Best Milwaukee to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the vibrant energy of Milwaukee, or the “City of Festivals,” to the welcoming heart of the Midwest, Des Moines, known for its dynamic blend of urban sophistication and down-to-earth charm, offers an exciting journey and a fresh start. You're transitioning from Lake Michigan’s shores to the land where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet, embracing new opportunities, communities, and experiences. Recognizing the importance of having trusted and reliable professionals by your side for this long distance adventure, we at Great Guys Moving provide you with the best movers, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
Best Milwaukee to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.33 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.31 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.24 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Hemmen Moving | 9.11 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| The Go To Guys, LLC | 9.08 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Milwaukee guide.
5 Best Milwaukee to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About About Time Moving Systems LLC
This locally owned and operated moving company serves the Milwaukee, WI, area with high-quality residential and commercial relocation servic...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and comme...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moves
- Commercial moves
- Local/statewide moving
About Best Move Inc
Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its BBB accreditation...Read More >>
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and comme...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
About The Go To Guys, LLC
The Go To Guys, LLC is a seasoned moving company with 30 years of experience in the industry. Based in the United States, the firm is well-e...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance 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.
Milwaukee vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be a bit like exploring uncharted territory. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Milwaukee, WI & Des Moines, IA . This guide aims to match you with a new neighborhood in Des Moines that shares the vibe and character of your favorite Milwaukee spot, making your move feel a little more like coming home.
| Milwaukee | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Third Ward | East Village | Historic, artsy ambiance |
| Bay View | Beaverdale | Eclectic, community-focused |
| Walker's Point | Sherman Hill | Diverse, architectural gems |
| Wauwatosa | Windsor Heights | Family-friendly, suburban feel |
| Historic Third Ward | East Village | Vibrant nightlife & dining |
| Shorewood | Drake Neighborhood | Progressive, near universities |
| Whitefish Bay | Waterbury | Affluent, well-established |
| Brady Street | Ingersoll Avenue | Trendy, with a youthful vibe |
| East Side | Roosevelt | Culturally rich, diverse activities |
| Brewer's Hill | Highland Park | Historic, with a sense of community |
In exploring these neighborhoods, you'll discover unique aspects that might remind you of home while encouraging you to delve deeper into what your new city has to offer. For instance, Des Moines' East Village, with its combination of eclectic shops like Raygun, local eateries such as Zombie Burger, and the historical ambiance reflected by its well-preserved architecture, mirrors Milwaukee's Third Ward's artsy vibe and historical significance. Meanwhile, for those who appreciate the tight-knit, community-focused atmosphere of Bay View, Beaverdale presents a charming blend of eclectic homes and local events like the annual Fall Festival that fosters neighborhood camaraderie. Similarly, if it's the family-friendly, suburban feel of Wauwatosa that you love, Windsor Heights offers a serene environment with access to excellent schools and local parks, making it an ideal place for families to settle down. With each neighborhood, Des Moines presents an opportunity to find a new community that resonates with the aspects of Milwaukee you cherished most.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Milwaukee to Des Moines
Moving from one city to another can be a significant change, offering both new opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA. By comparing the pros and cons, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your move.
Milwaukee, WI- Harsher winters
- Higher crime rate
- More expensive housing
- Less job growth
Des Moines, IA- Milder winters
- Lower crime rate
- More affordable housing
- Higher job growth
Des Moines, IA- Smaller cultural scene
- No large body of water
- Less historical sites
- Fewer dining options
Milwaukee, WI- Vibrant cultural scene
- Access to Lake Michigan
- Rich history
- Diverse dining options
Moving from Milwaukee to Des Moines brings a significant shift in lifestyle and opportunities. Milwaukee is known for its vibrant public market and access to Lake Michigan, offering a unique blend of urban living with natural beauty. Des Moines, while not having a large body of water, boasts beautiful parks and recreation areas such as Gray's Lake Park and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Although Milwaukee has a rich cultural history with numerous historical sites and a wider variety of dining options, Des Moines counters with a burgeoning job market and a lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for many. While you may miss Milwaukee's cultural scene, Des Moines offers its own charm with growing arts, excellent educational institutions, and friendly communities.
