Best Virginia to DC Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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VA to DC Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state is not just a change of address; it's the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life. As you bid farewell to Virginia's historic landscapes and warm Southern hospitality, you're stepping into the vibrant, pulsating heart of DC, a place known for its rich political tapestry and diverse cultural scene. Understanding the importance of this transition, we emphasize the necessity of choosing trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure that your journey from the Old Dominion to the Nation's Capital is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Virginia iconArrow iconDC icon

Best Virginia to DC Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
ARS Movers9.63A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Mic's Moving9.59NRAuthorized For HHGContact
A Change of Place Movers9.58NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Matthew's Nationwide Moving9.48NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
TrueMover, LLC.9.46NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from DC to Virginia guide.

6 Best VA to DC Moving Companies

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

ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,704+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
3
A
Exceptional9.58/10
based on 925+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1293943 / 503371

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved290,815 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Matthew's Nationwide Moving Logo
Exceptional9.48/10
based on 1,392+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Nationwide Moving Services
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2375124 / 819110

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved400,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
TrueMover, LLC. Logo
Exceptional9.46/10
based on 790+ data points

About TrueMover, LLC.

TrueMover, LLC, founded in 2016 by Robert Murphy and Chris Gibson, is a moving company based in Sterling, VA. They are dedicated to providin...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2862283 / 959205

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
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 Virginia to DC

Moving from one place to another comes with its set of challenges and rewards. In this guide, we aim to give you an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Virginia to DC. Our comparison charts will help you weigh the cons of living in Virginia against the pros of moving to DC, and vice versa, providing a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

CONs
PROs
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Higher vehicle taxes
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Suburban sprawl
  • Lower diversity
  • Quieter nightlife
DC iconDC
  • Better public transit
  • Greater career prospects
  • Urban environment
  • Higher cultural diversity
  • Livelier nightlife
DC iconDC
  • Less greenery
  • Higher living costs
  • Heavier traffic
  • Higher crime rates
  • More impersonal
Virginia iconVirginia
  • More green spaces
  • Affordable housing
  • Better traffic conditions
  • Lower crime rate
  • Community feel

While the charts above succinctly outline the practical aspects of moving from Virginia to DC, it's the subtleties of daily life that truly define an experience. Washington DC's vibrant city life means being minutes away from some of the nation's most significant landmarks and museums, such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum or having a picnic at the National Mall. The city's dining scene is equally impressive, offering a variety of international cuisines courtesy of establishments like Zaytinya for Mediterranean fare or the celebrated Rosa's Thai Cafe. On the other hand, Virginia's suburbs, such as Arlington and Alexandria, offer quieter, family-friendly neighborhoods with access to excellent parks like Potomac Overlook Regional Park, providing a balance between urban and natural environments. Such contrasts highlight the importance of considering lifestyle preferences when planning your move.

Virginia vs. DC Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Virginia & DC is crucial because food is a pivotal aspect of local culture and living experience. Through this comparison, we aim to enrich your understanding of the culinary scene in your new home.

VirginiaDC
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishBBQMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemPeanutsFood Trucks
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlVegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Zynodoa
  • L’Auberge Chez François
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Virginia, the historical significance of Virginia Ham ties closely to its culinary roots, synonymous with Southern cooking and hospitality. Barbecue, particularly with a focus on pork, serves as a staple comfort food, widely available from upscale dining to roadside stands. On the other hand, DC's diverse culinary scene shines with its iconic Half-Smoke, best enjoyed at local favorite Ben's Chili Bowl. The urban environment of DC fosters a robust food truck culture, offering a variety of street food that caters to every palate, including an increasing demand for vegan options. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Alexandria, Virginia, or the bustling avenues of Washington, DC, the richness of each location's food scene offers something unique, mirroring the diverse cultural tapestry of the area.

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Virginia vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, understanding the housing market differences between Virginia and DC is crucial. This comparison provides insights on cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonVirginiaDC
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodVictorian, Row Houses
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Quiet neighborhoodsProximity to metro, Vibrant nightlife

While Virginia offers more affordable housing options with its median home price and rent well below DC's, the lifestyle between the two vastly differs. In DC, the higher cost of living is offset by the convenience of a highly walkable environment, rich in history and culture, such as the Smithsonian Museums and the U.S. Capitol. DC's bikeability and walkability scores are significantly higher, reflecting its urban planning that encourages less reliance on cars. On the other hand, Virginia's typical Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes with spacious yards cater to those seeking a quieter, more suburban lifestyle. This comparison highlights the trade-offs between cost, lifestyle, and urban convenience when considering a move from Virginia to DC.

