Moving from Chicago to Scottsdale?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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Chicago to Scottsdale Movers

Moving from the Windy City to The West's Most Western Town represents an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. You're leaving behind Chicago's towering skyscrapers and bustling city life for Scottsdale's sun-soaked beauty and vibrant community. In this significant transition, it's crucial to have trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free. We pride ourselves on connecting you with the best professionals for long-distance moves, making your transition from Chicago to Scottsdale as seamless as possible.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Scottsdale to Chicago guide.

5 Best Chicago to Scottsdale Movers

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

#1
Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 2,279+ data points

Phoenix, AZ
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 3006713 Verify

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>

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#2
606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,152+ data points

Chicago, IL
Residential Movers, Commercial Movers, Packing & Unpacking Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 3476069 Verify

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in kankakee 2023 606 movers inc image
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#3
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional

based on 10,649+ data points

Chicago, IL
Full Moves, Truck Loading and Unloading, Interstate Moving Assistance See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 1906350 Verify

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 >>

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#4
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional

based on 991+ data points

Peoria, AZ
Long Distance Moves, Local Moves, Business Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT: 3656946 Verify

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>

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#5
H2H Movers Inc Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 8,231+ data points

Chicago, IL
Local moves, Long distance moves, Commercial moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 2428328 Verify

About 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 >>

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Relocating from Chicago to Scottsdale Neighborhood Guide

When planning a move, getting to know your new city is key. This guide offers a unique perspective by comparing local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Scottsdale, AZ . If you're relocating from Chicago to Scottsdale, this side-by-side look at popular neighborhoods will help familiarize you with your new surroundings, using the familiar territory of your old city as a baseline.

ChicagoScottsdale
Lincoln ParkMcCormick Ranch

Green spaces, family-friendly

Wicker ParkOld Town Scottsdale

Vibrant nightlife, artsy

LoopDowntown Scottsdale

Urban living, cultural hub

Gold CoastParadise Valley

Luxury homes, upscale shopping

LakeviewSouth Scottsdale

Lively, diverse community

River NorthGainey Ranch

Chic, sophisticated living

AndersonvilleNorth Scottsdale

Quaint, community feel

Logan SquareDC Ranch

Family-oriented, outdoor activities

Hyde ParkMcCormick Ranch

Cultural diversity, educational institutions

West LoopGrayhawk

Trendy, foodie paradise

In the vibrant streets of Wicker Park, Chicago, you're immersed in an eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques, and buzzing nightlife spots. Transitioning to Scottsdale, you'll find a similar vibe in Old Town Scottsdale, where the Scottsdale Arts District and a plethora of dining options await. For those who appreciate the upscale and sophisticated atmosphere of Chicago's Gold Coast, with its luxury retailers and historic mansions, Paradise Valley in Scottsdale offers an equivalent flair with its lavish homes and scenic resorts. Lastly, for the outdoor enthusiasts who spent their weekends exploring the Lincoln Park Zoo or strolling through the park itself, McCormick Ranch provides ample green spaces, bike paths, and lakefront activities to ensure a seamless transition into your new Arizona lifestyle.

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Things to Do in Scottsdale

  • Explore Old Town Scottsdale shops and galleries
  • Hike McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails
  • Relax at Talking Stick Resort pool
  • Play golf at Troon North Golf Club
  • Discover art at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Watch a game at Salt River Fields

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Scottsdale

Moving from one city to another can be daunting, yet exhilarating, with each location offering its unique blend of lifestyle qualities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ . By juxtaposing the cons and pros of living in Chicago with the advantages Scottsdale holds, you'll gain a balanced viewpoint to aid your decision-making process.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Harsh winters
  • High crime rates
  • High taxes
  • Dense population
Scottsdale, AZ iconScottsdale, AZ
  • Warm weather
  • Lower crime rates
  • Lower taxes
  • Spacious living
Scottsdale, AZ iconScottsdale, AZ
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Car-dependent
  • Fewer landmarks
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Rich culture
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Extensive public transit
  • Architectural landmarks

