Best Illinois to Alaska Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from state to state is not just a journey across the map; it's an exciting leap into a new chapter of your life. As you prepare to leave behind the Land of Lincoln, with its sprawling cornfields and bustling Windy City, for the wild, untamed beauty of The Last Frontier, remember that this adventure comes with its unique set of challenges and delights. To ensure your journey from Illinois to Alaska is smooth and stress-free, it’s crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers, like us at Great Guys Moving, who rank the best movers using an unbiased algorithm, ensuring you get the quality service you deserve.
Best Illinois to Alaska Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happ Movers, Inc. | 9.43 | A+ | Active | Contact |
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Murphy Family Movers | 9.29 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| The Moving Man | 7.82 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Wrightway Auto Carriers, Inc. | 6.97 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alaska to Illinois guide.
6 Best IL to AK Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2970282 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
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 Murphy Family Movers
Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest level o...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Interstate Moving
- Professional Packing
About The Moving Man
The Moving Man is a family-owned and operated full-service moving company based in Anchorage, Alaska since 1992. Their service area includes...Read More >>
Services
- Local Residential Moving
- Local Commercial Moving
- Out-of-State Moves
About Wrightway Auto Carriers, Inc.
Having been in the vehicle transportation business since 1951, Wrightway Auto Carriers, Inc. is a pioneer in the industry in Alaska. With te...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
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.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Alaska
Moving across the country is a monumental decision. This guide provides an honest reflection highlighting both the challenges and rewards of relocating from Illinois to Alaska. By comparing the differences, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect on both ends. Let’s dive into the specifics, showing you the real contrast between your current home and your potential new one.
Illinois- High Taxes
- Pollution
- Flat Terrain
- Cold, Windy Winters
- Heavy Traffic
Alaska- No State Tax
- Pristine Nature
- Diverse Landscapes
- Aurora Viewings
- Open Roads
Alaska- Remote Locations
- Less Diversity
- Limited Restaurants
- Healthcare Access
- Rugged Terrain
Illinois- Vibrant Cities
- Rich Culture
- Varied Dining
- Accessible Healthcare
- Flat Landscapes
When moving from Illinois to Alaska, you're trading the vibrant, bustling life of cities like Chicago with its sweeping skyline, endless dining options, and cultural amenities for the raw, untouched beauty of Alaska. You'll bid farewell to places like Millennium Park and exchange them for the likes of Denali National Park, a haven for adventurers and nature lovers. While you might miss the easy access to well-known healthcare facilities like Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Illinois, Alaska offers unique opportunities for outdoor health and wellness, in communities that thrive despite geographical isolation. Restaurants may not be as plentiful in Alaska, but you'll discover unique dining experiences like those at Simon & Seafort's in Anchorage, which pairs stunning views with local seafood. It's a move from the familiar to the frontier, promising new challenges and equally rewarding experiences.
Illinois vs. Alaska Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Alaska will help you appreciate the diversity and richness of the food scene in your new home. Understanding the culinary landscape is key to immersing yourself in the local culture and lifestyle of where you are moving to.
| Illinois | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Salmon |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Reindeer Sausage |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | King Crab Legs |
| Most popular vegan food | Chicago-style Vegan Deep Dish | Seaweed Salad |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Illinois, particularly in Chicago, deep-dish pizza reigns supreme, a fact reflected in iconic eateries like Lou Malnati's. The city's street food scene is vibrant, with the Chicago-style hot dog being a must-try item. Conversely, Alaska offers a fresh take with local delicacies like salmon and reindeer sausage, celebrating its rich seafood and unique local meats. The food scene in Alaska, highlighted by establishments such as The Salmon Hookup, showcases the state's penchant for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Chicago or the scenic views of Alaska, the local cuisine is a window into the state’s soul, inviting newcomers to dive in and enjoy.
Ready to start your move?
Illinois vs. Alaska Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate factors between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison between Illinois and Alaska focuses on vital housing aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle quality to ensure you're well-informed. Understanding these distinctions will make your transition smoother and more predictable.
| Comparison | Illinois | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Georgian and Prairie | Log Cabin and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, granite countertops | Wood stoves, scenic views |
The housing landscape significantly differs between Illinois and Alaska, not just in terms of cost but also lifestyle and architecture. In Illinois, you might find the Georgian and Prairie-style homes charming, often listed with features like hardwood floors and granite countertops which reflect the state's urban qualities. Conversely, Alaska's real estate market leans towards the rugged and scenic, with log cabins often boasting wood stoves and breathtaking views, highlighting a lifestyle that's closely connected to nature. Moreover, while Illinois offers a more walkable and bikeable environment, particularly in urban areas, Alaska presents a unique living experience where both elements are less emphasized, signaling a trade-off between urban convenience and secluded, scenic living.
Illinois vs. Alaska Weather Considerations
When planning a move, understanding the weather differences between Illinois and Alaska is crucial. This comparison highlights what you might expect and how you can prepare for your new climate.
