Best South Dakota to Washington Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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SD to WA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life, wrapping up familiarity in one place to unwrap new opportunities in another. Leaving behind South Dakota's rugged Badlands and sprawling prairies for Washington's evergreen forests and bustling cities like Seattle brings a blend of nostalgia and anticipation. It's crucial to ensure this significant journey is smooth and stress-free by entrusting your move to trusted and reliable professional movers, a standard we uphold at Great Guys Moving.

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Best South Dakota to Washington Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Seattle Moves & More9.54A+Authorized For HHGContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
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 Washington to South Dakota guide.

6 Best SD to WA Moving Companies

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

S
Exceptional9.54/10
based on 1,243+ data points

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,571+ data points

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
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 Washington

Moving from one state to another comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of both the good and bad attributes of relocating from South Dakota to Washington. Through the charts below, we'll explore various aspects of life in both states to help you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Extreme cold winters
  • Less diverse economy
  • Fewer cultural activities
  • Lower population density
Washington iconWashington
  • Milder winters
  • Robust job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Vibrant urban life
Washington iconWashington
  • Higher living costs
  • More crowded
  • Heavier traffic
  • Less personal space
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Open spaces
  • Lower traffic density
  • Close-knit communities

Moving from South Dakota’s sprawling landscapes to Washington’s bustling cities and lush forests offers exciting opportunities and a few challenges. In Washington, you’ll find yourself amid a rich cultural scene, with access to renowned establishments like the Seattle Art Museum, the vibrant music scene of Capitol Hill, and culinary delights in Pike Place Market. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the proximity to both mountains and the coast, providing endless adventures. However, be prepared for higher living costs and more crowded spaces, a stark contrast to South Dakota’s affordable and quieter lifestyle. Navigating through Washington’s heavier traffic, especially in cities like Seattle and Tacoma, can be a significant adjustment. Despite these differences, the move can be deeply rewarding, offering a blend of urban and natural beauty that's hard to find elsewhere.

South Dakota vs. Washington Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Washington. Food significantly influences the local culture and the living experience in a new area. This comparison will help you understand the distinct food scenes of both states, aiding in a smoother transition to your new home.

South DakotaWashington
Most iconic local food itemChislicSalmon
Most popular meat dishPheasant SandwichApplewood Smoked Salmon
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosTeriyaki
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Minervas
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Carnaval Brazilian Grill
  • Pike Place Chowder
  • Canlis
  • Ray’s Boathouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In South Dakota, Chislic, a simple yet tasty dish of deep-fried meat, is a local staple you'll find in many pubs and restaurants, most notably at Minervas. Moving to Washington, you'll discover the state's rich bounty from the sea, with salmon at the forefront of its food scene, beautifully prepared in establishments such as Ray’s Boathouse in Seattle. For those interested in exploring the street food culture, Washington's abundance of food trucks, particularly in Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, offers a diverse array of options from Teriyaki to international vegan dishes. Meanwhile, South Dakota’s iconic Indian Tacos provide a delicious insight into the state's cultural fusion, best experienced at local events and fairs.

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South Dakota vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly influences your relocation experience. It's critical to understand how South Dakota and Washington's housing markets compare, focusing on costs, styles, and living options. This comparison aims to guide your decision, ensuring you find a space that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

ComparisonSouth DakotaWashington
Typical Architecture StyleRanch-style homesModern and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingQuiet neighborhoods, Spacious lotsEco-friendly features, Proximity to nature

Moving from South Dakota to Washington will introduce notable changes in your housing situation. In Washington, the significant rise in the median home price and rent reflects its bustling economy and booming tech industry. Urban lifestyles rate higher here, especially in cities like Seattle, where walkability and bikeability make it easier to explore without a car. Eco-friendly features and close proximity to nature are often highlighted in Washington's real estate listings, aligning with the state's strong environmental ethos. Contrastingly, South Dakota's appeal lies in its spacious and quiet neighborhoods, suited for those who prefer a more relaxed pace of life.

South Dakota vs. Washington Weather Considerations

When planning a move from South Dakota to Washington, it's crucial to prepare for how drastically the weather can change. This comparison will help highlight the differences in climate you should expect, ensuring you're ready for your new environment. We will look into South Dakota's fluctuating temperatures against Washington's milder, more humid conditions to give you a comprehensive understanding.

