Best Fort Lauderdale to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the sun-drenched shores of Fort Lauderdale to the bustling Windy City of Chicago marks the start of an exciting chapter in your life. You're leaving behind the endless summer for a city known for its towering skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant neighborhoods. Given the vast distance and the complexities of such a move, securing the services of trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial. We at Great Guys Moving offer you peace of mind by ranking the best movers in the country, ensuring your transition is as smooth as possible.
Best Fort Lauderdale to Chicago Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Florida Moving LLC | 9.55 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Our Family Moving and Storage LLC | 9.54 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Dixie Movers | 9.53 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale guide.
5 Best Fort Lauderdale to Chicago Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
This listing has been claimed by Easy Florida Moving LLCAbout Easy Florida Moving LLC
Easy Florida Moving LLC is a licensed and insured full-service moving company based in South Florida. Established in 2017, the company provi...Read More >>
Services
- Long Distance Relocation
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving (in State)
About Our Family Moving and Storage LLC
Based in Hollywood, FL, Our Family Moving and Storage is a local and family-owned moving business specializing in local and long-distance mo...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Local Moves
About Dixie Movers
When it was founded in 2015, Dixie Movers handpicked all of the good things about the moving industry and left out all of the bad. It runs i...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long distance moving services
- Commercial moving services
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
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.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
Moving cities can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new surroundings. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide to compare local neighborhoods between Fort Lauderdale, FL & Chicago, IL . Using Fort Lauderdale as a baseline, we'll match you with similar neighborhoods in Chicago, helping you find your new favorite spots and making the new city feel like home.
| Fort Lauderdale | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lauderdale Beach | Edgewater | Beach access, relaxed vibe |
| Las Olas Isles | Gold Coast | Luxurious, waterfront living |
| Victoria Park | Lincoln Park | Historic homes, community feel |
| River Oaks | Ravenswood | Family-friendly, leafy streets |
| Colee Hammock | Old Town | Charming, walkable, rich history |
| Tarpon River | Bucktown | Artistic, vibrant community life |
| Harbordale | Streeterville | Modern, bustling, near attractions |
| Rio Vista | Wicker Park | Trendy, with a mix of old-new |
| Imperial Point | Andersonville | Diverse, quiet, family-friendly |
| Poinsettia Heights | Logan Square | Booming with creativity and bars |
In exploring your options, imagine the laid-back atmosphere of Lauderdale Beach; Edgewater offers a similar beachside community, complete with scenic views and a relaxed pace. If you're drawn to the upscale living of Las Olas Isles, Chicago's Gold Coast will enchant you with its stunning lakeside mansions and upscale dining, such as the renowned Drake Hotel. Meanwhile, Lincoln Park mirrors the vibe of Victoria Park with its verdant parks, like Lincoln Park itself, and well-preserved historic homes, offering both natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether you're seeking the artistic energy found in Tarpon River, which you'll rediscover in Bucktown's vibrant art scene, or the trendy, youthful vibe of Rio Vista, which parallels Wicker Park's fashionable boutiques and cafes, Chicago welcomes you to explore its diverse neighborhoods and find your perfect fit.
Things to Do in Chicago
Explore the Art Institute of Chicago- Watch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field
- Visit Shedd Aquarium
- Enjoy Millennium Park concerts
- Take the Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- Discover the Field Museum
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago
Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Chicago, IL offers a significant change in lifestyle. This comparison aims to give an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make a well-informed decision. Understanding the pros and cons will assist in preparing for the new experiences and challenges that come with moving to a vastly different climate and culture.
