Best Chicago to Bakersfield Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Chicago to Bakersfield Movers

Moving from the Windy City to the tranquil landscapes of Bakersfield marks an exciting life journey, filled with new experiences and opportunities. Leaving behind Chicago's bustling streets, deep-dish pizza, and iconic skyline for Bakersfield's laid-back vibe, sunny fields, and close-knit community can feel like stepping into a different world. Recognizing the significance of this long-distance move, we emphasize the importance of entrusting your journey to reliable and professional movers, ensuring your adventure begins on the best note possible.

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Best Chicago to Bakersfield Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
H2H Movers Inc9.24AAuthorized For HHGContact
Excel Relocation Systems8.19A+Authorized For HHGContact
Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc.8.13A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Bakersfield to Chicago guide.

5 Best Chicago to Bakersfield Moving Companies

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

606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers26
Total Annual Miles Moved86,474 (2022)
View Full Review
2
H2H Movers Inc Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.24/10
based on 8,231+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2428328 / 836885

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved359,681 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Excel Relocation Systems Logo
Very Good8.19/10
based on 660+ data points

About Excel Relocation Systems

Excel Relocation Systems is a Bakersfield commercial moving company that partners with Smooth Move USA. Excel Relocation Systems specializes...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2911596 / 981013

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved262,226 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc. Logo
Very Good8.13/10
based on 1,379+ data points

About Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc.

Hansen's Moving & Storage is one of the largest moving and storage companies in Kern County and has been serving the community since 197...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2728836 / 88698

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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. Bakersfield Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a daunting task, especially when it's between two cities with distinct characters like Chicago, IL, and Bakersfield, CA. To ease this transition, we've created a guide to compare popular neighborhoods in Chicago, IL with similar neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA . This will help you familiarize yourself with your new city by using what you already know as a baseline.

ChicagoBakersfieldHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkHaggin OaksAffluent, family-friendly atmosphere
Wicker ParkWestchesterTrendy, with a mix of cultural and modern elements
Hyde ParkLaurelglenEducational hubs, historic vibe
River NorthSeven OaksVibrant nightlife, upscale dining
Gold CoastStockdale EstatesExclusive, luxury living
Logan SquareRosedaleArtistic community, with a mix of classic and contemporary homes
The LoopDowntown BakersfieldBusiness hub, cultural sights
AndersonvilleOleander SunsetDiverse community, vintage charm
LakeviewTevis RanchVibrant community spirit, family-oriented
PilsenEast BakersfieldRich cultural scene, authentic eateries

In moving from Chicago to Bakersfield, you'll discover neighborhoods that match the vibes and amenities you've grown to love. If you're fond of the eclectic mix of boutiques and cozy cafes in Wicker Park, the neighborhood of Westchester in Bakersfield offers a similar trendy atmosphere with its unique blend of cultural hotspots and modern conveniences. Art lovers leaving Logan Square, with its vibrant mural-scapes and community-centric art scene, will find Rosedale's artistic community enriching, where classic and contemporary homes stand side by side. Furthermore, those moving from the educational and historic environment of Hyde Park will appreciate Laurelglen's similar vibe, where education and history resonate through the community. Each Bakersfield neighborhood, much like those in Chicago, offers its blend of parks, restaurants, and sights, catering to a variety of lifestyles and interests.

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Things to Do in Bakersfield

  • Explore Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
  • Attend a concert at Mechanics Bank Arena
  • Enjoy family fun at Camelot Park
  • Sample local wines at Kern County Wine Country
  • Ride bikes along Kern River Parkway Trail
  • Stroll through Kern County Museum
  • Watch a race at Kern County Raceway Park

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Bakersfield

Moving from one city to another involves weighing quite a few factors to ensure it's the right move for you. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on moving from Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA , highlighting both the positives and negatives of such a relocation. Understanding the pros and cons is essential for making an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • High crime rates
  • Cold winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Higher taxes
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Lower crime rates
  • Milder winters
  • More affordable living
  • Less traffic
  • Lower taxes
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Lesser city vibe
  • Less diverse
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer dining options
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant city life
  • Cultural diversity
  • Rich in history
  • Extensive public transport
  • World-class dining

When comparing life in Chicago to Bakersfield, certain aspects stand out. For instance, Chicago's bustling city life, inherent cultural diversity, and historical richness are unparalleled, contributing to its unique charm. The Windy City is renowned for its comprehensive public transportation network and world-class dining options, including famous establishments like Au Cheval and Girl & The Goat. On the flip side, Bakersfield offers a change of pace with its milder winters and more affordable living. While it may have fewer dining and cultural amenities than Chicago, Bakersfield nonetheless boasts unique spots like Dewar's Candy Shop for a sweet treat or the outdoor adventures at Sequoia National Park nearby, providing a different yet enriching lifestyle.

