Best Chicago to Santa Ana Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Chicago to Santa Ana Movers

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.

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Best Chicago to Santa Ana Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Terry Moving & Storage9.37A+Authorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
H2H Movers Inc9.24AAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Ana to Chicago guide.

5 Best Chicago to Santa Ana Moving Companies

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

Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.37/10
based on 2,308+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
4
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
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.

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.

ChicagoSanta 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.

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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 iconChicago, IL
  • Cold winters
  • High taxes
  • Urban congestion
  • Higher crime rates
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Mild winters
  • Lower taxes
  • Less traffic
  • Lower crime rates
Santa Ana, CA iconSanta Ana, CA
  • Less food diversity
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Car-dependent
  • Smaller job market
Chicago, IL iconChicago, 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.

ChicagoSanta Ana

Most iconic local food item

Deep Dish Pizza
Tacos

Most popular meat dish

Italian Beef Sandwich
Carne Asada

Most popular street food item

Chicago-style Hot Dog
Elote

Most popular vegan food

Seitan
Tofu Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Alinea
  • Girl & The Goat
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Taqueria Zamora
  • Playground
  • Burritos La Palma

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

6
8

Abundance of Food Trucks

7
9

Foodie Scene

9
8

Vegan Friendly

8
9

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.

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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.

Summer icon
83/63

Chicago, IL

83/64

Santa Ana, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
36/22

Chicago, IL

70/48

Santa Ana, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

13

Santa Ana, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
37

Chicago, IL

0

Santa Ana, CA

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.

ChicagoSanta 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.

ChicagoSanta 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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