Best Fort Collins to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Fort Collins to Chicago Movers

Moving from the laid-back, craft beer-loving city of Fort Collins, CO to the bustling, architectural wonderland of Chicago, IL is an exhilarating life change. You're trading in the cozy college town vibes of "The Fort" for the towering skyscrapers and vibrant neighborhoods of "The Windy City." Given the long distance of this move, it's crucial to ensure you're supported by trusted and reliable professional movers. That's why we at Great Guys Moving use an unbiased ranking algorithm to help you find the best movers, making your transition as smooth as possible.

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Best Fort Collins to Chicago Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
The Move Caddies9.21NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Two College Movers8.79AAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
American Moving & Storage8.53A+ActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Fort Collins guide.

5 Best Fort Collins to Chicago Moving Companies

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

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
1
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers26
Total Annual Miles Moved86,474 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
Two College Movers Logo
Superb8.79/10
based on 1,019+ data points

About Two College Movers

Two College Movers has been serving the communities of Fort Collins, Windsor, Loveland, and Cheyenne since 2010. These movers will expedite ...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Service Move
  • Labor Only Move
  • Residential & Commercial Move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2493028 / 887369

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved221,000 (2013)
View Full Review
4
American Moving & Storage Logo
Fabulous8.53/10
based on 1,719+ data points

About American Moving & Storage

As a local interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines, American Moving is regularly referred by real estate agents, professional organizers, and ...Read More >>

Services

  • -Local moving service
  • -Interstate moving
  • -Home packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/7/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3016747 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2018)
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.

Fort Collins vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease the transition, this guide offers a comparison between popular neighborhoods in Fort Collins, CO & Chicago, IL . It's designed to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home, by matching areas in Fort Collins with their Chicago equivalents based on their vibe, amenities, and community feel.

Fort CollinsChicagoHow They're Similar
Old TownWicker ParkHip, vibrant community
City ParkLincoln ParkGreen spaces, family-friendly
Harmony CrossingWest LoopTrendy dining, nightlife
RamblewoodRavenswoodQuiet, residential
Fossil CreekRoscoe VillagePeaceful, village-like
Rigden FarmAndersonvilleDiverse, strong community ties
Scotch PinesEdgewaterLakeside, cultural diversity
TimberlineBucktownArtistic, with a mix of modern and historic homes
ParkwoodHyde ParkRich in history, diverse culture
Registry RidgeBeverlyResidential, well-established

For those moving from Fort Collins to Chicago and looking for a neighborhood with a vibrant and artistic vibe, Wicker Park in Chicago resonates with the lively energy of Old Town Fort Collins. Wicker Park boasts an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, and venues such as the The Violet Hour, mirroring Old Town's vibrant scene. If you appreciate the greenery and family-friendly atmosphere of City Park in Fort Collins, Lincoln Park in Chicago will captivate you with its vast parklands, including the Lincoln Park Zoo, and welcoming community feel. Meanwhile, West Loop's renowned dining scene, including spots like Girl & the Goat, will cater to Harmony Crossing residents looking for a trendy foodie paradise reminiscent of their Fort Collins experiences.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Fort Collins to Chicago

Moving from one city to another is a significant life event that comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL. By examining the pros and cons side by side, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect from your new home and what you might be leaving behind.

CONs
PROs
Fort Collins, CO iconFort Collins, CO
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less public transportation
  • Reduced nightlife
  • Higher reliance on car
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Larger cultural diversity
  • More job opportunities
  • Extensive public transit
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Less reliance on car
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Less outdoor spaces
  • Higher traffic congestion
  • More impersonal
  • Higher crime rates
  • Poorer air quality
Fort Collins, CO iconFort Collins, CO
  • Outdoor activities
  • Low traffic levels
  • Close-knit community
  • Lower crime rates
  • Better air quality

Moving to Chicago opens up a plethora of cultural experiences and job opportunities that might be limited in Fort Collins. You’ll find yourself immersed in a city ripe with historical landmarks, diverse shopping districts like The Magnificent Mile, and an impressive array of parks and public spaces, such as the renowned Millennium Park. However, it's important to note that this transition might come with trade-offs, such as adjusting to the bustling pace of life, dealing with higher levels of traffic and noise, and facing greater safety concerns in certain areas. Despite these challenges, Chicago's vibrant culinary scene, from deep-dish pizza joints to innovative fine dining, and its extensive public transit system can offer new and exciting ways to explore urban living.