While both Chicago and Scottsdale offer compelling reasons to call them home, the transition between these two cities reveals significant contrasts. Chicago's winters can be fiercely cold, with snow and wind chilling to the bone, whereas Scottsdale's climate is predominantly warm, encouraging outdoor activities year-round. Scottsdale is renowned for its luxury resorts, such as the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which provides world-class amenities and breathtaking desert landscapes. In contrast, Chicago's cultural richness and architectural marvels, including the iconic Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower, underscore a city brimming with history and architectural wonders. The transition from Chicago's dense and bustling urban environment to Scottsdale's more expansive and tranquil setting might require adjustments, particularly for those who cherish Chicago's extensive public transportation system and vibrant nightlife. Yet, the prospects of lower taxes, reduced crime rates, and spacious living conditions in Scottsdale present appealing reasons to embrace this change.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Chicago to Scottsdale

Food plays a crucial role in experiencing local culture and understanding what life in a new city might be like. With our guide, we're setting the table for your move by highlighting the comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Scottsdale, offering insights into each location's unique food scene.

ChicagoScottsdale

Most iconic local food item

Deep Dish PizzaSouthwestern Cuisine

Most popular meat dish

Italian BeefCarne Asada

Most popular street food item

Chicago-style Hot DogTacos

Most popular vegan food

Seitan-based dishesVegetable Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Alinea
  • Giordano's
  • The Purple Pig
  • FnB
  • Pomo Pizzeria
  • Virtù Honest Craft

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

79

Abundance of Food Trucks

68

Foodie Scene

98

Vegan Friendly

78

While the heartiness of Chicago's deep-dish pizza and the mouthwatering Italian beef offer a taste of the city's rich culinary tradition, moving to Scottsdale introduces an array of Southwestern flavors, highlighted by the spice and zest of carne asada and tacos. Notably, Scottsdale's dining scene boasts a higher fitness and health consciousness, reflected in its variety of fresh, locally-sourced vegan options. For an unforgettable dining experience, you might start in the neighborhood of Old Town Scottsdale, where restaurants like FnB and Virtù Honest Craft showcase the city's innovative and vibrant food scene. This shift in culinary perspective doesn't just represent a change in geography but an entirely new palette of flavors and experiences waiting to be discovered.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Chicago to Scottsdale

Making a new city feel like home often starts with finding your go-to spots for a memorable meal. This comparison of top Chicago restaurants to their Scottsdale counterparts aims to simplify your transition from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ, ensuring you can still enjoy your favorite types of cuisine. Let's dive into the dining scene to find your new favorite eateries.

AlineaFnB

Unique dining experience with a focus on local ingredients

Girl & The GoatVirtù Honest Craft

Eclectic and globally inspired menu

Portillo's Hot DogsShort Leash Hotdogs & Rollover Doughnuts

Creative hot dogs and comfort food

Pequod's PizzaGrimaldi's Pizzeria

Known for its coal-fired, brick-oven pizzas

The Purple PigFnB

Innovative small plates with a focus on wine pairings

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabMastro's City Hall Steakhouse

Upscale dining with a focus on steaks and seafood

Big StarDiego Pops

Trendy spot with modern Mexican cuisine

Rick Bayless's Frontera GrillThe Mission

Modern Latin cuisine with a sophisticated twist

Gene & GeorgettiDominick's Steakhouse

Classic steakhouse experience

Au ChevalZinburger

Gourmet burgers and shakes in a chic setting

Transitioning from the Windy City's diverse food landscape to Scottsdale's vibrant culinary scene has its own rewards. For instance, while Alinea in Chicago offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience, FnB in Scottsdale presents a unique dining adventure with its emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and Arizona wines, echoing the innovative spirit of Alinea's kitchen. Similarly, fans of Chicago's iconic Portillo's will find a delightful twist on hot dogs at Short Leash Hotdogs in Scottsdale, where creativity and comfort food collide. And if you're missing the bustling atmosphere and robust flavors of Girl & The Goat, Virtù Honest Craft in Scottsdale will not disappoint with its globally inspired menu and warm ambiance, helping you discover new favorites while reminiscing about Chicago's culinary gems.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Chicago to Scottsdale

When planning a move, comparing real estate in Chicago, IL , and Scottsdale, AZ is crucial for making an informed decision. This comparison covers various aspects of housing such as costs, architecture, and lifestyle to help you understand what each city offers.

