Best DC to Illinois Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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DC to IL Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state isn't just a change of address; it's the beginning of an exciting adventure, a fresh start tailored just for you. Imagine swapping the monumental landmarks and political hustle of DC for Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, where vibrant city life meets Midwestern charm. In this significant transition, the importance of having trusted and reliable professional movers cannot be overstressed, ensuring your journey from the nation’s capital to the heart of America is as smooth as possible. Our team at Great Guys Moving prides ourselves on using an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, making your move worry-free.

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Best DC to Illinois Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
Mic's Moving9.59NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Ap Pro Moving Llc9.43NRActiveContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.42A+ActiveContact
Treasure Moving Company9.39NRAuthorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to DC guide.

6 Best DC to IL Moving Companies

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

Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
1
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 361+ data points

About Ap Pro Moving Llc

Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as local moving, lo...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3338902 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved4,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
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
Treasure Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.39/10
based on 1,791+ data points

About Treasure Moving Company

Carrying all of your worldly possessions to a new location is no small feat. Throw in the fact that you’re probably leaving behind family an...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Residential Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/8/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2431129 / 847222

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2021)
View Full Review
5
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 12/18/2024)

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
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 DC to Illinois

Moving from one place to another is always a mix of emotions and logistics. As you consider leaving DC for Illinois, understanding both the challenges and advantages of such a move is crucial. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from DC to Illinois . It’s essential to weigh both the pros and cons to make an informed decision that best suits your needs and aspirations.

CONs
PROs
DC iconDC
  • High living costs
  • Dense traffic
  • Smaller green spaces
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
Illinois iconIllinois
  • More affordable
  • Less congestion
  • Larger parks
  • Relaxed atmosphere
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Less diverse
  • Fewer opportunities
  • Smaller historical footprint
  • Quieter nightlife
DC iconDC
  • Cultural diversity
  • Political epicenter
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant nightlife

While DC boasts its vibrant culture and history, with landmarks like the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall, Illinois offers a different kind of charm. In Illinois, you'll find the beauty of expansive green spaces like those in Chicago's park districts and a more affordable cost of living which can be a significant relief. Cities like Chicago are renowned for their impressive architectural skyline, world-class museums like The Art Institute of Chicago, and a culinary scene that rivals any in the nation. Moreover, Illinois' less congested environment might offer a more relaxed lifestyle, allowing for personal growth and discovering new hobbies. While it may not have the same political clout as DC, Illinois has its vibrant cultural and social scene, ensuring you won’t miss out on engaging activities and community involvement.

DC vs. Illinois Food Guide

Food is an essential slice of local culture and the experience of living in a new area. As you plan your move, understanding the culinary differences can help set your expectations. In this guide, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between DC & Illinois to give you a taste of what each offers, making your transition smoother and certainly more delicious.

DCIllinois
Most iconic local food itemHalf-SmokeDeep-Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishMumbo Sauce on ChickenItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemJumbo Slice PizzaChicago-Style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodBeet BurgerSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Au Cheval
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from DC to Illinois, you'll notice a shift from a wide array of international influences to a more hearty, Midwest-inspired culinary scene. Illinois, especially Chicago, is renowned for its deep-dish pizza, a dish spectators either love or spar over compared to New York-style thin crust. However, both DC and Illinois offer dynamic and diverse food scenes. Venture into neighborhoods like Logan Square in Chicago to sample some pioneering vegan dishes or head over to The Loop for an authentic Italian beef sandwich. Meanwhile, DC's half-smoke can be savored in historic eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, an establishment steeped in cultural lore. Both locations boast vibrant street food scenes, though with a wider range in DC, especially with its bustling food truck culture. Yet, Illinois counters with iconic eateries like Portillo's, where the Chicago-style hot dog reigns supreme. Essentially, whether your palate leans towards the avant-garde or the traditional, both places have culinary treasures waiting to be discovered.

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DC vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison between DC and Illinois will highlight differences in housing costs, styles, and livability, helping you make an informed decision.

ComparisonDCIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and FederalPrairie and Mid-Century Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingRoof decks, proximity to metroYard space, proximity to schools

While DC boasts greater walkability and bikeability, making it ideal for those who prefer to navigate the city without a car, Illinois offers a more laid-back lifestyle with its spacious yards and emphasis on community. The difference in median home prices is significant, with DC homes being considerably more expensive than those in Illinois. This major price difference is also reflected in the median monthly rent. Moreover, the architecture in both regions reflects their historical and cultural landscapes - Victorian and Federal styles adorn DC, while Illinois showcases the Prairie and Mid-Century Modern styles, indicative of its rich architectural history.

