Trusted. Licensed. Insured.Embarking on a move from the Windy City to the Golden City offers an exhilarating transition in scenery and lifestyle. You're leaving behind Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizzas and towering skyscrapers for Santa Ana's sunny skies and vibrant arts scene. Given the distance and the importance of your belongings, securing trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial; we at Great Guys Moving have perfected an algorithm to ensure you're matched with the best movers for a seamless transition.
Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana?
5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide
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5 Best Chicago to Santa Ana Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
#1
| Santa Monica, CA | |
| Residential moving, Commercial moving, Long-distance moving See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/11/2024) | |
| USDOT: 3207734 Verify |
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 >>
#2
| Lake Forest, CA | |
| Local Move, Interstate Move, Packing Services See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/11/2024) | |
| USDOT: 649215 Verify |
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 >>
#3
| 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 >>
#4
| 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 >>
#5
| 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 >>
Relocating from Chicago to Santa Ana Neighborhood Guide
Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison chart to compare local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Santa Ana, CA , helping you find a new neighborhood similar to what you love about your current one. This guide aims to make you feel more at home in Santa Ana by drawing parallels with Chicago's top neighborhoods.
| Chicago | Santa Ana |
|---|---|
Lincoln ParkFloral Park Historic homes, community-focused | |
Wicker ParkFrench Park Artsy vibe, historic buildings | |
The LoopDowntown Santa Ana Urban center, cultural attractions | |
Gold CoastWest Floral Park Affluent, quiet residential area | |
Old TownHeninger Park Historic charm, community events | |
Hyde ParkWashington Square Diverse, academic atmosphere | |
AndersonvilleWilshire Square Diverse, vibrant community feel | |
LakeviewMorrison Park Family-friendly, access to recreation | |
River NorthArts District Trendy, creative hub | |
Logan SquareEastside Dynamic mix of dining and nightlife | |
In Floral Park, similar to Lincoln Park, you'll find streets lined with historic homes and a strong sense of community among residents, mirroring the neighborly feel of Chicago's north side. For those drawn to the artsy and eclectic vibe of Wicker Park, French Park's historic buildings and cultural events offer a similar charm. Downtown Santa Ana and The Loop share the hustle and bustle of urban life, complete with cultural attractions, dining, and nightlife. Meanwhile, the serene, affluent atmosphere of Gold Coast finds its counterpart in West Floral Park's quiet, residential streets. Lastly, if Logan Square's vibrant dining and nightlife scene is what you're leaving behind, Eastside Santa Ana's dynamic mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars will make you feel right at home.
Things to Do in Santa Ana
- Explore the Santa Ana Public Library
- Visit Discovery Cube Orange County
- Stroll through Santiago Park Nature
- Enjoy art at Bowers Museum
- Shop at 4th Street Market
- See a show at The Yost Theater
- Join a class at Downtown Santa Ana
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana
Moving across the county brings its mixed bag of experiences. This guide is designed to offer an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA , highlighting the shifts in lifestyle and environment you’re likely to encounter. Through comparing key factors, we aim to smooth your transition and help you weigh your decision with a clear perspective.
CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL- Cold winters
- High taxes
- Urban congestion
- Higher crime rates
Santa Ana, CA- Mild winters
- Lower taxes
- Less traffic
- Lower crime rates
Santa Ana, CA- Less food diversity
- Fewer cultural venues
- Car-dependent
- Smaller job market
Chicago, IL- Diverse cuisine
- Rich culture
- Better public transport
- Larger job market
Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy milder winters and potentially lower living costs due to less taxation. While Chicago's vibrant cultural scene and diverse culinary offerings are unmatched, Santa Ana provides a quieter environment with less congestion and lower crime rates, making it a serene place to live. However, relocating means adjusting to a more car-dependent lifestyle and a smaller job market. Santa Ana, with its beautiful parks like Santiago Park and unique attractions such as the Bowers Museum, still offers plenty of appeal. Whether you’re craving the excitement of nearby beaches or the tranquility of local eateries like 4th Street Market, Santa Ana can be the refreshing new start you’re looking for.
