Best Madison to Seattle Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Madison to Seattle Movers

Moving from Madison, WI to Seattle, WA signifies an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. Leaving behind Madison's calming lakes and vibrant university scene for Seattle's iconic Space Needle and bustling tech hubs can be bittersweet. Considering the vast distance and the complexities of such a move, it's critical to entrust your belongings to professional movers who are both trusted and efficient—something we at Great Guys Moving pride ourselves on providing.

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Best Madison to Seattle Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
A Smooth Move, LLC9.59A+Authorized For HHGContact
Madison Smooth Moves9.56A+Authorized For HHGContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.34NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.31A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
People Movers9.16NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Seattle to Madison guide.

5 Best Madison to Seattle Moving Companies

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

A Smooth Move, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.59/10
based on 1,293+ data points

About A Smooth Move, LLC

A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as one of the mos...Read More >>

Services

  • Full-Service Moves
  • Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
  • Business and Residential Relocation Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Madison Smooth Moves Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 894+ data points

About Madison Smooth Moves

Founded in 2018, Madison Smooth Moves operates based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, preparation, and satisfaction. As a loc...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Long-distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
2
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,571+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
3
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 2,029+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2627768 / 1031866

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved173,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
People Movers Logo
Exceptional9.16/10
based on 3,624+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2895681 / 1597195

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Madison vs. Seattle Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be an exciting yet daunting adventure. To ease the transition, we offer a detailed comparison designed to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by referencing your current city's neighborhoods. This guide specifically focuses on comparing local neighborhoods between Madison, WI & Seattle, WA , offering insights into similar communities that share the vibe, amenities, and lifestyle you've come to love.

MadisonSeattleHow They're Similar
Capitol HillCapitol Hill, SeattleVibrant nightlife, artist community
Shenk's CornersBallardHistoric charm, indie boutiques
RegentWallingfordFamily-friendly, great schools
Nakoma LeagueMadronaUpscale, peaceful neighborhoods
Maple BluffMagnoliaViews, affluent community
MarquetteFremontBohemian vibe, outdoor sculptures
Tenney-LaphamQueen AnneArchitectural wonders, cultural attractions
Bay CreekGreen LakeRecreational activities, community feel
Schenk-AtwoodColumbia CityDiverse, vibrant community events
Dudgeon-MonroeWest SeattleBeachfront, strong community vibe

Moving from Tenney-Lapham's artistic environment filled with local galleries and eateries, you'll find a similar spirit in Queen Anne, home to Seattle's iconic Space Needle. This neighborhood boasts stunning views, historic architecture, and is a hotbed for cultural activities. For those who appreciate the diverse and vibrant community events of Schenk-Atwood, Columbia City in Seattle will resonate with you through its engaging neighborhood festivals and eclectic dining options ranging from casual eateries to sophisticated restaurants. Green Lake, similar to Bay Creek, offers numerous recreational opportunities with its well-loved park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy walking, jogging, or paddleboarding amidst a lively local scene. This guide aims to ensure the neighborhoods in your new city feel just like home.

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Things to Do in Seattle

  • Visit the Space Needle for iconic city views.
  • Explore Pike Place Market's unique shops.
  • Relax at Green Lake Park.
  • Discover art at Seattle Art Museum.
  • Enjoy a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island.
  • Watch a Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park.
  • Hike in Mount Rainier National Park.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to Seattle

Moving from Madison, WI to Seattle, WA is a big step, filled with both opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to present an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you weigh your decision carefully.

CONs
PROs
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Harsher winters
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Limited cultural diversity
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Milder climate
  • Urban environment
  • Booming tech industry
  • Rich multiculturalism
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Higher expenses
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Lesser green space
  • Heavy traffic
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Lower cost of living
  • Friendly Midwestern charm
  • Abundant natural beauty
  • Less traffic congestion

When considering a move from Madison, WI to Seattle, WA, it's important to recognize the unique offerings each city brings. In Madison, you'll miss the friendly Midwestern charm and the ease of getting around with less traffic congestion. Madison's green spaces like Olbrich Botanical Gardens offer serene escapes not found in the bustling city of Seattle. However, Seattle counters with its rich tapestry of multicultural neighborhoods, such as the vibrant Capitol Hill and historic Pike Place Market. The tech boom in Seattle offers vast career opportunities, particularly for those in IT and software engineering. Despite the higher cost of living, Seattle's urban environment and cultural diversity provide a stimulating backdrop for personal and professional growth.

