Moving from Virginia to Montana?

6 Best VA to MT Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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VA to MT Moving Specialists

Moving from the historic landscapes of Virginia to the vast, open skies of Montana signifies an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and experiences. Leaving behind the Old Dominion's rolling hills and rich history for Big Sky Country's rugged mountains and sweeping plains might seem daunting, yet it promises a fresh start and unique opportunities. In such a significant journey, ensuring the reliability and trustworthiness of your movers is crucial; that's where we come in. Our unbiased ranking algorithm meticulously selects only the best, ensuring your move is as smooth and stress-free as the Montana breeze.

Virginia iconArrow iconMontana icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Montana to Virginia guide.

6 Best Virginia to Montana Movers

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

#1
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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#2
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 2022 a change of place movers image
#3
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
#4
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
top 10 ranked movers in williamsburg 2022 star movers image
#5
M
Superb

based on 214+ data points

Deer Lodge, MT
Local Moves, Long Distance Moves, Commercial Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2023)

USDOT: 3890213 Verify

About Moving On Up

Moving On Up is a Montana-based moving company that specializes in providing reliable, honest, and efficient moving services to its customer...Read More >>

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#6
On The Move LLC Logo
Fabulous

based on 293+ data points

Bozeman, MT
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Packing Help See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/16/2021)

USDOT: 2399161 Verify

About On The Move LLC

On The Move LLC provides excellent moving services throughout Southwest Montana, including Belgrade, Big Sky, Livingston, Paradise Valley, T...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Montana

Making the move from Virginia to Montana is an adventure that requires weighing the differences carefully. This guide will provide an honest reflection comparing Virginia to Montana to help you examine both the appealing and challenging aspects of such a relocation.

CONs
PROs
Virginia iconVirginia
  • High humidity
  • Heavy traffic
  • Higher cost of living
  • Denser population
Montana iconMontana
  • Dryer climate
  • Open roads
  • Lower cost of living
  • More space
Montana iconMontana
  • Less historical sites
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer job industries
  • No ocean access
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich history
  • Diverse climate
  • More job opportunities
  • Accessible beaches

Transitioning from Virginia's high humidity and heavy traffic to Montana's dryer climate and open roads offers a refreshing change, particularly for those yearning for nature's serenity and lower living costs. However, one may miss the rich history and diversity of climates Virginia offers, along with the more extensive job market. In Montana, cities like Bozeman and Missoula provide vibrant communities with lively restaurants and ample outdoor activities, but the colder winters and fewer historical sites might not appeal to everyone. The move from the Atlantic's accessible beaches to the landlocked, mountainous state also means adjusting to no ocean visits but perhaps discovering a new love for lakes and rivers in Montana's stunning landscapes.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Virginia to Montana

Food is an important part of local culture and gives a taste of what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we aim to better inform you by comparing the local cuisine between Virginia & Montana so you can anticipate the culinary experiences awaiting you in your new home.

VirginiaMontana

Most iconic local food item

Virginia HamHuckleberries

Most popular meat dish

BarbecueBison steak

Most popular street food item

Hot DogsElk Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Peanut SoupLentil Chili

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Buck's T-4 Lodge
  • Ciao Mambo
  • 2nd Street Bistro

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

75

Foodie Scene

87

Vegan Friendly

67

While Virginia is celebrated for its rich history and diverse culinary scene, offering classics like Virginia Ham and a sprawling barbecue culture, Montana presents a robust reflection of its natural environment with dishes centered around huckleberries and bison. In Virginia, the historic streets of Richmond and Norfolk are notable spots to dive into the local food scene, home to iconic spots like Mama J's Kitchen. Meanwhile, Montana's love for the wild is epitomized in places like Buck's T-4 Lodge in Big Sky, where the connection between food and the untamed landscapes is palpable. Both states offer a unique palette that relays their story through food, with Montana slightly edging out in health consciousness and vegan options, indicative of its closeness to nature and vast open spaces.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Virginia to Montana

When planning a move from Virginia to Montana, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and similarities in housing costs, architecture, lifestyle, and more between Virginia and Montana, aiding you in making an informed decision.

You'll notice in the detailed comparison that Virginia generally offers a more urban lifestyle, reflecting its higher score in urban lifestyle and proximity to the nation's capital. Colonial and Victorian architecture dominate the Virginian scenery, appealing to those fascinated by history and traditional designs. On the other hand, Montana has a unique 'Mountain Modern' and Ranch style architecture, emphasizing the state's strong connection to nature and outdoor living. When reading real estate listings in Montana, terms like "access to nature" and "scenic views" are common, showcasing the state's appeal to those seeking a closer relationship with the natural environment. Both states offer distinct lifestyles and environments, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference and priorities.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Virginia to Montana

Understanding how the weather in Virginia compares to Montana is crucial when planning your move. By examining the climate variations, you'll better prepare for the weather changes between these two states. This guide will highlight the key differences to help you adjust to your new environment seamlessly.

