Best San Jose to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the tech-savvy confines of San Jose, CA to the bustling streets of Chicago, IL is undoubtedly an adventure filled with new beginnings and exciting opportunities. You'll be trading the Silicon Valley's innovative heartbeat for the Windy City's rich cultural tapestry and architectural marvels. Given the long distance and the life changes involved, it's essential to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving understand this need and are here to ensure your transition is as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Best San Jose to Chicago Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to San Jose guide.
5 Best San Jose to Chicago Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly movi...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
About D&L Movers
Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and busin...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2706648 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2017) |
About Careful Movers
With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving
About Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC
Whether you're moving to the next street or city, Joshua's Moving, Packing & Storage offers worry-free relocation services within Califo...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3184868 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 250,000 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
San Jose vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can feel like navigating uncharted territory. We're here to ease this transition by offering a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & Chicago, IL . By identifying neighborhoods in Chicago that share similar vibes and characteristics with those in San Jose, we aim to help you find a new community that feels like home.
| San Jose | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Willow Glen | Roscoe Village | Family-friendly vibe, local shops |
| Almaden Valley | Beverly | Residential area, lush greenery |
| Silver Creek Valley | Lincoln Park | Upscale homes, green spaces |
| Downtown San Jose | The Loop | Urban center, cultural attractions |
| Los Gatos | Andersonville | Quaint shops, strong community feel |
| Saratoga | Wicker Park | Chic area, artsy vibe |
| Campbell | Logan Square | Vibrant nightlife, historic homes |
| Sunnyvale | Lakeview | Diverse, with a mix of entertainment options |
| Cupertino | Ravenswood | Quiet, with tech industry presence |
| Evergreen | Hyde Park | Diverse community, educational institutions |
Exploring these neighborhoods further, you'll discover that Willow Glen's charm is mirrored in Roscoe Village, where family-run businesses and cozy cafes line the streets, much like Willow Glen's downtown area. In Chicago, Lincoln Park offers a slice of upscale living with its lush parks and historical museums, reminiscent of Silver Creek Valley's luxurious lifestyle. For those who appreciate the bustling urban life of Downtown San Jose, The Loop in Chicago serves as the city's heartbeat, offering iconic theaters, art installations, and architectural marvels like The Art Institute of Chicago. Whether you're wandering through the quaint streets of Andersonville or enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Logan Square, you'll find each Chicago neighborhood brings its own unique flavor to life, echoing the diverse communities back in San Jose.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Chicago
Moving from one city to another is a significant life event, packed with hopes for new opportunities and concerns about the adjustments needed. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL , helping you weigh the benefits against the drawbacks in a clear, concise manner.
San Jose, CA- High living costs
- Less public transit
- Less cultural diversity
- Severe drought risk
Chicago, IL- More affordable living
- Extensive public transit
- Rich cultural diversity
- Abundant water sources
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters
- Fewer tech opportunities
- More indoor life
- Far from tech epicenter
San Jose, CA- Milder winters
- Tech job hub
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Proximity to Silicon Valley
While the thought of leaving the temperate climate and tech-centric environment of San Jose might seem daunting, Chicago offers its unique charms and advantages. For instance, the cost of living in Chicago is significantly more manageable, allowing for a potentially higher quality of life. Chicago's extensive public transit system, including the CTA trains and buses, makes commuting a breeze, offering a sharp contrast to San Jose's more car-dependent lifestyle. Additionally, Chicago's rich cultural diversity is reflected in its vibrant neighborhood scenes such as Pilsen and the West Loop, famous for their art galleries, restaurants like Girl & The Goat, and green spaces like Millennium Park. The shift to Chicago also means embracing its four distinct seasons, with the city's harsh winters offering a beautiful, snowy landscape and a variety of winter sports and activities. The transition might come with its set of challenges, but the move from San Jose to Chicago holds the promise of new experiences, growth opportunities, and the chance to call one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S. your new home.
