Best Washington to Virginia Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Evergreen expanses of Washington to the historic landscapes of Virginia is not just a change of scenery; it's the start of an exciting chapter in your life. You're transitioning from the coffee capital and tech hub, where the Pacific Northwest rain nurtures lush landscapes, to the Old Dominion, known for its rich history, vibrant seasons, and proximity to the nation's capital. It's essential to entrust this significant journey to reliable and professional movers, ensuring your memories and belongings arrive safely. That's why we, at Great Guys Moving, use an unbiased algorithm to recommend the best movers, making your move as smooth as possible.
Best Washington to Virginia Moving Companies
Company Name | Rating | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|
ARS Movers | 9.63 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
A Change of Place Movers | 9.58 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
Seattle Moves & More | 9.54 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
John Volken Academy Movers | 9.33 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
First Due Movers | 9.25 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
Help-U-Move | 9.21 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Virginia to Washington guide.
6 Best WA to VA 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 Seattle Moves & More
Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Long-Distance Relocation
- Furniture Packing and Unpacking
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 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 >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Statewide Moving
- Out of State 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.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Virginia
Moving from Washington to Virginia presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This side-by-side comparison aims to reflect the genuine pros and cons of such a relocation, providing you with an honest glimpse into what awaits on both sides of the journey.
- Higher living costs
- More rainfall
- Heavy traffic
- Dense population
- Lower living costs
- Milder climate
- Less congestion
- More space
- Quieter cities
- Less tech opportunities
- Flatter terrain
- Fewer coffee spots
- Vibrant city life
- Rich tech industry
- Lush landscapes
- Abundant coffee shops
When considering the move from Washington to Virginia, the shift in living costs and climate are among the most impactful differences. Virginia’s lower cost of living means your dollar stretches further, allowing for a potentially higher quality of life. You'll find the weather more agreeable, with less rainfall making outdoor activities and exploration in places like Shenandoah National Park more accessible year-round. While Washington has a bustling vibe with neighborhoods full of trendy restaurants and coffee shops like those in Capitol Hill, Virginia offers quaint, historic towns such as Alexandria, where dining spots like Restaurant Eve offer a mix of local and upscale eating experiences. Though you might miss the vibrant, tech-driven atmosphere of Seattle, the historical richness, scenic beauty, and slower pace of life in Virginia offer a charming alternative.
Washington vs. Virginia Food Guide
As you prepare for your move, understanding the local food culture is crucial since food is an essential part of local identity and what living in a certain area feels like. We have prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington & Virginia to help you get better acquainted with what culinary delights await you in your new home.
Washington | Virginia | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Salmon | Ham (Smithfield) |
Most popular meat dish | Grilled Salmon | Country Ham Biscuits |
Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Oysters |
Most popular vegan food | Cauliflower Wings | Chickpea Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Washington's food scene is renowned for its emphasis on local seafood and produce, with salmon leading as the most iconic food item. This focus on fresh, local ingredients can be seen in dynamic spots like Canlis in Seattle, offering stunning city views alongside its exquisite menu. Virginia, on the other hand, leans into its rich history and agricultural roots, with Smithfield ham being a staple. The state's colonial legacy is palpable in establishments like The Inn at Little Washington, nestled in the picturesque countryside. Both states boast a vibrant food scene, but if you're moving to Virginia, get ready to explore its culinary diversity from the cozy streets of Old Town Alexandria to the bustling markets of Richmond, where the fusion of history, culture, and innovation crafts a unique dining experience.
Ready to start your move?
Washington vs. Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial factor when moving, offering a glimpse into lifestyle and living standards. It's enlightening to compare housing between Washington and Virginia to grasp the differences fully. This comparison will highlight aspects such as cost, walkability, and architectural styles, shaping your decision-making process.
Comparison | Washington | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Craftsman | Colonial and Cape Cod |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Green space, Tech-friendly homes | Historic landmarks, Proximity to Washington, D.C. |
Washington's housing market is characterized by its higher median home prices and rent, reflecting its vibrant urban lifestyle and tech-friendly environment. Modern and Craftsman styles dominate, complemented by amenities that promote an active lifestyle with high walkability and bikeability scores. In contrast, Virginia offers more affordable living options, with Colonial and Cape Cod architectural styles prevalent. The state boasts a more relaxed lifestyle with its lower urban scores, yet remains attractive due to its historic charm and proximity to Washington, D.C. These differences encapsulate the unique living experiences offered by both states, guiding you in finding a home that aligns with your lifestyle and financial considerations.
Washington vs. Virginia Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another means adapting to new weather conditions. Understanding how the climate in Washington compares to Virginia will help you adjust more smoothly. Here's an overview to illustrate the differences and similarities in the weather aspects of these two states.
