Best Tacoma to Washington Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the vibrant, rain-kissed landscape of Tacoma, WA to the historic and politically pulsing streets of Washington DC offers an adventure like no other, signaling a significant life change. You're exchanging the relaxed Pacific Northwest vibes, often known as the "City of Destiny," for the fast-paced, monumental capital of the U.S., affectionately dubbed "Chocolate City" for its rich culture. Understanding the complexity of this long-distance move underscores the importance of enlisting trusted and reliable professional movers, and we pride ourselves on connecting you with the very best, ensuring your transition is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Best Tacoma to Washington Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to Tacoma guide.
5 Best Tacoma to Washington Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
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
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
About First Due Movers
First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington f...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
About People Movers
People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle since it op...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
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.
Tacoma vs. Washington Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. This guide is designed to help you transition more smoothly by comparing Tacoma, WA & Washington DC, DC local neighborhoods . By referencing the neighborhoods you know and love in Tacoma, we'll help you discover their counterparts in Washington D.C., highlighting similarities that could make your move feel like you've hardly left home at all.
| Tacoma | Washington | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| North End | Cleveland Park | Family-friendly, historic homes |
| Proctor District | Georgetown | Shopping, historic charm |
| Stadium District | Dupont Circle | Vibrant nightlife, architecture |
| Hilltop | Shaw | Culturally rich, revitalization |
| Old Town | Capitol Hill | Historic, community-centric |
| Eastside | Brookland | Diverse, arts scene |
| South Tacoma | Anacostia | Up-and-coming, cultural heritage |
| Central Tacoma | Logan Circle | Trendy, urban living |
| West End | Palisades | Quiet, family-friendly |
| 6th Avenue | U Street Corridor | Eclectic dining, entertainment |
For those moving from Tacoma's vibrant Proctor District, Washington D.C.'s Georgetown area will feel similar with its bustling streets lined with shopping opportunities and historic allure. Georgetown's M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are akin to Proctor's charming boutiques and eateries, infusing old-world charm with a modern twist. Meanwhile, if the arts and culturally rich atmosphere of Hilltop are what you love, Shaw in D.C. offers a blend of historic landmarks and contemporary culture, including the famous 9:30 Club and the African American Civil War Memorial. For those accustomed to the laid-back, family-friendly vibe of North End, Cleveland Park in D.C. presents a similar environment with spacious historic homes and a community-centric atmosphere, not to mention access to the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park for weekend exploration.
Things to Do in Washington
Visit the Smithsonian Museums for free.- Stroll around the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season.
- Catch a Nationals game at Nationals Park.
- Enjoy kayaking on the Potomac River.
- Explore historic Georgetown’s shops and alleyways.
- Hike or bike the scenic C&O Canal Towpath.
- Experience the nightlife in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Tacoma to Washington
Moving from one city to another can be a daunting task. This comparison seeks to illuminate the transition from Tacoma, WA to Washington DC, DC , providing an honest reflection of both the good and the bad attributes of this relocation.
Tacoma, WA- Less cultural diversity
- Lower job opportunities
- Less historical sites
- Lower public transportation
- More affordable living
Washington, DC- Rich cultural diversity
- Higher job opportunities
- Many historical sites
- Extensive public transit
- Costlier living expenses
Washington, DC- Less access to nature
- Higher cost of living
- Faster-paced lifestyle
- Larger population density
- Fewer outdoor options
Tacoma, WA- Close to nature
- Lower cost of living
- Relaxed lifestyle
- Small-city charm
- Accessible outdoor activities
The decision to relocate from Tacoma, WA to Washington DC presents distinct changes in lifestyle, opportunities, and surroundings. While Tacoma offers the appeal of nature with places like Point Defiance Park and a more laid-back atmosphere, Washington DC boasts unmatched historical sites like the National Mall and a wealth of cultural diversity with restaurants ranging from the authentic Italian cuisine at Fiola Mare to the traditional Japanese dishes at Sakuramen. The increased job opportunities and extensive public transportation system in DC can offer a faster-paced lifestyle, yet this comes with the trade-off of higher living costs and less immediate access to natural settings. However, for those seeking to immerse themselves in a vibrant city rich in American history and culture, Washington DC offers an exciting new chapter.
