Best Chicago to Irvine Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embarking on a move from Chicago, the Windy City, to Irvine, California’s hidden gem, can be an exhilarating life adventure filled with new possibilities. You’re transitioning from the bustling streets known for deep-dish pizza and towering skyscrapers to the laid-back lifestyle surrounded by sun-drenched beaches and cutting-edge tech hubs. Given the magnitude of this cross-country move, it's crucial to entrust your journey to reliable and professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we understand the value of peace of mind during such a significant life change, guiding you to the best moving services tailored to your needs.
Best Chicago to Irvine Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Irvine to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Irvine Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
About Terry Moving & Storage
Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>
Services
- Local Move
- Interstate Move
- Packing Services
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 A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company offers ...Read More >>
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING 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.
Chicago vs. Irvine Neighborhood Comparison
When relocating from one city to another, it can be comforting to find a new neighborhood that shares the ambiance and vibe of your old one. To assist in this transition, we've devised a comparison to help you recognize comparable neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Irvine, CA . Whether it’s the cultural vibe, the dining scene, or the outdoor spaces that you’re looking to match, this guide aims to pair you with a slice of Irvine that feels like home.
| Chicago | Irvine | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Woodbridge | Family-friendly with parks and lakes |
| Wicker Park | Turtle Rock | Trendy, with trails and green spaces |
| The Loop | Irvine Business Complex | Urban, with dining and shops |
| Gold Coast | Shady Canyon | Exclusive, with luxury homes |
| Logan Square | Quail Hill | Artsy, with community events and trails |
| River North | Westpark | Vibrant, with multicultural dining options |
| Andersonville | Woodbury | Cozy, with a tight-knit community feel |
| South Loop | Portola Springs | Modern, with access to amenities |
| Hyde Park | University Park | Intellectual, with educational institutions |
| Old Town | Northwood | Historic charm, with a sense of community |
If you're enchanted by Lincoln Park's harmonious blend of nature and urban living, you'll find Woodbridge's expansive lakes and family-friendly parks equally inviting. Similarly, Wicker Park's blend of trendy boutiques and vibrant nightlife finds its match in Turtle Rock, known for its scenic trails and progressive community atmosphere. For those drawn to The Loop's bustling city vibe, Irvine Business Complex offers a dynamic mixture of dining, shopping, and business, mirroring the urban experience. Meanwhile, Gold Coast's luxury lifestyle is paralleled in Shady Canyon, boasting opulent living amidst serene landscapes. Through these comparisons, you can explore Irvine's neighborhoods with a sense of familiarity, making your transition as seamless as possible.
Things to Do in Irvine
Hike at Irvine Regional Park- Explore the Orange County Great Park
- Visit the Irvine Spectrum Center
- Enjoy dining at Diamond Jamboree
- Study at Irvine Public Libraries
- Attend a concert at FivePoint Amphitheatre
- Relax at Newport Beach
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Irvine
Moving from one city to another offers a blend of opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Irvine, CA. Understanding the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision and smooth the transition.
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters
- Higher crime rate
- High living costs
- Less outdoor activities
Irvine, CA- Mild weather
- Lower crime rate
- Quality lifestyle
- Many natural parks
Irvine, CA- Smaller arts scene
- Quieter nightlife
- Car-dependent
- Less culinary variety
Chicago, IL- Rich cultural scene
- Vivid nightlife
- Efficient public transport
- Iconic food scene
Moving from the bustling city of Chicago with its iconic deep-dish pizza joints like Lou Malnati’s, to Irvine's quieter, yet upscale lifestyle offers a significant change. While you might miss the lively nightlife of Wrigleyville, Irvine compensates with pristine natural parks such as Orange County Great Park, offering a range of outdoor activities from hot air balloon rides to farmers markets. Though the culinary variety might not match Chicago’s, Irvine's dining scene is growing, with hidden gems like Habana offering gourmet Cuban cuisine and picturesque patio dining. A move to Irvine is not just a change of scenery, it's a step into a lifestyle where safety, outdoor living, and a burgeoning food scene are at the forefront.
