Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts?

6 Best VA to MA Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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VA to MA Moving Specialists

Moving from Virginia, the Old Dominion known for its rich history and natural beauty, to Massachusetts, the Bay State celebrated for its academic prestige and revolutionary spirit, marks an exciting chapter in your life. As you transition from the birthplace of presidents to the cradle of liberty, the journey is not just about leaving one state for another but embracing the unique cultures, neighborhoods, and food each has to offer. Considering the distance of this adventure, it's crucial to select trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure your belongings arrive safely and efficiently, which is why we at Great Guys Moving apply our unbiased ranking algorithm to recommend only the best movers for your interstate journey.

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

6 Best Virginia to Massachusetts Movers

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

#1
Paradise Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,118+ data points

Framingham, MA
Affordable insured local and long distance movers, Hourly Charges only with no hidden fees, Furniture wrapping See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 3619865 Verify

About Paradise Moving & Storage

Paradise Moving & Storage is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in Massachusetts, with locations in Framingham, Boston, a...Read More >>

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#2
Stairhopper Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 9,261+ data points

Boston, MA
Local moves, Long distance moves, Commercial moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 1696867 Verify

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in america 2023 image
top ranked movers in boston 2023 stairhopper movers image
#3
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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top 10 ranked movers in leesburg 2023 ars movers image
#4
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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top 10 ranked movers in newport news 2023 a change of place movers image
top 10 ranked movers in newport news 2022 a change of place movers image
#5
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
#6
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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top 10 ranked movers in newport news 2023 star movers image
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

Moving can be a challenging yet exciting endeavour, especially when considering the shift from Virginia to Massachusetts. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation from Virginia to Massachusetts, helping you weigh the differences and decide what aspects are most important to you.

CONs
PROs
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Milder winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious landscapes
  • More conservative
  • Less traffic congestion
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Rich cultural history
  • Better public transit
  • Top-tier universities
  • Progressive policies
  • World-class healthcare
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Harsher winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller living spaces
  • More crowded
  • Tougher driving conditions in winter
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich historical sites
  • Warm hospitality
  • Affordable housing
  • Lush, wide open spaces
  • Less traffic

Delving deeper into the contrasts, Massachusetts teems with cultural landmarks and academic excellence, including the prestigious Harvard University and MIT. Its vibrant streets are lined with historical sights such as the Freedom Trail in Boston, offering a unique blend where modernity meets history. On the other hand, Virginia is beloved for its expansive landscapes like Shenandoah National Park, providing a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. While Massachusetts boasts efficient public transit networks like the MBTA, facilitating easy movement around Boston and beyond, Virginia offers a more relaxed pace with less traffic congestion, except in metropolitan areas like Northern Virginia. The move from Virginia's milder climate to Massachusetts' bracing winters in places like Worcester or Springfield introduces the challenge of navigating snowier conditions, but also the charm of picturesque winter landscapes. This juxtaposition of lifestyle, climate, and cultural offerings between the two states underscores the need to consider what aspects of living are most crucial to your happiness and comfort.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

When considering a move, it's vital to understand not just the physical environment but the cultural one as well. An important aspect of this is the local cuisine, which can tell you a lot about what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we will make a comparison of the local cuisine between Virginia & Massachusetts so you can be better informed about the food scene in your new home.

VirginiaMassachusetts

Most iconic local food item

HamClam Chowder

Most popular meat dish

BarbecueLobster Roll

Most popular street food item

PeanutsClam Cakes

Most popular vegan food

Vegan BBQBean Burgers

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Lehja
  • L'Auberge Provençale
  • Oleana
  • Neptune Oyster
  • The Daily Catch

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

67

Foodie Scene

89

Vegan Friendly

78

In Virginia, the food scene is deeply rooted in tradition, with iconic dishes like ham and barbecue standing at the forefront of its culinary identity. Notably, Virginia peanuts are a popular street food item found across the state, symbolizing the state's agricultural heritage. Transitioning to Massachusetts, you'll find a stark contrast with seafood dominating the scene, particularly with clam chowder and the beloved lobster roll. Boston, particularly neighborhoods like the North End and Seaport, is teeming with culinary treasures, from the waterfront stalls serving up fresh seafood to the historic Italian eateries. Massachusetts also boasts a slightly higher fitness and health conscientiousness, reflected in its abundance of vegan options and the health-focused menus of many local restaurants.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

Real estate is one of the most critical facets of relocating. Understanding how Virginia and Massachusetts compare in terms of housing is essential to making an informed decision. This includes insights into cost, architectural styles, and lifestyle attributes each state offers.

When examining housing between Virginia and Massachusetts, the contrast is clear in terms of cost and lifestyle. Massachusetts homes tend to come at a higher price, both in rental and purchasing markets. This is partly due to its vibrant urban centers like Boston, which offer more walkability and public transportation options, attributes highly valued in real estate listings. Conversely, Virginia boasts more spacious properties and a closer connection to nature, perfect for those who prioritize outdoor space and a quieter environment. The architectural styles reflect the rich historical background of both states but offer distinct living experiences shaped by local culture and geography.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding how the weather might change is crucial for your comfort and preparedness. This comparison aims to highlight the differences between Virginia's and Massachusetts's climate and weather conditions , providing a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of temperature, humidity, and more.

