DC to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Virginia

ConsDC

• High living costs
• Dense traffic
• Lack of space
• Noisy environment
• Limited parking

ProsVirginia

• More affordable housing
• Less congestion
• More open spaces
• Quieter neighborhoods
• Ample parking

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Virginia

• Fewer historical sites
• Quieter nightlife
• Less public transit
• Less diversity
• Fewer museums

DC

• Historical attractions
• Vibrant nightlife
• Metro accessibility
• Cultural diversity
• Smithsonian museums

Pros of moving from DC to Virginia

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from dense traffic and moving to Virginia with less congestion
• Swap the lack of space of DC for more open spaces in Virginia
• Get ready for quieter neighborhoods in Virginia

Cons of moving from DC to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from historical attractions in DC to live with fewer historical sites in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of quieter nightlife
• Time to bid farewell to metro accessibility and get used to less public transit in Virginia
• Swap cultural diversity for less diversity

DC vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Half-smoke of DC for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo sauce with wings and sumptuous food truck fare, Virginia residents know they have tasty BBQ (pulled pork) and Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Plant-based burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Old Ebbitt Grill, and Zaytinya. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, L'Auberge Chez Francois, and Le Diplomate.

When comparing lifestyles, Virginia shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than DC. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Virginia compared to what you are used to in DC. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Virginia.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Virginia

• The Federal and Victorian architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like school district quality.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Virginia is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Virginia is less bike-friendly than DC.
• Virginia has less of an urban feel than DC.
• Virginia housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to DC’s $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased 42% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in Virginia is 23.72% more affordable than in DC.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between DC and Virginia

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to Virginia. Virginia gets 1% more sunshine days than DC.
• Virginia has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes in Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 2 degrees colder than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Virginia. Virginia receives 4 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 15% less than in DC
• The COLI in Virginia will be 31% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• The state income tax in VA is 2-5.75% compared to 6-8.95% in DC
• The affluence in Virginia is moderate compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is low in Virginia compared to moderate in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in DC and minimal in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Virginia

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a mix of Democratic and Republican
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominant in Christianity, followed by other faiths
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with no single dominant faith

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Virginia

How Much Do DC to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 182 miles from DC to Virginia will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.