Trusted. Licensed. Insured.Moving from state to state marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. Leaving behind Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, with its vibrant cities and flat prairies, for Maine, affectionately known as the Pine Tree State, with its rugged coastlines and picturesque landscapes, represents a significant but rewarding lifestyle change. Recognizing the importance of this transition, we stress the necessity of choosing trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring your journey from the heart of the Midwest to the northeastern retreat is seamless and stress-free.
Moving from Illinois to Maine?
6 Best IL to ME Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide
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6 Best Illinois to Maine Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
#1
| Glenview, IL | |
| Professional Moving Services, Residential Moving, Commercial Moving See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 7/24/2023) | |
| USDOT: 2970282 Verify |
About Happ Movers, Inc.
Happ Movers, Inc. has provided residential and commercial moving services in Chicago’s North Shore area for more than half a century. Locate...Read More >>
#2
6
| Chicago, IL | |
| Residential Movers, Commercial Movers, Packing & Unpacking Services See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/6/2024) | |
| 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 >>
#3
| Chicago, IL | |
| Full Moves, Truck Loading and Unloading, Interstate Moving Assistance See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/5/2024) | |
| 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 >>
#4
| St. Charles, IL | |
| Local Moving, Interstate Moving, Professional Packing See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/5/2024) | |
| USDOT: 2965334 Verify |
About Murphy Family Movers
Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest level o...Read More >>
#5
| South Portland, ME | |
| Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/5/2023) | |
| USDOT: 2324405 Verify |
About SC Moving Services
SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern Maine, G...Read More >>
#6
Exceptional
This listing has been claimed by Vacationland Moving
This listing has been claimed by Vacationland Movingbased on 288+ data points
| Poland, ME | |
| Local & Long Distance Moving, Residential & Commercial Moving, Packing & Unpacking Services See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/4/2024) | |
| USDOT: 3540196 Verify |
About Vacationland Moving
Vacationland Moving is a relocation specialist company based in Portland, Maine. Their services, which are considered some of the finest mov...Read More >>
Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Maine
Relocating from one state to another involves contemplating both the benefits and drawbacks of the move. This guide provides an honest reflection of what you could expect when moving from Illinois to Maine, aiming to outline the major changes and adaptations you may encounter. Let's dive into a direct comparison of living conditions between these two states.
CONs
PROs
Illinois- Higher taxes
- Flat landscape
- More traffic
- Higher crime rates
- Colder winters
Maine- Lower taxes
- Diverse topography
- Less congestion
- Lower crime rates
- Milder winters
Maine- More rural
- Less diversity
- Smaller towns
- Sparse public transit
- Fewer job options
Illinois- Urban amenities
- Cultural diversity
- Larger cities
- Better public transport
- More job opportunities
While Illinois offers an array of urban amenities and a more diverse cultural atmosphere with cities like Chicago, known for its vibrant neighborhoods, outstanding restaurants, and iconic museums, Maine presents a different lifestyle. In Maine, you might find yourself enjoying the scenic beauty of Acadia National Park more often, savoring fresh seafood from popular spots like Thurston's Lobster Pound, and relishing in quieter, less congested towns. While you may miss the extensive public transport and larger job market of Illinois, Maine's unique charms, including its lower crime rates and beautiful, diverse landscapes, offer a refreshing new chapter for those willing to embrace the change.
Food Scene Guide When Moving from Illinois to Maine
Food is an essential aspect of local culture and plays a significant role in what it's like to live in an area. In this comparison, we aim to offer you a better understanding of the food scene in your new home by examining the local cuisine between Illinois & Maine. This will help you navigate your culinary options and dive into the local flavors with ease.
| Illinois | Maine |
|---|---|
Most iconic local food item Chicago-style deep-dish pizzaLobster roll | |
Most popular meat dish Italian BeefClam Chowder | |
Most popular street food item Chicago-style hot dogWhoopie pie | |
Most popular vegan food SeitanBlueberry Vegan Cake | |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
| |
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness 78 | |
Abundance of Food Trucks 86 | |
Foodie Scene 89 | |
Vegan Friendly 78 | |
When considering the move from Illinois to Maine, you'll transition from a cuisine centered around hearty, urban comfort foods to one that offers fresh, local seafood delights. In Chicago, the aromatic presence of a Chicago-style hot dog or a deep-dish pizza is ubiquitous. These items are not only tasty but are deeply ingrained in the local culture. Moving to Maine, however, introduces you to the coastal favorites like the iconic lobster roll, found along the picturesque shores and in bustling city spots like Portland. Maine's clam chowder and the sweet whoopie pie reveal the state's close ties to both its maritime heritage and its penchant for locally sourced, simple yet delectable treats. These contrasts in local cuisine reflect the unique experiences and flavors that make each state distinct and special.
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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Illinois to Maine
When preparing for a move, comparing the real estate markets of Illinois and Maine is crucial for a smooth transition. Understanding differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle elements such as walkability and bikeability can greatly influence your decision. Let’s dive into how these two states compare in the realm of real estate.