Chicago vs. Bakersfield Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Chicago & Bakersfield is essential for understanding the food culture in your new city. Food is a critical part of the local culture and what it’s like to live in any area. With this comparison, you can be better informed about the differences in the food scene where you're moving to.

ChicagoBakersfield
Most iconic local food itemDeep-Dish PizzaTri-tip Steak
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemChicago-Style Hot DogTacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitanAvocado Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Alinea
  • Giordano's
  • The Purple Pig
  • Wool Growers
  • Luigi's
  • 24th Street Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Chicago, the deep-dish pizza is not just food; it's an experience, best enjoyed in one of the city's famed pizzerias like Giordano's. The Italian beef sandwich, dipped in gravy, is a must-try for meat lovers, with many spots along The Magnificent Mile offering this iconic dish. Meanwhile, in Bakersfield, the culinary scene is deeply influenced by its agricultural surroundings, with Tri-tip steak and tacos being local staples. The city's Basque restaurants, such as Wool Growers, offer a unique dining experience that's hard to find elsewhere. Bakersfield's burgeoning food truck scene, especially in areas like downtown, is adding a vibrant dimension to its foodie culture, making it an exciting place for culinary explorations.

Chicago vs. Bakersfield Restaurant Comparison

Finding a new favorite eatery can turn a new city into your home. This comparison between Chicago's top restaurants and their closest equivalents in Bakersfield aims to ease the transition, offering familiar tastes and atmospheres in a new locale.

ChicagoBakersfieldWhat You'll Love
AlineaDot x OttSeasonal fine dining with a focus on presentation and innovation.
Girl & The GoatCafe SmittenHigh-quality, innovative dishes in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Portillo'sRoots EateryIconic for its comfort food and familiar, homely vibe.
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaCubbies Chicago Style PizzaAuthentic Chicago-style pizza served in a casual setting.
The Purple PigWool GrowersOffering communal dining and a hearty, meat-focused menu.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabPyrenees CafeKnown for its seafood and meat dishes in a classic setup.
Rick Bayless' Frontera GrillNuestro Mexico RestaurantA celebration of Mexican cuisine with an innovative twist.
The Berghoff RestaurantBelvedere RoomOffers a nostalgic dining experience with European influences.
Rainforest CafeWiki’s Wine Dive & GrillA unique dining adventure with a fun, thematic atmosphere.
RoisterHungry Hunter SteakhouseUpscale yet casual, focusing on innovative American cuisine.

When seeking a culinary experience that reminds you of Chicago's vibrant food scene, Bakersfield houses several gems. For instance, Cubbies Chicago Style Pizza offers a slice of the Windy City with its deep-dish pizzas, mirroring the iconic Lou Malnati's. On a more upscale note, Dot x Ott captures the essence of fine dining akin to Alinea, focusing on seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. Meanwhile, those who miss the communal and robust meals from The Purple Pig can find solace in Wool Growers, where the focus on meat-heavy, shareable dishes offers a similarly convivial dining environment. Each of these establishments in Bakersfield brings a piece of Chicago, ensuring you can always find comfort in familiar flavors and atmospheres in your new home.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Bakersfield Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate profoundly impacts your relocation experience. Understanding how housing aspects of Chicago, IL and Bakersfield, CA compare is crucial for a well-informed move. This comparison focuses on various housing facets, pivotal for making the right choice.

ComparisonChicagoBakersfield
Typical Architecture StyleModern and historical mixRanch-style homes
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, proximity to parks and public transitSpacious lots, private pools, and garage space

When comparing housing between Chicago and Bakersfield, the distinctions reflect their urban versus more suburban/rural lifestyles. Chicago's real estate market often highlights proximity to parks and public transit, catering to those seeking an urban environment with amenities within walking distance. On the other hand, Bakersfield homes frequently boast features like spacious lots and private pools, appealing to those desiring more space and a quieter setting. The architectural styles also differ significantly, with Chicago offering a blend of modern and historical buildings, whereas Bakersfield leans towards ranch-style homes, indicative of its semi-rural character and agricultural background.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA

1. Seven Oaks: Known for its spacious parks and walking trails, it's a paradise where your pets can play and socialize freely.