Summer icon
86°F/66°F

Virginia

82°F/62°F

Massachusetts

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48°F/29°F

Virginia

37°F/22°F

Massachusetts

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44"

Virginia

47"

Massachusetts

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
10-20"

Virginia

40-80"

Massachusetts

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

By comparing the climates of Virginia and Massachusetts, you'll notice distinct differences, especially during winter. Massachusetts experiences colder winters with much more snowfall—ranging from 40 to 80 inches, compared to Virginia's milder winters and 10 to 20 inches of snow. This means if you're moving from Virginia, you might need to invest in warmer clothing and snow removal equipment. Additionally, summers are slightly cooler in Massachusetts, which might be a welcome change for those who prefer less intense heat. Considering these factors can help you better prepare for your move to Massachusetts, ensuring you're ready for its unique weather patterns.

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

When planning a move, understanding financial differences is crucial. This guide compares Virginia and Massachusetts in terms of money and finance, highlighting significant contrasts you'll encounter. Knowing these differences will help you adjust your budget and expectations accordingly.

Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts, you'll note several financial contrasts. Massachusetts boasts a higher average household income but comes with a significantly higher cost of living index, making everyday expenses potentially more challenging to manage. The straightforward state income tax in Massachusetts could simplify financial planning, despite being slightly less favorable than Virginia's variable rate. Property and sales taxes are also higher in Massachusetts, reflecting its denser population and higher property values. However, its infrastructure in technology, healthcare, and education signals a robust job market. These differences underscore the importance of preparing for higher costs but also potentially brighter economic opportunities.

Political & Religious Comparison between Virginia and Massachusetts

Comparing the politics between Virginia & Massachusetts, this quick guide offers an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in these states to aid those planning a move. Understanding these elements can help anticipate the cultural and social atmosphere you're moving into.

VirginiaMassachusetts

Political Make-up

Swing state with a balanced mix of Republican and Democrat votersPrimarily Democrat with strong liberal leanings

Local Politics

Varies significantly from one county to anotherGenerally liberal throughout, especially in urban areas

Religion

Mixed, with a strong presence of Evangelical ProtestantsPrimarily Catholic, with other religions well represented

When moving from Virginia to Massachusetts, you're transitioning from a swing state to one with a strong liberal ethos, particularly evidenced in its local politics and community-led initiatives. In Virginia, the political landscape can vary widely from one region to another, offering a mosaic of political views that might appeal to those seeking a middle ground. However, Massachusetts presents a more homogenously liberal environment, especially in urban areas like Boston. Religion plays a crucial role in shaping the social fabric of both states, with Virginia showing a varied religious composition that leans more towards Evangelical Protestantism, while Massachusetts is predominantly Catholic, alongside a mix of other beliefs. This difference reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds and values that shape each state's identity.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Massachusetts

When planning a move from Virginia to Massachusetts, one critical aspect to consider is the educational opportunities available for your children. The following comparison is aimed at helping you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Virginia and Massachusetts, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your child's educational needs.

VirginiaMassachusetts

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
James Madison University
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Arlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Nottingham Elementary School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary School
Vienna
John D. Hardy Elementary
Wellesley; Edward Brooke Charter School
Boston; Vinson-Owen Elementary
Winchester

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Cooper Middle School
McLean; Glasgow Middle School
Alexandria
William Diamond Middle School
Lexington; Jonas Clarke Middle School
Lexington; Thomas Prince School
Princeton

Top 3 High Schools

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean
Boston Latin School
Boston; Lexington High School
Lexington; Brookline High School
Brookline

Top 3 private high schools

The Madeira School
McLean; St. Christopher's School
Richmond; Episcopal High School
Alexandria
Phillips Academy
Andover; Roxbury Latin School
Boston; Belmont Hill School
Belmont

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Potomac School
McLean; Flint Hill School
Oakton; Collegiate School
Richmond
Noble and Greenough School
Dedham; Milton Academy
Milton; Groton School
Groton

Top 3 School Districts

Falls Church City Public Schools; Loudoun County Public Schools; Arlington Public SchoolsLexington Public Schools; Weston Public Schools; Wellesley Public Schools

Understanding the differences in educational offerings between Virginia and Massachusetts can significantly impact your decision when relocating. For example, Massachusetts is renowned for housing top-tier institutions of higher learning like Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which can be attractive for families valuing academic excellence at the collegiate level. On the other hand, Virginia's education system boasts the highly ranked Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, known for its intensive focus on STEM. Both states offer a range of esteemed public and private institutions at the K-12 level, with Virginia showcasing excellent options such as The Madeira School for those preferring private education, and Massachusetts offering academically rigorous options like the Boston Latin School. Evaluating these offerings can help ensure your children receive an education that aligns with your family's values and aspirations.

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