Moving from Washington to South Dakota?

6 Best WA to SD Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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WA to SD Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life. You're leaving behind Washington, known for its lush evergreen landscapes and vibrant metropolis, to embrace South Dakota, "The Mount Rushmore State," with its sprawling prairies and iconic monuments. Acknowledging the vast distance and the importance of your belongings, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers for this journey, and that's where our expertise at Great Guys Moving comes into play, ensuring your transition is as seamless as possible.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from South Dakota to Washington guide.

6 Best Washington to South Dakota Movers

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

#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 9/5/2024)

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 9/5/2024)

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 9/4/2024)

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
Dial-A-Move Inc. Logo
Superb

based on 483+ data points

Aberdeen, SD
Cheap moving options, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 885778 Verify

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 >>

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#6
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Superb

based on 843+ data points

Sioux Falls, SD
Local moving, Junk removal, Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2575221 Verify

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 >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to South Dakota

Moving across states can be a complex decision that involves weighing different factors to make the best choice for you and your family. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Washington to South Dakota . Through comparative charts, we explore the pros and cons of each state to help ensure your decision is well-informed.

CONs
PROs
Washington iconWashington
  • Higher cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less sunny days
  • Higher taxes
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less crowded
  • Less traffic
  • More sunny days
  • Lower taxes
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Flatter terrain
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller tech industry
  • Landlocked
  • Fewer cultural venues
Washington iconWashington
  • Lush landscapes
  • Diverse culture
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Ocean access
  • Rich in arts

Washington's lush landscapes, with places like Olympic National Park, provide a green haven that contrasts with South Dakota's more open and expansive, flatter terrain, exemplified by the stretches of the Badlands National Park. The vibrant culture and tech industry present in Washington cities, such as Seattle's Pike Place Market and the bustling tech hubs, stand in stark contrast to the more laid-back, less crowded experiences found in South Dakota's towns, like the historic streets of Deadwood. Despite the differences, South Dakota offers its own unique charms, with attractions like Mount Rushmore and less traffic, making daily commutes and travel more manageable.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Washington to South Dakota

This comparison of the local cuisine between Washington & South Dakota highlights the distinct flavors and food scenes you'll encounter. Understanding the culinary landscape is vital for immersing yourself in the local culture of your new home.

WashingtonSouth Dakota

Most iconic local food item

SalmonChislic

Most popular meat dish

Grilled SalmonPheasant

Most popular street food item

Taco TrucksIndian Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Acai BowlWild Rice Bowl

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Canlis
  • The Herbfarm
  • Mamnoon
  • Carnaval Brazilian Grill
  • Crawford's Bar & Grill
  • Phillips Avenue Diner

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

86

Abundance of Food Trucks

85

Foodie Scene

96

Vegan Friendly

95

Moving from Washington to South Dakota, you'll trade the Pacific Northwest's seafood-heavy menu for the heartland flavors of the Great Plains. In Washington, places like Pike Place Market in Seattle offer an abundance of fresh seafood like salmon, a staple food item, and a vibrant street food scene brimming with taco trucks. In contrast, South Dakota introduces you to chislic, skewered cubed meat which is a local favorite, and the unique taste of Indian tacos found in spots across the state. South Dakota, with its laid-back food scene, offers a change of pace, but you can still find a burgeoning food movement in cities like Sioux Falls, home to Crawford's Bar & Grill and Carnaval Brazilian Grill, which offer local tastes and comfort food.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Washington to South Dakota

When considering a move, comparing the real estate landscapes between Washington and South Dakota is crucial. This comparison gives you a comprehensive overview of what to expect in terms of living conditions and lifestyle in these states.

The housing market significantly delineates the lifestyle you may lead in Washington as opposed to South Dakota. In Washington, the higher median home price and rent reflect its robust urban life, complemented by modern and Craftsman architectural styles. The state scores higher in walkability and bikeability, indicating a more compact and eco-friendly environment. The emphasis on energy-efficient appliances and hardwood floors in real estate listings underlines the state's preference for modern, sustainable living. Conversely, South Dakota, with its affordable housing options and traditional ranch-style homes, offers a quieter, more spacious living arrangement. Here, the real estate listings often highlight spacious backyards and natural scenery, illustrating a closer connection to outdoor living and the importance of personal space.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Washington to South Dakota

When relocating from one region to another, acquainting yourself with the climatic contrasts is vital. This guide is designed to demonstrate how the weather in Washington and South Dakota diversifies, assisting you in preparing better for your move.