Milwaukee vs. Des Moines Food Guide
Food isn't just nourishment; it's a critical piece of local culture and a big part of what it's like to live in an area. That's why we're taking a look at the delicious differences— this is a comparison of the local cuisine between Milwaukee & Des Moines —to help you better understand the food scene as you plan your move.
| Milwaukee | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Baby Back Ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Polish Sausage | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Cheese Pizzas | Tempeh Reuben |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Milwaukee, the neighborhoods of Historic Third Ward and Walker's Point are particularly celebrated for their culinary diversity, offering an array of menus from classic German dishes at Mader's to contemporary American at Sanford Restaurant. On the other hand, Des Moines boasts a vibrant food scene with destinations like the East Village, where you can savor the creative flavors of Zombie Burger + Drink Lab or indulge in the specialty pizzas at Fong's Pizza. Both cities have distinct flavors tied to their local cultures, but Des Moines edges out with a slightly more diverse and vegan-friendly food scene.
Milwaukee vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Relocating isn't just about a new home, but finding the places that warm it. Food plays a crucial role in this journey. Through this comparison, you're guided to discover culinary gems in Des Moines, mirrored by Milwaukee's finest, easing your transition. Let this serve as your gourmet map from Milwaukee to Des Moines , ensuring the flavors of home are never far away.
| Milwaukee | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Sanford | Aposto | Sophisticated dining with a rotating seasonal menu |
| Ardent | Baru 66 | French-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting |
| Odd Duck | Harbinger | Small plates with big, bold flavors |
| HoneyPie | DRUNCH Eatery + Bar | Comfort food with a creative twist |
| Conejito's Place | El Bait Shop | Massive selection of craft beer and hearty Mexican dishes |
| La Merenda | Malo | Diverse Latin cuisine with a contemporary flair |
| Good City Brewing | Confluence Brewing Company | Craft beers with a local focus |
| Pizza Man | Gusto Pizza Co. | Unique pizzas with a Des Moines twist |
| Bavette La Boucherie | The Cheese Shop | Artisanal cheese and charcuterie with a cozy café vibe |
| Kopps Frozen Custard | Snookies Malt Shop | A Des Moines tradition for creamy frozen treats |
For food lovers making the move from Milwaukee to Des Moines, finding your go-to eateries is part of the adventure. Perhaps you frequented Sanford for its fine dining experience - Aposto in Des Moines aims to match that with its elegant, seasonal dishes. If the relaxed, global tapas at La Merenda were your scene, Malo offers a vibrant alternative with its modern take on Latin American cuisine. And for those who cherish a buzzing brewery atmosphere, Good City Brewing's counterpart in Des Moines, Confluence Brewing Company, delivers local craft beers with a community feel. These transitions illuminate the culinary connections between Milwaukee and Des Moines, ensuring you feel right at home, one exquisite meal at a time.
Ready to start your move?
Milwaukee vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate shapes much of our moving experience, making understanding the market crucial. This comparison highlights the housing characteristics of Milwaukee, WI, and Des Moines, IA , setting a clear picture for your relocation decisions.
| Comparison | Milwaukee | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian and Craftsman | Ranch and Split Level |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, updated kitchens | Spacious backyards, modern appliances |
In delving deeper into the housing landscapes of Milwaukee and Des Moines, a few key differences emerge. Milwaukee's median home price is slightly lower than Des Moines, making it a potentially more affordable option for homebuyers seeking Victorian or Craftsman-style homes. However, Des Moines offers lower median monthly rent and homes often come with spacious backyards and modern appliances, catering to those who prioritize both outdoor space and contemporary conveniences. Moreover, while Milwaukee boasts a higher walkability and urban lifestyle rating, Des Moines' quiet, sprawling layout showcases its appeal for those preferring a more relaxed pace of life.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA
1. Beaverdale: Known for its charming brick homes and a strong sense of community, Beaverdale offers numerous parks and pet-friendly events making it an ideal place for you and your furry friend.
