Best Chicago to Boise Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling Windy City to Boise's tranquil outdoors represents an exciting pivot in your life's narrative. You're trading Chicago’s vibrant cityscapes and deep-dish pizzas for Boise's serene landscapes and the friendly "City of Trees" vibe. Understanding the magnitude of this transition, it's essential to ensure your journey is smooth by choosing trusted and reliable professional movers, which is why we at Great Guys Moving meticulously rank the best, taking the guesswork out of your decision.
Best Chicago to Boise Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Boise to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Boise Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About 208 Moving Company
With over 5,000 satisfied customers and close to 9,000 boxes moved, 208 Moving Company provides you with the confidence you need when planni...Read More >>
Services
- Local movers in Boise, ID
- Long-distance moves throughout the continental United States
- Residential Moving
About Valley Custom Moving
Valley Custom Moving is a full-service moving company headquartered in Treasure Valley, Idaho that provides all types of moves, from large a...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Packing
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. Boise Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison between Chicago, IL & Boise, ID local neighborhoods . This guide aims to help you find a new neighborhood in Boise that shares the vibes and amenities you loved back in Chicago.
| Chicago | Boise | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | North End | Historic homes, vibrant community |
| Wicker Park | Hyde Park | Artsy, with local eateries and shops |
| The Loop | Downtown Boise | Urban center, cultural attractions |
| Gold Coast | Harrison Blvd | Upscale, historic properties |
| Old Town | East End | Historical charm with a modern twist |
| Lakeview | Boise Highlands | Friendly, community vibe near water |
| Logan Square | Collister | Diverse, with a mix of old and new homes |
| River North | BoDo (Boise Downtown) | Trendy, arts and nightlife |
| Rogers Park | West Boise | Diverse, family-friendly suburban feel |
| Bucktown | Harris Ranch | Modern, with nature access |
In comparing the vibrant neighborhoods between Chicago and Boise, you'll find striking similarities that may surprise you. For instance, if you're enamored by the eclectic mix of boutiques, coffee shops, and the arts scene in Wicker Park, Hyde Park in Boise will captivate you with its quaint eateries like Hyde Park Pub and unique local shops. Those who appreciate Lincoln Park's sprawling green spaces and community atmosphere will find Boise's North End to be a perfect match, offering access to the foothills and beloved parks such as Camel's Back Park. Transitioning from Chicago’s urban buzz to Boise's vibrant yet laid-back lifestyle can be smooth, with each neighborhood in Boise offering a slice of what you cherished back home, alongside its own unique charm and character.
Things to Do in Boise
Explore Julia Davis Park- Stroll through Idaho Botanical Garden
- Bike the Ridge to Rivers trails
- Visit the Warhawk Air Museum
- Enjoy a show at Morrison Center
- Ski at Bogus Basin
- Sample local brews at Payette Brewing Company
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Boise
Moving from one city to another presents a complex mix of emotions and practical considerations. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the advantages and drawbacks associated with relocating from Chicago, IL to Boise, ID. By weighing the pros against the cons, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle needs.
Chicago, IL- Higher crime rates
- Harsh winters
- Higher living costs
- Dense urban living
- Heavy traffic
Boise, ID- Lower crime rates
- Milder winters
- More affordable living
- Access to nature
- Lesser traffic congestion
Boise, ID- Quieter nightlife
- Less diversity
- Fewer major sports
- More limited dining options
- Less public transit availability
Chicago, IL- Vibrant nightlife
- Cultural diversity
- Major sports teams
- World-class dining
- Extensive public transit
While Chicago's vibrant nightlife is unmatched with places like Kingston Mines and Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Boise offers a quaint, yet burgeoning array of bistros and cafes that have a more laid-back vibe such as the cozy District Coffee House. Boise's proximity to natural gems like Camel's Back Park and the foothills provide a tranquil escape from the urban rush, offering a variety of outdoor activities right at your doorstep. Despite the less dazzling nightlife and a smaller scale of cultural diversity, Boise promises a quality of life that's appealing for those looking to enjoy a balance between urban convenience and natural serenity.
