Best Atlanta to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL isn't just a relocation; it's embarking on an exciting adventure and a significant life change. You're leaving behind the warmth and southern charm of "The Big Peach" for the bustling, wind-swept streets of "The Windy City," known for its deep-dish pizza, passionate sports fans, and vibrant arts scene. Considering the distance and the life transition ahead, it's crucial to entrust your belongings to trusted and reliable professional movers. We, at Great Guys Moving, use an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, ensuring your journey to Chicago is as smooth as possible.
Best Atlanta to Chicago Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Home Movers | 9.42 | 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 |
| Wirks Moving and Storage | 8.99 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Georgia Home Movers Atlanta | 8.98 | A- | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Atlanta guide.
5 Best Atlanta to Chicago Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Atlanta Home Movers
Founded in 2014, Atlanta Home Movers is a locally-owned moving company that provides services in and around Atlanta, including the communiti...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Long Distance Moves
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
About Wirks Moving and Storage
There’s a reason Wirks Moving and Storage is a preferred mover for many real estate agencies. With over 12 years of experience in the moving...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving Services
About Georgia Home Movers Atlanta
With locations in Marietta, Roswell, and Atlanta it is no surprise that Georgia Home Movers is a go-to moving company for residents of Georg...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Packing Services
- Office & Commercial Moving
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.
Atlanta vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting. To help you feel more at home in an unfamiliar place, we've crafted a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Atlanta, GA & Chicago, IL . By using familiar areas in Atlanta as a baseline, you'll find comparable neighborhoods in Chicago, highlighting similarities in vibe, culture, and amenities. This comparison aims to make your transition smoother and more enjoyable.
| Atlanta | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Lakeview | Energetic, diverse community |
| Buckhead | Gold Coast | Upscale, historic charm |
| East Atlanta | Logan Square | Hip, vibrant arts scene |
| Decatur | Andersonville | Quaint, family-friendly vibe |
| Inman Park | Wicker Park | Trendy, with rich history |
| Old Fourth Ward | Pilsen | Rich cultural heritage, artistic |
| Virginia-Highland | Lincoln Park | Lively, affluent neighborhood |
| Grant Park | Rogers Park | Diverse, vibrant community |
| Candler Park | Ravenswood | Quirky, with a laid-back atmosphere |
| West Midtown | Bucktown | Innovative, artsy enclave |
Exploring the comparable neighborhoods, if you're captivated by the artistic and vibrant scene in Atlanta's East Atlanta Village, you'll fall in love with Chicago's Logan Square. This hip neighborhood in Chicago not only matches East Atlanta's lively arts scene but also hosts a variety of renowned establishments such as Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse and the charming Logan Square Auditorium. Similarly, the historic charm and upscale nature of Buckhead in Atlanta finds its counterpart in Chicago's Gold Coast, where luxury shops line the streets, and historical mansions like the Richard H. Driehaus Museum captivate visitors and residents alike. These neighborhoods, with their unique qualities, ensure that whether you're seeking culture, history, or a vibrant community, you'll feel right at home in your new city.
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 Atlanta to Chicago
Moving from Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL involves weighing various factors to ensure you're making the right decision. This guide is designed to put into perspective the pros and cons of relocating from Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL , offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation.
Atlanta, GA- Hotter summers
- Lower walkability
- Less public transit
Chicago, IL- Cooler summers
- Higher walkability
- Better public transit
Chicago, IL- Higher housing costs
- Less green space
- Smaller outdoor spaces
Atlanta, GA- Affordable housing
- More green space
- Larger yards
Moving from Atlanta's mild winters and vibrant green spaces, such as the vast Piedmont Park, to face Chicago's chilling winters may seem daunting. Nevertheless, Chicago's rich public transportation system, including the renowned CTA, offers unparalleled access to diverse neighborhoods and their unique amenities, from the historic sights of The Magnificent Mile to the tranquil beauty of Millennium Park. While you might miss the spacious backyards of Georgia, Chicago's array of rooftop bars and community gardens, like those in the Wicker Park neighborhood, provide cozy escapes within the urban landscape. This transition represents a shift from the laid-back, sprawling nature of Atlanta to embracing the bustling, compact, and culturally rich lifestyle of Chicago.
Atlanta vs. Chicago Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Atlanta & Chicago highlights an integral aspect of relocating: the food scene. Understanding the culinary landscape of your new city can deeply enrich your moving experience, allowing for smoother cultural integration and enjoyment.
| Atlanta | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Peach Cobbler | Deep-Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Fried Chicken | Italian Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Chicken and Waffles | Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Kale Salad | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Moving from Atlanta to Chicago, you'll find yourself transitioning from the heartwarming southern cuisine filled with dishes like peach cobbler and fried chicken, to a city famous for its deep-dish pizza and Italian beef. If you're exploring the street food scene, Atlanta's delightful chicken and waffles contrast with Chicago's iconic hot dogs. For the health-conscious and vegan individuals, both cities offer great options, though the specific dishes like kale salad in Atlanta give way to seitan wings in Chicago. Notable neighborhoods in Chicago such as the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park are must-visit areas for food enthusiasts, where iconic restaurants like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and Alinea can be found, offering a bite of this vibrant city's culinary prowess.