In comparing the real estate landscapes of Chicago and Scottsdale, one finds stark contrasts in costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle preferences. The higher median home price in Scottsdale reflects its luxury housing market, often boasting of homes with spacious outdoor living spaces and mountain views—a stark contrast to Chicago's more urban-centric allure, where lake views and proximity to public transit dominate listings. Chicago’s higher walkability score showcases its dense, vibrant urban environment, whereas Scottsdale's scores lean towards a more car-dependent lifestyle, albeit with more access to natural vistas. This divergence in urban lifestyle scores further emphasizes the difference between Chicago's bustling city life and Scottsdale's more laid-back, sprawling desert ambiance.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Scottsdale, AZ

1. McCormick Ranch: This neighborhood boasts miles of greenbelt perfect for walking your dog, along with several dog parks and pet-friendly cafes.

2. Old Town Scottsdale: With its pet-friendly shops and numerous outdoor dining options that welcome pets, Old Town is a paradise for pet owners.

3. DC Ranch: Offering an array of community parks and trails, along with pet-friendly events and amenities, DC Ranch ensures your pet is as much a part of the community as you are.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Scottsdale

Moving from one city to another vastly different in climate means adjusting to a new weather pattern. Understanding how the weather in Chicago compares to Scottsdale's climate is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will outline key weather differences to help you prepare for your move.

Summer icon
85°F / 66°F

Chicago, IL

104°F / 81°F

Scottsdale, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32°F / 18°F

Chicago, IL

68°F / 45°F

Scottsdale, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36"

Chicago, IL

8"

Scottsdale, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36"

Chicago, IL

0"

Scottsdale, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

When comparing weather patterns between Chicago and Scottsdale, the stark contrast in temperature and sunshine is evident. Scottsdale boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, providing a much warmer and drier climate than Chicago's variable weather that includes cold winters with significant snowfall. Adjusting to Scottsdale's intense summer heat and high UV index will require some preparation, such as investing in sun protection and hydration solutions. Meanwhile, those moving from Chicago will welcome the relief from snowy winters and may find the dry climate beneficial for conditions aggravated by humidity.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Scottsdale

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how your financial landscape might change is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge if moving from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle expectations. It's especially important to consider variations in cost of living, taxes, and average income.

When moving from Chicago to Scottsdale, you'll notice significant financial changes. Scottsdale boasts a higher average household income and lower state income tax rates, making it appealing for financial growth. Though Scottsdale's cost of living is notably higher, this is balanced by the city's affluent economic climate and lower property taxes, which is a boon for homeowners. The contrast in sales tax further highlights the financial adjustments you'd need to make. Understanding these differences is key to a successful transition, especially in adjusting your budget and lifestyle to Scottsdale's economic environment.

Political & Religious Comparison between Chicago, IL and Scottsdale, AZ

Considering a move from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ? This quick glance comparison aims to give you an idea of the political and religious landscape between Chicago & Scottsdale . Find out how the cities differ in terms of political makeup, local politics, and religious communities.

ChicagoScottsdale

Political Make-up

Largely DemocraticModerate, with a slight Republican lean

Local Politics

Progressive with strong union presenceBusiness-oriented with a focus on development

Religion

Diverse; includes Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and morePrimarily Christian, with significant Catholic and Protestant communities

In both Chicago and Scottsdale, the diversity of each city is reflected in its religious and political communities. Chicago's political scene is known for its progressive stance and influential unions, which contrasts with Scottsdale's more moderate politics and business-friendly environment. Religious life in Chicago is remarkably diverse, offering a broad array of faith communities compared to Scottsdale, where Christian denominations, particularly Catholic and Protestant, predominate. These differences might inform your experience living in either city, affecting everything from local governance to community engagement.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Scottsdale

This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Scottsdale to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you consider moving. Whether you're planning your daily route to work or exploring the city, knowing these differences can be a game changer.

ChicagoScottsdale
3425

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

93

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

YesNo

Can you get by without car?

When moving from Chicago to Scottsdale, you'll notice significant changes in your commute and the role of transportation in your daily life. Chicago's robust public transit system, including buses and the "L" trains, enables most residents to navigate the city without a private vehicle, which is a stark contrast to Scottsdale. In Scottsdale, the sparser public transit options make owning a car almost essential for convenience and reaching work, shops, or leisure destinations efficiently. Additionally, while Chicago's traffic can be dense, leading to longer average commute times, Scottsdale offers a more relaxed commute experience, with significantly less congestion. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for a smoother transition and set realistic expectations for your new lifestyle.

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