Washington
Virginia
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Washington
Virginia
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Washington
Virginia
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Washington
Virginia
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Washington | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Volcanoes, Earthquakes | Hurricanes, Floods |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While Washington and Virginia share similarities in winter temperatures, significant differences lie in summer weather, humidity, and sunshine. Virginia enjoys more sunny days per year, which correlates with its higher summer temperatures compared to Washington. The humidity in Washington is generally higher, affecting how temperatures feel during the summer. Natural disasters differ due to their geographic locations, with Washington being prone to volcanoes and earthquakes and Virginia experiencing hurricanes and floods. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for the seasonal changes and hazards unique to each state.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington to Virginia
When planning a move, understanding how your financial situation will adjust is crucial. Comparing costs and economic factors between your current and future home can provide valuable insights. This comparison focuses on the financial aspects of moving from Washington to Virginia, highlighting the critical differences and what they might mean for you.
Comparison | Washington | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $91,306 | $85,873 |
Cost of Living Index | 104.1 | 96.6 |
State Income Tax | 0 | 5.75 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.93 | 0.80 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.92 | 5.65 |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Aerospace, Forestry | Technology, Military Defense, Agriculture |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | High | Moderate |
Moving from Washington to Virginia, you'll notice several favorable shifts in your financial landscape. Despite the slight drop in average household income, Virginia’s cost of living index is notably lower, making daily and long-term expenses more manageable. The presence of state income tax in Virginia compared to Washington's none can be offset by the overall lower cost of living and the lower sales and property taxes. The top industries in both states offer strong job prospects, especially in technology. However, Virginia's focus on military defense and agriculture introduces diversified opportunities not as prevalent in Washington. Virginia also shows a better grasp on managing poverty and homelessness, hinting at a range of social and economic policies potentially favorable to new residents.
Washington vs. Virginia Political & Religious Comparison
This brief comparison aims to offer you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Washington & Virginia. Understanding these differences can help set realistic expectations about the communities you'll be interacting with after your move.
Washington | Virginia | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Mixed, with both Democratic and Republican strongholds |
Local Politics | Progressive in urban areas like Seattle | Varies widely, conservative in rural areas, liberal in cities like Arlington |
Religion | Less religious overall | More diverse religious landscape, with a higher attendance |
In your move from Washington to Virginia, you'll encounter a tapestry of political and religious beliefs that reflect the varied history and culture of each state. Washington's urban centers, such as Seattle, are known for their progressive politics, while its overall less religious society contrasts with Virginia's diverse religious community and mixed political climate. The difference in local politics is particularly notable, with Virginia presenting a more complex picture due to its blend of rural conservatism and urban liberalism, something you might especially notice in communities like Arlington. This variety in Virginia offers a new set of opportunities and perspectives to engage with, opening up a richer dialogue and community experience for newcomers.
Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Virginia
Moving from one state to another can be a complex process, especially when it comes to educational opportunities for your children. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Washington and Virginia, ensuring you make the best choice for your family's educational needs.
Washington | Virginia |
---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Washington Washington State University Gonzaga UniversityUniversity of Virginia Virginia Tech William & Mary | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Cascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah) Medina Elementary (Medina) Sunrise Elementary (Kent)Nottingham Elementary (Arlington) Long Branch Elementary (Arlington) Lucketts Elementary (Leesburg) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools International School (Bellevue) Odle Middle School (Bellevue) Lakeside Middle School (Seattle)Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church) Frost Middle School (Fairfax) Henley Middle School (Crozet) | |
Top 3 High Schools Bellevue High School (Bellevue) International School (Bellevue) Newport High School (Bellevue)Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria) McLean High School (McLean) Langley High School (McLean) | |
Top 3 private high schools Lakeside School (Seattle) The Bush School (Seattle) The Overlake School (Redmond)The Potomac School (McLean) Norfolk Academy (Norfolk) The Madeira School (McLean) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Bear Creek School (Redmond) Seattle Academy (Seattle) Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (Suffolk) The Covenant School (Charlottesville) Foxcroft School (Middleburg) | |
Top 3 School Districts Bellevue School District Mercer Island School District Lake Washington School DistrictArlington Public Schools Falls Church City Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools |
When comparing educational opportunities between Washington and Virginia, notable differences emerge, especially in the top destinations for college-bound seniors and the highly rated K-12 schools. In Washington, institutions like the University of Washington and Gonzaga University are popular among graduates, reflecting a strong inclination towards in-state higher education. Conversely, Virginia boasts prestigious universities such as the University of Virginia and William & Mary, indicating a different set of priorities or opportunities. Parents seeking top-ranked secondary education might lean towards Virginia for its nationally recognized Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, though Washington's Bellevue and Mercer Island School Districts offer exceptional K-12 education, rivaling Virginia's best. The decision between these two states' educational offerings will hinge on your family's specific needs and preferences for public versus private schooling, as well as consideration for post-secondary ambitions.
Popular Washington to Virginia Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes