Best Chicago to Birmingham Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling streets of Chicago, IL to the charming vibes of Birmingham, AL, marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. Trading the Windy City’s iconic skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza for the Magic City’s rich history and southern hospitality can feel like stepping into a whole new world. To ensure this long-distance move is as smooth as possible, it's vital to trust professional movers with a proven track record, like we do at Great Guys Moving, where our unbiased algorithm is designed to connect you with the best in the business.
Best Chicago to Birmingham Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Birmingham to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Birmingham Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About MoveDaddy
Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor onl...Read More >>
Services
- Long Distance moving
- Local moving
- Cross-country moving
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 New Latitude Movers
New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving compa...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Storage Facilities
This listing has been claimed by H2H Movers IncAbout H2H Movers Inc
Are you looking to move places but are worried about the cost? Then, H2H Movers might be the best choice for you. This moving company provid...Read More >>
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
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.
Chicago vs. Birmingham Neighborhood Comparison
When planning a move, understanding your new landscape is crucial. Our guide aims to ease this transition by offering a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Birmingham, AL . By identifying comparable neighborhoods, we hope to help you find a new area that feels like home, using your current city as a familiar baseline.
| Chicago | Birmingham | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Forest Park | Vibrant community, green spaces |
| Wicker Park | Avondale | Artsy, with trendy spots |
| Loop | Downtown | Heart of the city, business hub |
| Gold Coast | Mountain Brook | Upscale, historic |
| Lakeview | Homewood | Family-friendly, bustling local businesses |
| Andersonville | Crestwood | Quaint, with a strong community feel |
| River North | Five Points South | Entertainment, dining |
| Old Town | Highland Park | Residential, historic charm |
| Pilsen | East Lake | Cultural, emerging arts scene |
| Hyde Park | Southside | Diverse, near universities |
If you're drawn to the artsy, vibrant atmosphere of Wicker Park, with its myriad of galleries, boutiques, and trendy diners like Big Star, you'll find a similar vibe in Avondale, Birmingham. Avondale boasts an eclectic dining scene, featured at places like Saw's Soul Kitchen, and supports a burgeoning arts community, centered around venues like the Avondale Brewing Company. For those who appreciate the upscale, historic homes and the luxurious shopping district of Chicago's Gold Coast, Mountain Brook offers a comparable experience in Birmingham, with exclusive shops and eateries lining the charming streets. Comparatively, Homewood echoes Lakeview's family-friendly atmosphere, emphasizing community engagement and local businesses, ensuring a smooth transition for those seeking a similar neighborhood ethos in their new city.
Things to Do in Birmingham
Explore Birmingham Zoo.- Visit Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Walk around Railroad Park.
- Enjoy McWane Science Center.
- Discover Vulcan Park and Museum.
- Attend a game at UAB Sports.
- Tour Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Birmingham
Moving from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL presents a unique opportunity to weigh the possible drawbacks against the expected benefits of such relocation. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of transitioning between these cities, helping you make a well-informed decision.
Chicago, IL- Higher cost of living
- Colder winters
- Dense traffic
- Higher crime rates
Birmingham, AL- Lower cost of living
- Milder winters
- Less congestion
- Lower crime rates
Birmingham, AL- Smaller city vibe
- Less cultural variety
- Fewer global cuisines
- Limited public transport
Chicago, IL- Vibrant city life
- Rich cultural scene
- Diverse food options
- Extensive public transit
When moving from Chicago to Birmingham, you're exchanging the vibrant, bustling city life replete with diverse food options and a rich cultural scene for a more laid-back atmosphere with less congestion and lower living costs. Chicago's renowned deep-dish pizza places like Pequod's Pizza contrast with Birmingham's celebrated Southern BBQ spots such as Saw's BBQ. Meanwhile, the milder winters mean you can enjoy Birmingham's beautiful outdoor spaces, like Railroad Park, year-round. Additionally, the move could mean transitioning from Chicago's extensive public transit system to more reliance on personal transportation in Birmingham, reflecting the distinct pace of life and spatial configurations of the two cities.
