Best Virginia to South Dakota Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the historic landscapes of Virginia to the vast prairies of South Dakota is an adventure filled with excitement and opportunity for a fresh start. Virginia, often referred to as the "Old Dominion" with its rich history and coastal charm, offers a contrast to South Dakota, known as the "Mount Rushmore State" for its monumental sculptures and rugged beauty. To ensure this long-distance move is smooth and stress-free, it’s crucial to hire trusted and reliable professional movers, and that’s where we come in, offering you the best movers verified by an unbiased ranking algorithm to navigate this significant life change.
Best Virginia to South Dakota Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARS Movers | 9.63 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| A Change of Place Movers | 9.59 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Matthew's Nationwide Moving | 9.49 | NR | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| STAR Movers | 9.47 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Dial-A-Move Inc. | 8.94 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Two Men and a Truck | 8.91 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from South Dakota to Virginia guide.
6 Best VA to SD Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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)
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
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
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 >>
Services
- Residential Home and Apartment Moving
- Labor Only Moves / Loading / Unloading
- Commercial Business Relocation Moves
About Dial-A-Move Inc.
Family-run Dial-A-Move is a professional moving company incorporated in 2001. It has a location in Aberdeen, SD, offering a wide range of af...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving options
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About Two Men and a Truck
Launched in the 1980s, Two Men and a Truck serves residential and commercial customers all over the country. The company opened its Sioux Fa...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Junk removal
- Storage
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.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to South Dakota
Moving from Virginia to South Dakota involves weighing various factors to discern your best life. This guide aims to reflect honestly on the transition from Virginia to South Dakota , demonstrating a balanced view of what's to gain and what's to miss. We'll explore the contrasts through actionable insights, offering you a clearer perspective on your impending relocation.
Virginia- Higher cost of living
- Heavy Traffic
- Milder winters
- Dense population
South Dakota- Lower cost of living
- Less congestion
- Brisk, snowy winters
- Spacious living
South Dakota- Lesser historical sites
- More arid regions
- Fewer entertainment options
- More limited cuisine
Virginia- Rich history
- Lush landscapes
- Abundant entertainment
- Diverse cuisine
While both Virginia and South Dakota offer unique benefits, the shift from Virginia's rich historical ambiance, like the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, to less densely populated sites may feel stark. Yet, South Dakota's spacious living, such as the wide-open spaces of the Black Hills, offers a tranquility hard to find in the bustling Commonwealth. The change from Virginia's lush, green landscapes to South Dakota's grand, arid settings like Badlands National Park, introduces a different kind of natural beauty. Entertainment and cuisine options might become more limited, yet places like Downtown Sioux Falls strive to offer diverse choices, blending local flavors with new experiences. In considering this move, it's not just about comparing one set of attributes against another; it's about embracing a new lifestyle and the unique opportunities it brings.
Virginia vs. South Dakota Food Guide
Food plays a pivotal role in understanding local culture and what living in a new area might be like. In this guide, we're excited to offer a comparison of the local cuisine between Virginia & South Dakota so you can get a taste of what awaits in your new home.
| Virginia | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Virginia Ham | Chislic |
| Most popular meat dish | BBQ Ribs | Pheasant |
| Most popular street food item | Peanuts | Indian Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegetable-based dishes | Wild Rice Dishes |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Virginia, the BBQ scene, especially around Richmond, is unmissable with its slow-cooked ribs and vegetable-based sides making it a hit among diners looking for comfort food with a gourmet twist. The Inn at Little Washington, nestled in Rappahannock County, offers a fine dining experience that encapsulates Virginia's agricultural heritage. Meanwhile, South Dakota's culinary landscape boasts unique items like Chislic, cubed meat traditionally made from lamb or beef, primarily found in pubs and bars across the state. Restaurants like Mad Mary's Steakhouse in Flandreau offer a taste of local flavors with their own unique twists, giving you a real sense of South Dakota's food scene in locales like Sioux Falls, known for its emerging foodie scene and comfort food staples.
Ready to start your move?
Virginia vs. South Dakota Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the reality of real estate between Virginia and South Dakota can give you a better understanding of what to expect. This comparison will help you grasp differences in housing costs , architecture , and lifestyle crucial for a smooth transition.
| Comparison | Virginia | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Ranch, Split Level |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Granite countertops | Spacious backyards, Natural scenery |
When diving into the details, Virginia's typical architecture like Colonial and Cape Cod reflects its rich American heritage, whereas South Dakota's preference for Ranch and Split Level homes mirrors its expansive, open landscapes. The difference in median home prices and rents highlights the more affordable cost of living in South Dakota. However, Virginia offers a slightly better urban lifestyle, scoring higher in walkability and bikeability, indicative of its more densely populated areas. When browsing real estate listings, you'll notice Virginia homes often boast hardwood floors and granite countertops, showcasing modern amenities, contrasted with South Dakota's emphasis on spacious backyards and natural scenery, offering a tranquil and serene living environment.