Illinois
Alaska
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Alaska
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Alaska
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Illinois
Alaska
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Illinois | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Generally Good | Varies widely by region, Generally Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Earthquakes, Avalanches |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Illinois and Alaska experience a wide range of weather conditions, the key differences lie in the severity of winters and the amounts of sunshine and snowfall. Moving from Illinois, you'll find Alaska's summers cooler and the winters significantly colder and darker, but with a breathtakingly different kind of beauty. Illinois's more moderate climate, with its humid summers and chilly winters, contrasts Alaska's extreme conditions where daylight can stretch or shrink dramatically depending on the season. Adapting to these changes requires not only wardrobe adjustments but also an openness to experiencing nature in its most powerful forms.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Alaska
When considering a move from Illinois to Alaska, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape you're transitioning into. This comparison will highlight key differences in money and finance between Illinois and Alaska, aiding you in preparing for this significant change.
| Comparison | Illinois | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $76,708 | $88,121 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.25 | 132.6 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 1.18 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.82 | 1.76 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Services, Agriculture | Oil, Fishing, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
While both Illinois and Alaska offer unique financial landscapes, there are notable differences. For example, despite Alaska's higher cost of living, primarily due to remote location and transportation costs, its households typically enjoy a higher average income. The absence of a state income tax in Alaska can offer significant savings, possibly balancing out the higher living expenses. Additionally, the top industries in Alaska, centered around natural resources, offer lucrative opportunities not found in Illinois. These factors contribute to Alaska's relatively high affluence and lower rates of poverty when compared to Illinois, though the cost implications of remote living should not be underestimated.
Illinois vs. Alaska Political & Religious Comparison
This guide offers a quick comparison of the politics between Illinois & Alaska to provide insights into the political and religious makeup of the states you are moving from and to. It aims to give you a snapshot of what to expect in these key areas.
| Illinois | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Republican |
| Local Politics | Diverse, urban areas more liberal | Local interests often focus on natural resources |
| Religion | Protestant, Catholic | Protestant, unaffiliated |
In Illinois, you might be used to a more Democratic-leaning political environment, especially in urban areas like Chicago that tend to be more liberal. Conversely, Alaska's political climate is generally more Republican, with local politics heavily influenced by issues surrounding natural resources, such as oil and fishing. When it comes to religion, both states have a strong Protestant presence, but you'll find Illinois has a significant Catholic community as well, whereas Alaska has a higher percentage of residents identifying as unaffiliated with any religion. Understanding these nuances can help you better integrate into your new community.
Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Alaska
When contemplating a move from Illinois to Alaska, it’s crucial to understand how educational opportunities compare. This guide aims to highlight similarities and differences to help make a well-informed decision regarding school options in both states.
| Illinois | Alaska |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Northwestern University University of ChicagoUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks University of Alaska Anchorage Alaska Pacific University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Lincoln Elementary School Naperville; South Loop Elementary School Chicago; Meadow Glens Elementary School NapervilleAurora Elementary School Anchorage; Northern Lights ABC K-8 School Anchorage; Aquarian Charter School Anchorage | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Wood Oaks Junior High School Northbrook; Twin Groves Middle School Buffalo Grove; Maple School NorthbrookMears Middle School Anchorage; Gruening Middle School Eagle River; Mirror Lake Middle School Chugiak | |
Top 3 High School Schools Adlai E. Stevenson High School Lincolnshire; Northside College Preparatory High School Chicago; New Trier High School WinnetkaWest High School Anchorage; South Anchorage High School Anchorage; Service High School Anchorage | |
Top 3 private high schools University of Chicago Lab School Chicago; North Shore Country Day Winnetka; Francis W. Parker School ChicagoGrace Christian School Anchorage; Holy Rosary Academy Anchorage; Anchorage Christian Schools Anchorage | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest; Morgan Park Academy Chicago; Francis W. Parker School ChicagoPacific Northern Academy Anchorage; Birchwood Christian School Chugiak; Cook Inlet Academy Soldotna | |
Top 3 School Districts New Trier Township HSD 203 Northfield; Niles Township Community High School District 219 Skokie; Township High School District 214 Arlington HeightsAnchorage School District Anchorage; Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Palmer; Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Soldotna | |
In comparing the education systems of Illinois and Alaska, significant contrasts emerge in terms of institutional prestige and geographic focus. Illinois's top colleges, such as the University of Chicago, are nationally renowned for their rigor and academic excellence. Alaska, meanwhile, offers strong programs through the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Anchorage, which are tailored to regional needs and strengths, including Arctic research and indigenous studies. Elementary and secondary schooling in Illinois boasts highly rated institutions like Lincoln Elementary and Adlai E. Stevenson High School, reflecting the state's investment in quality education across various districts. Alaska's top schools, like West High School in Anchorage and Aurora Elementary, also provide excellent education but with a focus on small-class learning and community involvement, often integrating the state's unique cultural and environmental context into the curriculum.
Popular Illinois to Alaska Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes
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