Chicago vs. Birmingham Food Guide
Food is an indelible part of local culture and a telling representation of what it's like to live somewhere. To help you understand the culinary contrasts of your relocation, we'll embark on a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Birmingham, giving you a taste of what awaits in your new hometown.
| Chicago | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-Dish Pizza | Barbecue Ribs |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Fried Catfish |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dog (Chicago style) | Gourmet Popsicles |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan-based dishes | Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Chicago to Birmingham, you'll notice the shift from the hearty, deeply satisfying flavors of deep-dish pizza and Italian beef, emblematic of Chicago, to the smoky sweetness of barbecue ribs and the Southern charm of fried catfish in Birmingham. Neighborhoods like The Loop in Chicago are famed for their vibrant food scenes, featuring establishments like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria for your deep-dish cravings. Meanwhile, in Birmingham, areas like Avondale are culinary hotspots where you can indulge in Saw's BBQ's mouth-watering ribs or savor the artisanal delight of a gourmet popsicle from local favorite, Steel City Pops. This region-specific shift in culinary delights is an exciting aspect of your move, offering new flavors and dining experiences to explore.
Chicago vs. Birmingham Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This comparison of top restaurants in Chicago compared to Birmingham, AL , is designed to help you quickly find new favorite spots that echo the culinary experiences you've loved. Whether you crave high-end dining, casual eats, or unique foodie destinations, this guide bridges the gap between familiar and new.
| Chicago | Birmingham | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Highlands Bar and Grill | Both offer an upscale dining experience with meticulously crafted meals. |
| Portillo’s | Saw’s Soul Kitchen | Iconic for their casual yet unforgettable local flavors. |
| Girl & The Goat | Automatic Seafood and Oysters | Known for innovative dishes in a lively, chic setting. |
| Giordano’s | Post Office Pies | Both places are loved for their deep-dish pizzas and homey vibe. |
| The Purple Pig | Hot and Hot Fish Club | A foodie's delight for exceptional plates with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. |
| Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | George’s Steakhouse | Prime cuts and seafood with a focus on quality and service. |
| Smoque BBQ | Rodney Scott’s BBQ | Celebrated for authentic, mouth-watering barbecue flavors. |
| The Berghoff Restaurant | Brät Brot | Both offer a taste of German fare in a unique and inviting atmosphere. |
| Roister | OvenBird | Small plates and live-fire cooking create a memorable dining experience. |
| Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill | El Barrio | Modern Mexican cuisine that celebrates traditional flavors with a contemporary twist. |
While Chicago and Birmingham offer distinct culinary landscapes, there's comfort in finding places that resonate with what you've grown to love. For instance, the transition from the innovative American cuisine at Girl & The Goat to the fresh takes on seafood at Automatic Seafood and Oysters will feel both seamless and exciting. Similarly, barbecue enthusiasts will rejoice in discovering Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Birmingham, mirroring the deep-rooted American barbecue culture found at Smoque BBQ in Chicago. These comparisons not only highlight the vibrant dining scenes in both cities but also showcase the varied flavors and dining experiences waiting to be explored in your new home city.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Birmingham Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial component when considering a move. Understanding how housing aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities compare between Chicago, IL and Birmingham, AL is vital. This comparison aims to illuminate these key differences to assist in your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Chicago | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern & Brick Buildings | Colonial Revival & Bungalows |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to public transport & Lake Michigan | Quiet neighborhoods & Spacious yards |
When comparing Chicago to Birmingham, the stark difference in median home prices is immediately evident, reflecting the broader cost of living and real estate market dynamics. Chicago's higher walkability and bikeability ratings underscore its urban environment, supported by an extensive public transport system and amenities conducive to a more active lifestyle. On the other hand, Birmingham offers a quieter, more spaced-out living experience, with its real estate listings frequently highlighting large yards and peaceful neighborhoods. This juxtaposition illustrates the importance of considering your lifestyle preferences and budget when making a move.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
1. Highland Park: Known for its expansive parks like Rhodes Park, it's a paradise where your pets can enjoy long walks and meet other animals in a friendly neighborhood.
