Best Austin to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Live Music Capital of the World to the Heart of the Midwest is an exciting journey, signaling a significant life change and new beginnings. You're trading Austin's bustling streets, famed for its eclectic food scene and vibrant festivals, for Des Moines' serene landscapes, community-focused living, and thriving downtown. Considering the distance and the life you're transporting, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. Our team at Great Guys Moving uses a comprehensive, unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, ensuring you can focus on embracing your adventure ahead.
Best Austin to Des Moines Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Austin guide.
5 Best Austin to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
This listing has been claimed by Heavenly Moving and StorageAbout Heavenly Moving and Storage
Heavenly Moving and Storage has been one of Austin’s premier moving companies since 2005. This locally-owned moving company provides high-qu...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Full-service packing
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 >>
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
About Amen Moving
Amen Moving is a professional moving company based in Austin, TX. The company specializes in out of state moving and packing services, offic...Read More >>
Services
- Out of state moving services
- Packing services
- Office moving services
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and comme...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
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.
Austin vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the new locale. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide that compares the local neighborhoods between Austin, TX, & Des Moines, IA . By identifying neighborhoods in Des Moines that share similarities with your favorites in Austin, we hope to help you find your new home away from home.
| Austin | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| South Congress | East Village | Trendy shopping, dining |
| Zilker | Gray's Lake | Outdoor activities, green space |
| Travis Heights | Drake Neighborhood | Historic homes, community-focused |
| Tarrytown | South of Grand | Affluent, spacious homes |
| Hyde Park | Sherman Hill | Historic architecture, close-knit community |
| Barton Hills | Waveland Park | Parks, family-friendly vibe |
| West University | Roosevelt | Education-centered, historic |
| East Austin | Beaverdale | Eclectic, vibrant community |
| Rosedale | Highland Park | Quiet, green spaces |
| Allandale | Waterbury | Classic charm, community-minded |
For those moving from Austin's lively South Congress with its unique shops and vibrant dining scene, Des Moines' East Village offers a similar trendy experience with boutique shopping and excellent restaurants like Lucho's and Wooly's. Meanwhile, Zilker's green spaces and outdoor life translate well to the trails and recreational activities around Gray's Lake in Des Moines. If the historic and tight-knit vibes of Travis Heights captivated you, you'll find a similar sense of community within the Drake Neighborhood, known for its historic homes and active neighborhood association. Stealthily blending the love of old-world charm with modern living, each of these neighborhoods provides a unique bridge from the old familiar into the new adventure.
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Austin to Des Moines
Moving from one city to another is a major decision that comes with its own set of trade-offs. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA , to help you make a well-informed decision.
Austin, TX- High cost of living
- Hot summers
- Heavy traffic
- Limited public transport
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- Milder summers
- Less congestion
- Better public transport
Des Moines, IA- Smaller music scene
- Less diversity in cuisine
- Cold winters
- Fewer outdoor options
Austin, TX- Vibrant music scene
- Diverse cuisine
- Warm winters
- Outdoor activities
While the cost of living and the summer heat in Austin may be pushing you northward, it's crucial to weigh these against what you'd be leaving behind, such as Austin's vibrant music scene and its diverse, world-renowned cuisine options. Des Moines, on the other hand, scores high with its milder summers, affordable housing, and welcoming community. You might miss Zilker Park's outdoor concerts, but you'll discover new favorites among Des Moines' local gems like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park or enjoying a relaxed evening in the East Village. The transition may involve trade-offs, but each city offers unique benefits that could make your new life in Des Moines just as fulfilling.
Austin vs. Des Moines Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between Austin & Des Moines highlights an essential part of understanding the overarching food culture in both regions. Food not only represents the taste of the local atmosphere but also plays a significant role in the lifestyle you're about to embrace. This comparison piece aims to shed light on the culinary contrasts and similarities you'll encounter, ensuring you're well-informed about the gastronomic scene of your new home.
| Austin | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | BBQ Brisket | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Tacos al Pastor | Beef Steak |
| Most popular street food item | Breakfast Tacos | Elote |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan BBQ | Vegan Burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Austin boasts an innovative food scene heavy on trends like breakfast tacos and vegan BBQ, thanks to its abundance of food trucks and a highly health-conscious community, Des Moines answers with a strong heartland cuisine tradition featuring the pork tenderloin sandwich and a burgeoning vegan scene. You'll find a blend of both traditional and playful modern dining experiences in Des Moines, from the unique takes at Zombie Burger to the fusion menu at Fong's Pizza. The East Village neighborhood, in particular, offers a pedestrian-friendly area teeming with culinary delights, mirroring Austin's penchant for vibrant food locales such as South Congress. As you transition from Austin's taco-rich landscape to Des Moines' diverse offerings, you'll enjoy exploring the rich flavors that make each city remarkable in its own right.
Austin vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Making a new city feel like home can heavily rely on finding the perfect spots to dine and connect. When moving from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA, navigating the culinary scene is crucial. This restaurant comparison between Austin and Des Moines aims to guide you in discovering new favorite eateries that mirror the essence and tastes of your current hometown favorites.