Summer icon
85°F / 60°F

South Dakota

75°F / 55°F

Washington

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
30°F / 10°F

South Dakota

47°F / 37°F

Washington

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
24"

South Dakota

38"

Washington

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
44"

South Dakota

16"

Washington

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth DakotaWashington
Air QualityGoodVaries, mostly good
Natural DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Considering a move from South Dakota to Washington requires adjusting expectations about weather extremes. For instance, Washington experiences significantly less sunshine annually, which increases the humidity and overall moisture in the air—quite different from South Dakota's dryer conditions. Additionally, the more moderate climate in Washington leads to milder winters and cooler summers, a pleasant change if you're not fond of extreme temperatures. Notably, the specifics of natural disasters shift from tornadoes and blizzards to earthquakes and potential volcanic activity. Such variations underline the importance of understanding your new home's climate, ensuring a smoother transition.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, comprehending the financial landscape of your new home is crucial. This comparison lays out the monetary aspects crucial for understanding a relocation, focusing on moving from South Dakota to Washington . By evaluating factors like income, taxes, and the cost of living, you’ll gain insight into what to expect financially.

ComparisonSouth DakotaWashington
Avg. Household Income$69,728$91,306
Cost of Living Index94.1104.1
State Income Tax00
Avg. Property Tax1.220.93
Avg. Sales Tax4.56.5
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
Affluencemoderatehigh
Povertylowermoderate
Homelessnesslowerhigher

Moving from South Dakota to Washington will introduce you to a different economic environment. Despite Washington's higher average household income, the cost of living is significantly elevated, primarily due to housing prices. Both states fare equally in state income tax, as neither imposes one, but you'll notice a higher sales tax in Washington. An interesting shift is seen in the dominant industries, with Washington being a tech and aerospace hub, contrasting South Dakota's emphasis on agriculture and manufacturing. This economic backdrop not only impacts job prospects but also contributes to the differences in affluence and homelessness rates between the two states, offering a nuanced picture for potential residents.

South Dakota vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison

In considering a move from South Dakota to Washington, it's essential to understand the stark contrasts in the communities you'll be joining. This guide offers a bold comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Washington , alongside a glance at the religious landscape. It's a succinct look at what shapes the character of these two distinguished states.

South DakotaWashington
Political Make-upConservatively inclinedLiberal, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state governmentDemocratic control in both state and many local governments
ReligionChristianity predominates, with a strong presence of Protestant faithsMore religiously diverse, with significant none population

Understanding the political and religious landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. South Dakota's conservative lean, heavily influenced by its rural areas, contrasts with Washington's liberal disposition, colored by its urban centers like Seattle and Olympia. This divergence extends to local politics, where Washington exhibits significant Democratic control, not just on the state level but also within its cities. Religious presence in South Dakota is more uniform, with a strong Christian Protestant majority. In contrast, Washington's population exhibits a broader spectrum of beliefs, including a notable presence of individuals with no religious affiliation. This diversity reflects the state's populous urban areas, known for their inclusive culture.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Washington

Moving from South Dakota to Washington involves many big decisions, especially if you have a family. One of the most important considerations is education. To help you make an informed choice, we've compared schooling options in each state. This chart aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in South Dakota and Washington.

South DakotaWashington

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Dakota State University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Cascadia Elementary (Seattle)
Medina Elementary (Medina)
Bertschi School (Seattle)

Top 3 Middle Schools

George McGovern Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Vermillion Middle School (Vermillion)
International School (Bellevue)
Odyssey Middle School (Bainbridge Island)
Lakeside Middle School (Seattle)

Top 3 High Schools

Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
International School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Roosevelt High School (Seattle)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
The Bush School (Seattle)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Spearfish Classical Christian School (Spearfish)
Dakota Christian School (Corsica)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
The Bush School (Seattle)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Brandon Valley School District
Harrisburg School District
Lake Washington School District
Mercer Island School District
Bellevue School District

Washington is renowned for its robust educational system, offering a wide array of highly rated public and private schooling options. For example, the International School in Bellevue manages to excel both as a top high school and a middle school, reflecting its strong curriculum that serves a range of grade levels effectively. In South Dakota, the focus on community and smaller class sizes in schools like the Challenge Center in Sioux Falls provides a nurturing environment for students. Both states offer distinct advantages depending on what educational outcomes you value most for your children, such as Washington's emphasis on diverse and highly competitive academic environments or South Dakota's more personalized educational approach.

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