Food Scene Guide When Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana
Relocating not only involves a change of scenery but also a profound shift in lifestyle, particularly when it comes to food—which is a crucial part of local culture. To help you navigate this transition, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Santa Ana . This will give you a better understanding of the culinary landscape awaiting you.
| Chicago | Santa Ana |
|---|---|
Most iconic local food item Deep Dish PizzaTacos | |
Most popular meat dish Italian Beef SandwichCarne Asada | |
Most popular street food item Chicago-style Hot DogElote | |
Most popular vegan food SeitanTofu Tacos | |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
| |
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness 68 | |
Abundance of Food Trucks 79 | |
Foodie Scene 98 | |
Vegan Friendly 89 | |
In moving to Santa Ana, you'll find a vibrant food scene deeply influenced by Mexican cuisine, with tacos and carne asada being local favorites. The city is peppered with food trucks offering an array of choices including the popular elote, found in areas like the bustling 4th Street Market. For vegan options, Tofu Tacos from local spots are a must-try. Health and fitness are also more pronounced here, reflected in Santa Ana's higher scores in health conscientiousness, which complements its ample vegan offerings. Not to mention, the abundance of food trucks makes exploring Santa Ana's culinary landscape an exciting adventure.
Restaurant Guide for Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana
As you plan your move from Chicago to Santa Ana, finding new favorite eateries is essential for making your new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison will bridge your culinary journey from Chicago to Santa Ana , ensuring a seamless transition in satisfying your palate with familiar flavors and experiences. Let this serve as your guide to discovering your next go-to dining spots.
AlineaAnepalco Both offer innovative dining experiences with a focus on presentation and flavors. |
Girl & The GoatPlayground Similar approach to creative, eclectic dishes in a bustling atmosphere. |
Portillo'sPortillo's Offers a comparable menu, including the iconic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef. |
Giordano’sTony's Little Italy Known for their deep-dish pizza, mirroring Giordano’s Chicago-style pie. |
Lou Malnati’sRances Chicago Pizza Another spot for authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza in the heart of California. |
The Purple PigCrave Both are renowned for their charcuterie and small plates ideal for sharing. |
Au ChevalThe Cut Gourmet burgers that can stand up to the high-quality and taste of Au Cheval’s offerings. |
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabSanta Monica Seafood Offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes, comparable to Joe’s high standards. |
Frontera GrillEl Mercado Modern Cuisine Both celebrate high-quality, innovative Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. |
Pequod’s PizzaBrick Offers artisanal pizzas with a unique twist, akin to Pequod's approach to deep-dish. |
While Chicago is known for its iconic culinary scene, ranging from deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s to innovative dining at Alinea, Santa Ana's vibrant food landscape offers compelling counterparts that promise to delight your taste buds. For instance, the transition from the deep-dish marvels of Lou Malnati’s to the authentic Chicago pizza at Rances Chicago Pizza in Santa Ana ensures the continuity of indulging in hearty, cheese-laden pies. Similarly, if the eclectic and bold flavors of Girl & The Goat are what you crave, Playground presents an imaginative menu in a vibrant setting that echoes Chicago's dynamic culinary scene. This comparison not only offers a roadmap to satisfying familiar cravings but also introduces the unique gastronomic delights that make Santa Ana an exciting culinary destination.
Ready to start your move?
Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana
Real estate plays a crucial role when planning a move, offering insights into the living standards of a new city. When considering a relocation, comparing the real estate markets between Chicago, IL and Santa Ana, CA, proves invaluable, helping you understand how housing options, costs, and lifestyles differ. This comparison aims to highlight the key aspects of each city's housing market to make your transition smoother.