Virginia vs. South Dakota Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Virginia to South Dakota, understanding how the climate and weather patterns will change is essential. Our comparison charts will highlight key weather differences between Virginia and South Dakota, helping you prepare for the new conditions you will experience.
Virginia
South Dakota
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Virginia
South Dakota
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Virginia
South Dakota
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Virginia
South Dakota
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Virginia | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Virginia to South Dakota, you'll find that winters are considerably colder with more snowfall, making cold weather gear a must-have. With South Dakota experiencing more sunshine days annually, outdoor enthusiasts may appreciate the extra days of clear skies. However, it's crucial to prepare for South Dakota's unique weather challenges, including blizzards and tornadoes, differing from Virginia's hurricanes and floods. Adapting to the drier climate and potentially more extreme temperature shifts between seasons will be part of your new normal.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Virginia to South Dakota
When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how financial elements such as income, taxation, and the cost of living might shift. Understanding these factors can ease your transition, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new life. Our comparison chart provides a clear snapshot of the financial landscapes in Virginia and South Dakota , designed to help you align your expectations with reality.
| Comparison | Virginia | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $85,873 | $69,728 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 94.1 |
| State Income Tax | 2.0 to 5.75 | None |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.80 | 1.22 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.3 | 4.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Government, Defense | Agriculture, Tourism, Finance |
| Affluence | Higher | Modest |
| Poverty | Lower | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Lower |
In comparing Virginia and South Dakota, you'll find that Virginia generally has a higher cost of living and household income, reflecting its more affluent economic status. This is partly attributed to the state's robust industries in technology, government, and defense. South Dakota, on the other hand, boasts no state income tax, offering a unique financial advantage despite its lower average household income. The agriculture, tourism, and finance sectors drive its economy, contributing to a modest yet stable living condition. South Dakota's lower cost of living index and property tax rate make it an appealing destination for many seeking financial relief or a simpler lifestyle, highlighting the diversity of economic landscapes across the states.
Virginia vs. South Dakota Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Virginia to South Dakota involves not just a change of scenery, but also a transition between different political and religious landscapes. This overview provides a comparison of the politics between Virginia & South Dakota to give you a quick snapshot of what to expect from your new neighbors and local community.
| Virginia | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Leans Republican |
| Local Politics | Moderate with regional variations | Conservative, especially in rural areas |
| Religion | Mixed, with significant Protestant and Catholic communities | Dominantly Protestant with a notable Catholic minority |
As you settle into your new home in South Dakota, you'll notice differences in local attitudes and community participation. The state's political leanings might be more conservative than what you're used to in Virginia, especially in rural areas. In terms of religion, both states enjoy a rich tapestry of faiths, though you'll find a stronger Protestant presence in your new surroundings. Social gatherings, community events, and even local legislation may reflect these differences, giving you a unique slice of American diversity to explore.
Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to South Dakota
Making a move from one state to another can be a life-changing decision, especially when it comes to your children's education. To help you make an informed choice, we've created a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options when moving from Virginia to South Dakota . This comparison will provide insights into the educational landscape of both states, outlining the top schools and school districts.
| Virginia | South Dakota |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Virginia Virginia Tech George Mason UniversitySouth Dakota State University University of South Dakota Dakota State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington) Stenwood Elementary School (Vienna) Lucketts Elementary School (Leesburg)Challenge Center (Sioux Falls) Robert Bennis Elementary (Brandon) John Harris Elementary (Sioux Falls) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church) Cooper Middle School (McLean) Frost Middle School (Fairfax)Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls) George McGovern Middle School (Sioux Falls) Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls) | |
Top 3 High Schools Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria) McLean High School (McLean) Langley High School (McLean)Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls) Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls) Brookings High School (Brookings) | |
Top 3 private high schools The Madeira School (McLean) The Potomac School (McLean) Norfolk Academy (Norfolk)O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls) Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) Aberdeen Central High School (Aberdeen) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Covenant School (Charlottesville) Flint Hill School (Oakton) Madeira School (McLean)Sacred Heart School (Yankton) Roncalli Primary (Aberdeen) Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls) | |
Top 3 School Districts Fairfax County Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools Arlington Public SchoolsSioux Falls School District Brookings School District Aberdeen School District | |
In examining the schools and school districts highlighted in the chart, it's evident that both Virginia and South Dakota offer exceptional educational opportunities, albeit in different ways. Virginia is home to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, one of the top high schools in the nation, renowned for its STEM-focused curriculum. On the other hand, South Dakota excels in offering close-knit educational communities with schools like Challenge Center in Sioux Falls, which is highly praised for its personalized learning environment. School districts in both states are well-regarded, but Virginia's Fairfax County Public Schools stand out with their comprehensive programs and resources. Whether you're prioritizing a STEM-oriented education in Virginia or a community-focused approach in South Dakota, you'll find both states have unique strengths to offer.
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