| Austin | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Barbecue | Smoky D's BBQ | Championship-worthy smoked meats |
| Uchi | Akashi Sushi | Inventive and fresh sushi presentations |
| Odd Duck | Table 128 Bistro + Bar | Locally sourced, inventive American cuisine |
| Torchy's Tacos | Taco Hangover | Bold and innovative tacos |
| Barley Swine | Aposto | Farm-to-table dining with a seasonal menu |
| Home Slice Pizza | Gusto Pizza Co. | Handcrafted pizzas with unique flavors |
| Matt's El Rancho | El Bait Shop | Extensive beer selection meets Mexican favorites |
| Kerbey Lane Cafe | Django Restaurant | All-day breakfast and American classics |
| Veracruz All Natural | Fernando's Mexican Grill | Authentic Mexican street food |
| Salt Lick BBQ | Jethro’s BBQ | A Des Moines' take on Texas-style barbecue |
For those who treasure the vibrant flavors and innovative culinary scene of Austin, your Des Moines equivalents won't disappoint. Smoky D's BBQ echoes Franklin Barbecue's dedication to excellence in smoked meats, bringing award-winning flavors that could easily rival Austin's best. If sushi is what you crave, Akashi Sushi's fresh and inventive dishes stand in well for Uchi, ensuring a seamless transition for your sushi nights. Meanwhile, Gusto Pizza Co. provides a creative spin on pizza that reflects the artisanal approach of Home Slice Pizza, offering a taste of Austin's creative spirit right in the heart of Des Moines. Each of these establishments not only offers great food but also embodies the sense of community and local flair that makes dining out such a central part of calling a city 'home.'
Ready to start your move?
Austin vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding the real estate landscape is crucial when considering a move. This comparison aims to shed light on how the housing market in Austin, TX and Des Moines, IA stands. By examining key factors such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle offerings, you can make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
| Comparison | Austin | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Craftsman | Ranch and Tudor |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open floor plans, natural light | Large yards, quiet neighborhoods |
When comparing Austin to Des Moines, the contrast in median home prices and monthly rents highlights the significant difference in the cost of living between these cities. In Austin, the embrace of modern and craftsman architectural styles reflects a preference for contemporary living, which is complemented by the city's higher urban lifestyle score. Des Moines, on the other hand, tends to favor ranch and Tudor styles, suggesting a community with traditional values and a quieter pace of life. Despite these differences, both cities offer comparable bikeability, indicating a growing trend towards sustainable urban transportation.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
1. Beaverdale: Known for its charming brick homes and a strong sense of community, Beaverdale offers numerous parks and pet-friendly events making it an ideal place for you and your furry friend.
2. East Village: This eclectic area is not only rich in culture and shopping but also boasts several pet-friendly restaurants and shops, including East Village Pet Hospital for your pet's health needs.
3. Gray's Lake Park area: While not a neighborhood per se, the area around Gray's Lake Park is highly popular among pet owners for its spacious park, perfect for long walks, and the nearby residential areas offer a welcoming community for pet owners.
Austin vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA, understanding the weather differences plays a crucial part in ensuring a smooth transition. This comparison aims to highlight the variations in climate and weather conditions you should expect, focusing on Austin and Des Moines.
Austin, TX
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Austin, TX
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Austin, TX
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Austin, TX
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Austin | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Heatwaves, floods | Tornados, blizzards |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Transitioning from Austin's relatively warm climate to Des Moines' distinct seasons will be a considerable change. In Des Moines, you'll experience a true winter, complete with snowfall averaging 36 inches annually, a stark difference from Austin's minimal snow. Additionally, while Austin summers are hotter, Des Moines offers a more temperate version but with a slightly higher humidity level. Understanding these differences will help you plan for seasonal activities and wardrobe changes, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new home's weather.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Austin to Des Moines
Moving from one city to another drastically changes your cost of living. If you're transitioning from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to compare the financial aspects of each city. This comparison will highlight how money and finance matters differ between Austin and Des Moines, setting the stage for a smoother adaptation to your new home.
| Comparison | Austin | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,542 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.5 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | Up to 8.98% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.25 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Education | Finance, Insurance, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Low |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
When considering a move from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA, you'll notice a significant difference in the cost of living index, with Des Moines being more affordable. This is largely due to housing costs, which play a considerable role in the overall cost of living. Despite this difference, both cities have moderately affluent populations with low levels of poverty. However, the state income tax in Iowa could be an adjustment if you're coming from Texas, which has no state income tax. Additionally, the primary industries in Des Moines lean heavily towards finance and insurance, which could offer new employment opportunities or necessitate a career pivot for some Austin transplants.
Austin vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
When making the move from Austin, TX, to Des Moines, IA, it's beneficial to understand the community you'll be joining. This quick guide provides an overview of the politics between Austin & Des Moines and highlights the religious landscape, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the residents in these cities.
| Austin | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Moderate to Liberal |
| Local Politics | Democratic-leaning | Democratic-leaning |
| Religion | Diverse; Secular leanings | Diverse; Slightly more traditional |
In both Austin and Des Moines, the political landscape tends toward Democratic leanings in local elections, reflective of a moderate to liberal population. This shared political perspective could make your transition smoother, finding common ground in community and civic engagement. However, the religious texture of the two cities unveils subtle differences; Austin's residents display a broader embrace of secular viewpoints, while Des Moines offers a slightly more traditional religious environment. This diversity in belief systems enriches the cultural fabric of each city, ensuring you'll find both vibrant and community-oriented places to explore your spiritual and civic interests.
Austin vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Austin, TX to Des Moines, IA requires understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options. This comparison aims to prepare you for what to expect in your daily commute and navigate the streets efficiently. By knowing these differences, you can plan your lifestyle choices and transportation needs in your new city.
| Comparison | Austin | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Difficult |
Moving to Des Moines from Austin, you’ll be pleased to find a significant reduction in average commute time and much less traffic congestion. Though both cities have their challenges with public transit, Austin offers slightly more options, making it somewhat more feasible to get by without a car, though still challenging. In Des Moines, while the public transit system is available, the less dense nature of the city makes owning a car more of a necessity for convenience and broader access. Additionally, the lower traffic congestion in Des Moines may lead to a more relaxed commuting experience, allowing you more leisure or productivity in your day.
Popular Austin, TX to Iowa Moving Routes