Chicago vs. Irvine Food Guide
Food is a pivotal part of the local culture and a reflection of what it's like to live in an area. Understanding the local cuisine can deeply enrich your moving experience. Hence, we have prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Irvine to help you grasp the culinary landscape of your new home.
| Chicago | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Acai Bowl |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Korean BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dog (Chicago Style) | Taco |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan-based dishes | Tofu-based dishes |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move from Chicago to Irvine, you'll notice a shift not just in scenery but in the culinary preferences as well. In Chicago, the food scene is rich with hearty classics like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches, best enjoyed at legendary establishments like Giordano's and Portillo's. On the flip side, Irvine offers a lighter, health-conscious menu with a strong Asian influence, reflecting its diverse community. Places like Din Tai Fung and Phans 55 are go-to spots for experiencing Irvine's vibrant flavors. Moreover, Irvine's high score in vegan friendliness and fitness consciousness aligns with California's overall lifestyle, emphasizing fresh, plant-based foods, and an outdoor lifestyle, contrary to the indulgent, comfort food culture prevalent in Chicago.
Chicago vs. Irvine Restaurant Comparison
When relocating from Chicago, IL to Irvine, CA, finding your new go-to restaurants is crucial in making the area feel like home. Through this comparison, we help bridge your dining experience, allowing you to discover Chicago to Irvine's best restaurant equivalents , ensuring a seamless culinary transition.
| Chicago | Irvine | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Taco Rosa | Both offer innovative dishes that push the boundaries of traditional cuisine. |
| Girl & the Goat | North Italia | Known for their unique and flavorful dishes that cater to food enthusiasts. |
| Portillo's Hot Dogs | Javier's | While offering different cuisines, both are iconic to their cities for a casual dining experience. |
| Deep Dish Pizza (Lou Malnati's) | Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza Store | Both bring a taste of local flavor with their renowned pizza offerings. |
| The Purple Pig | Houston's | Equally celebrated for their extensive wine list and American comfort food. |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Eddie V's Prime Seafood | Both are high-end dining establishments known for premium seafood and steaks. |
| RPM Italian | Cucina Enoteca | Offers a similar upscale Italian dining experience with a modern twist. |
| Smoque BBQ | Heritage Barbecue | Both are renowned for their authentic, slow-cooked barbecue delights. |
| The Publican | Umami Burger | Known for their innovative approach to classic dishes, ensuring a memorable dining experience. |
| Giordano's | Pizza 900 | Offers a comparable deep-dish pizza experience that Giordano's is famous for in Chicago. |
When the longing for Chicago's diverse culinary scene strikes, Irvine presents an impressive array of equivalents that promise to satisfy your cravings. At Taco Rosa, you'll discover an artistic twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, reminiscent of Alinea's innovative approach to dining. For those missing the hearty Italian flavors from RPM Italian, Cucina Enoteca in Irvine offers an innovative Italian dining experience with a sophisticated ambiance. Meanwhile, barbecue enthusiasts used to the smoky flavors of Smoque BBQ will find solace in Heritage Barbecue's authentic, pit-smoked meats that bring a taste of Chicago's barbecue scene to Southern California. In transitioning from Chicago to Irvine, these culinary gems ensure that the essence of your dining experiences continues to thrive, enhancing your new home with flavors both familiar and new.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Irvine Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing the real estate landscapes between Chicago, IL and Irvine, CA, is crucial. This analysis helps you understand the implications for your living arrangements and lifestyle in these distinctly vibrant cities.
| Comparison | Chicago | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Gothic, Chicago School | Spanish, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, lake views | Granite countertops, community pools |
Both Chicago and Irvine offer distinct advantages and characteristics when it comes to housing. With Chicago's significantly lower median home price and monthly rent, it may seem like an easier entry point into the housing market. However, Irvine's higher costs are reflected in its luxurious home offerings, featuring modern amenities such as granite countertops and community pools. The architectural divergence is also noteworthy, with Chicago embodying its rich history through Gothic and Chicago School styles, whereas Irvine opts for more contemporary Spanish and Modern designs. This difference not only influences the city's visual appeal but also the living experience within these urban landscapes. When deciding between the two, consider not just the financial implications but the lifestyle each city promotes through its architecture, walkability, and community amenities.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Irvine, CA
1. Woodbridge: Known for its two large artificial lakes, numerous parks, and pet-friendly walking paths, Woodbridge offers you and your furry friends ample outdoor spaces for play and relaxation.
