Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
The Potomac School (McLean)
Flint Hill School (Oakton)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandon Valley School District
Fairfax County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools

When considering the move from South Dakota to Virginia, noting the educational opportunities available can help ease the transition. For instance, Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria is nationally recognized for its STEM curriculum, an excellent option for students with a keen interest in sciences and technology. Similarly, South Dakota prides itself on having strong community involvement in local schools such as the Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, which boasts a wide range of extracurricular activities and programs. The contrast in school options extends to higher education, where Virginia offers prestigious universities such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, known for their research and academic excellence. Understanding these differences ensures you can make an informed decision on what's best for your educational paths and career future.

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