Best Chicago to Fort Collins Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling Windy City to the scenic beauty of Fort Collins marks an exhilarating chapter in your life. You're leaving behind Chicago's towering skyscrapers and deep-dish pizzas for the craft beer capital and mountainous terrain of Fort Collins. Given the distance and logistics, entrusting your move to professional and reliable movers isn't just important – it's essential. That's why we at Great Guys Moving offer an algorithm-based ranking to help you select the best movers, ensuring a smooth transition to your new adventure.
Best Chicago to Fort Collins Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Fort Collins to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Fort Collins Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
This listing has been claimed by H2H Movers IncAbout 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
About The Move Caddies
The Move Caddies is a trusted local moving company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, offering a tailor-made moving experience to suit individ...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Specialty or bulk item moving
About Two College Movers
Two College Movers has been serving the communities of Fort Collins, Windsor, Loveland, and Cheyenne since 2010. These movers will expedite ...Read More >>
Services
- Full Service Move
- Labor Only Move
- Residential & Commercial Move
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. Fort Collins Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, but understanding your new surroundings through the lens of your old neighborhood can ease the transition. In this guide, we will provide a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Fort Collins, CO , highlighting similarities that will help you find your new favorite spot. Whether you're looking for bustling streets or quiet parks, this comparison aims to make you feel right at home from day one.
| Chicago | Fort Collins | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Old Town | Vibrant social scene, historic |
| Wicker Park | Midtown | Eclectic shops, indie spirit |
| The Loop | Downtown | Urban core, cultural venues |
| Gold Coast | Harmony Park | Upscale, residential comfort |
| Hyde Park | Campus West | Educational proximity, diversity |
| Logan Square | Laurel | Creative vibe, burgeoning food scene |
| Lakeview | Spring Creek | Active lifestyle, community-centric |
| River North | Fossil Creek | Modern luxuries, nightlife |
| Andersonville | Skyview | Quaint charm, cozy cafes |
| Pilsen | Rigden Farm | Vibrant art scene, cultural diversity |
For those moving from Chicago's Lincoln Park, where the bustling streets are lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and lush parks, Fort Collins' Old Town offers a similar charm with its vibrant social scene and heritage architecture. Foodies leaving Wicker Park's eclectic dining scene will feel at home in Midtown, known for its indie spirit and unique eateries. If you're transitioning from The Loop, Downtown Fort Collins provides a cultural heartbeat with multiple venues and an urban environment. Moreover, for lovers of the upscale, Gold Coast residents will find Harmony Park's residential comfort appealing with its elegant homes and landscaped streets. Whether it's the creative buzz of Logan Square that you'll miss or the diverse educational environment of Hyde Park, Fort Collins neighborhoods like Laurel and Campus West offer a seamless transition with their burgeoning food scene and proximity to academic institutions.
Things to Do in Fort Collins
Explore the Gardens on Spring Creek- Hike in Lory State Park
- Enjoy live music at Bohemian Nights
- Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
- Cycle the Spring Creek Trail
- Tour New Belgium Brewing Company
- Attend a CSU Rams football game
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Fort Collins
Moving from one city to another can be a monumental decision, filled with various factors to consider. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO , helping you weigh both sides carefully.
Chicago, IL- High crime rates
- Cold winters
- Higher cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Fewer outdoor activities
Fort Collins, CO- Lower crime rates
- Milder winters
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
- More outdoor activities
Fort Collins, CO- Quieter nightlife
- Less diverse cuisine
- Smaller cultural scene
- Limited public transportation
- Fewer job opportunities
Chicago, IL- Vibrant nightlife
- Diverse cuisine
- Rich cultural scene
- Better public transportation
- More job opportunities
Moving away from Chicago's vibrant city life means leaving behind beloved spots like Grant Park and its bustling Millennium Park, well-known for concerts and events under the gleaming Chicago skyline. However, Fort Collins welcomes you with its own unique charm, including Horsetooth Reservoir for water enthusiasts and the historic Old Town featured in Disney's Main Street, USA. While you may find a smaller culinary variety compared to Chicago's Devon Avenue or the West Loop's award-winning eateries, Fort Collins boasts a growing food scene with gems like The Silver Grill Café, known for its homely breakfasts, and Jessup Farm Barrel House, which offers crafted beers in a cozy setting. Although nightlife in Fort Collins is more subdued, establishments like Washington's provide quality live music with a snug, community feel.
