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Washington to Montana Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving between states is an adventure full of new possibilities and life changes. You might be exchanging Washington's misty forests and tech hubs for Montana's expansive skies, nicknamed "Big Sky Country", and its tranquil, rugged landscapes. To ensure this long-distance move is smooth, it’s crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we use an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you to the best movers, making your transition as seamless as possible.

6 Best Movers for Moving from Washington to Montana

#1
First Due Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,542+ data points

Preston, WA
Residential Moves, Commercial Moves, Long-Distance Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 1990914 Verify

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 >>

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#2
Help-U-Move Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,091+ data points

Pasco, WA
Local Moving, Statewide Moving, Out of State Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 482337 Verify

About Help-U-Move

Help-U-Move is a veteran-owned, locally operated small business in Pasco that handles over 4,000 moves yearly. It has provided residential a...Read More >>

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#3
Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,004+ data points

Post Falls, ID
Local moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/25/2022)

USDOT: 3119758 Verify

About Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers

Lake Coeur d’Alene Movers is a premier moving company in North Idaho, offering services throughout the region. Voted Best Moving Company in ...Read More >>

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#4
First Due Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 572+ data points

Kent, WA
Residential Moves, Commercial Moves, Long-Distance Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/25/2024)

USDOT: 1990914 Verify

About First Due Movers

Founded by firefighters in 2009, First Due Movers is a Washington-based moving company with a 4.9/5 Google customer rating. Trust, professio...Read More >>

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#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 Washington to Montana

Moving is a significant life decision, packed with various factors to consider. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the move from Washington to Montana , highlighting the positive and negative attributes of such a relocation. Through our charts, we aim to illuminate how the pros and cons weigh against each other, offering clarity for your decision-making process.

CONs
PROs
Washington iconWashington
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • More crowded
  • Less snow
Montana iconMontana
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Spacious outdoors
  • More snow
Montana iconMontana
  • Quieter towns
  • Fewer dining options
  • Colder winters
  • Landlocked
Washington iconWashington
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse food scene
  • Mild summers
  • Sea access

When moving from Washington to Montana, you'll find the transition involves more than just a change of scenery. Washington's vibrant city life, exemplified by Seattle's Pike Place Market and the bustling neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, contrasts with Montana's quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. However, Montana does not fall short in beauty or activities, offering majestic sights like Glacier National Park and the charming small towns like Whitefish. While you may miss the diverse food scene, including Seattle's famed seafood restaurants, Montana answers back with its unique local eateries, such as Bozeman's Main Street Overeasy for breakfast lovers. This relocation might mean fewer concerts and cultural events in cities like Missoula compared to Seattle, but it also promises vast open skies, less traffic, and a closer-knit community vibe.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Washington to Montana

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington & Montana, exploring food as a vital part of local culture and living experience. Discover the unique tastes and dining scenes of each state to better inform your big move.

WashingtonMontana

Most iconic local food item

SalmonHuckleberry Pie

Most popular meat dish

Geoduck ClamBison Steak

Most popular street food item

Food Truck TacosElk Burgers

Most popular vegan food

Quinoa SaladLentil Burger

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Canlis
  • Pike Place Fish Market
  • The Herbfarm
  • Montana Brewing Company
  • 2nd Street Bistro
  • The Keep Restaurant

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

87

Abundance of Food Trucks

95

Foodie Scene

96

Vegan Friendly

85

When you're moving from Washington to Montana, you'll transition from a coastal cuisine dominated by fresh seafood like salmon and geoduck clams, to a heartier fare centered around huckleberry pie and bison steak, reflecting Montana's rural and wild landscape. Particularly in places like Missoula or Billings, Montana's culinary scene may surprise you with its innovation, such as the local delicacy, elk burgers, found in street food settings. The vegan scene in Montana, while growing, offers unique options like lentil burgers, signaling a shift towards inclusivity in food choices across both states.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Washington to Montana

Real estate plays a crucial role in your moving decisions, particularly when considering a new home. Understanding how the housing markets in Washington and Montana compare can guide you towards making the best choice for your needs.

In diving deeper into the real estate landscapes of Washington and Montana, one notices distinct differences and unique draws to each state. Washington's market caters more to those seeking an urban lifestyle with modern home amenities and better walkability and bikeability scores, evident in cities like Seattle and Bellevue. Contrastingly, Montana offers a more laid-back lifestyle with an emphasis on natural beauty and larger properties, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The Rustic and Ranch style homes in Montana, often listed with big sky views and proximity to wildlife, cater to a different set of priorities, emphasizing the state's scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Washington to Montana

When planning a move from Washington to Montana, understanding how the weather compares is vital. This will help you anticipate changes and plan for a smooth transition to your new home environment.