Chicago vs. Boise Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Boise to enlighten those moving about the vibrant food scenes they're about to experience. Food greatly influences the culture and lifestyle of an area, and understanding it can help you settle in more comfortably.
| Chicago | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Idaho Potatoes |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Boise River Steelhead Trout |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-Style Hot Dog | Finger Steaks |
| Most popular vegan food | Deep Dish Vegan Pizza | Quinoa and Black Bean Burger |
| 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, neighborhoods like Wicker Park and The Loop are food heavens for those looking to dive into the city's famous dishes like deep-dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog. Iconic establishments, such as Alinea, offer an avant-garde dining experience that represents Chicago's innovative culinary scene. On the other hand, Boise's North End and Downtown areas are budding with eateries that put a local spin on dishes, making Idaho potatoes and Boise River Steelhead Trout local favorites. Restaurants like Boise Fry Company elevate the humble potato to an art form, showcasing the versatility and novelty of Boise's growing food scene.
Chicago vs. Boise Restaurant Comparison
Moving can transform your lifestyle, but finding the right place to eat makes anywhere feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Chicago and Boise will guide you to your new favorite spots, using your current favorites as a navigational beacon.
| Chicago | Boise | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | State & Lemp | Innovative, reservation-only dining similar to Alinea's unique approach |
| Girl & The Goat | Fork | Locally sourced New American cuisine with a lively, rustic-chic setting |
| Portillo's | Boise Fry Company | Famous for burgers and a wide range of potato offerings, mirroring Portillo's fast-casual vibe with a local twist |
| Giordano's | Guido’s Original New York | Known for deep-dish pizzas that give a nod to Giordano's iconic Chicago-style pie |
| Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill | Chandlers | While focused more on steak and seafood, it offers a high-end dining experience reminiscent of Frontera Grill's upscale atmosphere |
| The Purple Pig | Barbacoa Grill | Offers a variety of meats and unique dishes in a setting that's as inventive as The Purple Pig |
| Pequod's Pizza | Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria | Embraces the spirit of innovation in pizza that Pequod’s is known for |
| Smque BBQ | Bodacious Pig Barbecue | A beloved spot for BBQ lovers in Boise, akin to the Smoque BBQ experience in Chicago |
| The Berghoff Restaurant | Das Alpenhaus Delikatessen | Offers a taste of German cuisine and beer, reminiscent of The Berghoff's iconic offerings |
| Gene & Jude's | Boise Hot Dog Co. | Delivers a comparable experience to the famed hot dogs of Gene & Jude's with a local flare |
In Boise, finding a dining experience that resonates with what you loved back in Chicago isn't a far-fetched idea. At Fork, the commitment to locally sourced ingredients and a menu filled with innovative American cuisine echoes the beloved experiences at Girl & The Goat. Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria captures the creative spirit of Chicago's Pequod's Pizza, focusing on quality ingredients and a welcoming environment that's sure to become your go-to spot. And, for those who crave the unmatched taste of a Chicago-style hot dog, Boise Hot Dog Co. stands ready to bring you a piece of that iconic flavor right in the heart of Boise. Each of these establishments not only promises delicious meals but also the comfort of familiar flavors blended with the unique tastes of your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Boise Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, diving into the real estate elements is vital. This comparison aims to shed light on the key differences in housing between Chicago, IL, and Boise, ID , focusing on aspects such as cost, architecture, and the overall lifestyle.
| Comparison | Chicago | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Gothic, Modern | Craftsman, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, rooftop decks | Big yards, proximity to nature |
In the bustling city of Chicago, you can find a mix of gothic and modern architectural influences, whereas Boise leans towards Craftsman and ranch-style homes, reflecting its more laid-back and nature-centric lifestyle. Despite Boise's higher median home price, its monthly rent tends to be more affordable than in Chicago. This difference underscores the distinct urban lifestyles each city offers; Chicago's vibrant city life scores higher in terms of walkability and urban living, making it a haven for those who thrive on city vibes. On the other hand, Boise's appeal lies in its access to nature and a more relaxed environment, evidenced by its higher bikeability score and popular mentions of big yards in real estate listings.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Boise, ID
1. North End : Known for its accessibility to Camel's Back Park, this neighborhood provides ample green spaces for your pets to enjoy.
