Moving from Virginia to Arizona?

6 Best VA to AZ Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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VA to AZ Moving Specialists

Moving from Virginia to Arizona represents not just a change of scenery, but an exciting adventure in your life, teeming with new opportunities. Leaving behind the historic landscapes and rich traditions of the Old Dominion for the stunning deserts and vibrant culture of the Grand Canyon State marks a significant shift. In this journey, the importance of entrusting your move to reliable and trusted professionals cannot be overstressed, ensuring that every aspect of your long-distance move is managed with precision and care.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Arizona to Virginia guide.

6 Best Virginia to Arizona Movers

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

#1
Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 2,279+ data points

Phoenix, AZ
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3006713 Verify

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>

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#2
ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,704+ data points

Herndon, VA
Local Moving (Residential Moving), Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving), Office Moving (Commercial Moving) See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT: 3260258 Verify

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 >>

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#3
A
Exceptional

based on 925+ data points

Hopewell, VA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Residential Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 1293943 Verify

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 >>

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#4
Matthew's Nationwide Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,392+ data points

Annandale, VA
Local Moving Services, Nationwide Moving Services, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2375124 Verify

About Matthew's Nationwide Moving

Matthew's Nationwide Moving is a family-owned and operated company founded in 2012 in Annandale, Virginia. With over 20 seasoned moving cont...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in edinburg 2023 matthews nationwide moving image
#5
STAR Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 609+ data points

Williamsburg, VA
Residential Home and Apartment Moving, Labor Only Moves / Loading / Unloading, Commercial Business Relocation Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/12/2024)

USDOT: 830931 Verify

About STAR Movers

STAR Movers prides itself on being a non-franchise moving company. It is not associated with any nationwide moving chain, which makes it mor...Read More >>

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#6
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional

based on 991+ data points

Peoria, AZ
Long Distance Moves, Local Moves, Business Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT: 3656946 Verify

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Arizona

Moving across the country can be a monumental decision, and understanding the benefits and downsides is crucial. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Virginia to Arizona , helping you weigh your options carefully and make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Higher humidity
  • Colder winters
  • Less scenic deserts
  • Fewer national parks
Arizona iconArizona
  • Dryer climate
  • Milder winters
  • Vast desert landscapes
  • More national parks
Arizona iconArizona
  • Less historical sites
  • Less seasonal variety
  • Less vegetation
  • No coastline
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich history
  • Diverse seasons
  • Lush greenery
  • Proximity to coast

Arizona's vast desert landscapes and its plethora of national parks, such as the Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Park, offer breathtaking sights and outdoor activities that are hard to find in Virginia's more temperate and forested environment. On the other hand, Virginia, with its rich historical sites like Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello, provides a unique glimpse into America’s past not as prevalently highlighted in Arizona. While Virginia’s lush greenery and proximity to the Atlantic coast offer diverse outdoor experiences from the beaches to the mountains, Arizona counters with a unique desert beauty, highlighted by cities like Sedona and Phoenix which offer vibrant restaurant scenes and cultural attractions like the Heard Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Virginia to Arizona

Understanding the essence of local cuisine is crucial when relocating, as food significantly shapes the cultural scene and daily life experience. In this regard, we are conducting a comparison of the local cuisine between Virginia & Arizona to better acquaint you with the culinary landscape of your new home.

VirginiaArizona

Most iconic local food item

HamSonoran Hot Dog

Most popular meat dish

BBQ Pulled PorkCarne Asada

Most popular street food item

Oyster Po'BoyTacos

Most popular vegan food

Plant-Based BarbecueCactus Salad

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Llanerito
  • Lee Dynasty
  • El Charro Café
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • The Mission

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

68

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

78

In Virginia, the culinary scene is rich with traditional Southern comfort foods like ham and BBQ pulled pork, often found in historic towns like Richmond and Williamsburg. In contrast, Arizona boasts a vibrant mix of Mexican-inspired dishes such as the Sonoran Hot Dog and carne asada, with a strong presence of these flavors in cities like Tucson and Phoenix. Arizona's food scene, particularly in downtown Phoenix and Tucson, is renowned for its innovation and diversity, offering foodies an expansive range of experiences from street food to high-end cuisine. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Virginia or the desert landscapes of Arizona, you'll find the local cuisine reflects the unique character and history of each state.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Virginia to Arizona

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of Virginia and Arizona is crucial. Understanding the differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle can help you make an informed decision on where to settle. Let's dive into how these states stack up against each other.