Madison vs. Seattle Food Guide

Food is a pivotal part of local culture and provides a flavor of what life is like in an area. In this endeavor, we will compare the local cuisine between Madison & Seattle so you can be more informed about the food scene in your new city.

MadisonSeattle
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsPacific Northwest Salmon
Most popular meat dishBratwurstTeriyaki
Most popular street food itemFood CartsSeafood Rolls
Most popular vegan foodVegetable PastyVegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • L'Etoile
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Graze Pub
  • Canlis
  • The Pink Door
  • Pike Place Chowder
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Madison to Seattle, you'll shift from a cuisine celebrated for its dairy heritage, notably cheese curds and bratwurst, to one known for its seafood, especially the Pacific Northwest Salmon. Seattle's foodie scene thrives with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Areas like Capitol Hill and Pike Place Market in Seattle are havens for food lovers, offering everything from upscale dining at Canlis to casual bites at Pike Place Chowder. Not to mention, Seattle's higher vegan-friendly rating reflects its broader range of plant-based options, including the popular Vegan Pho. The presence of food trucks and health-conscious eateries is more pronounced, promising an exciting culinary exploration for newcomers.

Madison vs. Seattle Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a journey of myriad flavors and experiences. Particularly, when it comes to finding a new favorite dining spot, the task might seem daunting. However, this comparison guide between Madison and Seattle restaurants aims to make your culinary transition as seamless and satisfying as possible, by drawing parallels from your current hometown favorites to your next. Whether you're in search of a high-end dining experience or a casual bite, let this guide be your compass to gastronomical delight in a new city.

MadisonSeattleWhat You'll Love
L'EtoileCanlisIconic, exquisite dining with top-notch local ingredients
A Pig in a Fur CoatStaple & FancyInnovative and Mediterranean-influenced dishes
GrazeSkillet DinerComfort food with a creative twist, casual ambience
Ian's PizzaSerious PieGourmet pizzas with unique toppings, similar urban vibe
Marigold KitchenPortage Bay CafeFocus on organic breakfast and brunch, health-centric
SardineThe Walrus and the CarpenterFresh, local seafood with an elegant touch
Taqueria GuadalajaraLa Carta de OaxacaAuthentic Mexican fare, known for their mole dishes
Naples 15Tutta Bella Neapolitan PizzeriaTrue to its roots, Neapolitan pizzas
The Old FashionedPike Brewing CompanyGreat local beers with a hint of regional cuisine
Salvatore's Tomato PiesTom Douglas' Serious PieAnother nod to Serious Pie for its inventive pizzas

Moving from Madison to Seattle doesn't mean you have to give up on your culinary comforts. For example, if you find yourself missing the sophisticated ambiance and farm-to-table dishes of L'Etoile, Canlis stands ready in Seattle with its breathtaking views and locally sourced ingredients, delivering a dining experience that resonates with Madison's top-tier culinary offerings. On the more casual side, Ian's Pizza enthusiasts will find a kindred spirit in Serious Pie, where the focus on gourmet toppings and an inviting atmosphere echo the laid-back, food-centric vibe of Madison. Both cities treasure the connection between food, community, and local culture, ensuring that no matter where you are, you'll always find a place at the table that feels like home.

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Ready to start your move?

Madison vs. Seattle Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of Madison, WI, and Seattle, WA is crucial. This comparison sheds light on housing costs, styles, and livability to guide your decision-making process. Understanding these factors in detail can significantly impact your transition.

ComparisonMadisonSeattle
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, CraftsmanModern, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, Green spacesViews of Puget Sound, Proximity to tech hubs

Moving from Madison to Seattle means experiencing not only a significant change in housing costs but also in the lifestyle and environment you'll live in. For instance, Seattle's higher median home prices are a reflection of its vibrant urban lifestyle, scoring higher in walkability, which suits those who yearn for a bustling city feel. The typical architecture in Seattle includes modern designs not as prevalent in Madison, echoing the city's innovative spirit. Points like Madison's bike-friendly scores and Seattle's stunning Puget Sound views reflect the unique characteristics that make each city special. Considering such details can help ensure your move aligns with your lifestyle preferences and budgetary needs.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA

1. Ballard: With its numerous off-leash dog parks, Ballard is ideal for your furry friends to run free and socialize.

2. Green Lake: Known for the pet-friendly Green Lake Park, you and your pet will enjoy the scenic 2.8-mile trail and ample green space for play.