Tacoma vs. Washington Food Guide
Food plays a pivotal role in understanding a place's culture and vibe. Through this brief guide, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Tacoma, WA, and Washington DC, DC , helping you get a taste of what culinary delights await you in your new city.
| Tacoma | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Dungeness Crab | Half-Smoke |
| Most popular meat dish | Tacoma Sausage | Peruvian Chicken |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Food Truck Falafel |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Banh Mi | Vegetable Grain Bowl |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Tacoma, the Dungeness Crab showcases the city's rich seafood tradition, often found in local markets and waterfront restaurants. Tacoma Sausage, a local specialty, reflects the area's love for artisan meats. For those moving to Washington DC, the Half-Smoke is a must-try, a local sausage delicacy best enjoyed at famous eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl. The food truck scene in DC is vibrant, offering a diverse array of street food options, including falafel and Peruvian Chicken, illustrating the capital's multicultural palate. Washington DC scores higher in terms of health conscientiousness and vegan friendliness, likely due to its diverse, health-minded population and abundance of fresh produce markets.
Tacoma vs. Washington Restaurant Comparison
Relocating to a new city means immersing yourself in all it has to offer, and a big part of that is discovering where to eat. This restaurant comparison will help you find your new favorite spots by mirroring the culinary delights of Tacoma, Washington to Washington DC, easing the transition and creating a sense of home. Whether you're craving high-end dining or casual eats, this guide has got you covered.
| Tacoma | Washington | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Indochine Asian Dining Lounge | Thip Khao | Lao cuisine with a modern twist |
| The Table | Le Diplomate | Classic French bistro fare |
| WildFin American Grill | Hank's Oyster Bar | Fresh seafood in a casual setting |
| Marrow Kitchen | Bourbon Steak | Upscale steakhouse dining |
| Moshi Moshi | Sushi Taro | Exceptional sushi and Japanese dishes |
| Over the Moon Café | Lupo Marino | Italian cuisine with a cozy ambiance |
| El Borracho | Oyamel Cocina Mexicana | Innovative Mexican tapas |
| Doyle's Public House | The Dubliner | Authentic Irish pub experience |
| En Rama | Barmini by José Andrés | Creative cocktails and small plates |
| Dirty Oscar's Annex | Founding Farmers | Farm-to-table American comfort food |
While both cities boast a vibrant culinary scene, certain spots stand out for making a seamless transition more delightful. Thip Khao and Indochine Asian Dining Lounge both offer an escape to Southeast Asia with their modern take on traditional dishes, providing an explosion of flavors that are sure to become a staple in your dining rotation. Meanwhile, fans of fresh seafood will feel right at home transitioning from WildFin American Grill to Hank's Oyster Bar, where the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients promises a mouthwatering experience every time. And for those intimate, cozy dinners, the shift from Over the Moon Café in Tacoma to Lupo Marino in Washington DC will be as comforting as the hearty Italian meals both offer. This guide not only aims to direct you towards the finest meals in your new city but also helps in recreating the familiar culinary adventures you cherished back home.
Ready to start your move?
Tacoma vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial, especially when comparing two different cities like Tacoma, WA, and Washington DC, DC. Whether you're buying or renting, this comparison will help you grasp what to expect in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle.
| Comparison | Tacoma | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Ranch | Federal, Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Views, Garages | Historic Details, Proximity to Public Transport |
In comparing Tacoma and Washington DC, it’s evident that the real estate market in Washington DC is pricier, both in terms of home prices and rents. However, the higher cost comes with benefits such as a more walkable and bikeable environment and a vibrant urban lifestyle likely due to its historical architecture and efficient public transportation system. Tacoma, with its more affordable housing options, offers a different charm. Houses often come with views and garages, reflecting the city's more spacious and vehicle-friendly nature. Whether you're drawn to the craftsman homes of Tacoma or the historic details of a Federal-style row house in DC, each city offers a unique living experience tailored to different preferences and lifestyles.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Washington, DC
1. Adams Morgan: Known for its vibrant street life and diverse culture, Adams Morgan is extremely pet-friendly, offering numerous pet-friendly restaurants and dog parks like the Walter Pierce Park where your furry friends can play.