San Jose vs. Chicago Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Jose & Chicago to understand the flavors and eating habits you'll encounter in your new city. Acknowledging that food is a fundamental part of local culture, this comparison can help you become more familiar with the culinary scene of your future home.
| San Jose | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Banh mi | Deep-dish pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Pho | Italian beef sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Chicago-style hot dog |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegetable pho | Chicago Diner's vegan shakes |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In San Jose, the Vietnamese community has a profound influence on the local cuisine, offering authentic dishes like Banh mi and Pho in neighborhoods like Little Saigon. Conversely, Chicago is renowned for its hearty, comforting foods, like deep-dish pizzas from Lou Malnati’s and the innovative vegan dishes at Chicago Diner. Both cities boast a rich culinary scene, but while San Jose emphasizes fresh, vibrant flavors found in its vast array of food trucks, Chicago relishes in its time-honored, indulgent classics enriched by a bustling street food scene featuring Chicago-style hot dogs from stands dotting the city landscape.
San Jose vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new favorite dining spot can truly make a new city feel like home. This comparison between San Jose and Chicago restaurants is designed to help you translate your culinary preferences from the Golden State to the Windy City, ensuring a seamless transition in your gastronomic adventures.
| San Jose | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Adega | Porto | A focus on exquisite seafood and wine pairings |
| La Foret | Alinea | Innovative and artistic presentation of dishes |
| Original Joe's San Jose | Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse | Classic, hearty American dining |
| Manresa | Grace | Exceptional fine dining with meticulous attention to detail |
| Falafel's Drive-In | Big Star | Casual, vibrant atmosphere with standout dishes |
| Dia De Pesca | Calumet Fisheries | Renowned for its seafood selection |
| Smoking Pig BBQ | Smoque BBQ | Acclaimed for authentic barbecue flavors |
| Bill's Café | Wildberry Pancakes and Café | Known for breakfast and brunch delights |
| Ludwig's German Table | The Berghoff | A taste of German heritage and hearty fare |
| Santouka Ramen | Ramen-san | A modern take on classic ramen bowls |
In offering a comparable dining experience, Porto in Chicago mirrors San Jose's Adega with its scrupulous selection of seafood and wines. For those who cherish the artistic presentation and inventive cuisine of La Foret, Alinea in Chicago takes the art of fine dining to the next level with its unique, immersive experiences. Meanwhile, fans of casual but iconic eateries like Falafel's Drive-In will appreciate the laid-back, vibrant atmosphere of Big Star, which promises memorable dishes in an equally memorable setting. Lastly, for barbecue enthusiasts, Smoque BBQ in Chicago stands toe-to-toe with San Jose's Smoking Pig BBQ, revered for its dedication to the craft of authentic barbecue, proving that no matter where you are, great food is a universal language.
Ready to start your move?
San Jose vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly impacts your moving experience. Understanding how San Jose and Chicago compare in terms of housing will empower your decision-making. This side-by-side comparison dives into crucial aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle to ensure you make an informed choice.
| Comparison | San Jose | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Ranch | Brick and Greystone |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open floor plans, sustainability features | Historic details, rooftop decks |
When moving from San Jose to Chicago, you'll notice a dramatic difference in housing costs. Chicago's median home price is significantly lower, making it a more affordable option for many. The architecture in Chicago is deeply rooted in history, featuring classic styles like Brick and Greystone, unlike the Modern and Ranch styles prevalent in San Jose. Additionally, Chicago boasts a higher urban lifestyle and walkability score, highlighting its densely populated and vibrant neighborhoods like The Loop and Wicker Park/Bucktown. This offers residents easy access to a vast array of amenities, cultural institutions, and entertainment options, making it an exciting destination for those seeking a dynamic urban life.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
1. Lincoln Park: With its sprawling namesake park, you'll find plenty of green spaces for walks and the Lincoln Park Dog Park where your furry friend can run off-leash.
