Best Santa Ana to Naperville Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Santa Ana to Naperville Movers

Moving from Santa Ana, the heart of Orange County, to the charming environs of Naperville, known as the 'Gem of the Midwest', is more than a change of scenery—it's an exciting chapter waiting to unfold. You're leaving behind the famed SoCal beaches and perpetually sunny weather for Naperville's quaint downtown, highly praised schools, and distinct seasonal beauty. Given the significant distance and the life-changing nature of this move, it's crucial to entrust your journey to the most reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we understand the importance of this transition and offer you the best options, vetted by an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure your move is smooth and stress-free.

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Best Santa Ana to Naperville Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Terry Moving & Storage9.37A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murphy Family Movers9.29A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Safe-Way Moving, Inc.9.27A+Authorized For HHGContact
H2H Movers Inc9.24AAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Naperville to Santa Ana guide.

5 Best Santa Ana to Naperville Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.37/10
based on 2,308+ data points

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Murphy Family Movers Logo
Exceptional9.29/10
based on 1,271+ data points

About Murphy Family Movers

Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest level o...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Interstate Moving
  • Professional Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2965334 / 7122

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Safe-Way Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.27/10
based on 2,724+ data points

About Safe-Way Moving, Inc.

As a family-owned and operated moving company, Safe-Way Moving, Inc. has served all of Orange County since 2007. It offers both residential ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1677218 / 616476

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved27,300 (2022)
View Full Review
4
H2H Movers Inc Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.24/10
based on 8,231+ data points

About H2H Movers Inc

Are you looking to move places but are worried about the cost? Then, H2H Movers might be the best choice for you. This moving company provid...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2428328 / 836885

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved359,681 (2024)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Relocating from Santa Ana to Naperville Neighborhood Guide

When relocating, understanding your new city can be challenging. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison focusing on local neighborhoods between Santa Ana, CA & Naperville, IL, aiming to match you with an area in Naperville that closely resembles your Santa Ana neighborhood. This way, you can find a new home that feels familiar.

Santa AnaNaperville
Floral ParkHistoric District

Charming, historical homes

West Floral ParkWest Highlands

Close-knit, tree-lined streets

French ParkGartner

Eclectic mix, community-focused

Fisher ParkCress Creek

Natural beauty, parks nearby

Morrison ParkMayfair

Quiet, green spaces, family-friendly

Washington SquareDowntown Naperville

Bustling, diverse eateries

Heninger ParkUniversity Heights

Diverse, dynamic community

Wilshire SquareHuntington Estates

Established, welcoming community

Artesia PilarRiver Run

Family-centric, strong community ties

LacyButtonwood

Quaint, serene living

If you're moving from Floral Park, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic homes and lush gardens, you'll feel right at home in Naperville's Historic District, where each street tells a story with its architectural charm. For those drawn to the vibrant dining and cultural scene of Washington Square, Downtown Naperville offers a similar eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and seasonal events. Cress Creek in Naperville mirrors Fisher Park's appreciation for nature and outdoor activities, featuring ample green spaces and proximity to scenic parks such as the Naperbrook Golf Course and the DuPage River Park. These comparisons not only highlight the parallels in neighborhood aesthetics and ambiance but also underscore the welcoming communities and rich local experiences awaiting you in Naperville.

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Things to Do in Naperville

  • Explore Centennial Beach in summer
  • Stroll through The Morton Arboretum
  • Enjoy shopping at Downtown Naperville
  • Row along the DuPage River
  • Visit the Naper Settlement museum
  • Watch a show at North Central College's Fine Arts Center
  • Try local cuisine at Naperville restaurants

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Ana to Naperville

Moving between cities is a major life event that comes with both upsides and challenges. This guide aims to shed light on the complexities of transplanting your life from Santa Ana, CA to Naperville, IL, offering an honest reflection of what to expect. By comparing the cons of your current locale to the pros of your future home, and vice versa, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding to make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Dense traffic
  • Less distinct seasons
Naperville, IL iconNaperville, IL
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Four distinct seasons
Naperville, IL iconNaperville, IL
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • No nearby beaches
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Milder winters
  • Vibrant multicultural scene
  • Proximity to beaches

While Santa Ana offers milder winters and a vibrant multicultural environment, including popular eateries like 4th Street Market, making the move to Naperville brings a different set of benefits. Naperville, known for its affordable living and rich seasonal experiences, boasts of attractions such as the expansive Centennial Beach and the Naper Settlement, an outdoor history museum, offering unique educational and leisure opportunities not found in coastal cities. Although the winter might bring more snow than some are used to, the picturesque snow-covered neighborhood parks and a wide range of indoor activities, from shopping at the Naperville Marketplace to dining at cozy restaurants like Francesca's Passaggio, make it a worthwhile tradeoff for many.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Santa Ana to Naperville

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Santa Ana, CA & Naperville, IL. Food is a crucial part of local culture and living standards in any area. This comparison will help you understand the food scene you're moving into, making your transition smoother and more delicious.