Virginia vs. DC Weather Considerations

Moving from Virginia to DC means adapting to a new environment. It's important to understand how the weather varies between these areas to anticipate changes. This comparison aims to shed light on the weather differences between Virginia and DC, helping you adapt seamlessly to your new home.

Summer icon
86/66

Virginia

87/71

DC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48/29

Virginia

47/30

DC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44

Virginia

40

DC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
20

Virginia

15

DC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonVirginiaDC
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersStorms, FloodsStorms, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Virginia and DC share similar weather patterns, slight differences exist in their climates. DC experiences a bit higher temperatures during summer nights and less snowfall annually, which might influence your wardrobe and activities. Moreover, the slight difference in annual humidity levels and air quality between Virginia and DC can impact comfort and health, particularly for individuals sensitive to air pollutants and humidity. Understanding these nuances will help you better prepare for your relocation.

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

When contemplating a move from Virginia to DC, it's critical to grasp the financial landscape you're entering. Understanding the cost of living, taxation, and economic conditions between Virginia and DC ensures you're well-prepared for this significant change. This comparison sheds light on what to anticipate financially in your new home.

ComparisonVirginiaDC
Avg. Household Income$85,873$101,027
Cost of Living Index96.6140.1
State Income Tax2% - 5.75%4% - 8.95%
Avg. Property Tax0.80%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax5.3%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Government, HealthcareGovernment, Education, Professional Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher

The table above indicates that while moving from Virginia to DC might increase your average household income, it comes with a steeper cost of living. The cost of living in DC is notably higher than in Virginia, reflecting in almost every category from housing to daily expenses. Taxes in DC are also generally higher, which is crucial to consider for budgeting purposes. Despite these financial shifts, DC's vibrant economic environment, spearheaded by government, education, and professional services, offers unique career and growth opportunities not as prevalent in Virginia. Understanding these financial and economic contrasts can significantly aid in making an informed decision when contemplating this move.

Virginia vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick comparison of the politics between Virginia & DC , giving you a glimpse into the political and religious fiber that weaves the social fabric of the places you're moving from and to. Understanding these variances can help in navigating your new environment more seamlessly.

VirginiaDC
Political Make-upModerately conservative, with pockets of liberal influence, especially in Northern Virginia and urban areas.Strongly liberal, with a significant majority of voters supporting Democratic candidates.
Local PoliticsDiverse, with a mix of Republican and Democratic leadership depending on the region.Heavily Democratic, with local politics focusing on urban issues, governance, and federal-government relations.
ReligionMix of Protestant, Catholic, and other faiths, reflective of its diverse population.Varied, with a significant number of non-religious residents alongside Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish communities.

When moving from Virginia to DC, you'll notice a shift from a more moderate political environment to a distinctly liberal one, especially in terms of local governance and public policy priorities. Your new neighborhood in DC will likely demonstrate a strong engagement in federal and local politics, a contrast to Virginia's varied political landscapes. Religiously, both Virginia and DC host diverse communities, yet DC stands out for its higher proportion of non-religious residents. This diversity in beliefs and political outlooks adds to the unique character of your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to DC

Moving from Virginia to DC offers new opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to education. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Virginia and DC , this guide compares key educational aspects. This will assist you in making informed decisions for you and your family.

VirginiaDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
College of William & Mary
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Arlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary
Vienna; Colvin Run Elementary
Vienna
Lafayette Elementary School
Washington; Mann Elementary School
Washington; Janney Elementary School
Washington

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Cooper Middle School
McLean; Frost Middle School
Fairfax
Deal Middle School
Washington; Hardy Middle School
Washington; Eliot-Hine Middle School
Washington

Top 3 High Schools

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean
School Without Walls High School
Washington; Banneker High School
Washington; Wilson High School
Washington

Top 3 private high schools

The Madeira School
McLean; St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Alexandria; Episcopal High School
Alexandria
Sidwell Friends School
Washington; Georgetown Day School
Washington; St. Albans School
Washington

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Potomac School
McLean; Flint Hill School
Oakton; The Langley School
McLean
Maret School
Washington; National Cathedral School
Washington; Sidwell Friends School
Washington

Top 3 School Districts

Fairfax County Public Schools; Loudoun County Public Schools; Arlington Public SchoolsDistrict of Columbia Public Schools

While comparing schools in Virginia and DC, it's clear each offers exceptional education opportunities but with distinct characteristics. Virginia is renowned for its top-rated public high schools like Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, known nationally for its STEM focus, and its comprehensive public school districts. Meanwhile, Washington, DC boasts prestigious private schools such as Sidwell Friends and specialized public schools like School Without Walls, highlighting the city's focus on diverse educational environments. Both Virginia and DC have schools that frequently send graduates to top colleges, emphasizing their commitment to high academic standards.

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