Fort Lauderdale, FL- Higher humidity
- Less public transit
- Smaller cultural scene
- Lower job diversity
- Fewer dining options
Chicago, IL- Diverse seasons
- Extensive public transit
- Richer cultural scene
- Greater job market
- World-renowned dining
Chicago, IL- No beaches
- Cold winters
- Indoor-oriented
- Faster pace
- More traffic congestion
Fort Lauderdale, FL- Beach access
- Year-round warmth
- Outdoor living
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Wide highways
Moving to Chicago, you'll exchange the leisurely beach lifestyle of Fort Lauderdale for bustling urban life. Imagine trading sunbathing at Fort Lauderdale Beach for ice skating at Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. While you'll say goodbye to relaxing weekends at Las Olas Boulevard, you'll welcome diverse dining experiences in Chicago's neighborhoods like the authentic Mexican cuisine in Pilsen or Michelin-star dining at Alinea. You'll embrace seasons, each bringing their unique charm and activities—from colorful fall foliage in Lincoln Park to summer festivals along the Chicago riverwalk. Though the Windy City is known for its bitter winters, the warmth of its vibrant community and rich cultural scene—from jazz clubs to the Art Institute of Chicago—makes it an exciting home.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Chicago Food Guide
Understanding the local food culture is crucial when relocating, as it forms a significant part of living in a new area. Through this guide, we aim to illuminate the culinary contrasts, making a comparison of the local cuisine between Fort Lauderdale & Chicago . This should help you anticipate the gastronomic adventure that awaits in your new city.
| Fort Lauderdale | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Key Lime Pie | Deep Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Cuban Sandwich | Italian Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Hot Dogs (Chicago Style) |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Fort Lauderdale , the culinary scene is vibrant and heavily influenced by its coastal location and diverse population. Seafood, especially, plays a critical role in its cuisine, with establishments like Coconuts offering waterfront dining experiences. The city's Cuban influence is palpable, with the Cuban sandwich being a must-try. Meanwhile, Chicago is known for its hearty, iconic dishes like deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. Neighborhoods like the West Loop are foodie paradises, where you can experience some of the city’s best dining at places like Girl & The Goat. Chicago's food truck scene also offers an eclectic array of street food that reflects the city's diverse cultural makeup.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering local dining spots that feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart is designed to ease your transition from Fort Lauderdale, FL, to Chicago, IL, by comparing top restaurants in each location. Whether you're in search of a luxurious dining experience, a casual bite, or something uniquely iconic, this guide will help you find your new favorite eatery by leveraging your love for familiar flavors.
| Fort Lauderdale | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Casa D'Angelo | Osteria Via Stato | Offers a similar upscale Italian dining experience with an emphasis on authentic recipes and fine wines. |
| La Dolce Vita | Eataly | While more of a marketplace, Eataly provides a unique dining experience with various Italian-centric spots that mirror La Dolce Vita's authenticity. |
| Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar | Big Star | Provides a lively atmosphere coupled with an extensive tequila selection, recalling Rocco's vibrant setting and Mexican cuisine. |
| Louie Bossi's Ristorante | Bavette's Bar & Boeuf | Though Bavette's leans more towards French-inspired fare, its approach to quality and ambiance offers a comparable dining experience. |
| Coconuts | Shaw's Crab House | Both spots offer fresh seafood with a focus on local catches, set in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. |
| Boatyard | Chicago Cut Steakhouse | Both are known for their upscale dining experiences with a focus on high-quality meats and seafood, along with impressive views. |
| Secret Garden | The Purple Pig | Boasts a cozy, intimate setting with a creative menu that encourages sharing, similar to the experience at Secret Garden. |
| El Camino | Frontera Grill | Both restaurants are renowned for their innovative take on traditional Mexican dishes, with Frontera Grill emphasizing farm-to-table ingredients. |
| Riverside Market | Local Foods | Both are beloved casual spots, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and offering a variety of food options in a laid-back atmosphere. |
| Tap 42 Bar & Kitchen | The Publican | Both are known for their craft beer selections and inventive American cuisine, offering a vibrant atmosphere ideal for social gatherings. |
When you find yourself missing the warm, vibrant flavors of Fort Lauderdale's El Camino, Chicago's own Frontera Grill stands ready to welcome you with open arms and innovative Mexican cuisine that pays homage to traditional recipes with a modern twist. On those days when the sea calls to you, head to Shaw's Crab House to recapture the essence of Coconuts' fresh, coastal dishes. The transition from one beloved locale to another doesn't have to mean sacrificing the flavors you love; in Chicago, the spirit of Fort Lauderdale's dining scene lives on, ready to make you feel at home again with every bite.
Ready to start your move?