Santa AnaNaperville

Most iconic local food item

Tacos
Chicago-style Pizza

Most popular meat dish

Carne Asada
Italian Beef

Most popular street food item

Elote
Hot Dogs

Most popular vegan food

Jackfruit Tacos
Vegan Deep Dish Pizza

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Las Brisas
  • Taco Maria
  • Bella Cuba
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Sullivan's Steakhouse
  • Catch 35

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

7
8

Abundance of Food Trucks

9
6

Foodie Scene

8
7

Vegan Friendly

7
7

When moving from Santa Ana to Naperville, you'll transition from a vibrant, Mexican-influenced cuisine to a more Midwestern, hearty food scene. In Santa Ana, neighborhoods like Downtown are famous for their food trucks and authentic Mexican fare, notably tacos and elote. Restaurants like Taco Maria offer an elevated take on Mexican cuisine. On the other hand, Naperville offers a slice of classic Midwestern food, with iconic establishments like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, which gives you a taste of the deep-dish pizza that Chicago and its suburbs are famous for. Both cities cater well to health-conscious and vegan residents, although the local specialities differ. Exploring the Naperville Riverwalk might just lead you to your new favorite Chicago-style hot dog or vegan deep dish pizza joint.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Santa Ana to Naperville

As you embark on your move from Santa Ana, CA to Naperville, IL, it's essential to find new local spots that make a new city feel like home. Food plays a crucial role in this transition. This comparison of top restaurants in Santa Ana to their counterparts in Naperville will guide you in discovering your new favorite eateries, using your current hometown preferences as a navigation tool.

PlaygroundSullivan's Steakhouse

Offers a high-end dining experience similar to Playground's upscale, creative dishes.

Taqueria El ZamoranoQuiubo

Known for authentic Mexican cuisine, echoing the casual yet flavorful experience at Taqueria El Zamorano.

Hopper & BurrSparrow Coffee

Both are celebrated for their specialty coffees and hip, minimalist spaces.

Burritos La PalmaFront Street Cantina

Offers a variety of Mexican favorites, reminiscent of the homey, award-winning burritos at La Palma.

FalasophyNaf Naf Grill

Similar fast-casual approach to Middle Eastern cuisine, focusing on fresh, flavorful falafel and other staples.

Mix Mix Kitchen BarQuiubo

Also spans a variety of cuisines with an innovative twist, much like Mix Mix's eclectic menu.

Chapter One: the modern localEmpire Burgers + Brew

A gastropub offering a wide range of beers and hearty dishes, similar in vibe and menu diversity to Chapter One.

CraveLe Chocolat du Bouchard

While more dessert-focused, it shares Crave's devotion to indulgence and high-quality ingredients.

Mariscos HectorHugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

Known for seafood excellence, offering a comparable dining experience to Mariscos Hector's.

Baja Fish TacosSharko's BBQ

Not a direct match but offers hearty meals with a focus on flavor and an informal dining atmosphere similar to Baja Fish Tacos.

Exploring the culinary landscape of a new city can be an exhilarating adventure, especially when you find places that remind you of home, yet offer their own unique local flair. For instance, while Sullivan's Steakhouse in Naperville might carry the sophisticated ambiance and culinary creativity found at Playground in Santa Ana, it introduces its spin with Midwest steakhouse traditions. Similarly, aficionados of authentic Mexican cuisine moving from enjoying Taqueria El Zamorano's casual, street-style eats will appreciate the familiar tastes and atmosphere found at Quiubo, but with a unique Naperville twist. Thus, making these transitions not just about finding a similar restaurant, but about discovering a new place that merges the comfort of old favorites with the excitement of new experiences and flavors.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Santa Ana to Naperville

Real estate is a critical component when planning a move. Understanding how Santa Ana and Naperville compare in terms of housing including cost, architecture, and lifestyle is essential for making an informed decision.

