New York to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Virginia

ConsNew York

• Sky high rent
• Heavy tax burden
• Packed subways
• Limited parking
• Harsh winters
• Tiny apartments
• Constant noise
• Expensive childcare
• High grocery prices
• Crowded parks
• Frequent tolls
• Higher crime rates
• Small pet spaces
• Limited hiking access
• High sales tax
• Expensive car insurance
• Costly dining out
• Limited new construction
• High business costs
• Tight school admissions

ProsVirginia

• Lower housing costs
• Lower overall taxes
• Less crowded transit
• Easier parking
• Milder winters
• Larger living spaces
• Quieter neighborhoods
• More affordable childcare
• Cheaper groceries
• Spacious outdoor areas
• Fewer toll roads
• Lower crime rates
• Pet friendly yards
• Trails and mountains
• Lower sales tax
• Cheaper car insurance
• More affordable dining
• More new builds
• Lower startup costs
• Less school competition

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Virginia

• Limited transit coverage
• Car dependent suburbs
• Earlier closing times
• Fewer global options
• Fewer major museums
• Smaller professional circles
• Fewer direct flights
• Lower average pay
• Fewer big events
• Narrower job market
• Limited late deliveries
• Patchy bike infrastructure
• Car ownership needed
• Longer drive commutes
• More spread out friends
• Quieter after dark
• Longer specialist waits
• Fewer landmark parks
• Limited live theater
• Less cultural density

New York

• World class transit
• Walkable neighborhoods
• 24/7 amenities
• Diverse dining scene
• Top cultural institutions
• Big city networking
• International flight hub
• Higher salary potential
• Entertainment on demand
• Robust job variety
• Late night deliveries
• Extensive bike lanes
• No car required
• Short subway commutes
• Dense social scene
• Constant street energy
• Top tier healthcare
• Iconic parks access
• Broadway and theaters
• Diverse communities

Pros of moving from New York to Virginia

• Say goodbye to sky high rent and hello to lower housing costs
• Look forward to moving away from a heavy tax burden and moving to Virginia with lower overall taxes
• Swap the packed subways of New York for less crowded transit in Virginia
• Get ready for easier parking in Virginia

Cons of moving from New York to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from world class transit in New York to live with limited transit coverage in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of walkable neighborhoods and have to settle for the con of car dependent suburbs
• Time to bid farewell to 24/7 amenities and get used to earlier closing times in Virginia
• Swap the diverse dining scene for fewer global options

New York vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New York to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Bagel with Lox of New York for the equally delicious Virginia Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful New York Strip Steak and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Virginia residents know they have tasty BBQ Pulled Pork and Soft Shell Crab Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast 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 New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and Per Se. 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, Le Diplomate, and Mama J's Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Virginia

• The Art Deco and Brownstone architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to subway and rooftop access, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like yard space and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Virginia is less walkable than New York.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Virginia is less bike-friendly than New York.
• Virginia has less of an urban feel than New York.
• Virginia housing costs are 16% less expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to New York’s $460,812.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
• Rent in Virginia is 26.75% more affordable than in New York.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New York and Virginia

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Virginia. Virginia gets 8% fewer sunshine days than New York.
• Virginia has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and hurricanes in New York, 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 5 degrees warmer than in New York.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in New York.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Virginia. Virginia receives 5.6 fewer inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 8% more than in New York
• The cost of living index in Virginia will be 6% lower than what you are used to living in New York
• The state income tax in VA is 2 - 5.75% compared to 4 - 8.82% in NY
• The affluence in Virginia is moderate compared to high in New York
• The poverty level is low in Virginia compared to moderate in New York
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New York and low in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Virginia

• New York tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as mixed and leans Republican
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
• New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a diverse religious landscape

How Much Do New York to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 612 miles from New York 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.