2. Capitol Hill: Aside from the iconic U.S. Capitol and historic ambiance, Capitol Hill features spacious parks such as the Congressional Cemetery, which doubles as a dog park, providing a unique space for you and your pet to explore.
3. Dupont Circle: This neighborhood boasts a welcoming atmosphere for pet owners, with several pet-friendly parks like the Dupont Circle Fountain, and businesses that cater to your pet's needs, making it an ideal place for pet lovers.
Tacoma vs. Washington Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Tacoma, WA to Washington DC, it's crucial to understand how the weather conditions compare between your current city and your new home. This guide provides an overview of climatic differences to help you prepare for what lies ahead.
Tacoma, WA
Washington, DC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Tacoma, WA
Washington, DC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Tacoma, WA
Washington, DC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Tacoma, WA
Washington, DC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Tacoma | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Volcanoes | Hurricanes, Winter Storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While Tacoma enjoys a milder climate with fewer days of sunshine and lower humidity, you'll find Washington DC experiences hotter summers and colder winters with more sunshine. Notably, DC faces higher humidity and UV index levels during summer, impacting outdoor activities and skin protection routines. Additionally, being aware of the contrasting natural disaster risks — earthquakes and volcanoes in Tacoma versus hurricanes and winter storms in DC — aids in preparing for potential emergencies. Adapting to these weather differences will be an essential part of making your new location feel like home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tacoma to Washington
When contemplating a move from one city to another, it's critical to grasp how the cost of living and financial landscape in Tacoma will square against what you'll find in Washington DC. This comparison aims to provide a clear perspective on this pivotal aspect.
| Comparison | Tacoma | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $77,141 | $90,088 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109.5 | 140.1 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | 8.5 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.1 | 0.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.1 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Logistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Government, Professional Services, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
While the average household income in Washington DC outpaces that of Tacoma, the cost of living index significantly higher in the nation's capital illustrates a pricier lifestyle. The absence of state income tax in Washington state contrasts sharply with the tax obligations you'd encounter in DC, potentially offsetting Tacoma's higher sales tax rate. The economic landscape is also profoundly shaped by the dominant industries, with Tacoma's logistics and manufacturing sector influencing local opportunities versus Washington DC's government and professional services sector, which attracts a different workforce demographic. Considering these factors can provide a clearer picture of the financial adjustments necessary when relocating.
Tacoma vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Tacoma, Washington, to Washington DC offers a vibrant blend of communities and perspectives. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents , highlighting the diverse atmosphere you'll be transitioning into. Understand the key differences in the local political leanings and religious landscapes between Tacoma & Washington DC .
| Tacoma | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Municipal focus on economic development and public education | National & local focus, significant federal influence |
| Religion | Mixed, with a significant Christian presence | Diverse, higher rates of unaffiliated individuals |
The juxtaposition of Tacoma and Washington DC’s political and religious climates reveals much about their respective cultural environments. Tacoma, while leaning Democratic, emphasizes issues such as economic development and public education at a local level. Washington DC, with its strongly Democratic stance, navigates both national and local political arenas, shaped by its position as the nation’s capital. Religion in Tacoma shows a significant Christian presence, but the mix is broad, reflecting a variety of beliefs. Washington DC, by contrast, is known for its diversity in religious beliefs, with a noteworthy portion of the population identifying as unaffiliated. This shift from Tacoma to Washington DC marks a transition into a distinctly different community dynamic, one shaped by political importance and diverse religious expressions.
Tacoma vs. Washington Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Washington DC, DC, means adjusting to new traffic and transportation dynamics. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Tacoma & Washington DC will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like.
| Comparison | Tacoma | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 27 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Yes |
In Tacoma, the average commute time is slightly shorter, but traffic congestion is less intense than in Washington DC. Public transportation in Tacoma is decent, but the system in Washington DC is more extensive and reliable, making it easier for residents to get by without a car. This is largely due to DC's comprehensive metro system, which provides broad coverage across the city and into neighboring areas. In contrast, Tacoma leans more heavily on buses and the Sounder Commuter Rail, requiring more planning for those choosing not to own a car.
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