Michigan to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Virginia

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• Higher unemployment
• Limited cultural diversity
• Rustbelt decline
• Few direct flights

ProsVirginia

• Milder winters
• More job opportunities
• Rich cultural history
• Growing economy
• Major airports

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Virginia

• No Great Lakes
• Higher cost of living
• More transient population
• Less open land
• Less manufacturing jobs

Michigan

• Great Lakes access
• Low housing costs
• Close-knit communities
• Abundant farmland
• Automotive industry

Pros of moving from Michigan to Virginia

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from higher unemployment and moving to Virginia with more job opportunities
• Swap the limited cultural diversity of Michigan for the rich cultural history in Virginia
• Get ready for a growing economy in Virginia

Cons of moving from Michigan to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from Great Lakes access in Michigan to live with no Great Lakes in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of low housing costs and have to settle with the con of a higher cost of living
• Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a more transient population in Virginia
• Swap abundant farmland for less open land

Michigan vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious Virginia Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Pasties and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Virginia residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Food Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Coney Dogs 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 Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Deli, and Lafayette Coney Island. 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, Lillie Pearl, and Pies & Pints.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Virginia

• The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and large yards, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like historic homes and proximity to D.C.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Virginia is more walkable than Michigan.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Virginia is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Virginia has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Virginia housing costs are 61% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased 42% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Virginia is 26.18% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Virginia. Virginia gets 21% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, 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 6 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Virginia. Virginia receives 9.9 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 28% more than those in Michigan
• The COLI in Virginia is 6% higher than what you are used to in Michigan
• The state income tax in VA is 2% - 5.75% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in Virginia is high compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
• The poverty level is low in Virginia compared to moderate poverty in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Michigan and low in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Virginia

• Michigan tends to lean as a highly competitive swing state. Recent statewide results lean slightly Democratic with a Democratic governor and a legislature that is narrowly Democratic. Urban and suburban areas tend to vote Democratic while many rural areas lean Republican in its political climate.
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic in federal elections since 2008 with a Republican governor and a state legislature that is currently Democratic. Northern Virginia is strongly Democratic while many rural and southwestern areas lean Republican.
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as having diverse affiliations with roughly 60-70% Christian, about 20-30% unaffiliated, and growing communities of other faiths, especially in Northern Virginia.
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having diverse affiliations with roughly 60-70% Christian, a mix of Protestant and Catholic, about 20-30% unaffiliated, and smaller Jewish, Muslim, and other faith communities.

How Much Do Michigan to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 802 miles from Michigan to Virginia will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.