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Arizona to South Dakota Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from state to state marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life, brimming with opportunities and adventures. Venturing from the sun-soaked deserts of Arizona, known for its Grand Canyon grandeur, to the rugged beauty and Great Faces of South Dakota, involves leaving behind cacti for the charm of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Understanding the significance of this long-distance journey, it's crucial to entrust your move to reliable and trusted professional movers, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

6 Best Movers for Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

#1
Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 2,279+ data points

Phoenix, AZ
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/17/2024)

USDOT: 3006713 Verify

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>

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#2
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional

based on 991+ data points

Peoria, AZ
Long Distance Moves, Local Moves, Business Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT: 3656946 Verify

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>

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#3
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 4,091+ data points

Phoenix, AZ
Local Moving Services, Long-Distance Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/17/2024)

USDOT: 1877603 Verify

About Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Since 2008, Creative Moving and Packing has served the Phoenix, AZ, area with high-quality local and long-distance relocation services. This...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in phoenix 2023 creative moving and packing llc image
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#4
Camelback Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,248+ data points

Phoenix, AZ
Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving, Commercial & Office Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/17/2024)

USDOT: 1635834 Verify

About Camelback Moving

Camelback Moving has been operating in the Phoenix area for over 15 years as one of the area's largest independently-owned moving companies....Read More >>

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#5
Dial-A-Move Inc. Logo
Superb

based on 483+ data points

Aberdeen, SD
Cheap moving options, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/26/2022)

USDOT: 885778 Verify

About Dial-A-Move Inc.

Family-run Dial-A-Move is a professional moving company incorporated in 2001. It has a location in Aberdeen, SD, offering a wide range of af...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in sioux falls 2022 dial a move inc image
#6
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Superb

based on 843+ data points

Sioux Falls, SD
Local moving, Junk removal, Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/18/2024)

USDOT: 2575221 Verify

About Two Men and a Truck

Launched in the 1980s, Two Men and a Truck serves residential and commercial customers all over the country. The company opened its Sioux Fa...Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

Moving from one state to another is a big decision, and we aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating. Through this comparison, we will explore the shift from the hot desert landscapes of Arizona to the vast prairies of South Dakota. The following charts aim to illustrate the main differences between Arizona and South Dakota, helping you weigh the pros and cons of such a move.

CONs
PROs
Arizona iconArizona
  • Intense heat
  • Water scarcity
  • Dense urban areas
  • Higher living costs
  • Less snow
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Cooler summers
  • More waterways
  • Open spaces
  • Lower living costs
  • Seasonal snow
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller cities
  • Less diversity
  • Narrower job market
  • Less desert beauty
Arizona iconArizona
  • Warm winters
  • Vibrant cities
  • Diverse culture
  • Broad job market
  • Desert landscapes

While Arizona boasts warm winters that attract retirees and sun-seekers, the cooler climate of South Dakota offers a haven for those who love the four seasons, with activities like snowmobiling in the Black Hills being a huge draw. Arizona's vibrant city life, with thriving food scenes in places like Phoenix and Tucson, contrasts with South Dakota's quieter, community-focused small cities such as Sioux Falls and Rapid City, which offer a close-knit community vibe. Despite Arizona's higher living costs and water scarcity issues, its stunning desert landscapes and broad job markets continue to appeal to many. Meanwhile, South Dakota's affordable living, seasonal landscapes, and water-rich environment present a different kind of allure that's hard to ignore for those seeking a change.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Arizona & South Dakota. Food is an essential element of local culture and offers a glimpse into what life is like in an area. This comparison will give you a clearer picture of the food scene where you're moving to.

ArizonaSouth Dakota

Most iconic local food item

ChimichangaChislic

Most popular meat dish

Carne asadaPheasant

Most popular street food item

TacosIndian Tacos

Most popular vegan food

Quinoa SaladLentil Burgers

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Minervas
  • Crawford's Bar & Grill
  • Phillips Avenue Diner

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

75

Abundance of Food Trucks

84

Foodie Scene

96

Vegan Friendly

85

In Arizona, the culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine as seen in its most iconic food item, the Chimichanga, and the popular Carne Asada. The food truck scene in cities like Phoenix is bustling, offering a wide variety of street food options including an array of tacos, which showcases the state's penchant for Mexican flavors. Notably, Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix is a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts. Moving to South Dakota introduces you to different local specialties like Chislic, a deep-fried meat delicacy, and the Indian Taco, found at fairs and special events. While South Dakota's food scene might appear more subdued compared to Arizona's, places like Minervas in Sioux Falls provide a cozy dining experience that mirrors the state's welcoming and homely vibe.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

Real estate is a critical facet when considering a move. Understanding how Arizona and South Dakota compare in terms of housing cost, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle is essential for making an informed decision. This comparison offers insights into these aspects to aid in your relocation planning.

When comparing the two states, it's notable that Arizona tends to have higher property and living costs than South Dakota. Housing in Arizona often features Pueblo Revival architecture, emphasizing earthy materials and flat roofs, suited to the desert landscape. On the other hand, South Dakota's homes often embrace a Ranch style, reflecting the state's vast plains and agricultural heritage. Arizona rates higher in urban lifestyle, offering a vibrant city life that includes numerous outdoor activities, from hiking in Grand Canyon National Park to enjoying the arts in downtown Phoenix. South Dakota, while more affordable, offers tranquility and a closer-to-nature living, highlighted by attractions like the Custer State Park. Each state presents unique opportunities and lifestyles, heavily influenced by their geography and demographics.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

Moving from one location to another brings many changes, but few are as impactful as the shift in weather patterns. Understanding how the weather in Arizona compares to South Dakota will help you prepare for your new environment. This comparison aims to highlight the crucial differences and similarities between the two states.

