Virginia to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to New Mexico

ConsVirginia

• High humidity
• Heavy traffic
• Costly living
• Frequent storms
• Crowded beaches

ProsNew Mexico

• Dry climate
• Less congestion
• Affordable living
• Sunny days
• Open landscapes

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New Mexico

• Fewer historic sites
• Hot summers
• Arid environment
• Remote location
• Limited seafood

Virginia

• Cultural heritage
• Four seasons
• Dense forests
• Proximity to D.C.
• Seafood availability

Pros of moving from Virginia to New Mexico

• Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to dry climate
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to New Mexico with less congestion
• Swap the costly living of Virginia for affordable living in New Mexico
• Get ready for sunny days in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Virginia to New Mexico

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural heritage in Virginia to live with fewer historic sites in New Mexico
• You'll lose out on the pro of four seasons and have to settle for the con of hot summers
• Time to bid farewell to dense forests and get used to an arid environment in New Mexico
• Swap proximity to D.C. for a remote location

Virginia vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Virginia to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious New Mexico Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ Pork and sumptuous Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kale Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Blue Corn Tacos of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Mama J's Kitchen, and L’Auberge Provençale. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like Santa Cafe, El Segundo, and Frontier Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and New Mexico

• The Colonial architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival architecture typical of New Mexico.
• Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like vigas and kiva fireplaces.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. New Mexico is less walkable than Virginia.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
• New Mexico has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
• New Mexico housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
• Rent in New Mexico is 25.58% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Virginia to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 37% more sunshine days than Virginia.
• New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in New Mexico.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 7 degrees warmer than in Virginia.
• The average winter lows in New Mexico are 6 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 30.1 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and New Mexico

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 30% less than in Virginia
• The COLI in New Mexico will be 0% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
• The state income tax in NM is 1.7% - 5.9% compared to 2% - 5.75% in VA
• The affluence in New Mexico is generally low compared to moderate in Virginia
• The poverty level is relatively high in New Mexico compared to moderate in Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is structured in Virginia and challenging in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. New Mexico

• Virginia tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
• New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
• New Mexico's religious environment can be described as diverse with a Catholic majority
• Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a strong Evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to New Mexico

How Much Do Virginia to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 1,648 miles from Virginia to New Mexico 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.