Atlanta vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a city feel like home. This comparison will bridge the culinary gap between your old and new home, assisting in the discovery of new favorite eateries in Chicago using Atlanta as a beacon of taste. Whether you're seeking high-end dining experiences or casual, iconic meals, this guide is here to ease the transition.
| Atlanta | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Varsity | Portillo's | Known for their fast-food Americana with a similar iconic status. |
| Staplehouse | Alinea | Both offer a unique dining experience with inventive dishes. |
| Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q | Smoque BBQ | Both are celebrated for their exceptional BBQ and homey vibes. |
| Bacchanalia | Girl & The Goat | High-end dining with a focus on quality and innovation. |
| Antico Pizza Napoletana | Spacca Napoli | Both specialize in authentic Neapolitan pizza. |
| Mary Mac's Tea Room | Parson's Chicken & Fish | Both have a comforting, homestyle menu in a laid-back atmosphere. |
| Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles | Luella’s Southern Kitchen | For a taste of the South with a contemporary twist. |
| Gunshow | Publican | Adventurous and unconventional dishes in an open, communal setting. |
| Jenis Splendid Ice Creams | Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | The same beloved brand, ensuring a taste of home. |
| Ponce City Market | Eataly | Though from different cultures, both are expansive culinary marketplaces offering a variety of dining experiences. |
Atlanta and Chicago may be miles apart, but their culinary scenes offer comforting similarities for those making a move. For example, Antico Pizza Napoletana's dedication to authentic Neapolitan pizzas is mirrored in Chicago's Spacca Napoli, where the focus on traditional techniques and quality ingredients provides a slice of Italy in both cities. Meanwhile, Atlanta's Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q and Chicago's Smoque BBQ highlight the universal love for well-crafted barbecue, emphasizing that regardless of location, the heartiness of a good BBQ meal can always bring comfort. These parallels ensure that even when you're exploring new surroundings, the essence of what made your meals special in Atlanta can be found in Chicago.
Ready to start your move?
Atlanta vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison highlights Atlanta and Chicago to give you a better grasp of what to expect regarding housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle. Let's dive into how these cities stack up against each other in these key aspects.
| Comparison | Atlanta | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Colonial | Prairie, Greystone |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Proximity to parks | Lake views, Access to public transit |
While Atlanta and Chicago offer unique living experiences, key differences set them apart. For one, Chicago's higher walkability and bikeability scores indicate a more condensed urban environment, which is often associated with better access to amenities and public transit, as reflected by the emphasis on lake views and public transit in real estate listings. Conversely, Atlanta's real estate market highlights spacious yards and proximity to parks, suggesting a preference for more suburban-like settings within the city. Additionally, the difference in median home prices and rent shows how each city's cost of living and housing market dynamics can affect your budgeting for housing. Understanding these differences can help guide your decision-making process as you plan your move.
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.
Atlanta vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one region to another, it's crucial to understand how the climate will change. This comparison aims to highlight the weather differences between Atlanta and Chicago, providing an insight into what you can expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and more.
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Atlanta | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate to Unhealthy on Days |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Atlanta to Chicago, you'll notice a significant difference in winter temperatures and snowfall - Atlanta enjoys mild winters with minimal snow, while Chicago experiences cold, snowy winters. Summer in Atlanta is hotter and more humid, compared to the slightly cooler and less humid Chicago summers. Additionally, the number of sunny days drops in Chicago, and seasonal allergies may vary, with Chicago experiencing a notable presence of mold allergies in the fall. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for the weather-related changes in your lifestyle.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Atlanta to Chicago
When considering a move from one city to another, it's essential to compare aspects related to money and finance. This comparison helps you understand how the cost of living, tax rates, and economic opportunities between Atlanta and Chicago align with what you are accustomed to.
| Comparison | Atlanta | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,107 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.6 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.94 | 2.27 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.9 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Film, Health Services | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Significant |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Worrisome |
In moving from Atlanta to Chicago, you'll find both cities offer vibrant economies but with distinct characteristics. Atlanta's tech and film industries provide diverse career opportunities, while Chicago's finance and manufacturing sectors are robust pillars of its economy. Though the average household income is higher in Atlanta, Chicago's affluence level is considered high, despite a significant poverty rate. Additionally, while the overall cost of living indexes are similar, the average property tax rate in Chicago is more than double that of Atlanta, a critical factor to consider if you're planning to buy a home.
Atlanta vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Atlanta & Chicago is crucial. This quick comparison offers a snapshot, providing insight into what you can expect from your new home in terms of political and religious communities.
| Atlanta | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Progressive/Democratic | Progressive/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Significant focus on civil rights, urban development | Strong labor history, policy focus on social equity |
| Religion | Largely Christian, diverse denominations | Largely Christian, with a significant Catholic base |
Moving from Atlanta to Chicago, you'll find both cities have a progressive/Democratic tilt in their political makeup. While Atlanta's local politics have a deep-rooted connection to civil rights and urban development, Chicago's political climate includes a robust labor history with a significant emphasis on social equity policies. In terms of religion, both cities are predominantly Christian, but Chicago stands out with its significant Catholic community. Understanding these nuances might help you connect with local communities and engage in civic and religious activities more aligned with your beliefs and interests after your move.
Atlanta vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When relocating from Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL, understanding the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Atlanta & Chicago is crucial for anticipating what your daily commute will look like. This insight will greatly assist in planning and adjusting to your new surroundings.
| Comparison | Atlanta | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Easier |
In both Atlanta and Chicago, the average commute time hovers around 34 minutes, which indicates significant traffic in both cities. However, when it comes to public transit, Chicago has a clear advantage, with a wide array of options including buses and an extensive train system known as the 'L'. This makes getting around without a car much more feasible in Chicago compared to Atlanta, where the public transit options are more limited and dispersed, making it challenging to rely solely on them for daily commutes.
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