Best Chicago to Fort Lauderdale Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Windy City to the Venice of America is more than a change of scenery; it's an exciting leap into a new chapter of your life. Chicago's brisk lake winds and architecturally rich streets will give way to Fort Lauderdale's sunny beaches and bustling marinas. To ensure this long-distance adventure begins on the right foot, choosing trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial, and that's where we come in, using our unbiased algorithm at Great Guys Moving to connect you with the best.
Best Chicago to Fort Lauderdale Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Florida Moving LLC | 9.55 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Our Family Moving and Storage LLC | 9.54 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| H2H Movers Inc | 9.24 | A | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Fort Lauderdale Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
This listing has been claimed by Easy Florida Moving LLCAbout Easy Florida Moving LLC
Easy Florida Moving LLC is a licensed and insured full-service moving company based in South Florida. Established in 2017, the company provi...Read More >>
Services
- Long Distance Relocation
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving (in State)
About Our Family Moving and Storage LLC
Based in Hollywood, FL, Our Family Moving and Storage is a local and family-owned moving business specializing in local and long-distance mo...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Local Moves
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
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 Lauderdale Neighborhood Comparison
Making a move from one city to another can be a daunting task. That's why we're here to help you familiarize yourself with Fort Lauderdale by using Chicago, IL & Fort Lauderdale, FL comparison of local neighborhoods . Get to know the vibes, lifestyle, and communities that match your current Chicago neighborhood in your new Florida city.
| Chicago | Fort Lauderdale | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Victoria Park | Family-friendly, vibrant lifestyle |
| Wicker Park | Flagler Village | Artsy, hip, with a young crowd |
| The Loop | Downtown Fort Lauderdale | Urban, bustling business district |
| Gold Coast | Las Olas Isles | Luxurious, waterfront properties |
| South Loop | Harbordale | Developing, accessible to downtown |
| Andersonville | Wilton Manors | LGBTQ+ friendly, diverse community |
| River North | Himmarshee Village | Nightlife-centric, trendy eats |
| Old Town | Rio Vista | Historic homes, leafy streets |
| Hyde Park | Coral Ridge | Educational centers, family-oriented |
| Logan Square | Poinsettia Heights | Eclectic, emerging creative scene |
If you're drawn to the historic charm and lively streets of Wicker Park with its array of boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, you'll find a similar vibe in Fort Lauderdale's Flagler Village, known for its arts district and bustling young community. For those who appreciate the upscale, waterfront living of Chicago's Gold Coast, Las Olas Isles in Fort Lauderdale offers luxurious homes with dockage for yachts, surrounded by the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. And if you value the inclusive, vibrant community of Andersonville, Wilton Manors in Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere and diverse cultural events, making it a welcoming place for everyone.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Tour the historic Bonnet House.- Relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
- Explore Flamingo Gardens.
- Shop at The Galleria.
- Take a Water Taxi ride.
- Enjoy Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District.
- Visit NSU Art Museum.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale
Moving from one city to another comes with its set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the pros and cons of relocating from Chicago, IL to Fort Lauderdale, FL, helping you make an informed decision. Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect in terms of lifestyle, weather, and living conditions.
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters
- High taxes
- Heavy traffic
- Urban density
Fort Lauderdale, FL- Warm climate
- No state income tax
- Less congestion
- Beach access
Fort Lauderdale, FL- Smaller cultural scene
- Car dependency
- Fewer historical sites
- Quieter nightlife
Chicago, IL- Cultural diversity
- Vast public transit
- Rich history
- Vibrant nightlife
When moving to Fort Lauderdale, you'll exchange the brisk, snowy winters of Chicago for year-round summery weather. The warm climate not only means more sunny days but also the opportunity to enjoy Fort Lauderdale's pristine beaches, like Fort Lauderdale Beach or the more secluded Las Olas Beach, regularly. While you might miss the vast cultural diversity and rich historical tapestry of Chicago, there are new experiences to be had. Explore the art scene at The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens or dine in style at Las Olas Boulevard, renowned for its boutiques, galleries, and restaurants such as Casa D'Angelo for a taste of Italy in Florida. While adapting to a more car-dependent lifestyle, you'll appreciate having less traffic and possibly leaving behind the hefty state income tax of Illinois.
