Best Chicago to Grand Rapids Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling streets of the Windy City to the scenic beauty of River City is not just a change of scenery, it's an exciting chapter in your life. While you may be swapping Chicago’s iconic skyline and deep-dish pizzas for Grand Rapids' vibrant art scene and craft breweries, the journey promises new adventures. Remember, ensuring a smooth transition depends significantly on the movers you choose. We at Great Guys Moving understand the importance of reliable, professional movers for this long-distance adventure, aiming to make your experience as seamless as possible.
Best Chicago to Grand Rapids Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Grand Rapids to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Grand Rapids 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
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
About MASS Movers
MASS Movers is a leading moving company in Lansing, MI. Established in 2016, this family-owned and operated business specializes in creating...Read More >>
Services
- Packing Service
- Large Item Moving
- Small to Medium Business Moving
About Kingsley Moving Systems
Kingsley Moving Systems is an experienced moving company located in Lansing, Michigan with over 20 years in the moving industry. Its profess...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Statewide Moving
- Interstate Moving
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. Grand Rapids Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Grand Rapids, MI. This guide will help you find a Grand Rapids neighborhood reminiscent of your old Chicago haunt, making your move a bit smoother.
| Chicago | Grand Rapids | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | East Grand Rapids | Affluent, family-friendly vibe |
| Wicker Park | Eastown | Artsy, with vibrant nightlife |
| The Loop | Downtown GR | Urban center, cultural attractions |
| Hyde Park | Heritage Hill | Historic homes, intellectual atmosphere |
| Logan Square | Midtown | Trendy eateries, creative community |
| Andersonville | Fulton Heights | Diverse, with a cozy feel |
| Gold Coast | Cascade | Upscale living, shopping options |
| Old Town | Gaslight Village | Quaint, with historic charm |
| South Loop | Belknap Lookout | Dynamic, with growth and development |
| River North | Monroe North | Arts scene, modern lofts |
If you're charmed by the eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, and historic architecture of Wicker Park, you'll find a kindred spirit in Grand Rapids' Eastown. This neighborhood is a hub for arts and culture, boasting venues like Wealthy Theatre and unique dining experiences at places like Electric Cheetah. Similarly, if the upscale, cosmopolitan lifestyle of the Gold Coast appeals to you, then Cascade in Grand Rapids aligns well with luxury living and shopping, including the high-end Brookside Shopping Center. For those who appreciate the intellectual and historic ambiance of Hyde Park, Heritage Hill offers a comparable experience with its well-preserved architecture and proximity to museums and arts institutions, like the notable Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Things to Do in Grand Rapids
Explore the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park- Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Enjoy a show at DeVos Performance Hall
- Sample beer on the Beer City Ale Trail
- Stroll through Eastown neighborhood
- Attend a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game
- Canoe on the Grand River
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids
Moving from one city to another can be a significant life change, offering new opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI, helping you make an informed decision. Through contrasting the cons and pros, these charts highlight what you're leaving behind and looking forward to in your new city.
Chicago, IL- Higher Crime Rate
- More Expensive Housing
- Heavier Traffic
- Larger Population
- Less Green Space
Grand Rapids, MI- Lower Crime Rate
- More Affordable Housing
- Less Traffic
- Smaller Community
- More Parks & Trails
Grand Rapids, MI- Quieter Nightlife
- Smaller Job Market
- More Limited Culture
- Less Public Transit
- Fewer Dining Options
Chicago, IL- Vibrant Nightlife
- Diverse Job Market
- Rich Cultural Scene
- Extensive Public Transit
- World-Class Restaurants
Though you might be leaving behind Chicago's renowned culinary scenes, such as the Michelin-starred Alinea, Grand Rapids offers its unique dining experiences, like the cozy comfort foods of San Chez Bistro. Similarly, while saying goodbye to the expansive Millennium Park, you'll find welcome green space in Grand Rapids at places like Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, offering peaceful strolls and striking art installations. The vibrant nightlife and extensive public transit system of Chicago are traded for a closer-knit community feel and easier commutes in Grand Rapids. While the job market might seem narrower, the growing economy in Grand Rapids presents new opportunities, especially in healthcare and manufacturing sectors, making it an exciting prospect for those looking to make a fresh start.
