Best Virginia Beach to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the coastal charm of Virginia Beach, VA, to the heartland hustle of Des Moines, IA, signifies a thrilling chapter in your life. You're trading the Beach's oceanfront serenity and military presence for Des Moines' rich agricultural roots and vibrant cultural scene. Considering the distance and the life-changing nature of this move, it's crucial to secure trusted and reliable professionals. We at Great Guys Moving ensure your treasured belongings make the journey safely, using our unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers for this significant transition.
Best Virginia Beach to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Marathon Moving Services | 9.27 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.23 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Prime Movers USA | 9.07 | NR | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| A Friendly & Affordable Mover | 8.23 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Virginia Beach guide.
5 Best Virginia Beach to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
This listing has been claimed by Marathon Moving ServicesAbout Marathon Moving Services
Are you looking for an independently-owned moving company that provides affordable and reliable moving services in Virginia Beach? Marathon ...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Packing & Delivery
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 Prime Movers USA
Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Prime Movers offers premium moving services at unmatched prices. Founded in 2015, it takes pride in its highly-...Read More >>
Services
- Local moves (within 50 miles)
- Long distance moves (over 50 miles)
- Packing/unpacking services
This listing has been claimed by A Friendly & Affordable MoverAbout A Friendly & Affordable Mover
A Friendly and Affordable Mover is a locally-owned moving company in Virginia Beach, VA. Founded in 1989, this company is one of the most ex...Read More >>
Services
- Local and long-distance professional moving services
- Free in-home estimates
- Loading and unloading services for rental trucks, storage areas, and PODS
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.
Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can feel overwhelming, especially when you're heading to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we're offering a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. By comparing Virginia Beach, VA & Des Moines, IA local neighborhoods , we aim to connect you with areas that share the vibes, amenities, and community feel you've grown fond of. This guide is your first step towards feeling at home in Des Moines.
| Virginia Beach | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Town Center | East Village | Bustling urban area with shopping |
| Sandbridge | Waterbury | Quiet, family-friendly with nature |
| Great Neck | Beaverdale | Well-established with strong community sense |
| Bay Colony | South of Grand | Historic homes, leafy streets |
| Alanton | Sherman Hill | Historic with architectural diversity |
| Chics Beach | Gray's Lake | Recreational area, near water |
| Kempsville | Windsor Heights | Suburban feel, family-friendly |
| Pungo | Drake | Lively student area, local vibe |
| Oceanfront | Ingersoll Avenue | Vibrant nightlife, dining |
| Croatan Beach | Johnston | Upscale, peaceful living |
For those who cherish the diverse offerings of Town Center in Virginia Beach, with its mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, Des Moines' East Village will surely resonate, featuring a lively urban atmosphere and plenty of local boutiques and eateries like RAYGUN, known for its unique gifts and clothing. If the quieter, nature-focused lifestyle of Sandbridge speaks to you, Waterbury in Des Moines provides a serene, family-oriented community with beautiful parks and playgrounds, ideal for those weekend family outings. And for the history enthusiasts drawn to the charm of Alanton's homes, Sherman Hill offers a collection of well-preserved architectural wonders, setting the scene for a neighborhood steeped in heritage and community spirit.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines
Moving from one city to another is a big decision that requires weighing the good against the not-so-good. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of relocating from Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA, helping you balance between what you might miss and what you can gain. With these charts, we hope to make your decision a bit easier.
