Best Colorado to Illinois Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CO to IL Moving Specialists

Moving from the rugged, outdoor paradise of Colorado to the bustling, vibrant life in Illinois marks an exciting chapter in your life. While you're trading the Rocky Mountains for the Windy City's skyscrapers or the serene landscapes of the Prairie State, each locale offers its unique charm and challenges. Recognizing the importance of a seamless transition, we emphasize selecting trusted and reliable professional movers for your journey, ensuring your adventure starts on the right foot.

Colorado iconArrow iconIllinois icon

Best Colorado to Illinois Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Movemasters, Inc.9.58A+Authorized For HHGContact
Smooth Movers9.51A+Authorized For HHGContact
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC9.49A+Authorized For HHGContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.43A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
The Move Caddies9.21NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to Colorado guide.

6 Best CO to IL Moving Companies

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

Movemasters, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.58/10
based on 3,188+ data points

About Movemasters, Inc.

Located in Denver and serving customers locally and statewide for close to 40 years, Movemasters Inc. values trust, reputation, and results....Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Household Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1290433 / 1550891

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans19
Registered Drivers23
Total Annual Miles Moved216,634 (2022)
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1
Smooth Movers Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.51/10
based on 677+ data points

About Smooth Movers

Smooth Movers has over 100 years of combined moving experience. It is a locally owned and operated business helping people move into and out...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2630599 / 915454

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved110,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC Logo
Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,353+ data points

About Denver Door to Door Movers LLC

Located in Mile High City, Denver Door to Door Movers is an experienced moving company providing residential and commercial moves. The famil...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Professional Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3184789 / 1195769

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 1,118+ data points

About Happ Movers, Inc.

Happ Movers, Inc. has provided residential and commercial moving services in Chicago’s North Shore area for more than half a century. Locate...Read More >>

Services

  • Professional Moving Services
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/24/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2970282 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
4
606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
5
The Move Caddies Logo
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 786+ data points

About The Move Caddies

The Move Caddies is a trusted local moving company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, offering a tailor-made moving experience to suit individ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Specialty or bulk item moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3804487 / 1370592

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to Illinois

Moving from one state to another can be an intricate affair, peppered with advantages and disadvantages on both ends. This examination seeks to lay bare the differences in lifestyle you might encounter when transitioning from Colorado to Illinois - balancing the pros against the cons . By providing a clear-sighted comparison, you'll be better equipped to weigh your options and make an informed decision on this significant move.

CONs
PROs
Colorado iconColorado
  • Higher living costs
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Drier climate
  • Mountainous terrain
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Lower living costs
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • More humid, green
  • Flatter landscapes
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Flatter, less scenic
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • More predictable weather
  • Different economic focus
Colorado iconColorado
  • Lush landscapes
  • Outdoor sports haven
  • Dynamic weather
  • Robust economy

Moving from the rugged, scenic terrains of Colorado to Illinois, you're transitioning from a place known for its outdoor adventures to a state rich in cultural diversity and historical significance. In Illinois, the vast, flat landscapes of the Prairie State offer a different aesthetic beauty, adorned with lush crops that stretch to the horizon. Illinois boasts vibrant communities such as those in Chicago, where neighborhoods like Wicker Park and The Loop are abundant with restaurants, local arts, and cultural events. Beyond the urban allure, Illinois offers serene parks and natural reserves, such as Starved Rock State Park, allowing for new outdoor activities like bird-watching or exploring historical canyons. While you might miss Colorado's mountain slopes and the spontaneous weather that comes with higher altitudes, Illinois opens the door to diverse culinary scenes, thriving arts communities, and a breadth of historical richness that's unparalleled.

Colorado vs. Illinois Food Guide

When considering a move, it's crucial to understand how the local cuisine between Colorado & Illinois can impact your lifestyle. Food is a vital aspect of local culture, offering insight into what it's like to live in an area. We'll compare the two locations so you can be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.

ColoradoIllinois
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishBison BurgersItalian Beef Sandwiches
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladSeitan Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Frasca Food and Wine
  • Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
  • Beast + Bottle
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Colorado, the love for unconventional meats like bison and the adventurous Rocky Mountain Oysters speaks to the state's bold and rugged spirit, with an emphasis on health-conscious and vegan options like quinoa salad. Denver, specifically, flaunts a vibrant food truck scene, offering everything from gourmet tacos to innovative plant-based dishes. In Illinois, the deep-rooted love for hearty, comforting foods like Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches reflects the state's rich culinary tradition. Chicago, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse food scene, offers everything from world-renowned fine dining at places like Alinea to iconic fast-food chains like Portillo's, ensuring a dynamic foodie experience for newcomers.

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Colorado vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, exploring the real estate landscape of Colorado and Illinois illuminates crucial contrasts and similarities that can inform your decision. Understanding how housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle considerations compare between these states is essential for a smooth transition.

ComparisonColoradoIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleMountain and ModernPrairie and Traditional
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, open floor plansAccessibility to Chicago, vintage charm

Shifting from Colorado's mountainous backdrop to Illinois' vibrant prairies involves more than just a change of scenery. Colorado's real estate market is characterized by its higher median home prices and rents, reflective of its booming economies in cities like Denver and Boulder. The state is known for its modern and mountain-style homes that emphasize open floor plans and breathtaking views. On the other hand, Illinois offers a more affordable housing market, with a noticeable emphasis on accessibility to Chicago, a hub for cultural and economic activities. Illinois homes frequently boast traditional and Prairie-style architecture, highlighting the state's rich history and connection to the land. Both states offer a unique blend of urban and natural lifestyles, but Illinois tends to score slightly higher in terms of walkability and urban lifestyle, indicative of its well-developed public transit systems and compact cities.