Chicago vs. Fort Lauderdale Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Fort Lauderdale. Food is an essential facet of local culture, impacting what it's like to live in an area. We're examining these two destinations to inform you better about the food scene in your new city.
| Chicago | Fort Lauderdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-dish pizza | Stone crab |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian beef sandwich | Grouper sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style hot dog | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan dishes | Acai bowls |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Chicago's food scene is rich with iconic dishes like Deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, and its street food staple, the Chicago-style hot dog, can be found at stands citywide. On the other hand, Fort Lauderdale offers a taste of the ocean with dishes like the Stone crab from Coconuts and a fresh Grouper sandwich, emblematic of its coastal cuisine. The city also boasts a health-conscious vibe with plenty of options for vegan and healthy eating, such as acai bowls, highlighting the significance of fresh, local produce. Notably, Fort Lauderdale's environment encourages a vibrant food truck scene, though not as abundant as Chicago's, still adding to its eclectic food culture.
Chicago vs. Fort Lauderdale Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often begins with discovering its food scene. This chart aims to compare top restaurants in Chicago to their counterparts in Fort Lauderdale, helping you find your new go-to spots smoothly.
| Chicago | Fort Lauderdale | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Café Martorano | Inventive Italian cuisine with a luxurious twist |
| Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse | Steak 954 | Exceptional steaks and sophisticated ambiance |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza | Known for their coal-fired pizzas with a crispy crust |
| Girl & The Goat | Boatyard | Modern, refined approach to global flavors in a chic setting |
| Portillo's Hot Dogs | Las Olas Taqueria | Casual spot offering a creative take on American and Mexican classics |
| The Purple Pig | Tapas y Tintos | European vibes with a curated selection of tapas |
| Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill | Casa Frida | Authentic Mexican cuisine that mirrors Frontera's focus on quality ingredients |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Shooters Waterfront | Oceanfront dining experience offering fresh seafood and steak dishes |
| The Berghoff | Hofbräu Beerhall | Traditional German fare and beer in a lively atmosphere |
| Big Star | Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar | Energetic spot for tacos and tequila with a funky vibe |
In seeking flavors that mirror those found in Chicago's diverse culinary scene, Fort Lauderdale presents a vibrant tapestry of tastes to explore. At Café Martorano, you'll discover a spirited Italian dining experience that can easily stand toe-to-toe with Alinea's innovative approach, albeit with its own distinctive flair. Meanwhile, steak lovers who revered Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse will find a new haven in Steak 954, where the steaks are not only cooked to perfection but are also complemented by its oceanfront setting, giving a unique twist to the dining experience. And for those who enjoyed the laid-back yet distinctly Chicago flavor of Lou Malnati's, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza offers a coal-fired crust that could easily become your next pizza favorite in Fort Lauderdale, proving that, while cities change, the pursuit of exceptional food remains a constant.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Fort Lauderdale Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate between Chicago, IL and Fort Lauderdale, FL is crucial for making informed decisions. This comparison aims to highlight key aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle to better prepare you for your relocation.
| Comparison | Chicago | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Contemporary | Mediterranean and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to transit | Waterfront, swimming pool |
In comparing Chicago and Fort Lauderdale, it's evident that housing costs more in Fort Lauderdale, with median home prices and rents significantly higher than in Chicago. The architectural styles also differ, with Fort Lauderdale favoring Mediterranean influences, often featuring waterfront properties and swimming pools as highlighted amenities - a stark contrast to Chicago's modern designs and emphasis on lake views and transit access. Although Chicago scores higher on walkability and urban lifestyle, Fort Lauderdale provides a unique blend of urbanity with a more laid-back, beach-centric lifestyle.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, FL
1. Victoria Park: This neighborhood is known for its walkability and close proximity to Holiday Park, making it perfect for your daily dog walks and outdoor activities.