When comparing housing between Santa Ana and Naperville, you'll find differences in cost and lifestyle that reflect the unique character of each city. Santa Ana's housing market is influenced by its close proximity to Californian beaches and a vibrant urban lifestyle, making it pricier but also highly desirable for those seeking an energetic environment. On the other hand, Naperville is known for its family-friendly communities and top-rated schools, presenting a quieter suburban life with Georgian-style homes prevalent. The variation in walkability and bikeability scores between the two cities also highlights the difference in how residents typically navigate their neighborhoods, with Santa Ana slightly more walkable due to its urban setup and Naperville offering better biking routes. These distinctions can greatly influence your living experience and are crucial to consider when making your move.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Naperville, IL

1. Downtown Naperville: With its vast selection of dog-friendly patios and the scenic Riverwalk for leisurely walks, it's a paradise for pet owners.

2. South Naperville: This neighborhood is home to the spacious Springbrook Prairie Dog Park, offering off-leash fun in a natural setting for your furry friends.

3. Knolls of Huntington: Renowned for its walkable, tree-lined streets and proximity to the Naperville Parks District parks, providing ample green space for pets to explore.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Santa Ana to Naperville

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the differences in weather is essential. This comparison will highlight how the climate in Santa Ana differs from Naperville's weather, giving you a clearer idea of what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
83°F / 64°F

Santa Ana, CA

85°F / 63°F

Naperville, IL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
70°F / 45°F

Santa Ana, CA

33°F / 17°F

Naperville, IL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
13

Santa Ana, CA

39

Naperville, IL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Santa Ana, CA

38

Naperville, IL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Upon moving from Santa Ana to Naperville, you'll encounter more distinct seasonal changes. Naperville experiences cold winters with snowfall averaging 38 inches annually, a stark contrast to Santa Ana's mild winters. Summer temperatures are similar, but Naperville benefits from less humidity. The significant reduction in sunshine days—from 280 in Santa Ana to 189 in Naperville—means fewer days of bright sunlight. Additionally, understanding the prevalent natural disasters and top allergens in each area can help you prepare better for your new home environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Santa Ana to Naperville

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living in Santa Ana compares with Naperville, especially in terms of finances. This comparison will help you gauge the economic adjustments you might need to make.

Moving from Santa Ana to Naperville will introduce you to a significantly different economic landscape. While the average household income in Naperville is substantially higher, it's important to note that the state income tax is significantly lower in Illinois compared to California's high rates. However, Illinois, particularly Naperville, has a higher average property tax rate, which could impact your monthly expenses if you choose to buy a home. The cost of living index is slightly lower in Naperville, nonetheless, it is still high compared to national averages, indicating both cities have relatively expensive living costs. Understanding these differences will help you prepare financially for your move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Santa Ana, CA and Naperville, IL

In this quick guide, we provide a snapshot to help you understand the differences between your current home and your new one. This comparison of the politics between Santa Ana & Naperville is designed to give a glance at the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities. Whether you're curious about local governance, voting trends, or places of worship, this brief overview aims to paint a picture of the communities that make up each city.

Santa AnaNaperville

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticSwing, with a slight lean towards Republican

Local Politics

Active community involvement in local governanceHigh civic engagement and voter turnout in local elections

Religion

Diverse religious communities, including Catholicism and Protestant denominationsA mix of various faiths with significant Catholic, Protestant, and Non-Religious presence

Transitioning from Santa Ana to Naperville means adapting to different political landscapes and engaging with new communities. In Santa Ana, you might have noticed the Democratic lean in elections, reflecting California's larger political trends. Naperville, while having a historical leaning towards Republican values, currently exhibits a more balanced political view, making it an interesting swing area. The local politics in both cities show that regardless of where you live, involvement in community and local governance can highly influence the civic atmosphere. On the religious front, both cities boast diversity, yet with Naperville, you may find a broader spectrum of beliefs and possibly more non-religious gatherings. The change in atmosphere is a chance to explore different viewpoints and become part of vibrant, active communities.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Santa Ana to Naperville

Moving from one city to another can be a bewildering experience, especially when it comes to adapting to new driving and commuting patterns. To ease this transition, it's vital to understand the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Santa Ana & Naperville . This snapshot will provide you with a glimpse of what your daily commute might look like, setting the stage for a smoother adaptation to your new home.

Santa AnaNaperville
2535

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

65

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

ChallengingPossible with Effort

Can you get by without car?

In Santa Ana, the average commute time is notably swifter due to the city’s infrastructure designed to accommodate heavy traffic, though congestion can still be a significant issue during peak hours. Public transportation options, such as those provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority, are moderately accessible. Meanwhile, transitioning to life in Naperville might mean accepting a longer commute time. The city’s traffic congestion is comparatively lower, making it a less stressful driving experience even if the public transit options are somewhat limited. Notably, both cities present challenges to living comfortably without a car, though it’s more feasible in Naperville if you're inclined to put in the effort to utilize available public transit and biking options.

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