Moving from Tennessee to Iowa?

6 Best TN to IA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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TN to IA Moving Specialists

Moving from Tennessee, the Volunteer State, with its vibrant music scenes and smoky mountain ranges, to Iowa, the Hawkeye State, known for its sprawling fields and hearty heartland culture, signifies an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. Transitioning from the sultry melodies of Memphis or Nashville to the tranquil charm of Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, you embark on a journey between two states rich in history and character. Acknowledging the distance and difference, we stress the importance of entrusting your move to professional and reliable movers, ensuring your possessions are handled with care every step of the way.

Tennessee iconArrow iconIowa icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to Tennessee guide.

6 Best Tennessee to Iowa Movers

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

#1
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,268+ data points

Iowa City, IA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Apartment/Condo Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1471037 Verify

About Adamantine Spine Moving

Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transp...Read More >>

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#2
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 845+ data points

Clarksville, TN
Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving, Short-Term Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3378094 Verify

About Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

You can’t trust just anyone with your household belongings. That’s where Alpha Moving & Storage comes in. This company, founded in 2018,...Read More >>

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#3
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,378+ data points

Cleveland, TN
Local Moving Services, Long Distance Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 2798532 Verify

About Boundless Moving & Storage

Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers re...Read More >>

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#4
Rice's Professional Moving Service Logo
Exceptional

based on 648+ data points

Gallatin, TN
Residential Move, Local Move, Commercial Move See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3941233 Verify

About Rice's Professional Moving Service

Rice's Professional Moving Services is a locally-owned, licensed, and insured full-service moving company that customizes each move to accom...Read More >>

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#5
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional

based on 520+ data points

Burlington, IA
Material Packing, Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 749231 Verify

About Best Move Inc

Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its BBB accreditation...Read More >>

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#6
Two Men And A Truck Logo
Exceptional

based on 287+ data points

Cookeville, TN
Local Moving, Junk Removal, Storage Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 1108883 Verify

About Two Men And A Truck

With more than 35 years in the business, "Two Men And A Truck" is a national moving company known for its extensive services. Operating from...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to Iowa

Moving from one state to another involves a careful consideration of both upsides and downsides. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of Tennessee to Iowa relocation, highlighting the good and the bad to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Higher humidity
  • More tornadoes
  • Less snow
  • Hot summers
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower humidity
  • Fewer tornadoes
  • More snow
  • Cooler summers
Iowa iconIowa
  • Smaller music scene
  • Less historic sites
  • Less BBQ variety
  • Colder winters
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Lively music scene
  • Rich history
  • Better BBQ
  • Warm winters

Comparing Tennessee to Iowa, you'll find distinct differences that could affect your lifestyle. For example, if you're a fan of the live music scene, Tennessee, with its hubs like Nashville and Memphis, is unparalleled. Places like Graceland and The Ryman Auditorium offer rich music history that is harder to come by in Iowa. However, Iowa holds its own charm with a quieter life and beautiful, snow-covered winters. Cities like Des Moines offer vibrant communities with lush neighborhood parks, like Greenwood Park, and cozy restaurants such as Centro. While you might miss Tennessee's warmer winters and its famed BBQ, Iowa's peaceful winters and its own culinary scenes — think of the hearty Midwestern meals — offer a refreshing change.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Iowa

When considering a move, the local cuisine plays a pivotal role in understanding the culture and lifestyle of a new area. In this guide, we will compare the local cuisine between Tennessee & Iowa , providing insights for those relocating to get a taste of what culinary delights await them.

TennesseeIowa

Most iconic local food item

BBQ RibsCorn on the Cob

Most popular meat dish

Hot ChickenPork Tenderloin Sandwich

Most popular street food item

Gourmet Hot DogsWalking Taco

Most popular vegan food

BBQ JackfruitTofu Scramble

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

    1. Central BBQ
    2. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
    3. The 5 Spot

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)

67

Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)

85

Foodie Scene (out of 10)

97

Vegan Friendly (out of 10)

76

In Tennessee, the barbecue scene takes center stage, with places like Central BBQ offering a taste of the state's famous BBQ ribs and hot chicken. Nashville, particularly, is known for its unique hot chicken, served at iconic eateries like Prince's Hot Chicken Shack. In contrast, Iowa's culinary landscape is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, showcasing dishes like pork tenderloin sandwiches and fresh corn on the cob. Des Moines has a budding food scene with unique establishments like Zombie Burger and Jethro’s BBQ, reflecting a diverse range of flavors appealing to both traditional and innovative palates. Whether you're moving to Tennessee or Iowa, exploring the local food scene will be an adventure filled with delicious discoveries.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Tennessee to Iowa

Real estate is a pivotal component of relocating, demanding a detailed understanding of how the housing landscapes contrast between Tennessee and Iowa. This comparison aims to illuminate these distinctions to aid in your decision-making process.