The contrast in median home prices and monthly rent reflects the varied cost of living between Illinois and Maine, with Maine generally being more expensive. Illinois' architecture, with its Prairie and Chicago Schools, showcases its rich history in architectural innovation, particularly in urban areas like Chicago. Maine, on the other hand, features New England Colonial and Cape Cod styles, emphasizing its historical and coastal character. This difference extends to lifestyle aspects, with Illinois scoring higher in urban lifestyle and walkability, attributed partly to Chicago's extensive public transit system and vibrant city life. The emphasis on fireplaces and proximity to nature in Maine's listings highlights the state's appeal to those seeking a quieter, more nature-integrated living environment.
Weather Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Maine
When planning a move from one state to another, it’s crucial to consider how the weather might change. This comparison focuses on Illinois and Maine, aiming to highlight the differences in climate you should expect. Understanding these variations can help you prepare for your new environment, affecting everything from your wardrobe choices to your outdoor activities.
85°F / 65°F
Illinois
79°F / 59°F
Maine
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
35°F / 20°F
Illinois
31°F / 13°F
Maine
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
39
Illinois
45
Maine
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
22
Illinois
75
Maine
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Transitioning from Illinois to Maine, you'll notice a significant difference in winter temperatures and snowfall. Maine's winters are not only colder but also bring about three times as much snowfall as Illinois, affecting daily commutes and increasing the need for winter gear. Despite the longer, harsher winters, Maine offers more sunny days throughout the year, a small consolation for those who cherish sunlight. Both states share moderate air quality levels and similar annual rainfall, but the increased annual snowfall in Maine could require adjustments in your lifestyle, particularly in your preparation for winter driving and outdoor activities.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Maine
When contemplating a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how financial aspects stack up. Comparing Illinois to Maine on various economic metrics can illuminate the cost of living, taxes, and job market differences you're likely to encounter. This knowledge arms you with expectations for your financial life post-move.
Moving from Illinois to Maine, you'll discover a significant cost of living adjustment with Maine's index over 24 pts higher than Illinois'. However, Illinois possesses a slightly higher average household income which may offset some cost differences. Additionally, Maine's progressive income tax can mean higher earners pay more, but property and sales tax rates are more favorable compared to Illinois. The top industries in Maine - healthcare, retail, and tourism - reflect its geographic and social settings, which may present unique job opportunities or necessitate a career shift. Understanding these dynamics helps ease the financial transition between these distinct states.
Political & Religious Comparison between Illinois and Maine
Exploring a move from Illinois to Maine requires understanding not just the landscape but the community you're about to join. This quick comparison offers an insight into the political and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Maine . It's designed to give you a snapshot of the communities' values and priorities.
| Illinois | Maine |
|---|---|
Political Make-up Lean DemocraticLean Democratic | |
Local Politics Urban/Rural DivideCommunity Engagement | |
Religion Religious DiversityLesser Religious Affiliation | |
While both Illinois and Maine lean Democratic in their political makeup, the approach to local politics and community involvement differs significantly. Illinois, with its stark urban/rural divide, presents a varied political landscape city by city. In contrast, Maine tends to foster a strong sense of community engagement, with local issues often uniting its residents regardless of their political affiliations. Religiously, Illinois offers a mosaic of beliefs due to its significant urban centers, while Maine reflects a lesser degree of religious affiliation, portraying a more secular societal outlook. Understanding these differences can help you better integrate into your new community.
Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Maine
To make a well-informed decision about your big move, it's crucial to compare educational opportunities for your family. This comparison aims to help better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Maine. By examining these differences, you can prioritize your family's educational needs accordingly.
| Illinois | Maine |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Illinois Northwestern University University of ChicagoUniversity of Maine Bowdoin College Bates College | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Avery Coonley School (Downers Grove) South Park Elementary (Deerfield) Lincoln Elementary (River Forest)Cape Elizabeth School (Cape Elizabeth) Falmouth Elementary (Falmouth) Yarmouth Elementary (Yarmouth) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Clarendon Hills Middle School (Clarendon Hills) Marie Murphy School (Wilmette) Twin Groves Middle School (Buffalo Grove)Yarmouth Middle School (Yarmouth) Falmouth Middle School (Falmouth) Cape Elizabeth Middle School (Cape Elizabeth) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire) New Trier Township High School (Winnetka) Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)Falmouth High School (Falmouth) Cape Elizabeth High School (Cape Elizabeth) Yarmouth High School (Yarmouth) | |
Top 3 private high schools University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago) Latin School of Chicago (Chicago) Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)Waynflete School (Portland) North Yarmouth Academy (Yarmouth) Berwick Academy (South Berwick) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Francis W. Parker School (Chicago) Latin School of Chicago (Chicago) University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)Waynflete School (Portland) North Yarmouth Academy (Yarmouth) Berwick Academy (South Berwick) | |
Top 3 School Districts Naperville Community Unit School District 203 New Trier Township High School District 203 Community High School District 128Falmouth School Department Yarmouth Schools Cape Elizabeth Schools | |
In both Illinois and Maine, the focus on quality education is evident through their top-rated schools and districts. Illinois boasts prestigious universities and a variety of highly ranked public and private K-12 schools, making it a beacon for educational excellence in the Midwest. Maine, on the other hand, might surprise you with its highly commendable education system, especially in towns like Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, and Yarmouth, where the public schools consistently deliver top-notch education experiences. The presence of acclaimed colleges such as Bowdoin and Bates in Maine ensures that seniors have excellent higher education opportunities close to home. Whichever state you choose, both offer strong educational foundations for your children.
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