3. Queen Anne: This neighborhood is packed with pet-friendly cafes and shops, plus it offers easy access to Kinnear Park's off-leash area, making it a perfect spot for pet owners.

Madison vs. Seattle Weather Considerations

When planning your move from Madison, WI to Seattle, WA, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison will help you adapt to the new climate more easily, ensuring you're well-prepared for what awaits in your new home city.

Summer icon
82°F / 61°F

Madison, WI

75°F / 55°F

Seattle, WA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
29°F / 16°F

Madison, WI

47°F / 37°F

Seattle, WA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
37

Madison, WI

37.5

Seattle, WA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
42

Madison, WI

5

Seattle, WA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMadisonSeattle
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, SnowstormsEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Madison and Seattle have comparable annual rainfall, the type and distribution of precipitation throughout the year vary significantly. You'll find Seattle's climate milder with warmer winters and cooler summers than Madison's more extreme temperatures. However, Seattle experiences more cloudy days, contributing to fewer days of sunshine. Air quality in Madison is generally better, possibly due to less congestion and varying geographical features. Understanding these differences can help you adjust to Seattle's unique weather patterns, ensuring a smoother transition.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to Seattle

When planning a move from Madison, WI, to Seattle, WA, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape you're heading into. Understanding the cost of living, average income, and tax rates in Madison and Seattle will help ensure no surprises. This comparison offers a clear snapshot of what to expect.

ComparisonMadisonSeattle
Avg. Household Income$67,270$110,781
Cost of Living Index95.65121.4
State Income TaxAbout 6.27%0%
Avg. Property TaxAbout 1.73%About 0.99%
Avg. Sales Tax5.5%10.1%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, ManufacturingTechnology, Aerospace, Maritime
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerModerate
HomelessnessModerateHigh

Transitioning from Madison to Seattle will present notable financial changes. The average household income in Seattle is significantly higher, reflecting and somewhat offsetting the city's higher cost of living. Yet, despite having no state income tax, Seattle's high sales tax rate and cost of living can impact daily expenses. The economic landscapes differ too, with Seattle's technology-driven market contrasting Madison's focus on education and healthcare. This transition might require budget adjustments, especially considering Seattle's higher living costs and diverse economic sector. Overall, anticipating these changes can lead to a smoother adjustment process.

Madison vs. Seattle Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup between Madison & Seattle, offering insights into the communities you're transitioning between. Understand the ideologies and beliefs that shape these cities.

MadisonSeattle
Political Make-upLiberalVery Liberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic dominanceProgressive leadership
ReligionMixed, with strong secular leaningsLargely secular, varied religious communities

When moving from Madison to Seattle, you'll find both cities share liberal values, though Seattle is often perceived as more progressive, especially in local governance and social issues. Madison's political scene is led by Democrats with a focus on inclusive policies, somewhat mirroring Seattle's progressive leadership. However, Seattle stands out for its activism and environmental initiatives. Religion in both cities takes a backseat to secular life, with diverse faith communities present yet less central in daily life and city-wide decisions. This lays a foundation for rich, culturally nuanced conversations and communities in both locales.

Madison vs. Seattle Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Madison, WI to Seattle, WA offers new adventures, especially when considering this is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Madison & Seattle. It's essential to understand the differences in the daily commute and traffic to plan your day efficiently.

ComparisonMadisonSeattle
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2228
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?With DifficultyYes

In Madison, the average commute time is notably shorter, making daily travel slightly less burdensome than in Seattle. However, Seattle offers a more robust public transit system, ranked higher in availability, which complements its denser urban environment. This network enables residents to navigate the city more feasibly without a car, a challenging feat in Madison. While Madison experiences lighter traffic congestion, those moving to Seattle should be prepared for busier roads but can take solace in a more accessible and convenient public transportation system.

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