South Dakota to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Massachusetts

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited healthcare
• Sparse job market
• Remote areas
• Scarce public transit

ProsMassachusetts

• Milder weather
• Advanced medical facilities
• Diverse job opportunities
• Urban amenities
• Comprehensive public transit

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Massachusetts

• Higher cost of living
• Urban crowding
• Frequent congestion
• Fast-paced life
• Northeast hustle

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Wide open spaces
• Less traffic
• Peaceful lifestyle
• Natural beauty

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Massachusetts

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder weather
• Look forward to moving away from limited healthcare and moving to Massachusetts with advanced medical facilities
• Swap the sparse job market of South Dakota for diverse job opportunities in Massachusetts
• Get ready for urban amenities in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Massachusetts

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with the higher cost of living in Massachusetts
• You'll lose out on the pro of wide open spaces and have to settle for the con of urban crowding
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to frequent congestion in Massachusetts
• Swap a peaceful lifestyle for a fast-paced life

South Dakota vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Fried Clams to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Minervas. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Santarpio's Pizza.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Massachusetts

• The Split-level and Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and views, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like access to public transport and historic charm.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Massachusetts housing costs are 105% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Massachusetts is 113.27% more expensive than in South Dakota.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Dakota and Massachusetts

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Massachusetts has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts.
• The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 3 degrees colder than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 12 degrees warmer in Massachusetts than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 23 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Massachusetts

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 36% more than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Massachusetts will be 29% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to MA, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.0%
• The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Massachusetts compared to low-moderate in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Massachusetts

• South Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
• Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with more religious diversity including a higher percentage of Catholics and non-religious residents
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian, with a significant percentage of Evangelicals

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Massachusetts

How Much Do South Dakota to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 1,707 miles from South Dakota to Massachusetts will typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.