Massachusetts to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Virginia

ConsMassachusetts

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Higher taxes

ProsVirginia

• Milder climate
• Lower cost of living
• Less crowded roads
• Lower state taxes

---

Virginia

• Less historic towns
• Fewer renowned universities
• Less dramatic colors
• Fewer cultural offerings

Massachusetts

• Rich history
• Top education institutions
• Beautiful fall foliage
• Diverse cultural events

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Virginia

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Virginia with a lower cost of living
• Swap the heavy traffic congestion of Massachusetts for less crowded roads in Virginia
• Get ready for lower state taxes in Virginia

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Massachusetts to live with less historic towns in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of top educational institutions and have to settle with the con of fewer renowned universities
• Time to bid farewell to beautiful fall foliage and get used to less dramatic colors in Virginia
• Swap diverse cultural events for fewer cultural offerings

Massachusetts vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Massachusetts to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Cannoli, Virginia residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos 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 Massachusetts eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Santarpio's Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Shed at Smoketown, Secrets Soul Food, and Leaping Lizard Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Virginia

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference access to public transportation and historic details, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and community amenities.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Virginia is less walkable than Massachusetts.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Virginia is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
• Virginia has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
• Virginia housing costs are 37% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased 42% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
• Rent in Virginia is 27.91% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to Virginia. Virginia gets 3% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
• Virginia has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and nor'easters in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and earthquakes in Virginia.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 7 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Virginia. Virginia receives 3.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 9% less than in Massachusetts
• The COLI in Virginia will be 21% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
• The state income tax in VA is 2.0 to 5.75 compared to 5.0 in MA
• The affluence in Virginia is moderate compared to prosperous in Massachusetts
• The poverty level is moderate in Virginia compared to moderate in Massachusetts
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Massachusetts and manageable in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Virginia

• Massachusetts tends to lean largely Democratic in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as a Protestant majority
• Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Catholic majority

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Virginia

How Much Do Massachusetts to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 609 miles from Massachusetts to Virginia will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.