In comparing Virginia and Arizona, it's not just about the numbers; consider the lifestyle each state supports. Virginia's wealth of Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes cater to those appreciating historical architecture and green, lush landscapes. Consider exploring areas like Old Town Alexandria for a sense of Virginia's charm. On the other hand, Arizona's Pueblo and Spanish Revival designs reflect its deep cultural heritage and adapt well to the desert environment. For those who prioritize outdoor living and unique, drought-resistant landscaping, places like Phoenix could be more appealing. Each state offers a distinct way of life from urban amenities in Virginia to Arizona's outdoor-centric living—think about what suits you best.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Virginia to Arizona

Moving from one location to another requires adaptation, especially when the climates differ as significantly as they do between Virginia and Arizona. Understanding the weather comparison between Virginia and Arizona will help you prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
85-66°F

Virginia

104-81°F

Arizona

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48-29°F

Virginia

67-46°F

Arizona

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44"

Virginia

13"

Arizona

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
14"

Virginia

0.3"

Arizona

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

In moving from Virginia to Arizona, you'll find yourself transitioning from a humid subtropical climate to an arid desert climate. This shift means you'll enjoy more sunny days but also face higher summer temperatures and significantly lower humidity levels in Arizona. While Virginia experiences a fair balance of rain throughout the year contributing to lush landscapes, Arizona's scant annual rainfall emphasizes the importance of water conservation in its arid regions. Additionally, the higher UV index in Arizona underlines the necessity for sun protection year-round.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, considering the financial implications is crucial. This comparison between Virginia and Arizona offers insight into how the cost of living, taxes, and economic opportunities could impact your budget and lifestyle.

While Virginia boasts a higher average household income and is considered significantly affluent, your dollar might stretch further in Arizona due to its lower cost of living. However, Arizona's higher sales tax could offset some of these savings. The difference in state income tax rates, property taxes, and the primary industries that drive each state's economy are also key factors to consider. If your career is in technology or government, Virginia might be more lucrative, while opportunities in manufacturing and tourism could draw you to Arizona. Understanding your priorities will help you navigate these financial landscapes.

Political & Religious Comparison between Virginia and Arizona

This brief comparison offers you a quick glance at the comparison of the politics between Virginia & Arizona as well as the religious landscape. It's designed to provide a snapshot of the characteristics of the population in each state, helping you understand the communities you're moving from and to.

VirginiaArizona

Political Make-up

Swing state with a mix of Democratic and Republican areasLargely considered a swing state as of recent elections

Local Politics

Variety in liberal and conservative local governmentsMix of conservative strongholds and liberal areas, particularly around cities like Phoenix

Religion

Christianity is predominant, with Protestant and Catholic communitiesDiverse religious landscape with Christianity being the largest, followed by non-Christian faiths

In both Virginia and Arizona, the political makeup is diverse, with each state having both conservative and liberal areas that can significantly influence local politics and, by extension, daily life. Virginia, with its historical significance and proximity to the nation’s capital, presents a unique mix of political views that can change from one neighborhood to the next. Arizona, traditionally known for its conservative roots, has seen a shift towards becoming a battleground state, with urban areas like Phoenix cultivating a more liberal stance. When it comes to religion, both states showcase a predominantly Christian population, but Arizona offers a slightly more diverse religious composition, including larger communities of non-Christian faiths. This diversity is something to consider as you move, as it shapes the cultural and social environment of your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Arizona

When planning a move from Virginia to Arizona, understanding the educational landscape is crucial for families. This guide aims to compare the educational options in Virginia and Arizona, offering insight into where your child might thrive the most. Let's look at the top schools and districts to make your decision easier.

VirginiaArizona

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Virginia
College of William & Mary
Virginia Tech
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
Northern Arizona University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington)
Stenwood Elementary School (Vienna)
Westbriar Elementary School (Vienna)
Basis Scottsdale Primary East Campus (Scottsdale)
Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler)
Archway Classical Academy Veritas (Phoenix)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church)
Henley Middle School (Crozet)
Frost Middle School (Fairfax)
Basis Chandler (Chandler)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Basis Peoria (Peoria)

Top 3 High Schools

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
McLean High School (McLean)
Langley High School (McLean)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Tucson North (Tucson)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)

Top 3 private high schools

The Madeira School (McLean)
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (Alexandria)
The Potomac School (McLean)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Langley School (McLean)
Flint Hill School (Oakton)
Virginia Academy (Ashburn)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Green Fields School (Tucson)

Top 3 School Districts

Falls Church City Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools
Scottsdale Unified School District
Catalina Foothills Unified District
Chandler Unified School District

In comparing these educational options, several points stand out. Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, located in Alexandria, is often ranked as one of the best high schools nationally, focusing extensively on science and technology. In contrast, Arizona boasts the highly acclaimed Basis Scottsdale, known for its rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students exceptionally well for college. Private school options also show distinct choices, with Virginia's The Madeira School and Arizona's Brophy College Preparatory highlighting the diverse educational landscapes. These comparisons demonstrate how each state offers unique opportunities that cater to a wide range of academic interests and needs.

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