Summer icon
106°/83°

Arizona

85°/62°

South Dakota

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°/46°

Arizona

29°/10°

South Dakota

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
12.7

Arizona

20.1

South Dakota

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0.3

Arizona

38

South Dakota

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Adapting to Arizona's arid climate from South Dakota's four-season environment will be a considerable change. The high summer temperatures and low humidity in Arizona are in stark contrast to South Dakota's milder summers and colder winters. You'll experience more sunny days but should prepare for less rainfall and nearly no snow in Arizona, a significant shift from South Dakota's precipitation and snowfall patterns. Such adaptations also mean anticipating less annual rainfall but more extreme heat, necessitating different approaches to outdoor activities, home maintenance, and personal care.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

When moving between locations, keenly understanding the financial landscape you're stepping into is imperative. This comparison seeks to elucidate the financial differences when moving from Arizona to South Dakota , highlighting cost of living , tax burdens , and more. It's a practical approach to foresee what changes in your budget might look like.

Moving from Arizona to South Dakota can mean a sizable adjustment in how your finances are managed. For starters, you'll experience a shift in the tax burden, with South Dakota offering a 0% state income tax rate compared to Arizona's bracketed rates. This could potentially provide you with more disposable income, despite the average household income being slightly lower in South Dakota. The cost of living index shows that life in South Dakota is generally more affordable. However, it's important to note the higher average property tax rate, which might affect homeowners differently. Understanding these financial nuances will help you plan better for a smoother transition.

Political & Religious Comparison between Arizona and South Dakota

In this section, we provide a quick comparison between Arizona and South Dakota, focusing on the comparison of the politics between Arizona & South Dakota , and the religious landscape of their residents. This snapshot aims to help you grasp the cultural and social nuances that differentiate your current home from your future one.

ArizonaSouth Dakota

Political Make-up

Purple, with a mix of Democratic and Republican influenceMostly Republican

Local Politics

Urban areas tend to lean Democratic, rural areas are largely RepublicanLargely Republican across both urban and rural areas

Religion

Mixed, with a significant Catholic populationProtestant, with a strong presence of Evangelical and Mainline denominations

When you move from Arizona to South Dakota, you'll notice a shift in the political and religious climate. Arizona's unique position as a purple state means you're likely used to a blend of political views, especially if you're coming from one of its urban centers where Democratic influence is more pronounced. In contrast, South Dakota's political landscape is markedly more homogeneous, with a strong Republican presence across the state. Religion also plays a distinctive role in the cultural identity of each state. Arizona's diverse religious composition includes a notable Catholic community, reflecting its historical and demographic traits. Meanwhile, South Dakota's protestant foundation, especially among Evangelical and Mainline denominations, underscores a different aspect of America's religious mosaic. Understanding these nuances will enrich your transition and help you connect with your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

Moving to a new state brings about a host of considerations, especially when it comes to education. To help you navigate through this significant transition, we've compiled a comparison that will give you a clearer perspective on what the educational landscapes look like between Arizona and South Dakota . This will aid you in making informed decisions regarding your or your children's education.

ArizonaSouth Dakota

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

1. University of Arizona (Tucson)
2. Arizona State University (Tempe)
3. Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff)
1. South Dakota State University (Brookings)
2. University of South Dakota (Vermillion)
3. Dakota State University (Madison)

Top 3 Elementary Schools

1. Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
2. Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
3. Basis Peoria (Peoria)
1. Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
2. Robert Frost Elementary (Sioux Falls)
3. Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)

Top 3 Middle Schools

1. Basis Chandler (Chandler)
2. Basis Peoria (Peoria)
3. Basis Tucson North (Tucson)
1. George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
2. Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
3. Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)

Top 3 High Schools

1. Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
2. Basis Tucson North (Tucson)
3. Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
1. Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
2. Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
3. Washington High School (Sioux Falls)

Top 3 Private High Schools

1. Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
2. Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix)
3. The Gregory School (Tucson)
1. O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
2. Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
3. St. Thomas More High School (Rapid City)

Top 3 Private K-12 Schools

1. Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
2. The Gregory School (Tucson)
3. Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale)
1. Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
2. Dakota Christian School (Corsica)
3. Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)

Top 3 School Districts

1. Catalina Foothills Unified District (Tucson)
2. Scottsdale Unified School District (Scottsdale)
3. Chandler Unified School District (Chandler)
1. Sioux Falls School District (Sioux Falls)
2. Brandon Valley School District (Brandon)
3. Harrisburg School District (Harrisburg)

When examining the educational offerings between Arizona and South Dakota, there are noticeable differences in options and opportunities. Arizona boasts highly ranked BASIS schools across several cities, known nationally for rigorous academic programs, particularly in STEM fields. For instance, Basis Scottsdale often ranks among the nation's best. In South Dakota, the focus shifts towards more selective public and private options such as the Challenge Center in Sioux Falls, which provides an accelerated curriculum for gifted students. South Dakota's higher education is anchored by well-established state universities that draw students from across the state, with South Dakota State University being a notable hub for agriculture and engineering programs. The contrast in education systems highlights the varied priorities and strengths of each state, supporting diverse academic and career paths for students.

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