2. Northwood: This neighborhood prides itself on spacious dog parks and trails, like the ones you'll find at Northwood Community Park, making it an ideal environment for pet owners seeking outdoor adventure with their pets.
3. Quail Hill: Quail Hill provides easy access to nature preserves and hiking trails suitable for all levels, including the Quail Hill Loop Trail, making it perfect for active pets and their owners who love to explore the outdoors together.
Chicago vs. Irvine Weather Considerations
Understanding the shift in climate from Chicago, IL to Irvine, CA is crucial when planning a move. This comparison will illuminate the differences in weather you should expect. Key factors such as average temperatures, sunshine days, and seasonal allergies are critical in preparing for your new environment.
Chicago, IL
Irvine, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Irvine, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Irvine, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Irvine, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Cold waves, Blizzards | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In transitioning from Chicago to Irvine, you'll trade the windy, chilly winters for a much milder climate year-round. Notably, Irvine boasts nearly 100 more days of sunshine annually but has significantly lower annual rainfall, which along with higher average UV index, calls for a different approach to outdoor activities and water usage. Adjusting to fewer cold snaps and virtually no snowfall, your winter wardrobe requirements will shift dramatically. Additionally, while both cities face their own natural disaster risks, preparing for wildfires and earthquakes will be new for someone coming from an area more familiar with blizzards and cold waves.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Irvine
When planning a move from one city to another, comprehending the financial dynamics is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in money and finance aspects between Chicago, IL and Irvine, CA, helping you gauge what to expect in terms of living expenses, earnings, and taxation.
| Comparison | Chicago | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $105,774 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 0.72 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Technology, Education, Health Services |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Lesser |
Moving from Chicago to Irvine, you'll find significant differences in financial landscapes. The average household income in Irvine is substantially higher, which correlates with its higher cost of living index and the presence of affluent neighborhoods. California's state income tax rates are progressive, meaning you might find yourself paying more as your earnings increase. However, despite the higher living costs in Irvine, the average property tax rate is considerably lower than in Chicago, offering some savings in housing expenses. This financial landscape is supported by Irvine's strong technology and education-driven economy, compared to Chicago's diverse economic base. Understanding these differences can better prepare you for the financial shift accompanying your move.
Chicago vs. Irvine Political & Religious Comparison
In preparing for your move from Chicago, IL to Irvine, CA, understanding the community you'll join is crucial. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Chicago & Irvine and touches upon the religious composition in each city, giving you a quick glance at the differences you might encounter.
| Chicago | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratic | Lean Democratic |
| Local Politics | City Council structure, strong mayor-council system | Mayor-Council system, noticeable influence of local university |
| Religion | Very diverse; encompassing Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others | High diversity; strong presence of Christian and Asian religious communities |
When looking at the political and religious landscapes of Chicago and Irvine, you'll find both cities lean Democratic, but the political involvement and the structure of local government differ. Chicago’s strong mayor-council system contrasts with Irvine's where the influence of educational institutions like the University of California, Irvine can be seen in local politics. Religious diversity is rich in both cities, with Chicago hosting a wide range of religious communities. Irvine, while also diverse, has notable Christian and Asian religious communities, reflecting its demographic makeup. This insight into politics and religion provides a glimpse into the cultural fabric you’re moving into.
Chicago vs. Irvine Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This comparison between the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Irvine is designed to give you a clear understanding of what your daily commute and overall transportation experience might be like when moving from Chicago, IL to Irvine, CA.
| Comparison | Chicago | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes | No |
In Chicago, the robust public transit system, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra rail, and buses, makes it feasible for many residents to navigate the city without owning a car. This contrasts sharply with Irvine, where public transit options are more limited and spread out, necessitating the use of a car for most residents. Despite Irvine having a more relaxed traffic congestion score compared to Chicago, the higher dependence on personal vehicles results in different daily travel dynamics. In essence, moving from Chicago to Irvine could mean transitioning from a public transit-friendly environment to one where having a car is almost an essential part of daily life.
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Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