Summer icon
86°F / 66°F

Virginia

82°F / 49°F

Montana

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 27°F

Virginia

30°F / 10°F

Montana

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44"

Virginia

15"

Montana

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
14"

Virginia

90"

Montana

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from Virginia to Montana, you'll notice a significant shift in both temperature extremes and precipitation. Montana experiences colder winters with a considerable amount of snowfall, making winter driving and home heating important considerations. Additionally, the lower annual rainfall but greater snowfall in Montana compared to Virginia affects the types of outdoor activities available year-round. Preparing for wildfires should also be on your radar in Montana, a contrast to the hurricane and flooding concerns typical in Virginia. Transitioning between these climates invites an exciting opportunity to adapt your lifestyle to the great outdoors Montana offers, despite the challenges posed by more severe winters and potentially variable air quality during wildfire season.

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

When embarking on a journey from Virginia to Montana, it's crucial to grasp how the move will affect your finances. Understanding the cost of living, taxes, and economic conditions in your new locale can significantly impact your financial well-being and lifestyle.

Virginia generally boasts a higher average household income than Montana, aligning with its slightly elevated cost of living. However, Montana's lower cost of living index suggests your dollar might stretch further, especially if you're moving from an urban area in Virginia. Taxes in both states vary, with Montana not having a general sales tax, which can offset some of the income tax expenses for residents. Industry-wise, Virginia's economy leans more towards government and tech services, while Montana thrives on agriculture, tourism, and mineral extraction, reflecting the states' diverse economic landscapes and lifestyle opportunities.

Political & Religious Comparison between Virginia and Montana

As you plan your move from Virginia to Montana, understanding the community you're about to join is crucial. This comparison gives you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Virginia & Montana, helping you anticipate the cultural ambiance of your new home.

VirginiaMontana

Political Make-up

Moderately liberal, tends to lean Democratic in federal electionsConservative, generally votes Republican in federal elections

Local Politics

Mix of conservative and liberal, depending on the regionLocal politics can vary, but generally maintain a conservative lean

Religion

Christianity predominates, with a diverse mix of other faithsLargely Christian, with a significant presence of Evangelical Protestants

Moving from Virginia to Montana, you'll notice conspicuous differences in the political climate. Virginia's tendency to swing between political parties based on the region contrasts with Montana's solidly conservative stance, particularly in rural areas. The religious landscape in both states is predominantly Christian, yet Virginia boasts a more diverse religious fabric compared to Montana's pronounced Evangelical Protestant community. Understanding these nuances will assist you in smoothly transitioning into your new community's social and cultural circles.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Montana

Moving from Virginia to Montana offers an opportunity to explore varied educational landscapes. To ease your decision-making process, we've compared schools and education systems across both states. By providing this information, our goal is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Virginia and Montana . This will help you make an informed choice for your family’s educational needs.

VirginiaMontana

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
James Madison University
Montana State University
University of Montana
Montana Tech

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Arlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary School
Vienna; Nottingham Elementary School
Arlington
Hawthorne Elementary School
Bozeman; Chief Joseph Elementary School
Great Falls; Cold Springs Elementary School
Missoula

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Henley Middle School
Crozet; Rocky Run Middle School
Chantilly
Sacajawea Middle School
Bozeman; Washington Middle School
Missoula; East Middle School
Great Falls

Top 3 High Schools

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; Maggie Walker Governor's School
Richmond; McLean High School
McLean
Bozeman High School
Bozeman; Hellgate High School
Missoula; Sentinel High School
Missoula

Top 3 private high schools

The Madeira School
McLean; Potomac School
McLean; St. Christopher's School
Richmond
Billings Central Catholic High School
Billings; Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart High School
Missoula; Great Falls Central Catholic High School
Great Falls

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Flint Hill School
Oakton; Norfolk Academy
Norfolk; Collegiate School
Richmond
Petra Academy
Bozeman; Stillwater Christian School
Kalispell; Missoula International School
Missoula

Top 3 School Districts

Fairfax County Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Bozeman Public Schools
Billings Public Schools
Missoula County Public Schools

In comparing the educational landscapes of Virginia and Montana, one can note both states boast highly-ranked institutions, yet they present different environments and opportunities. Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, renowned nationally for its rigorous STEM focus, contrasts with Montana's Bozeman High School, which not only offers strong academic programs but does so amidst the state's natural beauty, supporting a well-rounded education. Private schooling options also vary significantly with Virginia's long-established institutions like The Madeira School offering a deep-rooted educational tradition, compared to Montana's Petra Academy, intertwining classical education with the Western spirit. These differences highlight the unique educational adventures each state provides, allowing families to tailor their choice to their values and lifestyle preferences.

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