Virginia to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to DC

ConsVirginia

• Longer commutes
• Fewer job opportunities
• Limited cultural activities
• Fewer dining options
• Suburban lifestyle

ProsDC

• Efficient public transit
• Thriving job market
• Rich cultural scene
• Diverse restaurants
• Urban living

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DC

• Higher expenses
• Limited space
• Noisy environment
• Parking challenges
• Transient population

Virginia

• Lower cost of living
• More spacious housing
• Quiet neighborhoods
• Ample parking
• Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from Virginia to DC

• Say goodbye to longer commutes and hello to efficient public transit
• Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to DC with a thriving job market
• Swap the limited cultural activities of Virginia for a rich cultural scene in DC
• Get ready for diverse restaurants in DC

Cons of moving from Virginia to DC

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Virginia to live with higher expenses in DC
• You'll lose out on the pro of more spacious housing and have to settle for the con of limited space
• Time to bid farewell to quiet neighborhoods and get used to a noisy environment in DC
• Swap ample parking for parking challenges

Virginia vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Virginia to DC, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ and sumptuous Peanuts, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Food Trucks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Soul Food of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Zynodoa, and L’Auberge Chez François. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Le Diplomate, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and DC

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Row Houses architecture typical of DC.
• Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and vibrant nightlife.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Virginia.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
• DC has more of an urban feel than Virginia.
• DC housing costs are 61% more expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
• Rent in DC is 31.10% more expensive than in Virginia.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Virginia and DC

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to DC. DC gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
• DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible storms and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential storms and floods in DC.
• The average summer high temperature in DC is 1 degree warmer than in Virginia.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in DC. DC receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and DC

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 18% more than in Virginia
• The COLI in DC will be 45% higher than what you are used to living in Virginia
• The state income tax in DC is 4-10.75% compared to 2-5.75% in VA
• The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate affluence in Virginia
• The poverty level is significant in DC compared to moderate poverty in Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Virginia and high in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. DC

• Virginia tends to lean moderately conservative with pockets of liberal influence especially in Northern Virginia and urban areas.
• DC, on the other hand, is often described as strongly liberal with a significant majority of voters supporting Democratic candidates.
• DC's religious environment can be described as varied with a significant number of non-religious residents alongside Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish communities.
• Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of Protestant, Catholic, and other faiths reflective of its diverse population.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to DC

How Much Do Virginia to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 183 miles from Virginia to DC will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.