Chicago vs. Fort Collins Food Guide
When deciding to move, it's essential to consider how the local cuisine reflects the area's culture and lifestyle. This guide offers a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago, IL & Fort Collins, CO , so you can get a taste of what each city has to offer and make an informed decision about your new home.
| Chicago | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-dish pizza | Rocky Mountain Oysters |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian beef | Elk Burger |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style hot dog | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan wings | Tempeh dishes |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Chicago, the culinary scene is steeped in history with iconic dishes like the deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches, often best enjoyed in neighborhoods like The Loop or River North. However, if you're moving to Fort Collins, you'll discover a different pace of life and food. Here, the emphasis shifts towards more adventurous and eclectic selections, such as Rocky Mountain Oysters and Elk Burgers, with Old Town Fort Collins serving as a vibrant hub for both traditional and innovative cuisines. Fort Collins prides itself on being more fitness-conscious and offers a varied selection of vegan and vegetarian options, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences. Whether it's a cozy café or a food truck park, Fort Collins has a knack for surprising and delighting food enthusiasts of all stripes.
Chicago vs. Fort Collins Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a pivotal role in making a new city feel like home. This comparison of top restaurants in Chicago to their counterparts in Fort Collins will guide you towards finding your next favorite eateries, based on your preferences in your current hometown.
| Chicago | Fort Collins | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Restaurant 415 | Innovative American cuisine with a creative twist |
| Portillo's | Choice City Butcher & Deli | Known for its hearty sandwiches and local vibe |
| Girl & The Goat | Locality Kitchen and Bar | Farm-to-table dining with eclectic dishes |
| Giordano's | Pulcinella Pizzeria | Authentic deep-dish pizza reminiscent of Chicago's favorite |
| Au Cheval | Big Al's Burgers & Dogs | A must-visit for burger enthusiasts seeking gourmet offerings |
| The Purple Pig | Social | Offers a charcuterie-focused menu with a cozy atmosphere |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar | Fresh seafood and an upscale dining experience |
| Smoque BBQ | Moe's Original Bar B Que | Southern-style BBQ with a cozy, family-friendly vibe |
| Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill | Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant | Known for flavorful Mexican dishes and a lively atmosphere |
| Pequod's Pizza | Beau Jo's | Offers Mountain Pies that capture the spirit of Chicago-style pizza |
In transitioning from Chicago's bustling culinary scene to Fort Collins' vibrant gastronomy, you'll discover places like Restaurant 415, offering inventive American dishes that are a nod to Alinea's sophistication, albeit in a more casual setting. For Italian fare reminiscent of Giordano’s, Pulcinella Pizzeria stands out with its authentic deep-dish pizzas that honor the traditional Chicagoan taste. Meanwhile, carnivores pining for the elaborate burgers of Au Cheval might find solace in Big Al's Burgers & Dogs, which prides itself on crafting gourmet burgers that would satisfy even the most ardent burger aficionados. Fort Collins is not just a new city; it's a new chapter filled with distinctive flavors awaiting your exploration.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Fort Collins Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, assessing real estate is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences and similarities in housing options between Chicago, IL, and Fort Collins, CO, providing insights into cost, architectural styles, and lifestyle elements of each city.
| Comparison | Chicago | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Historical Mix | Craftsman and Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, rooftop decks | Mountain views, green spaces |
In evaluating the real estate landscape between Chicago and Fort Collins, notable differences emerge in housing costs and lifestyle. Chicago's urban environment boasts a higher walkability score due to its dense layout and extensive public transportation options, perfect for those who enjoy a bustling city life. On the other hand, Fort Collins, with its higher bikeability score, appeals to individuals who favour a blend of urban convenience and access to nature, highlighted by its popular mountain views and abundant green spaces. When considering a move, it's important to weigh these factors alongside architectural preferences and costs, ensuring your new home aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Fort Collins, CO
1. Old Town: With its pet-friendly atmosphere, you will find numerous dog-friendly patios and leisure walks along the historic streets, making it an enjoyable place for both you and your furry friends.