When you compare housing between Chicago and Santa Ana, it becomes clear that both cities offer distinct living experiences influenced by their local real estate markets. Chicago's mix of modern and historical architecture attracts those interested in a diverse urban environment, with properties often highlighting proximity to public transit and iconic lakefront views. Santa Ana, on the other hand, tends to offer homes with open floor plans and emphasis on outdoor living spaces, reflecting Southern California's sunny climate and the popular ranch and Spanish Colonial architecture styles of the area. Furthermore, moving from Chicago to Santa Ana, you'll notice a significant difference in housing costs, with Santa Ana presenting a higher median home price and monthly rent, a factor that could greatly influence your decision.
Weather Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana
Moving between different climates can be a big adjustment. Examining weather differences between Chicago, IL, and Santa Ana, CA will help you prepare for the change. It's crucial to understand how these variations may impact your daily life and activities.
83/63
Chicago, IL
83/64
Santa Ana, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
36/22
Chicago, IL
70/48
Santa Ana, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
36
Chicago, IL
13
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
37
Chicago, IL
0
Santa Ana, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana involves adjusting from a variable midwestern climate to a more stable Mediterranean climate. You’ll leave behind the harsh winters, including significant snowfall and cold temperatures, for mild winters and more sunny days. However, be prepared for a higher UV index in Santa Ana, encouraging more diligent sun protection. While both cities enjoy moderate air quality, Santa Ana generally experiences fewer days of compromised air quality compared to Chicago. Adjusting to the lower annual rainfall and almost non-existent snow will also be a considerable change, making for an overall drier experience.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial environment will change. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of what you can expect in terms of money and finance when transitioning between these two cities.
Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana, you'll find differences in financial aspects that may impact your daily life. The average household income is higher in Santa Ana, potentially offsetting the increased cost of living index, which stands significantly higher than that of Chicago. State and sales taxes in California are higher, which can affect your overall disposable income. However, property taxes are considerably lower in Santa Ana, presenting an advantage for homeowners. Additionally, the economic environment differs, with both cities boasting robust healthcare and manufacturing industries but differing in other leading sectors. Understanding these nuances will help you prepare financially for your move.
Political & Religious Comparison between Chicago, IL and Santa Ana, CA
This quick guide offers an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents moving from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA. It aims to provide a clear picture of the kind of community you might be moving into, highlighting the diversity and differences between these two cities.
| Chicago | Santa Ana |
|---|---|
Political Make-up Liberal/Democratic majorityLiberal/Democratic majority | |
Local Politics City of Chicago GovernmentCity of Santa Ana Government | |
Religion Diverse; Christianity predominantDiverse; Christianity predominant | |
In both Chicago and Santa Ana, you'll find a liberal or Democratic majority shaping the political landscape. Despite this similarity, the local politics and governance may feel different as you transition from the politics of Chicago to those in Santa Ana. Religion plays an integral role in community life within both cities, with a strong prevalence of Christianity. However, both cities boast a diverse religious landscape, allowing for a multitude of faith communities and interfaith dialogues. This diversity extends to cultural events, food, and social services, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the inclusive nature of both cities.
Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Santa Ana
Moving from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA means adapting to a new daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Santa Ana will help you better understand what to expect and how to adjust your routine.
| Chicago | Santa Ana |
|---|---|
3424 Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | |
76 Traffic Congestion (out of 10) | |
86 Availability of Public Transit (out of 10) | |
Possibly, with effortChallenging Can you get by without car? | |
Chicago is renowned for its robust public transit system, led by the Chicago Transit Authority, making it easier to get by without a car compared to Santa Ana, where public transit is less pervasive and at times less convenient. While Santa Ana enjoys slightly less traffic congestion and shorter average commute times, relying on public transportation or getting around without a car can be more challenging. Adapting to Santa Ana may require acquiring a vehicle or becoming familiar with its Orange County Transportation Authority services to navigate the city effectively.
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Popular Chicago, IL to California Moving Routes
- Chicago to Los Angeles
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- Chicago to Fremont
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Popular Moving Routes