Colorado vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Colorado to Illinois, understanding how the weather differs between these two states is crucial. This comparison will highlight the purpose of providing insights into the weather variations between Colorado and Illinois , preparing you for what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
85°F / 56°F

Colorado

85°F / 65°F

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
45°F / 18°F

Colorado

35°F / 22°F

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15.6

Colorado

39

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
60.3

Colorado

22

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonColoradoIllinois
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersWildfires, SnowstormsTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Colorado to Illinois, you'll find both states enjoy warm summers, but Illinois nights are notably warmer. Winters in Illinois are milder compared to the chilly lows experienced in Colorado, but be prepared for more humidity year-round in Illinois, impacting how the cold and heat feel. Another significant adjustment will be the decreased days of sunshine, making winters feel longer in Illinois. However, for those concerned with severe weather, it's worth noting that while both states face their share of natural disasters, the types differ—Colorado with its wildfires and snowstorms, and Illinois facing the threat of tornadoes and floods. Despite these differences, both states battle with pollen and mold allergies, indicative of their vibrant natural landscapes.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Colorado to Illinois

Moving between states requires a comprehensive understanding of financial differences. This comparison shines a light on key economic factors you'll face when transitioning from Colorado to Illinois, offering a clear view of what to expect in terms of income, taxes, and costs of living. It's crucial to know how these changes will affect your wallet.

ComparisonColoradoIllinois
Avg. Household Income$89,302$76,708
Cost of Living Index98.394.25
State Income Tax4.63 (flat rate)4.95 (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax0.532.16
Avg. Sales Tax7.638.82
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureManufacturing, Agriculture, Services
AffluenceHigherModerate
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessModerateSignificant

While both Colorado and Illinois offer vibrant economies, there are notable differences in financial well-being and costs that you should prepare for. Colorado generally boasts a higher average household income and is considered more affluent, potentially reflecting its higher cost of living index. However, Illinois presents a more affordable living scenario despite its slightly higher state income tax. Particularly, the stark contrast in property taxes—Colorado's significantly lower rates vs. Illinois's notably higher ones—will directly affect homeowners. Furthermore, the industry focus shifts from technology and aerospace in Colorado to manufacturing and services in Illinois, hinting at diverse job opportunities and economic strengths in each state.

Colorado vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Colorado to Illinois, it’s insightful to explore the political and religious makeup between Colorado & Illinois. This quick comparison will offer you a snapshot of what to expect in terms of political leanings, local governance styles, and the religious landscape in your new home state.

ColoradoIllinois
Political Make-upMixed; leans Democratic in recent electionsLeans Democratic, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsVaries widely across regionsVaries; more liberal in Chicago, conservative in rural areas
ReligionLess religious overall; diverse religious communitiesHigher religious observance; strong Catholic presence in Chicago

Denver Catholic and Archdiocese of Chicago are just two examples of the diverse religious institutions that play a significant role in the community life of Colorado and Illinois, respectively. While both states exhibit a blend of political leanings, you'll find that Illinois tends to have a stronger Democratic inclination, particularly in urban centers like Chicago, compared to Colorado's more mixed political landscape. The local politics in each state reflect a tapestry of views that ensure vibrant discussions and community involvement opportunities no matter where you decide to lay down roots.

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to Illinois

When contemplating a move from Colorado to Illinois, it's essential to understand how educational opportunities compare across states. This comparison will illuminate the key differences between school options in Colorado and Illinois , providing a foundation for making informed decisions about your family's educational future.

ColoradoIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Bromwell Elementary
Denver; Cory Elementary
Denver; Parker Core Knowledge
Parker
Lincoln Elementary
River Forest; South Park Elementary
Deerfield; Willowbrook Elementary
Glenview

Top 3 Middle Schools

Summit Middle Charter
Boulder; The Connect Charter School
Pueblo; Denver School of the Arts
Denver
Wood Oaks Junior High
Northbrook; Daniel Wright Junior High
Lincolnshire; Marie Murphy School
Wilmette

Top 3 High Schools

Cherry Creek High
Greenwood Village; Fairview High
Boulder; Denver School of the Arts
Denver
Northside College Prep
Chicago; Payton College Prep
Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High
Lincolnshire

Top 3 private high schools

Colorado Academy
Denver; Kent Denver School
Englewood; The Fountain Valley School
Colorado Springs
University of Chicago Lab Schools
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Colorado Springs School
Colorado Springs; Vail Mountain School
Vail; Dawson School
Lafayette
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; North Shore Country Day
Winnetka; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago

Top 3 School Districts

Cherry Creek School District
Boulder Valley School District
Littleton Public Schools
New Trier Township High School District
North Shore School District 112
Naperville Community Unit School District 203

When comparing educational opportunities between Colorado and Illinois, notable differences emerge, especially in the destinations of graduating seniors, showcasing the states' strong higher education institutions. In Colorado, the University of Colorado Boulder is a popular choice, reflecting the state's emphasis on research and science. Illinois, however, boasts prestigious options like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago, known for their rigorous academics and global networks. Additionally, the top K-12 schools in each state, such as Bromwell Elementary in Denver and Lincoln Elementary in River Forest, Illinois, illustrate the strong emphasis on foundational education, preparing students for success in higher academic pursuits. These comparisons provide valuable insights for families considering a move, helping them to align their educational values and aspirations with the opportunities available in each state.

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