South Dakota to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Virginia

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Remote living
• Low diversity

ProsVirginia

• Milder winters
• Booming job opportunities
• Urban amenities
• Cultural diversity

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Virginia

• Higher living costs
• Less personal connection
• Traffic congestion
• Busy urban life

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Close-knit communities
• Scenic landscapes
• Peaceful environment

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Virginia

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Virginia with booming job opportunities
• Swap the remote living of South Dakota for urban amenities in Virginia
• Get ready for cultural diversity in Virginia

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living costs in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of less personal connection
• Time to bid farewell to scenic landscapes and get used to traffic congestion in Virginia
• Swap a peaceful environment for a busy urban life

South Dakota vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Virginia Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Virginia residents know they have tasty Barbecue and Food Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Dish they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Grain Bowl of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Minervas, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Cattleman's Club Steakhouse. 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’Opossum, and Mama 'Zu.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Virginia

• The Ranch and Split-level architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and natural landscapes, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and historic charm.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Virginia is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Virginia is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Virginia has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Virginia housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in South Dakota with a median home price of $385,780 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Virginia is 53.75% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Virginia. Virginia gets 4% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 2 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows in Virginia are 19 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Virginia. Virginia receives 20 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 23% more than those in South Dakota
• The COLI in Virginia will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.75%
• The affluence in Virginia is comfortable compared to modest in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Virginia compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is rare in South Dakota and notable in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Virginia

• South Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, recently leaning Democratic
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a high Protestant presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Virginia

How Much Do South Dakota to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 1,481 miles from South Dakota to Virginia will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.