DC vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

When planning your move from DC to Illinois, understanding the shift in climate and weather conditions is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and prepare you for what lies ahead. Weather comparisons between DC and Illinois are essential to set your expectations and help you adjust accordingly.

Summer icon
87/71

DC

85/65

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
44/30

DC

35/22

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40

DC

39

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.5

DC

22

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDCIllinois
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both DC and Illinois experience four distinct seasons, Illinois often has more extreme weather, with colder winters and slightly less intense summers than DC. The average winter temperatures are notably lower in Illinois, which also sees more snowfall annually. This could mean a significant adjustment if you're not used to driving in snowy conditions. Illinois, with its higher humidity and slightly fewer days of sunshine, may also impact your daily life differently than DC's milder and sunnier climate. However, both states experience similar challenges with seasonal allergies, mainly due to pollen and mold, so if you're sensitive, preparing for these in either location is advisable.

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

When moving from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and other financial factors compare. This guide focuses on making your transition from DC to Illinois as smooth as possible by breaking down vital economic differences you should be aware of.

ComparisonDCIllinois
Avg. Household Income$101,027$76,708
Cost of Living Index140.194.25
State Income Tax4.0 - 8.95%4.95% (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax0.56%2.16%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Education, Professional ServicesManufacturing, Services, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableReduced

While both DC and Illinois offer unique financial climates, they vary significantly in ways that can impact your budget and lifestyle. For instance, moving to Illinois might be more affordable in terms of the overall cost of living index and property taxes despite the higher state income tax rate in DC. It's important to also consider how the dominant industries in each location could affect job opportunities relevant to your skill set. The affluence and poverty levels between DC and Illinois also indicate contrasting social climates, which could influence your experience living in either area. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision about this significant move.

DC vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Washington, D.C. to Illinois , it's invaluable to glance at the comparison of the politics and religious landscapes of each. This overview offers a quick peek at the political leanings, the local political dynamics, and the religious makeup prevalent among the residents of both areas, ensuring you're well-informed before your transition.

DCIllinois
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on municipal governance and federal presenceDiverse, with a significant focus on both urban and agricultural issues
ReligionMulticultural mix with a significant Christian populationVaried religious landscape with Christianity being predominant

While both locations lean Democratic, the political scene in D.C. is amplified by its national significance, with the presence of federal institutions and a heavy focus on national politics. Illinois, being a larger state, enjoys a more diverse political landscape, responding not only to the urban demands of cities like Chicago but also to the agricultural and rural needs of its extensive farmland. Religiously, both places offer a multicultural mix, though the Christian faith dominates. The transition from D.C. to Illinois will introduce you to a broader spectrum of political discussions and a slightly different religious composition, reflecting the state's diverse social fabric.

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Illinois

When considering a move from DC to Illinois, it's crucial to understand the educational landscape to make the best choice for your children. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in school options between DC and Illinois, offering insights into the quality and variety of educational institutions available. From public to private schools, this guide will help you navigate your choices.

DCIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Mann Elementary
Janney Elementary
Lafayette Elementary
Lincoln Elementary School
South Loop Elementary School
Skokie School

Top 3 Middle Schools

Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Stuart-Hobson Middle School
Maple School
Wood Oaks Junior High School
Daniel Wright Junior High School

Top 3 High School Schools

Banneker High School
School Without Walls High School
McKinley Technology High School
Northside College Prep
Adlai Stevenson High School
New Trier Township High School

Top 3 private high schools

Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
Maret School
University of Chicago Lab School
Latin School of Chicago
Francis W. Parker School

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Sidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
National Cathedral School
Francis W. Parker School
Latin School of Chicago
Lake Forest Academy

Top 3 School Districts

District of Columbia Public SchoolsNew Trier Township HSD 203
North Shore SD 112
Naperville Community Unit School District 203

In both DC and Illinois, the educational landscape is rich with highly ranked institutions, each area having its unique strengths. Schools like Sidwell Friends School in DC and the University of Chicago Lab School in Illinois are not just renowned locally but are recognized nationally for their academic excellence. The contrast in college destinations between DC and Illinois reflects the strong local university presence in both locations, with students often attending top-tier universities situated within or in close proximity to their home state. This guide not only showcases the top educational facilities in both regions but also reflects the varied opportunities available to students, from rigorous public school options such as Banneker High School in DC and Northside College Prep in Illinois to prestigious private institutions.

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