Fort Collins vs. Chicago Food Guide

Food is a dynamic reflection of local culture and can greatly influence what it’s like to live in an area. We’re here to help you understand the culinary scene you’re moving into by providing a comparison of the local cuisine between Fort Collins & Chicago . This guide will assist you in becoming better acquainted with the varying flavors and dining experiences in your new home.

Fort CollinsChicago
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersDeep-Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishLamb dishesItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Rustic Oven
  • Avery Brewing
  • Lucile's Creole Cafe
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Girl & The Goat
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Whether you’re craving the indulgence of a deep-dish pizza synonymous with Chicago or exploring the vibrant taco trucks in Fort Collins, the local cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds. In Chicago, your culinary exploration wouldn’t be complete without a visit to neighborhoods like Logan Square or the West Loop, where establishments like Girl & The Goat and Portillo's stand as testaments to the city’s diverse food scene. Fort Collins, on the other hand, boasts a unique blend of dishes that cater to health-conscious eaters and beer enthusiasts alike, with restaurants like The Rustic Oven and breweries such as Avery Brewing setting the stage for a laid-back yet sophisticated dining experience.

Fort Collins vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison

Food helps make a new city feel like home. This comparison is specially crafted to help you transition from Fort Collins to Chicago by finding your next favorite dining spots, using what you already love as a guide. Finding culinary equivalents from Fort Collins to Chicago is essential in making the Windy City feel like home.

Fort CollinsChicagoWhat You'll Love
The Silver Grill CaféLittle Goat DinerBoth offer a hearty, innovative twist on classic American diner food.
Blue Agave GrillFrontera GrillEach provides upscale, creative Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Rare ItalianMonteverdeItalian dishes reimagined with a modern flair, emphasizing fresh pasta at both locations.
Jay's BistroThe Purple PigBoth have an eclectic menu, perfect for foodies looking for a gourmet experience.
Young's CaféPho 777Authentic Vietnamese dishes that bring a taste of Southeast Asia to the heart of the city.
Big Al's Burgers and DogsAu ChevalKnown for their luxurious take on the classic burger, both spots are must-visits for burger aficionados.
Odell BrewingRevolution BrewingCraft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse selection and quality brews at both.
Lucile's Creole CaféBatter & BerriesBoth serve up a mouth-watering, creative take on breakfast and brunch with unique flavors.
Maza KabobReza's RestaurantOffering an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, focusing on rich, flavorful dishes.
Waltzing KangarooPleasant House PubBoth specialize in savory pies and other comfort foods from across the globe.

For those seeking a blend of innovation and tradition in their dining experience, Chicago's culinary scene is ready to welcome you with open arms. Take Monteverde in Chicago, for example, which mirrors Rare Italian's focus on reimagined Italian dishes centered around fresh, handmade pasta, creating an unforgettable dine-in experience. Similarly, the transition from the craft beer culture of Fort Collins with spots like Odell Brewing to the vibrant, eclectic brews offered by Revolution Brewing in Chicago will feel seamless to any aficionado. Whether it's the avant-garde breakfast options at Batter & Berries reminiscent of Lucile's Creole Café's brunch, or the sophisticated burger experience at Au Cheval that echoes the joy found at Big Al's Burgers and Dogs, Chicago holds a vibrant array of dining experiences that will satiate any connoisseur's palate while reminding them of the flavors of Fort Collins.

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Fort Collins vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect when considering a move. Comparing the housing factors between Fort Collins, CO, and Chicago, IL, will elucidate differences in cost, architecture, walkability, and more, aiding in your decision-making process.

