Best San Antonio to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Antonio to Des Moines Movers

Moving from the historic allure of San Antonio, TX, to the vibrant community of Des Moines, IA, marks the start of a thrilling adventure in your life. You're leaving behind the Texan sun, famous Alamo, and mouth-watering barbecue for Des Moines' seasonal festivals, stunning skyline, and welcoming neighborhoods. Understanding the significance of this journey, we stress the importance of entrusting your move to trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring a smooth transition to your new beginning.

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Best San Antonio to Des Moines Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC9.56NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.53A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Little Guys Movers9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Move Logistics Inc.9.24A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Best Move Inc9.23A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to San Antonio guide.

5 Best San Antonio to Des Moines Moving Companies

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

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 2,238+ data points

About New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC was established in 2014, after its founder and owner had acquired over 15 years of experience in the indus...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Statewide Moving
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2992735 / 1117672

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans0
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved35,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional9.53/10
based on 956+ data points

About Adamantine Spine Moving

With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Little Guys Movers Logo
Exceptional9.26/10
based on 890+ data points

About Little Guys Movers

Little Guys Movers is a franchised nationwide moving company operating in eight states, including Texas. It has a location in San Marcos, on...Read More >>

Services

  • LONG DISTANCE MOVING
  • LOCAL MOVING
  • COMMERCIAL MOVING

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/7/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

880583 / 689082

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans52
Registered Drivers80
Total Annual Miles Moved667,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Move Logistics Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.24/10
based on 1,322+ data points

About Move Logistics Inc.

This family-owned moving company was founded on the values of professionalism, service, and high standards. Move Logistics performs both res...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Interstate Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2295112 / 919701

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved54,850 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional9.23/10
based on 520+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

749231 / 376435

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,976 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison

Whether you're relocating for a new job or simply in search of a change, getting to know your new city can be challenging. This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with Des Moines, IA, by drawing parallels to what you know and love about San Antonio, TX. We'll provide a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Antonio, TX & Des Moines, IA, pinpointing the Des Moines neighborhoods that mirror your San Antonio favorites, making the transition feel like a breeze.

San AntonioDes MoinesHow They're Similar
Alamo HeightsSouth of GrandHistoric homes, green spaces
Stone OakWaveland ParkFamily-friendly, great parks
The PearlEast VillageTrendy shops, vibrant nightlife
Leon ValleyBeaverdaleResidential with a strong community feel
Monte VistaDrakeHistoric charm, university vibe
DowntownDowntown Des MoinesUrban living, cultural attractions
Terrell HillsWaterburyUpscale, architecturally diverse
King WilliamSherman HillHistoric district, close-knit community
La CanteraJordan CreekUpscale shopping, dining options
HelotesUrbandaleQuiet, suburban feel

When you move from San Antonio to Des Moines, finding a neighborhood that feels like home is crucial. For example, if you've enjoyed the blend of historic charm and modern conveniences in Alamo Heights, South of Grand in Des Moines will likely appeal to you with its lovely historic homes and spacious greenery. Similarly, The Pearl's eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, dining, and cultural hotspots finds a counterpart in Des Moines's East Village, where the blend of old and new creates a vibrant, artsy atmosphere. Or, for those who love the family-oriented and outdoor-friendly vibe of Stone Oak, Waveland Park offers an array of parks and recreational opportunities, perfect for active families. By identifying neighborhoods that share similar characteristics, you can ease the transition and quickly feel at home in your new community.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Antonio to Des Moines

Moving can be a complex decision that requires weighing various factors carefully. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of both the good and the bad aspects of relocating from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA . By comparing the cons and pros in a visual format, we hope to provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about this life-changing move.