Virginia Beach, VA- Higher humidity
- More expensive living
- Beach lifestyle
- Traffic congestion
- Limited cultural mix
Des Moines, IA- Lower humidity
- Lower cost of living
- Four distinct seasons
- Less traffic
- Diverse cultural experiences
Des Moines, IA- No beaches
- Colder winters
- Quieter night life
- Less seafood variety
- No naval base
Virginia Beach, VA- Beach access
- Milder winters
- Vibrant night life
- Seafood cuisine
- Naval base presence
While Virginia Beach presents a unique coastal living experience with easy beach access and a vibrant nightlife, including spots like Neptune's Restaurant alongside the famous boardwalk, Des Moines offers a different charm. Its four distinct seasons bring a variety of outdoor activities - from the colorful fall at the Des Moines Botanical Garden to summer festivals like the Des Moines Arts Festival. The transition might mean saying goodbye to seafood feasts by the ocean and warm winters but welcoming a cost-effective lifestyle, less traffic, and diverse cultural experiences, including indulging in the local cuisine at Le Mone Tree or exploring the historical sights at The Iowa State Historical Museum. It's about exchanging one set of benefits for another, potentially finding a new kind of happiness in the process.
Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Virginia Beach & Des Moines to illustrate how food plays a pivotal role in the cultural landscape and living experience of a place. Understanding the unique flavors and dining scenes of both locations can help you feel more at home in your new city.
| Virginia Beach | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Seafood (Specifically crab) | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | Grilled Pork Chops |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Walking Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Seitan Steak |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Virginia Beach's culinary landscape is heavily influenced by its coastal location, offering an abundance of fresh seafood. Locals and visitors alike flock to neighborhoods like the Oceanfront to sample delicacies like crab dishes at Chick's Oyster Bar. On the other hand, Des Moines boasts a robust agricultural backdrop, making the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich a must-try for newcomers, especially at local favorites like Centro. Both cities embrace their local food scenes with enthusiasm, evident through the array of food trucks and vegan options spreading across town, reflecting the growing health consciousness among their populations.
Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Finding your new favorite diner or a cozy brunch spot can truly make a new city feel like home. This guide draws a delicious parallel between the culinary scenes of Virginia Beach and Des Moines, allowing you to find a comparable eatery in your new locale from Virginia Beach to Des Moines effortlessly.
| Virginia Beach | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Waterman's Surfside Grille | Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. | Both offer a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on local cuisine. |
| Leaping Lizard Cafe | HoQ | Both highlight farm-to-table dining experiences featuring local ingredients. |
| Tautogs Restaurant | Jethro’s BBQ | Both have a cozy, homey feel with classic comfort foods. |
| Doc Taylor's | Waveland Cafe | Both beloved for breakfast and brunch, serving up homestyle favorites. |
| The Atlantic on Pacific | Aposto | Both offer a fine dining experience with a creative and seasonal menu. |
| Becca Restaurant & Garden | The Wallace Centers of Iowa | Garden-inspired cooking that connects diners with their food source. |
| Pelican's SnoBalls | Snoasis | Both provide a fun, casual spot for frozen treats and flavors galore. |
| Blue Seafood & Spirits | Waterfront Seafood Market | Both praised for their fresh, quality seafood selections. |
| Citizen Burger Bar | Bubba | For a trendy, gourmet burger experience paralleling Citizen's concept. |
| Gringo's Taqueria | El Fogon | Both are loved for their authentic Mexican dishes and casual vibe. |
When exploring Des Moines, you'll find that each restaurant has its own flair while retaining the essence of your Virginia Beach favorites. For instance, Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co., much like Waterman's Surfside Grille, incorporates local ingredients into traditional dishes, creating a unique dining experience reflective of its surroundings. Similarly, the farm-to-table concept at HoQ mirrors the dedication of Leaping Lizard Cafe to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a menu that changes with the seasons. These Des Moines establishments not only promise satisfaction for your taste buds but also a sense of familiarity in a new city, seamlessly blending the culinary experiences from Virginia Beach into your new Iowan lifestyle.
Ready to start your move?
Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial aspect of any move. Understanding how Virginia Beach, VA compared to Des Moines, IA in terms of housing can significantly inform your decision. This comparison includes cost, architecture, walkability, and more, providing a clear picture for potential movers.
| Comparison | Virginia Beach | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Craftsman, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Beach Access, Tidal Water | Historic Neighborhoods, Green Spaces |
While Des Moines may offer a more affordable housing market with a median home price significantly lower than Virginia Beach, it's also worth noting the differences in lifestyle and priorities reflected in their real estate listings. Homes in Virginia Beach often boast of beach access, aligning with its coastal city vibe. On the other hand, Des Moines takes pride in its historic neighborhoods and ample green spaces, catering to those who appreciate urban living with a touch of nature’s tranquility. This move would not just be a change of scenery but a step into a different way of life, from the waters of Virginia Beach to the green, urban spread of Des Moines.
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.
Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
When relocating, understanding the climatic differences is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather in Virginia Beach and Des Moines varies, offering a foundation for what to expect when you move. Knowing these variations can greatly aid in your transition, from wardrobe choices to understanding potential seasonal allergies.
Virginia Beach, VA
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Virginia Beach, VA
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Virginia Beach, VA
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Virginia Beach, VA
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Virginia Beach | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Coastal Storms | Tornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines entails adjusting to colder winters, as Des Moines experiences significantly lower winter temperatures and a higher snowfall average, which could affect daily commutes and outdoor activities during winter months. While both locations have a similar number of sunshine days annually, Des Moines tends to have slightly higher humidity and more severe weather events such as tornadoes. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for the change, whether it’s investing in warmer clothing or preparing your home for different types of weather events.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines
When planning a move from Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA, understanding how your finances will be affected is crucial. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of the economic landscape, cost of living, and tax implications in Virginia Beach and Des Moines , helping you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Virginia Beach | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $81,634 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 2-5.75 | 0.33-8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.8 | 1.5 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 7 |
| Top 3 Industries | Defense, Tourism, Agriculture | Insurance, Financial Services, Health Care |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Low |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Moderate |
Upon moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines, you'll notice significant changes in your cost of living and taxation. Des Moines presents a more affordable cost of living index at 89, compared to 103.7 in Virginia Beach. This means your everyday expenses, such as housing, groceries, and utilities, could be lower. However, be prepared for higher state income tax rates in Iowa, which can go up to 8.53%, compared to a maximum of 5.75% in Virginia. Additionally, property taxes are higher in Des Moines, but this is offset by a slightly more affordable living environment. Both cities offer a moderate level of affluence and low poverty rates, with diverse leading industries that drive their economies.
Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
In preparing for your move from Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA, understanding the cultural and societal landscapes of both cities is crucial. This quick overview aims to give you a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, comparing Virginia Beach & Des Moines , offering insights into what you might expect in your new home.
| Virginia Beach | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
| Local Politics | Moderate with military influence | Progressive with emphasis on social policies |
| Religion | Christianity dominant, diverse religious communities | Christianity predominant, growing diversity in faiths |
Moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines, you'll transition from a city that leans conservative to one with a more liberal stance. The influence of the military in Virginia Beach brings a certain conservatism to local politics, whereas Des Moines is known for its progressive approach, especially concerning social policies. Religion plays a significant role in both cities, with Christianity being predominant. However, you'll find a growing diversity of faiths and religious communities in Des Moines, reflecting its evolving demographic landscape. This shift in political and religious ethos may offer a fresh perspective and new opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.
Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA invites a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Virginia Beach & Des Moines to better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like. This guide aims to equip you with insights into how these environments contrast, impacting your daily life.
| Comparison | Virginia Beach | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 19 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Challenging |
In Virginia Beach, the average commute time is slightly longer than in Des Moines, reflecting potentially busier roads or longer distances to work. Traffic congestion in Virginia Beach is also rated higher, which could mean spending more time in your car. However, both cities have an area where they could improve: public transit. While Des Moines has a marginally better score in public transit availability, neither city boasts a highly efficient public transportation system. This suggests that having a car might still be the most convenient way to navigate both places, although in Des Moines, you might find it slightly easier to manage without one.
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