2. Avondale: With its pet-friendly patios at local establishments like Avondale Brewing Company, you and your furry friend can enjoy a day out in the community together.
3. Homewood: Home to the Homewood Central Park, offering spacious areas for pets to play and paths for walking, making it ideal for pet owners looking for an active community.
Chicago vs. Birmingham Weather Considerations
When moving from one city to another, understanding the weather differences between Chicago, IL and Birmingham, AL is crucial. This awareness helps you prepare for changes in temperature, humidity, and more, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.
Chicago, IL
Birmingham, AL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Birmingham, AL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Birmingham, AL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Birmingham, AL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Tornadoes, Thunderstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Chicago to Birmingham, you'll notice a significant change in the seasonal temperatures. Birmingham offers warmer winters and more days of sunshine, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round. However, prepare for a slight increase in humidity and the potential for more frequent thunderstorms and tornadoes. The difference in natural disaster risks - with Birmingham prone to tornadoes versus Chicago's blizzards - necessitates familiarizing yourself with new safety precautions and emergency plans. On a brighter note, Birmingham's gentler winters mean you can say goodbye to heavy snow shoveling.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Birmingham
When considering a move from one area to another, it's vital to dive into the financial imprints of each location. A comparative analysis between Chicago, IL and Birmingham, AL regarding money and finance will not only acquaint you with the economic environment but also with what your wallet can expect.
| Comparison | Chicago | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $36,614 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 90.8 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 2-5 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.42 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 10 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Banking, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderately low |
| Poverty | Noticeable | High |
| Homelessness | Evident | Considerable |
Understanding the financial landscape between Chicago and Birmingham is imperative if you're looking to make the move. Chicago, with its higher household income and cost of living, reflects its larger economic scale and more diverse job market. Despite a higher state income tax, the affluence level in Chicago is moderately rated, with a noticeable poverty and evident homelessness issue, mirroring many major metropolitan areas. In contrast, Birmingham presents a lower cost of living, making it a potentially more affordable city. However, it's important to consider the lower average household income and higher poverty rate when moving. This overview gives you a starting point, but remember, your lifestyle and job sector will greatly impact your experience in either city.
Chicago vs. Birmingham Political & Religious Comparison
This brief comparison aims to provide a quick glimpse into the political and religious makeup of residents between Chicago, IL & Birmingham, AL . Understanding these aspects can help you better appreciate the community you’re moving into and how it compares to the place you're leaving.
| Chicago | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Moderately Democratic |
| Local Politics | Liberal, with emphasis on social issues | Centrist, with a balance between conservative and liberal views |
| Religion | Diverse; significant Catholic & Protestant communities | Primarily Protestant, with a notable Baptist presence |
While both Chicago and Birmingham lean towards Democratic ideals, the intensity and focus of political beliefs differ. Chicago's political scene is known for its liberal stance, particularly on social issues. Birmingham, while still moderately Democratic, tends to have a more centrist view, balancing between conservative and liberal perspectives. Religion plays a significant role in both cities, though differently. Chicago boasts a diverse religious landscape, but in Birmingham, the Protestant faith, especially the Baptist denomination, has a strong influence on the community. This insight into politics and religion can be crucial in understanding the social fabric of your new home.
Chicago vs. Birmingham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial when moving to a new city. This comparison between Chicago & Birmingham provides a glimpse into what you can expect from each city's transportation dynamics.
| Comparison | Chicago | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes, with certain limitations | It's challenging |
In Chicago, the availability and efficiency of public transit are significantly higher, allowing many residents to navigate the city without the need for a personal vehicle. Well-connected networks like the Chicago Transit Authority provide extensive coverage across the city and its suburbs. On the other hand, Birmingham's public transportation options are more limited, which places a greater emphasis on having a car to comfortably access various parts of the city. The difference in average commute times reflects both the size and density of Chicago compared to Birmingham, as well as the more prevalent use of public transportation in the former.
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