Summer icon
75°F / 55°F

Washington

85°F / 50°F

Montana

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 36°F

Washington

35°F / 17°F

Montana

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
38

Washington

15

Montana

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
50

Washington

90

Montana

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from the more humid and milder climate of Washington to the drier and more extreme seasons in Montana means preparing for colder winters and warmer summers. In Montana, you'll enjoy more sunny days annually compared to Washington, but with less rainfall, this means managing water resources responsibly, especially for gardening or farming. The significant increase in annual snowfall in Montana necessitates readiness for more robust winter driving conditions and snow removal efforts. Being aware of local natural disaster risks, such as wildfires in Montana, will help you prepare adequately for emergency situations.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on how your expenses and income may shift. Dive into the Washington to Montana financial overview to make informed decisions about your relocation.

When moving from Washington to Montana, you’ll notice a significant shift in financial indicators. One key difference is the absence of state income tax in Washington versus Montana’s top rate of 6.9%. Despite this, Montana offers a less expensive living environment as reflected in its lower cost of living index. However, it's important to consider the average household income is also lower in Montana. Industries also change, with Washington being a hub for technology and aerospace, while Montana thrives on agriculture and tourism. This transition may impact your career prospects and lifestyle. Understanding these changes can help you prepare financially and professionally for your move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Washington and Montana

This comparison of politics between Washington & Montana provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents, offering insights for those considering a move.

WashingtonMontana

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticLean Republican

Local Politics

Progressive in urban areasConservative in most regions

Religion

Mixed, with a significant number of non-religious individualsLargely Christian, with various denominations

When moving from Washington to Montana, you'll find distinct differences in the local culture and values, particularly in political and religious landscapes. For instance, Washington's political scene is more progressive, especially in urban areas like Seattle, in contrast to Montana's generally conservative stance. Religion plays a different role in each state as well; Washington is known for a higher percentage of people identifying as non-religious, while Montana has a larger Christian community, encompassing various denominations. Understanding these differences can help you adjust and connect with your new community more easily.

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Montana

Moving can be a significant life event, especially when it involves changing states. To assist in this transition, it's vital to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Washington and Montana . This comparison aims to highlight key educational differences and opportunities awaiting in both states.

WashingtonMontana

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Washington
Seattle; Washington State University
Pullman; Western Washington University
Bellingham
Montana State University
Bozeman; University of Montana
Missoula; Montana Tech
Butte

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Cascadia Elementary
Seattle; Medina Elementary
Medina; Challenge Elementary
Bellevue
Bozeman Summit School
Bozeman; Hawthorne Elementary
Bozeman; Cold Springs Elementary
Missoula

Top 3 Middle Schools

Washington Middle School
Seattle; Islander Middle School
Mercer Island; Lakeside Middle School
Seattle
Sacajawea Middle School
Bozeman; C.S. Porter Middle School
Missoula; Chief Joseph Middle School
Bozeman

Top 3 High Schools

Lakeside School
Seattle; Newport High School
Bellevue; International School
Bellevue
Bozeman High School
Bozeman; Hellgate High School
Missoula; Sentinel High School
Missoula

Top 3 private high schools

The Overlake School
Redmond; The Bush School
Seattle; Seattle Academy
Seattle
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

The Bear Creek School
Redmond; Eastside Preparatory School
Kirkland; Seattle Country Day School
Seattle
Petra Academy
Bozeman; Missoula International School
Missoula; Valley Christian School
Missoula

Top 3 School Districts

Lake Washington School District
Mercer Island School District
Bellevue School District
Bozeman School District
Helena School District
Missoula County Public Schools

When comparing educational options between Washington and Montana, several notable differences emerge. Washington offers a diverse range of highly competitive public and private institutions, especially in its urban areas like Seattle and Bellevue. For instance, Lakeside School in Seattle and The Overlake School in Redmond are nationally recognized for their academic excellence. Conversely, Montana's educational strengths lie in its ability to provide quality education in more sparsely populated areas. Bozeman and Missoula, for example, host some of the state's top-rated schools and universities, such as Montana State University and Bozeman High School, reflecting Montana's commitment to education in both urban and rural settings. This comparison underscores the rich educational landscapes available in both states, tailored to a diverse set of needs and expectations.

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