Chicago vs. Grand Rapids Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Grand Rapids, showcasing food as a crucial aspect of local culture and living environment. We provide a closer look to help you understand the culinary landscape you're moving into.
| Chicago | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Beer Cheese Soup |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Pulled Pork |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Vegan Chili |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While both Chicago and Grand Rapids boast diverse culinary scenes, they each offer unique experiences reflective of their local culture. In Chicago, neighborhoods like the West Loop and Pilsen are known for their vibrant restaurant scenes, offering everything from Michelin-starred dining at Alinea to iconic Chicago-style hot dogs found citywide. Grand Rapids, often hailed as "Beer City USA," complements its culinary scene with an impressive array of craft breweries, such as Founders Brewing Co., and a mix of local eateries that highlight Michigan's agricultural bounty. San Chez Bistro, for instance, brings a taste of Spain to Michigan with its tapas-style dining experience, showcasing the fusion of local ingredients and international flavors that Grand Rapids is known for.
Chicago vs. Grand Rapids Restaurant Comparison
Making a new place feel like home often starts with finding your go-to spots for a memorable meal. This restaurant comparison between Chicago, IL, and Grand Rapids, MI , aims to assist in your culinary transition, ensuring you easily find your new local favorites based on what you loved back in Chicago. Let's dive into a taste of home away from home.
| Chicago | Grand Rapids | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Grove | Artfully crafted dishes with a focus on fine dining |
| Girl & The Goat | Butcher's Union | Inventive and robust flavors in a casual chic setting |
| Pequod's Pizza | Harmony Brewing Company | Known for deep-dish pizzas and a homely vibe |
| The Purple Pig | Six.One.Six | Eclectic Mediterranean dishes with a vibrant atmosphere |
| Portillo's | Two Scotts Barbecue | A fast-casual spot known for hearty American classics |
| Giordano's | Brick Road Pizza Co. | Celebrated for its deep-dish pizzas and diverse menu |
| Publican | Rowster Coffee | Offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Leo's Seafood Restaurant & Bar | High-end seafood and steaks in a luxurious setup |
| Frontera Grill | Taqueria San Jose | Authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients |
| Smoque BBQ | Slows Bar BQ | Renowned for smoked meats and a great selection of craft beers |
For the die-hard foodies moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids, the transition can be as delightful as it is seamless. Grove stands as Grand Rapids' answer to Alinea, offering meticulously prepared dishes that could easily rival the Windy City's famed dining experience. Fans of the unique atmosphere and diverse offerings at Girl & The Goat in Chicago might find Butcher's Union in Grand Rapids a pleasing parallel, with its inventive dishes and relaxed, stylish setting. On the more casual front, Pequod's Pizza lovers will appreciate Harmony Brewing Company, where they'll discover a comfort food haven with a similar dedication to mouth-watering deep-dish pizzas. The Chicago to Grand Rapids restaurant scene may offer a change of location, but the promise of unforgettable meals and vibes that feel like home remains unchanged.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Grand Rapids Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, diving into the real estate aspects of your potential new city is crucial. Comparing Chicago, IL and Grand Rapids, MI in terms of housing can illuminate key differences and similarities, helping you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Chicago | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Contemporary | Mid-Century Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to public transit, Lake views | Family-friendly neighborhoods, Access to parks |
Delving deeper, the contrast in the median home price and monthly rent between Chicago and Grand Rapids reveals how you can potentially save on housing by moving to Michigan. Chicago's vibrant urban lifestyle is highly rated, catering to those who thrive in a dynamic city environment, with its real estate boasting views of Lake Michigan and access to extensive public transit. In contrast, Grand Rapids offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe, emphasizing family-friendly neighborhoods and the availability of parks. This brings into focus not just the financial aspect of moving but also the lifestyle changes one can anticipate, further emphasizing that the choice of where to live extends beyond numbers.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI
1. Eastown: Known for its vibrant community and walkability, you'll find pet-friendly cafes and a welcoming atmosphere in Eastown, making it a perfect place for pet owners.