When analyzing the housing market between Tennessee and Iowa, several key differences emerge. Tennessee's higher median home price reflects its diverse architectural styles and larger properties, often mentioned with coveted hardwood floors. Iowa, offering a more cost-effective living situation, emphasizes energy efficiency and spacious garages in its listings, indicative of its practicality and focus on sustainable living. Iowa's slightly higher walkability and bikeability scores suggest a modest tilt towards a community-friendly environment, potentially suited for those valuing accessibility and an active lifestyle.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Tennessee to Iowa

Understanding the differences in weather between your current home and your new one is vital. This comparison will illuminate how weather patterns in Tennessee and Iowa vary, helping you to prepare for your relocation effectively.

Summer icon
89/69

Tennessee

85/63

Iowa

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
49/30

Tennessee

31/14

Iowa

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50

Tennessee

36

Iowa

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5

Tennessee

36

Iowa

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from Tennessee to Iowa, you'll experience colder winters and slightly more snow, which impacts wardrobe and transportation planning. Despite this, both states share a comparable number of sunny days and humidity levels, maintaining some level of weather familiarity for you. The drastic differences in annual snowfall, coupled with Iowa's severe winter storms, underscore the importance of readiness for winter weather challenges. Additionally, allergen sensitivities should be relatively consistent, as both states' top seasonal allergies stem from pollen and mold.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tennessee to Iowa

When moving from one state to another, it's crucial to gauge how your financial situation might shift in response to different economic conditions. This comparison serves to illuminate the differences in money and finance for Tennessee and Iowa, ensuring you're well-informed about the cost of living, taxes, and other financial aspects that will impact your relocation experience.

Moving from Tennessee to Iowa, you'll observe some financial contrasts. Although the average household income is higher in Iowa, the cost of living isn't significantly different, hovering just above Tennessee's. However, property taxes in Iowa are notably higher, which could be essential if you're planning to buy a home. On the flip side, Iowa's lower sales tax might ease day-to-day expenses. The states also have different strengths in terms of industries, with Iowa being more agricultural and manufacturing-oriented while Tennessee boasts a strong healthcare and tourism sector. These differences can greatly influence job opportunities and economic growth, so it's vital to consider how your career or business might fit into the new environment.

Political & Religious Comparison between Tennessee and Iowa

Moving from Tennessee to Iowa offers a unique glimpse into the heartland of America, highlighting differences and similarities in the lives and beliefs of its residents. This comparison will provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup between Tennessee & Iowa, aiding in understanding the cultural landscape of your new home.

TennesseeIowa

Political Make-up

Traditionally ConservativeSwing State, Leans Conservative

Local Politics

Strong GOP influence in local policiesMixture of GOP and Democratic influence, varies by county

Religion

Highly Religious, Predominantly ChristianReligiously Diverse, with a large Christian majority

While both Tennessee and Iowa have conservative leanings, Iowa's status as a swing state introduces a more diverse political environment, something you might find intriguing as you engage with your new community. In Tennessee, locality tends to sway heavily towards GOP influences, but in Iowa, the political scene can vary significantly from one county to another, offering a patchwork of experiences that reflect the state's diverse political opinions. Religion plays a prominent role in both states, with Christianity dominating the landscape. However, Iowa prides itself on a slightly more diverse religious scene, providing a variety of religious communities for you to explore. This nuanced blend of politics and religion in Iowa compared to the more homogeneously conservative Tennessee might offer you a fresh perspective on American cultural dynamics.

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Iowa

Moving between states requires adjusting to new surroundings, and if education is a top priority for your family, comparing the schooling options between your current and future homes is essential. This guide will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Tennessee and Iowa so you can make an informed decision for your family's educational future.

TennesseeIowa

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
University of Memphis
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lakeland Elementary School (Lakeland)
A. Maceo Walker Middle (Memphis)
Lipscomb Elementary (Brentwood)
Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Meigs Magnet School (Nashville)
Houston Middle School (Germantown)
Ames Middle School (Ames)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
South East Junior High (Iowa City)

Top 3 High School Schools

Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Decorah High School (Decorah)

Top 3 private high schools

Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Harpeth Hall School (Nashville)
Phillips Academy (Exeter)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
Breck School (Golden Valley)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Webb School (Knoxville)
University School of Nashville
Franklin Road Academy (Nashville)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)

Top 3 School Districts

Williamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Oak Ridge School District
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Linn-Mar Community School District

When comparing public educational offerings, both Tennessee and Iowa boast highly reputed institutions, but with unique strengths. For instance, Iowa's University of Iowa and Iowa State University are renowned for their research facilities and comprehensive programs, making them popular choices among high school graduates. On the other hand, Tennessee shines with its diversity of educational options, including specialized magnet schools like Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet and Central Magnet School, which emphasize academic rigor and offer enriched curricular experiences. Private schooling also offers distinct choices in both states, from the historically rich Baylor School in Chattanooga to the innovative Scattergood Friends School in Iowa, providing a wide range of educational philosophies and approaches. This detailed comparison underscores the importance of aligning a school's offerings with your child's educational needs and aspirations.

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