CONs
PROs
San Antonio, TX iconSan Antonio, TX
  • Hot summers
  • Lower walkability
  • Less green space
  • Larger population
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Milder summers
  • More walkable
  • More parks
  • Smaller community
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Fewer historic sites
  • Smaller food scene
  • Lesser events
San Antonio, TX iconSan Antonio, TX
  • Vibrant culture
  • Rich history
  • Diverse food scene
  • Year-round events

When considering the move from San Antonio to Des Moines, there's a lot to think about. San Antonio is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, highlighted by landmarks such as The Alamo and the bustling River Walk lined with exquisite dining options. In contrast, Des Moines offers a more serene lifestyle with access to numerous parks like Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and a smaller, yet close-knit community. While Des Moines might not have the same breadth of food and entertainment options, places like East Village offer unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The choice between these two cities ultimately depends on your priorities — whether it's the lively beat of a large city or the calm of a smaller town with room to breathe.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Food Guide

Food is a significant aspect of local culture and what living in an area is like. In this guide, we'll delve into the culinary experiences, providing a comparison of the local cuisine between San Antonio & Des Moines . This will help you get a taste of what to expect and where your next favorite meal might come from as you plan your move.

San AntonioDes Moines
Most iconic local food itemTexas BBQ BrisketIowa Pork Tenderloin
Most popular meat dishCarne GuisadaSmoked Pork Loin
Most popular street food itemTacosElote (Mexican Street Corn)
Most popular vegan foodTex-Mex Quinoa SaladVegan Sweet Corn Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • The Granary
    • Mi Tierra Café y Panadería
    • Bliss
    • Smokey D's BBQ
    • Tursi's Latin King
    • Zombie Burger
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Antonio, the culinary landscape is rich with flavors reflecting its deep-rooted Hispanic heritage, with tacos being a ubiquitous delight found throughout the city, especially in vibrant neighborhoods like the Pearl District. In contrast, Des Moines showcases its agricultural prowess with dishes such as the Iowa Pork Tenderloin, celebrated in establishments like Smokey D's BBQ. This city's food scene is warmly embracing vegan options, with inventive dishes like Vegan Sweet Corn Soup popping up in menus. Both cities offer a unique taste of local culture, promising an exciting gastronomic journey as you settle into your new home.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between San Antonio, TX, and Des Moines, IA will guide you in discovering your next favorite eatery, drawing parallels from what you know and love.

San AntonioDes MoinesWhat You'll Love
Biga on the BanksTable 128Creative New American cuisine
CuredProofKnown for inventive dishes and quality meats
La PanaderíaLa Mie BakeryBoth celebrate the art of bread-making
BotikaAroi ThaiOffering vibrant Asian fusion options
2M SmokehouseSmoky D's BBQRenowned for smoked meats and homestyle sides
Rosario's Mexican Cafe Y CantinaEl Bait ShopKnown for a wide beer selection and hearty Mexican food
Pho Kim LongPho 515Authentic Vietnamese dishes that warm the soul
Hot JoyFong's PizzaAdventurous toppings in a playful setting
Mi Tierra Café y PanaderíaGusto Pizza Co.Unique flavors that bring people together
The LuxuryZombie Burger+Drink LabBoth offer a unique take on casual dining

Embarking on a culinary journey in a new city can be both exciting and comforting, especially when you find places reminiscent of your old favorites. For instance, if La Panadería held a special place in your heart for morning pastries and coffee in San Antonio, La Mie Bakery in Des Moines welcomes you with similar warmth and a passion for baked goods. Similarly, the leap from 2M Smokehouse's Texas-sized portions and flavors to Smoky D's BBQ in Des Moines is smaller than you'd think, with both spots priding themselves on their expertly smoked meats and friendly, casual atmospheres. It's finding these parallels that can turn the daunting task of settling into a new city into an adventure filled with delicious discoveries.

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Ready to start your move?

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial element to consider when planning a move. Understanding how the housing market, from costs to community features, compares between San Antonio, TX, and Des Moines, IA is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to provide clarity on your potential new home.

ComparisonSan AntonioDes Moines
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish ColonialCraftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor spaces, luxury kitchensEnergy efficiency, spacious yards

When comparing the real estate landscapes of San Antonio and Des Moines, several factors stand out. San Antonio's real estate market features homes with Spanish Colonial architecture, an aesthetic deeply rooted in the city's history. However, the median home price is slightly higher than in Des Moines, where Craftsman-style homes dominate the market, offering spacious yards and a focus on energy efficiency—a growing trend in home preferences. Moreover, Des Moines presents a more walkable and bikeable environment, which could be appealing if you prefer a lifestyle with less reliance on a car. While San Antonio offers a robust urban feel with its outdoor spaces and luxury kitchens, Des Moines counters with its slightly more appealing urban lifestyle score, reflecting its community-centric atmosphere.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another means adapting to new environments, and weather plays a significant role in this transition. Understanding how the weather in San Antonio compares to Des Moines will help you prepare for the changes you'll face in your new home.

