Virginia to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to South Dakota

ConsVirginia

• Dense traffic
• Higher cost of living
• Humid summers
• Urban noise
• Expensive real estate

ProsSouth Dakota

• Less congestion
• Lower cost of living
• Cooler summers
• Quieter environment
• Affordable housing

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South Dakota

• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer job options
• No coastline
• Developing infrastructure
• Harsher winters

Virginia

• Diverse culture
• Plentiful job opportunities
• Ocean access
• Established infrastructure
• Mild winters

Pros of moving from Virginia to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to dense traffic and hello to less congestion
• Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to South Dakota with a lower cost of living
• Swap the humid summers of Virginia for cooler summers in South Dakota
• Get ready for a quieter environment in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Virginia to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse culture in Virginia to live with less cultural diversity in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of plentiful job opportunities and have to settle for the con of fewer job options
• Time to bid farewell to ocean access and get used to no coastline in South Dakota
• Swap established infrastructure for developing infrastructure

Virginia vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Virginia to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Peanuts, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the vegetable-based dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Dishes of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, L'Auberge Chez Francois, and Sally Bell's Kitchen. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Mad Mary's Steakhouse, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Camino Grill and Bar.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and South Dakota

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split Level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and natural scenery.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Virginia.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Virginia.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
• South Dakota housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
• Rent in South Dakota is 34.96% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Virginia to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 4% more sunshine days than Virginia.
• South Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 1 degree colder than in Virginia.
• The average winter lows are 21 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 24 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 19% less than those in Virginia
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is modest compared to moderate affluence in Virginia
• The poverty level is lower in South Dakota compared to the average in Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Virginia and minimal in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. South Dakota

• Virginia tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as dominantly Protestant with a notable Catholic minority
• Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with significant Protestant and Catholic communities

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to South Dakota

How Much Do Virginia to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,476 miles from Virginia to South Dakota 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.