Fort Lauderdale vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most crucial factors to consider when planning a move. Understanding how Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Chicago, IL, compare in terms of housing will help you make an informed decision. This comparison aims to highlight the major differences and similarities in the housing market and lifestyle between these two cities.
| Comparison | Fort Lauderdale | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Mediterranean | Georgian, Contemporary |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront, Dock | Lake view, Proximity to transit |
Delving deeper into the housing aspects, Fort Lauderdale's real estate market is known for its luxurious waterfront properties, often highlighted by amenities such as private docks. This is a marked difference from Chicago, where the emphasis is likely to be on urban amenities like lake views and accessibility to public transit. Architecture in Chicago also reflects its historical journey, with Georgian and contemporary styles dotting its skyline. On the other hand, Fort Lauderdale boasts a modern and Mediterranean architectural vibe, catering to a beach-oriented lifestyle. The higher walkability score in Chicago compared to Fort Lauderdale indicates a more pedestrian-friendly environment, influenced by Chicago's compact urban layout and extensive public transportation system.
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 Lauderdale vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
If you're contemplating a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares between your current and future home is essential. This comparison between Fort Lauderdale and Chicago will help you prepare for the changes in climate you're about to experience.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Fort Lauderdale | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago will expose you to a significant shift in weather patterns, especially concerning temperatures and natural disasters. You'll need to adapt to colder, snowier winters and slightly fewer days of sunshine. While both cities experience a similar level of humidity annually, Chicago's greater variation in temperatures and potential for blizzards and tornadoes presents a different set of seasonal challenges compared to Fort Lauderdale's hurricanes. Understanding these differences will help you better prepare for your new home environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This chart aims to compare the costs and economic factors between Fort Lauderdale, FL , and Chicago, IL to help you gauge how the change might affect your budget and lifestyle.
| Comparison | Fort Lauderdale | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $64,912 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115.7 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.07 | 2.16 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Marine, Manufacturing | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Significant |
| Homelessness | Significant | High |
Comparing the financial implications of living in Fort Lauderdale vs. Chicago reveals both cities have their unique challenges and benefits. While the average household income is slightly higher in Chicago, the state income tax of 4.95% contrasts sharply with Florida's 0% rate. However, property owners in Chicago face significantly higher property taxes. The cost of living index is lower in Chicago despite higher sales tax rates, hinting at more affordable daily expenses and housing. Additionally, Chicago's affluent yet diverse economic landscape offers robust employment opportunities particularly in finance, manufacturing, and technology, unlike Fort Lauderdale's focus on tourism and marine industries.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison of the politics between Fort Lauderdale & Chicago offers a quick glance at the socio-political and religious landscape you're moving from and into. It's designed to help you understand the community vibes you'll encounter in both cities.
| Fort Lauderdale | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democrat | Strongly Democrat |
| Local Politics | Mixed approaches to social issues | Progressive policies on social issues |
| Religion | Diverse, with Christian majority | Diverse, with Christian majority |
In moving from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago, you're transitioning from a city with a slight Democratic lean to one known for its strong Democratic stronghold, particularly in local and national elections. While both cities showcase a variety of religious beliefs and places of worship, Chicago's progressive approach to social issues might be more pronounced. This is reflected in its policies and local governance, making it a city that champions progressive causes. You will find an interesting tapestry of religious backgrounds in both locations, although Christianity holds the majority. This adds to the cultural richness and diversity you will experience in your new Chicago community.
Fort Lauderdale vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from sunny Fort Lauderdale, FL to the bustling city of Chicago, IL? Understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic can help you better prepare for life in the Windy City. This comparison aims to elucidate on two major aspects: the traffic and transportation options between Fort Lauderdale & Chicago.
| Comparison | Fort Lauderdale | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 28.5 | 34.4 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
Despite the warmer climates and picturesque beaches in Fort Lauderdale, your daily commute experiences a swift transition when moving to Chicago. You might find yourself swapping a car journey for a ride on the L train, indicative of Chicago's better public transit score. While Fort Lauderdale offers a more relaxed commute with less traffic congestion, Chicago's bustling environment increases commute times and congestion scores. However, the silver lining here is the robust public transit system in Chicago, making it entirely feasible to navigate the city without owning a car. This adjustment might seem daunting, but many find the trade-off valuable for experiencing city life in one of America's most vibrant urban centers.
Popular Fort Lauderdale, FL to Illinois Moving Routes
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