2. East Village: This eclectic area is not only rich in culture and shopping but also boasts several pet-friendly restaurants and shops, including East Village Pet Hospital for your pet's health needs.
3. Gray's Lake Park area: While not a neighborhood per se, the area around Gray's Lake Park is highly popular among pet owners for its spacious park, perfect for long walks, and the nearby residential areas offer a welcoming community for pet owners.
Milwaukee vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to understand how the weather in Milwaukee and Des Moines will impact your daily life and comfort. Familiarizing yourself with the different climates will help you make a smoother transition.
Milwaukee, WI
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Milwaukee, WI
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Milwaukee, WI
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Milwaukee, WI
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Milwaukee | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Better |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold snaps | Tornados, Severe Storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In comparing the weather between Milwaukee, WI and Des Moines, IA, the most noticeable differences are in summer temperatures, UV index, and sunshine days. Des Moines experiences hotter summers, a higher average UV index, and more days filled with sunshine. However, Milwaukee sees significantly more snowfall. The slight increase in annual rainfall in Des Moines compared to Milwaukee is also worth noting, along with better air quality - a factor that might influence your outdoor activities and health. Adjusting to the weather in Des Moines may require preparing for more hot days in summer and potentially rethinking your strategies for dealing with allergies and outdoor activities.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Milwaukee to Des Moines
When contemplating a move from one city to another, it's essential to grasp how your financial situation might shift. This comparative chart aims to highlight the key economic factors that could influence your decision. Understanding Milwaukee's and Des Moines' cost of living, taxes, and overall economic environment will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make an informed choice.
| Comparison | Milwaukee | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $46,637 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.9 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 4-7.65 | 0.33-8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.17 | 1.53 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.6 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail Trade | Insurance, Financial Services, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | High | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Visible | Less Visible |
When comparing Milwaukee and Des Moines, one of the most noteworthy differences lies in the average household income and the overall affluence of their residents. Des Moines households tend to have a higher average income, which correlates with the city's higher affluence rating and a surprisingly lower cost of living index. Additionally, while both cities are subject to state income tax, Milwaukee residents typically pay higher property taxes. Understanding these financial nuances is vital for anyone planning to make the move, as it could significantly impact your budgeting and lifestyle choices.
Milwaukee vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup between Milwaukee & Des Moines, offering you insights into the communities you're moving from and to. It assists in setting expectations about the local environments and community values in both cities.
| Milwaukee | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic leaning | Moderately liberal, mixed political views |
| Local Politics | Democratic dominance in city leadership | Mix of Democratic and Republican influence |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious communities | Christianity predominant, growing diversity in religious beliefs |
In both Milwaukee and Des Moines, you'll find that Christianity is the predominant religion, reflecting a broader trend across many American cities. However, both cities boast growing religious diversity, offering places of worship and community for a variety of faiths. Politically, Milwaukee tends to have a more uniformly liberal stance, particularly evident in its city leadership. Des Moines, while still leaning liberal, presents a more mixed political landscape with both Democratic and Republican influences visible. This variability in political leanings in Des Moines could offer a slightly different community vibe, one that might be more centrist or varied in its political discussions and local policymaking compared to Milwaukee.
Milwaukee vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Milwaukee & Des Moines is crucial for anyone considering a move. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what your daily commute and traffic situation may look like in these cities.
| Comparison | Milwaukee | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes, with some difficulty | Challenging |
When considering a move from Milwaukee to Des Moines, it's important to note the slight differences in daily commutes. In Milwaukee, the average commute time is just a couple of minutes longer, with a moderate rating in traffic congestion. This city offers better public transportation options, exemplified by Milwaukee County Transit System, making it somewhat feasible to get around without a car, although not without some hurdles. Conversely, Des Moines has somewhat lighter traffic but relies less on public transit, making it more challenging to navigate the city without personal transportation. This underscores the importance of considering your commuting preferences and the potential need for a vehicle when moving to Des Moines.
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