2. Riverlakes: Offers pet-friendly community events and has several dog parks nearby, making it ideal for pet owners.

3. Olive Drive Area: This neighborhood boasts quiet streets and access to the Kern River Parkway, perfect for long walks or runs with your furry friends.

Chicago vs. Bakersfield Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather compares between your current and future home is crucial when relocating. This comparison between Chicago, IL and Bakersfield, CA highlights the significant differences in climate you will experience, helping you prepare for your move.

Summer icon
85/65

Chicago, IL

98/74

Bakersfield, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/22

Chicago, IL

55/40

Bakersfield, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

6.5

Bakersfield, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

0

Bakersfield, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoBakersfield
Air QualityModeratePoor
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Chicago to Bakersfield signifies a dramatic shift in climate, with Bakersfield offering significantly more sunshine days and higher average temperatures year-round. You will escape the freezing Chicago winters, but prepare for the hotter and drier summers of Bakersfield. Additionally, while Chicago battles blizzards and tornadoes, Bakersfield's main natural disaster concerns are earthquakes and wildfires. The change from the humidity of Chicago to the aridity of Bakersfield might also impact how you manage daily activities and health, especially concerning allergies.

Ready to start your move?

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

When contemplating a move from one city to another, it's critical to grasp how the financial aspects such as the cost of living and taxes between Chicago and Bakersfield will impact your budget. This comparison aims to shed light on these differences, providing you with a clearer picture of what to expect financially in your new home.

ComparisonChicagoBakersfield
Avg. Household Income$66,576$66,666
Cost of Living Index116.9103.4
State Income Tax4.95 (flat rate)1 to 13.3 (progressive)
Avg. Property Tax2.100.77
Avg. Sales Tax10.257.25
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, Information TechnologyOil and Gas, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from Chicago to Bakersfield, you'll notice differences beyond just the scenery. One of the most significant changes will be in your budget. The overall cost of living in Bakersfield is lower than in Chicago, primarily due to differences in housing and taxation. For instance, the average property tax rate in Bakersfield is substantially less than in Chicago, offering relief to homeowners. Sales tax is also lower, making daily expenses slightly less burdensome. Despite these differences, the average household income in Bakersfield is comparably higher, which could translate into a more comfortable living standard for you and your family. Understanding these financial nuances is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition to your new environment.

Chicago vs. Bakersfield Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Chicago & Bakersfield provides a quick glance at the contrasting political and religious landscapes you're transitioning from and into. Understanding these dynamics can ease your move and integration into the new community.

ChicagoBakersfield
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticMixed, with a Conservative tilt
Local PoliticsHighly active, with frequent debates on social justice and city policiesCommunity-focused, with significant emphasis on local economy and agriculture
ReligionDiverse, with a wide range of places of worshipMore conservative, with Christianity being predominant

Moving from Chicago to Bakersfield, you're shifting from a city renowned for its Democratic leanings to an area with a mixed political landscape, where conservative views hold significant sway, especially on local governance and policies. This reflects not only in politics but in the community's general ambiance on issues like the economy, where Bakersfield's focus on agriculture shapes local debates. Likewise, religious participation in Bakersfield leans more towards Christianity, which is predominant and influences community events and activities, an aspect that might differ from Chicago's broad religious tapestry. These insights can help you navigate and blend into your new surroundings more seamlessly.

Chicago vs. Bakersfield Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

To ease your move from the bustling streets of Chicago to the laid-back vibes of Bakersfield, we've crafted a comparative guide to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Chicago & Bakersfield. This overview will offer insights into the stark differences and surprising similarities between the transportation realities of these two cities.

ComparisonChicagoBakersfield
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3422
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?YesNo

In Chicago, you have the convenience of an extensive public transit system, which makes it feasible to navigate the city without owning a car. The CTA offers robust bus and train services numerous enough to render personal vehicles unnecessary for daily commutes, despite the city’s high traffic congestion scores. Conversely, in Bakersfield, a car becomes almost indispensable. The city’s public transportation network is far less extensive, meaning that to access the wide array of amenities and for most commuting needs, a personal vehicle is advised. This leads to significantly lower average commute times in Bakersfield, as residents typically travel shorter distances within the city’s less congested roadways.

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