ComparisonFort CollinsChicago
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and CraftsmanModern and Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, mountain viewsLakefront views, proximity to public transport

In comparing the housing aspects of Fort Collins and Chicago, while Fort Collins presents a higher median home price, the city compensates with its spacious yards and scenic mountain views, which are often highlighted in real estate listings. Chicago, on the other hand, offers a more urban lifestyle with its higher walkability score, supporting a live-work-play environment. The architecture in Chicago leans towards more modern and Victorian styles, resonating well with those seeking a vibrant city life. Additionally, Chicago's listings frequently boast about lakefront views and easy access to an extensive public transport system, reflecting its urban setting.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

Fort Collins vs. Chicago Weather Considerations

When planning a move, understanding the weather differences between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight how the climate in Fort Collins stands against Chicago, helping you prepare for the seasonal adjustments you'll need to make.

Summer icon
85°F / 55°F

Fort Collins, CO

84°F / 68°F

Chicago, IL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
45°F / 15°F

Fort Collins, CO

35°F / 22°F

Chicago, IL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
16.9"

Fort Collins, CO

36.27"

Chicago, IL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
54"

Fort Collins, CO

36"

Chicago, IL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonFort CollinsChicago
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersWildfires, FloodingBlizzards, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Fort Collins and Chicago enjoy warm summers, Fort Collins boasts more sunny days annually, which might affect your outdoor plans and mood. Winter, however, is markedly colder in Fort Collins with lower lows, requiring more robust winter gear. Chicago's higher humidity throughout the year leads to a different kind of cold in winter, often described as bone-chilling due to the moisture in the air. The variety in air quality and common allergens between the two cities are also noteworthy, potentially impacting health. Understanding these differences can help in making your new city feel like home more quickly.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Fort Collins to Chicago

When considering a move from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL , it's essential to grasp how your financial situation might change. This comparison will lay out pivotal money and finance factors, ensuring you're fully informed about the likely shift in economic landscape and cost demands in these cities.

ComparisonFort CollinsChicago
Avg. Household Income$73,945$66,576
Cost of Living Index98.3116.9
State Income Tax4.55 (Colorado)4.95 (Illinois)
Avg. Property Tax0.522.16
Avg. Sales Tax7.5510.25
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Educational Services, HealthcareFinance, Manufacturing, Information Technology
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher

In deeper analysis, if you're moving from Fort Collins to Chicago, there are several financial implications to consider. Although the average household income in Fort Collins is higher, Chicago presents a diverse economic landscape with opportunities in different industries such as finance and IT. Despite a lower cost of living index in Chicago, the higher sales and property taxes could offset these benefits. It's also important to note the variance in poverty and homelessness rates between the two locations, signaling different social challenges one might face. This broad overview aims to prepare you for the economic adjustments required in such a relocation, focusing on how they may affect your daily life and financial health.

Fort Collins vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to a crucial transition guide designed to offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents between your current city and your future home. This comparison will help you understand the comparison of the politics between Fort Collins & Chicago and the religious landscape, providing insight into your new community.

Fort CollinsChicago
Political Make-upLean LiberalStrongly Liberal
Local PoliticsEnvironmental and sustainability initiatives are prioritiesFocus on social equity, education reform, and economic development
ReligionMixed religious landscape with Christianity being predominantDiverse religious presence with Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism

When moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Chicago, IL, you'll notice a shift not only in climate and lifestyle but also in the political and religious makeup of your surroundings. Fort Collins is known for its environmental efforts and a relatively balanced political climate, leaning towards liberal. The city's focus on sustainability often reflects the community's values. In contrast, Chicago is a city with a robust liberal political scene, deeply intertwined with efforts towards social equity, education reform, and broad economic development challenges and opportunities. Religion in both cities reflects a wider national trend of diversity; however, Chicago boasts a more wide-ranging representation of global religions, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. This dynamic could offer an exciting new social landscape for you to explore.

Fort Collins vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Chicago, IL, means adapting to a new daily commute and understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect navigating these two cities.

ComparisonFort CollinsChicago
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)20-2530-40
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?ChallengingYes

When considering the move from Fort Collins to Chicago, it's essential to note the significant differences in commute times and the reliance on different modes of transport. Fort Collins offers a more relaxed commute with less congestion and a modest public transit system, making a car almost necessary for convenience and accessibility. On the other hand, Chicago's robust public transportation network, including buses, trains, and bikes, makes it entirely feasible to live without owning a car. Despite the higher traffic congestion, the efficient transit options in Chicago often result in a more predictable and manageable commute.

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