2. River Oaks: With its spacious homes and large yards, River Oaks provides plenty of room for your pets to play, not to mention the easy access to the River Oaks Park for outdoor enjoyment.
3. Harbor Beach: Harbor Beach offers pet-friendly beaches where your dogs can enjoy the sand and sea, and it's close to several high-rated pet-friendly restaurants for a relaxing meal with your furry friend.
Chicago vs. Fort Lauderdale Weather Considerations
When contemplating a move from one city to another, understanding the climatic differences plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition. This guide focuses on how the weather in Chicago compares with that in Fort Lauderdale, providing insights into what you can expect as you prepare for your new environment.
Chicago, IL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Hurricanes, Flooding |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, you're trading harsh winters for warm, tropical weather. The average winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale are akin to Chicago's summer highs, marking a significant shift in your yearly wardrobe. With over 200 days of sunshine, Fort Lauderdale offers ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors year-round. However, this sunshine comes at a cost of higher UV exposure and the annual threat of hurricanes, a shift from the blizzards you might be accustomed to in Chicago. Additionally, despite similar humidity levels, Fort Lauderdale's higher rainfall contributes to its lush landscape, contrasting with Chicago's more temperate climate.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances will be affected. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance-related aspects when moving from Chicago, IL to Fort Lauderdale, FL, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your new economic environment.
| Comparison | Chicago | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $64,912 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 115.7 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.03 | 1.02 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Tourism, Marine, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
Moving from Chicago, IL to Fort Lauderdale, FL, you'll notice significant changes. For instance, while the average household income is slightly lower in Fort Lauderdale, the absence of a state income tax in Florida can leave you with more disposable income. However, this benefit is somewhat offset by Fort Lauderdale’s higher cost of living index. Furthermore, property and sales taxes are more favorable in Florida, contributing to a potentially more affordable and desirable lifestyle. The shift in the primary industries between these two cities also suggests a change in employment opportunities that may align with your career path.
Chicago vs. Fort Lauderdale Political & Religious Comparison
In this section, we aim to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot by comparing the political and religious makeup of the residents between Chicago, IL & Fort Lauderdale, FL . Understanding these aspects can help you get acquainted with the local culture and community you are moving into.
| Chicago | Fort Lauderdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Lean Democratic |
| Local Politics | Highly active, community-oriented | Vibrant, with emphasis on growth and development |
| Religion | Religious diversity with prominent Catholic presence | Diverse, with an increased focus on inclusivity |
While both Chicago and Fort Lauderdale lean Democratic, you'll notice differences in their local politics and how they engage community members. Chicago's political scene is deeply woven into its neighborhoods, fostering a strong sense of community engagement. Fort Lauderdale, on the other hand, has a vibrant local political scene with a growth and development focus that attracts newcomers. Religious diversity is a shared characteristic, but Fort Lauderdale stands out for its inclusive approach to various lifestyles and beliefs, making it welcoming for everyone.
Chicago vs. Fort Lauderdale Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another can be a big adjustment, especially when it comes to navigating your daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Fort Lauderdale is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute might look like and how traffic flows in both cities.
| Comparison | Chicago | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | Challenging |
When comparing Chicago and Fort Lauderdale, you'll notice significant differences in your commuting experience. Chicago's extensive public transit system, rated 9 out of 10, allows residents to easily navigate the city without a car, thanks to the CTA's network of buses and trains. On the other hand, residing in Fort Lauderdale, with its public transit availability scored at a 6, having a car might be more of a necessity for you. Though the average commute time in Fort Lauderdale is shorter, the city experiences less traffic congestion. Understanding these nuances will help you to better prepare for your move and daily travels in your new city.
Popular Chicago, IL to Florida Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes
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