2. Boise Bench : With several pet-friendly parks and a welcoming community atmosphere, the Boise Bench area boasts amenities like the Morris Hill Park, perfect for outdoor activities with your furry friends.
3. Harris Ranch : Not only does this neighborhood have pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, but it also offers close proximity to the Boise River Greenbelt for scenic walks and the Marianne Williams Park, both excellent spots for spending quality time outdoors with your pets.
Chicago vs. Boise Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one location to another, grasping the differences in climate conditions is crucial. In the comparison charts below, we highlight the weather differences you'll experience moving from Chicago, IL to Boise, ID . Understanding these changes will help you prepare for your new environment.
Chicago, IL
Boise, ID
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Boise, ID
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Boise, ID
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Boise, ID
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Comparing the climates of Chicago, IL and Boise, ID reveals several key differences that could influence your decision to move. Boise boasts more sunny days and a dryer climate, which means lower humidity and less rainfall compared to Chicago. However, Boise’s higher average UV index suggests a greater need for sun protection. Additionally, while both cities experience their share of natural disasters, the types differ, with Boise being more prone to wildfires and earthquakes. Air quality in Boise is generally considered to be better, likely due to its less industrialized nature and lower population density. Understanding these climate variables can help you better prepare for life in Boise as compared to Chicago.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Boise
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Boise, ID, it's essential to see how your finances might change. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in cost of living, taxes, and economic conditions between these two cities to help you prepare for your relocation.
| Comparison | Chicago | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $70,217 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 97.2 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 6.925 (max) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare | Technology, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Varied | Emerging |
| Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Widespread | Noticeable |
When moving from Chicago to Boise, you'll find Boise has a slightly lower cost of living and significantly lower property taxes, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. However, the state income tax in Idaho can be higher, especially for higher earners. Boise's emerging affluence contrasts with Chicago's varied economic landscape, which includes both highly affluent areas and areas of significant poverty. Noticeably, Boise's homelessness is less widespread than in Chicago, but still requires attention. Understanding these financial and economic differences is crucial for making an informed decision about your move.
Chicago vs. Boise Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Chicago, IL, to Boise, ID, it's important to grasp a quick snapshot of the local communities you'll be joining. This comparison will provide you with a at-a-glance look at the political and religious makeup of the residents between Chicago & Boise , offering insights into what you can expect in your new city.
| Chicago | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Leans Republican |
| Local Politics | Highly active in social issues | Strong community engagement |
| Religion | Religious diversity, with large Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities | Majority Christian, with a significant presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
Understanding the local political and religious landscapes can greatly impact how comfortable you feel in your new city. In Chicago, the political environment tends to be more liberal, with a strong emphasis on social issues. This can be seen in the city's diverse and active communities, which range from cultural to religious ones. Boise, on the other hand, leans more conservative, though it also enjoys a dynamic engagement in community matters. The religious scene in Boise is predominantly Christian, with a notable number of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints followers, contrasting Chicago's more religiously diverse backgrounds. Adapting to your new community in Boise may require some acclimatization, especially in understanding the local customs and participation in community affairs.
Chicago vs. Boise Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another can be a big adjustment, especially when it comes to daily commutes. To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Boise are like, we've compared the two cities. This comparison should give you a clearer idea of what to expect in terms of travel time, congestion, and public transit options.
| Comparison | Chicago | Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes | More challenging |
In Chicago, the average commute time is notably longer than in Boise, with a significant difference in traffic congestion levels as well. Chicago's robust public transit system, including the CTA, Metra, and buses, makes it possible for many residents to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. On the other hand, Boise's more relaxed traffic situation and shorter average commute times reflect its smaller urban footprint. However, Boise's public transit options are more limited, which can make it more challenging to get around without a car. This distinction underscores the importance of considering how your lifestyle fits with each city's transportation infrastructure.
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