2. Lakeview: Home to the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park, Lakeview offers an urban setting with a pet-friendly attitude, hosting numerous pet supply shops and pet-friendly patios.
3. Andersonville: This community-oriented neighborhood not only features pet-friendly dining and shopping but also events like the annual Andersonville Pet Parade, making it a delightful place for pet owners.
San Jose vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another invites a multitude of changes, especially in weather conditions. Understanding how the weather in San Jose compares to Chicago can greatly aid in your transition. This comparison seeks to illuminate the notable differences and similarities you'll experience, helping you prepare for your new climate.
San Jose, CA
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Jose, CA
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Jose, CA
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Jose, CA
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Jose | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When considering a move from San Jose to Chicago, you'll notice significant differences in weather patterns. San Jose boasts a mild climate with warm summers and gentle winters, offering more sunny days annually compared to Chicago's four distinct seasons. Chicago experiences cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, a stark contrast to San Jose's relatively stable conditions. The diversity in temperature and precipitation greatly affects lifestyle choices, from clothing to activities, so being prepared for this change is key to a comfortable transition. Moreover, understanding specific challenges, such as the higher annual snowfall and the potential for more severe weather events in Chicago, can help you plan for seasonal adjustments in your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Jose to Chicago
When considering a move, it's crucial to examine how your finances will be impacted. This comparison highlights the differences between San Jose and Chicago in terms of money and finance, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect. Understanding these variances will prepare you for the financial adjustments needed for a smooth transition.
| Comparison | San Jose | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $126,377 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 156.1 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.79 | 2.16 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Retail | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Very High | Moderate to High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | High | Significant |
Moving from San Jose to Chicago represents a significant adjustment financially, with average household incomes roughly half in Chicago of what they are in San Jose. However, this comes with a considerably lower cost of living in Chicago, even though the sales tax is slightly higher. Property taxes in Chicago are significantly higher than in San Jose, which might affect your decision if buying property. State income tax also shows a stark contrast, with California's rate being substantially higher than Illinois's. These shifts reflect the broader economic and social landscapes of both cities, from the booming tech industry in San Jose to the diverse economic base in Chicago that includes finance and manufacturing.
San Jose vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
In considering a move from San Jose, CA, to Chicago, IL, it's insightful to look at how the cities compare at a glance. This comparison includes a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup between San Jose & Chicago , providing valuable insight into the community you're moving into.
| San Jose | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Predominantly Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on tech and housing | Emphasis on economic diversity and social issues |
| Religion | Diverse; includes Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu | Diverse; strong Catholic presence, alongside Protestant and Jewish communities |
When moving from San Jose to Chicago, you'll find both cities share a Democratic majority, but the local political landscape varies. San Jose's politics often revolve around technology and housing, reflecting its Silicon Valley roots, while Chicago's politics are broader, focusing on economic diversity and various social issues. Religion in both cities showcases diversity. San Jose is home to a mix that includes significant Catholic, Buddhist, and Hindu communities, with notable institutions like the Diocese of San Jose. Meanwhile, Chicago, known for its robust Catholic presence, also has a considerable number of Protestant and Jewish residents, reflecting the city's broader religious and cultural diversity.
San Jose vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL, it's essential to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options. This comparison will help you better grasp what the daily commute and traffic are like between San Jose & Chicago, ensuring a smoother transition for your relocation.
| Comparison | San Jose | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Yes |
While San Jose offers a moderate level of public transit, Chicago excels in this category, scoring high in availability and effectiveness of its public transportation system, making it easier to live without a car. The average commute time is slightly longer in Chicago, reflecting its vibrant urban landscape but also a higher degree of traffic congestion. Notably, Chicago's extensive transit options such as the L trains, buses, and bike-sharing programs like Divvy Bikes significantly mitigate these challenges, providing efficient alternatives to driving.
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