Summer icon
94°F / 75°F

San Antonio, TX

86°F / 65°F

Des Moines, IA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
62°F / 40°F

San Antonio, TX

31°F / 14°F

Des Moines, IA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
32.9"

San Antonio, TX

36."

Des Moines, IA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Antonio, TX

33.8"

Des Moines, IA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan AntonioDes Moines
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHeatwaves, hurricanesTornadoes, severe snowstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both San Antonio and Des Moines enjoy a fair amount of sunshine throughout the year, the type and severity of natural disasters they experience differ significantly. Moving from San Antonio's heatwaves and occasional hurricanes to Des Moines' tornadoes and harsh snowstorms will require a considerable adjustment. Additionally, the significant difference in winter temperatures, with Des Moines experiencing much colder winters, means you'll have to prepare with proper clothing and perhaps adjust your home heating solutions. The variation in air quality and top seasonal allergies between these cities is also something to keep in mind as it may affect your daily comfort and health.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Antonio to Des Moines

If you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and general financial atmosphere between San Antonio and Des Moines will compare with what you're accustomed to. This understanding will help ensure a smoother transition and better financial planning.

ComparisonSan AntonioDes Moines
Avg. Household Income$54,923$60,693
Cost of Living Index95.790.9
State Income Tax0% (Texas has no state income tax)Up to 8.53%
Avg. Property Tax1.94%1.56%
Avg. Sales Tax8.25%7%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Tourism, Aerospace/DefenseInsurance, Financial Services, Advanced Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHigher than averageLower than average
HomelessnessNotableLess prevalent

San Antonio offers a unique financial landscape with no state income tax, which can be particularly appealing if you're aiming to maximize your earnings. However, it does have a higher cost of living index and property taxes when compared to Des Moines. On the flip side, Des Moines boasts a lower cost of living and is notable for its affluence, attributed mainly to its robust insurance and financial services industries. Despite the appealing average household income in Des Moines, it's essential to consider the state's income tax, which could offset some financial benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for budgeting and lifestyle planning in your new city.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison

If you're planning a move from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA, understanding the comparison of the politics between San Antonio & Des Moines alongside the religious landscape can offer significant insights into the community you're about to join. This quick snapshot aims to provide a clearer picture of what to expect.

San AntonioDes Moines
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsActive participation in city and county levelHigh engagement in local elections and policies
ReligionMajority Christian, with a significant Catholic demographic Archdiocese of San AntonioPrimarily Christian, diverse denominations with a strong presence of Evangelical Protestants Diocese of Des Moines

When moving from San Antonio to Des Moines, you'll find that both cities share a tendency to lean towards Democratic values in their political makeup, ensuring a somewhat familiar political environment. San Antonio shows a vibrant engagement in both city and county-level politics, a trait also mirrored in Des Moines, albeit with a unique focus on local elections and policy developments. Religion plays a central role in both cities; however, the primary denomination shifts from a strong Catholic presence in San Antonio to a more varied Christian demographic in Des Moines, including a notable number of Evangelical Protestants. This transition may influence your experience, offering new community engagements and perspectives.

San Antonio vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA brings a variety of changes, especially when it comes to daily commutes. This guide aims to help you better understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities, ensuring a smoother transition.

ComparisonSan AntonioDes Moines
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2419
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?ChallengingMore feasible

The transition from the bustling streets of San Antonio to the more laid-back atmosphere of Des Moines will be noticeable, especially during rush hour. San Antonio's average commute time is a few minutes longer than in Des Moines, highlighting the larger city's denser traffic scenarios. Although both cities offer public transportation options, your dependency on a car might change significantly. In San Antonio, getting by without a car can be challenging due to the city's sprawling nature and less frequent public transit services. On the other hand, Des Moines offers a slightly more compact urban environment, making it relatively easier for residents to rely on public transportation or even consider commuting by bike or on foot for shorter distances.

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