2. Heritage Hill: With its spacious parks and historic charm, Heritage Hill offers plenty of green space for your pets to explore, alongside pet-friendly housing options.
3. Heartside: A bustling downtown neighborhood, Heartside stands out for its pet-friendly apartments and proximity to dog parks, ensuring your furry friends are always welcome.
Chicago vs. Grand Rapids Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI, understanding how the weather compares between these two cities is essential. This comparison will help you adjust to what the seasons will feel like, what weather conditions you can expect, and how to prepare for seasonal activities in your new home.
Chicago, IL
Grand Rapids, MI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Grand Rapids, MI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Grand Rapids, MI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Grand Rapids, MI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Blizzards, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In comparing weather between Chicago and Grand Rapids, one significant difference is the annual snowfall, with Grand Rapids receiving more than double Chicago's amount. This impacts not just daily life in winter but also how one might approach activities like driving, winter sports, and home maintenance. While both cities experience a similar range of temperatures throughout the year, Grand Rapids' higher humidity levels and fewer days of sunshine could influence outdoor activities and how you manage indoor air quality. Understanding these differences will allow you to better prepare for your move and adjust seamlessly to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids
When considering moving from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes between Chicago and Grand Rapids will impact your finances. This comparison will provide a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of money and finance.
| Comparison | Chicago | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $59,596 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 90.7 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 4.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.12 | 1.58 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | Emerging |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Lower |
Understanding the financial landscape of Chicago and Grand Rapids can help you grasp the expected changes in your living expenses. For example, while the average household income in Chicago is higher, Grand Rapids offers a more affordable cost of living. This includes lower property and sales taxes, which could mean more disposable income at your disposal. Additionally, the cost of living index significantly favors Grand Rapids, potentially allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle or the opportunity to save more. Both cities have thriving industries but differ in focus, possibly impacting your career opportunities. Considering these factors can help you make a well-informed decision on your move.
Chicago vs. Grand Rapids Political & Religious Comparison
This brief overview offers a comparison of the politics between Chicago & Grand Rapids , giving you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities. Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the community landscape you'll be moving into.
| Chicago | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Heavily Democratic | Moderately Conservative |
| Local Politics | Liberal policies & leadership | Mix of conservative and liberal, with leanings based on district |
| Religion | Diverse faith communities | Strong Christian Reformed influence |
Moving from Chicago to Grand Rapids presents a substantial shift not just in scenery but in the local cultural fabric as well. Chicago's population is known for its broad spectrum of political beliefs, heavily leaning towards Democratic values, a characteristic reflected in its liberal policies and leadership. This contrasts with the more moderately conservative outlook you'll find in Grand Rapids, which, while having a mixture of views, has a significant influence from its strong Christian Reformed community. These factors contribute to a diverse and dynamic environment, offering new experiences and communities for you to become a part of.
Chicago vs. Grand Rapids Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI, it's crucial to better understand the daily commute and traffic, specifically comparing traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Grand Rapids. This comparison will help you anticipate changes in your commute and overall mobility in these cities.
| Comparison | Chicago | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 22 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes, with some planning | It's challenging |
In Chicago, the average commute time is longer, and traffic congestion is higher compared to Grand Rapids. However, Chicago's public transit system, including buses, trains, and bikes, scored higher in availability, facilitating a lifestyle that does not necessarily require a car for daily commute or errands. On the other hand, in Grand Rapids, while the traffic congestion is less severe and the commute times are shorter, the public transit options are not as robust, making it more challenging to get by without owning a car. Additionally, the culture and layout of Grand Rapids make depending on a car for mobility more of a necessity than a choice.
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