Best overall value
Local moving companies in Grand Rapids
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Premier Relocations, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC, Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Company Info
State license #: 34172
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1890987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Lack of communication
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems - Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Highly recommended
- Affordable rates
- Damage to items
- Poor packing quality
- Insurance issues
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1150201
Alternate Names: Mayflower
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Factors that influence moving costs from Grand Rapids to Arlington
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Arlington
Moving from Grand Rapids to Arlington comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Arlington is generally more expensive than Grand Rapids, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $2,718 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $810,670 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $128,145 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 5.75% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Arlington, since prices are typically 64% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- The home prices in Arlington are 147.0% higher than in Grand Rapids, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Arlington, where incomes are, on average, 102.4% higher than in Grand Rapids. Major employers in Arlington include U.S. Department of Defense, Safran, and BAE Systems.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Arlington, since the cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 28.8% higher than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Arlington, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Arlington is 67.2% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Arlington is 6.98% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- Sales taxes are the same in Arlington and Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Arlington are 35.29% higher than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,862.93 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Arlington
| Arlington | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 15.67 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 79.15 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Arlington is about 20% greater than Grand Rapids, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Arlington offers better access to buses and trains than Grand Rapids, based on public transportation ratings. Arlington has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 6 in Grand Rapids. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Arlington means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Grand Rapids. Arlington is considered more walkable than Grand Rapids, with a score of 71 out of 100 versus 56 out of 100 in Grand Rapids. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Arlington is considered more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Arlington has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Grand Rapids is rated as 52 out of 100.
- Arlington has a lower crime rate than Grand Rapids based on scores of 15.67 and Grand Rapids's 44.23, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Arlington than in Grand Rapids, based on Arlington's safety index of 79.15 versus 55.77 for Grand Rapids. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Arlington and Grand Rapids is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids vs. Arlington move
- Weather: Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Arlington. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Arlington
Now that you've chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Arlington to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Aurora Highlands
- Ballston-Virginia Square
- Bluemont
- Clarendon-Courthouse
- Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arlington Ridge
- Barcroft
- Forest Glen
- Penrose
- Westover Village
Things to do in Arlington
After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it's time to see what Arlington is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Arlington features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington Historical Museum, and Arlington Arts Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Arlington Youth Football Club game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Arlington?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Grand Rapids to Arlington. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Arlington?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Grand Rapids to Arlington moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Arlington take?
Covering 654 miles, the move from Grand Rapids, MI to Arlington, VA typically takes one to six days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Arlington can help bridge the gap.