2. City Park: Known for its spacious City Park, this neighborhood is perfect for pet owners offering vast areas for dogs to play and socialize, along with easy access to City Park Lake for a refreshing splash.
3. Spring Canyon: Home to one of the best dog parks in Fort Collins, Spring Canyon Dog Park, this neighborhood provides an outstanding off-leash experience in a beautiful natural setting, catering to the active spirit of pets and their owners.
Chicago vs. Fort Collins Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO, it’s crucial to understand how the weather compares between these two cities. Knowing the differences in climate can help you prepare for changes in your lifestyle and ensure you're ready for the new weather patterns you'll experience.
Chicago, IL
Fort Collins, CO
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Fort Collins, CO
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Fort Collins, CO
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Fort Collins, CO
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Wildfires, Snowstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Comparing Chicago and Fort Collins, you'll find significant differences that could affect your daily life after moving. Chicago tends to experience higher humidity levels and more uniform precipitation throughout the year, which contributes to its lush summers and snowy winters. Fort Collins, on the other hand, boasts more sunny days annually and lower humidity, making it feel drier and more comfortable for many. This city, nestled in Colorado, offers a unique climate due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, resulting in cooler winter temperatures but more mild seasonal transitions compared to Chicago’s drastic changes. Additionally, the higher average UV index in Fort Collins emphasizes the importance of sunscreen protection year-round.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Fort Collins
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. Comparing the cost of living, taxes, and income levels will help you prepare for your transition. This chart emphasizes the differences in money and finance between Chicago and Fort Collins , providing vital insights into what you can expect.
| Comparison | Chicago | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $73,945 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 98.3 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 4.55 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 0.52 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7.55 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Tech, Manufacturing | High Tech, Manufacturing, Education |
| Affluence | Varied | Moderate |
| Poverty | Significant | Lower |
| Homelessness | Elevated | Lower |
While Chicago and Fort Collins both offer vibrant economies and diverse opportunities, you'll notice distinct differences in living costs and taxation. Fort Collins enjoys a slightly higher average household income and a lower state income tax rate, making it an attractive option for those concerned with take-home pay. However, it has a higher cost of living index, indicating that daily expenses might be more compared to Chicago. Additionally, property taxes in Fort Collins are significantly lower, which could be beneficial if you're planning to buy a home. Understanding these financial nuances will better equip you for a smoother transition.
Chicago vs. Fort Collins Political & Religious Comparison
This brief overview serves as a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, particularly focusing on a comparison of the politics between Chicago & Fort Collins. Understand the community you're moving into by exploring these fundamental aspects.
| Chicago | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Lean Democratic |
| Local Politics | Highly active in social issues | Community-focused initiatives |
| Religion | Diverse | Varied, with a noticeable presence of Christian and non-religious communities |
When you move from Chicago to Fort Collins, you'll find both cities have a Democratic lean in their political makeup, though Chicago presents a more pronounced presence. Local politics in Chicago often centers around major social issues and reforms, reflecting its larger urban environment. In contrast, Fort Collins boasts a community-centric approach to politics, focusing on local initiatives and environmentally-friendly policies. The religious landscape in both cities is diverse, offering a mix of faiths and beliefs, with a particular emphasis on Christian and non-religious communities in Fort Collins. Understanding these dynamics can help you feel more at home in your new city.
Chicago vs. Fort Collins Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO requires adapting to new traffic and transportation realities. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Fort Collins is designed to give you a clearer idea of what to expect in your daily commute and traffic experiences.
| Comparison | Chicago | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with difficulty | No, it's challenging |
In Chicago, the extensive network of buses and trains, primarily the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), makes it feasible to get around without a vehicle, though not always conveniently. On the other hand, Fort Collins offers a more limited public transportation service through Transfort, which serves key areas but doesn’t cover the city as comprehensively as Chicago's system does. As a result, living in Fort Collins typically necessitates having a car, especially for reaching places outside the immediate city or for commutes that don't align with bus schedules. This significant difference underscores the need for newcomers to adjust their expectations and possibly their lifestyle when moving from Chicago to Fort Collins.
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