Summer icon
75°F/55°F

Washington

85°F/60°F

South Dakota

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F/36°F

Washington

30°F/10°F

South Dakota

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
38

Washington

20

South Dakota

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
20

Washington

44

South Dakota

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

The transition from Washington to South Dakota comes with significant weather changes that might impact your daily life. South Dakota enjoys more sunshine days annually compared to Washington, but it also experiences a harsher winter with lower temperatures and more snowfall. The humidity in Washington is notably higher, which impacts the feel of both the heat and cold. Furthermore, moving to South Dakota means preparing for different natural disasters, such as tornadoes and blizzards, contrasting with the earthquakes and volcanoes more commonly associated with Washington. Understanding these differences prepares you for a smoother transition in terms of clothing, heating, cooling, and even allergy medications needed.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, comparing financial aspects such as income, taxes, and living expenses is crucial. This comparison will help you understand what to expect in terms of money and finance when moving from Washington to South Dakota, offering insight into how your financial situation might change.

Despite a higher average household income in Washington, its cost of living index and sales tax are significantly higher than those in South Dakota. The absence of state income tax in both states offers a unique financial advantage. However, South Dakota boasts a lower cost of living with a more moderate affluence level, meaning your money might go further there in terms of day-to-day expenses and housing. The diversity in top industries between the two states reveals potential job market adjustments you might need to consider. Lastly, the lower levels of poverty and homelessness in South Dakota suggest potentially beneficial social and economic conditions for newcomers.

Political & Religious Comparison between Washington and South Dakota

This guide offers a quick look at the comparison of the politics and the religious landscape between Washington & South Dakota , providing an insight into the characteristic distinctions of the residents in these states.

WashingtonSouth Dakota

Political Make-up

Lean LiberalLean Conservative

Local Politics

Democratic Majority in urban areasRepublican Majority statewide

Religion

Less religiously affiliatedMore religiously affiliated, Christian majority

While Washington is known for its liberal leanings, especially in urban areas like Seattle, South Dakota presents a conservative landscape with a Republican majority statewide. This reflects not only in the political decisions but also in local policies and everyday life. Religious affiliations in South Dakota are stronger with a predominantly Christian orientation, in contrast to Washington where there is a higher percentage of residents identifying as non-religious. This could indicate a contrasting social atmosphere that you might experience, particularly in community engagement and local events. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your move and integrate into your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to South Dakota

Deciding to move can bring about many questions, especially regarding your children's education. To help you make an informed decision, we've compared schools and education in Washington and South Dakota. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Washington and South Dakota, from elementary through to high school and beyond.

WashingtonSouth Dakota

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Cascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Challenger Elementary (Issaquah)
Rosa Parks Elementary (Redmond)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elementary (Harrisburg)
Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)

Top 3 Middle Schools

International School (Bellevue)
Pacific Cascade Middle School (Issaquah)
Pine Lake Middle School (Sammamish)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Whittier Middle School (Sioux Falls)

Top 3 High School Schools

International School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)

Top 3 private high schools

Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
St. Thomas More High School (Rapid City)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Seattle Waldorf School (Seattle)
Roncalli Catholic Schools (Aberdeen)
Dakota Christian School (Corsica)
Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)

Top 3 School Districts

Issaquah School District
Mercer Island School District
Bellevue School District
Sioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandon Valley School District

In comparing school options, you'll find that Washington tends to offer a more diversified educational landscape with a strong focus on STEM, thanks to its proximity to major tech companies. The Issaquah and Bellevue School Districts are particularly sought after for their high academic standards and innovative programs. On the other hand, South Dakota provides a strong sense of community and attention to traditional education values. The Sioux Falls School District stands out for its comprehensive programs that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. Both states offer excellent opportunities, but the best choice depends on your family's specific needs and goals.

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