Moving from Illinois to Minnesota?

6 Best IL to MN Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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IL to MN Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another is not just a relocation; it's an exciting journey filled with fresh opportunities. As you bid farewell to Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, with its rich history and bustling cities, and embrace Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, known for its stunning landscapes and friendly communities, the transition opens a new chapter in your life. Understanding the significance of such a long-distance move, it's crucial to entrust your belongings to trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring peace of mind throughout this significant life change.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Minnesota to Illinois guide.

6 Best Illinois to Minnesota Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

#1
Metro Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,008+ data points

Hopkins, MN
Residential Moving, Business Moving, Long Distance Residential Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3742268 Verify

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared vision...Read More >>

top 3 minneapolis 2024 metro movers image
top 10 ranked movers in fertile 2023 metro movers image
#2
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,118+ data points

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in waukegan 2023 happ movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in waukegan 2022 happ movers inc image
#3
6
Exceptional

based on 1,152+ data points

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in kankakee 2023 606 movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in park forest 2022 606 movers inc image
#4
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional

based on 10,649+ data points

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 >>

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top 25 ranked movers in america 2023 image
top 3 ranked movers in chicago 2023 move tastic image
#5
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 528+ data points

Minneapolis, MN
Cheap moving, Local moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2846187 Verify

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup truck back ...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in blaine 2023 general expert moving service llc image
top 10 ranked movers in bloomington 2022 general expert moving service llc image
#6
Murphy Family Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,271+ data points

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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in aurora 2023 murphy family movers image
top ranked movers in aurora 2022 murphy family movers image

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Minnesota

Moving across states is a major decision that balances the excitement of a new beginning against the uncertainty of change. This guide aims to present a candid comparison of the pros and cons of relocating from Illinois to Minnesota , to help you weigh both the good and the bad attributes of this significant life transition. By laying out the benefits and drawbacks side by side, we endeavor to offer an honest reflection that aids your decision-making process.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Humid summers
  • Less outdoor activities
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Lower taxes
  • Milder summers
  • Abundant nature
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Smaller cities
  • Fewer dining options
  • Harsher winters
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Cultural richness
  • World-class dining
  • Better traffic

While weighing your decision to move from Illinois to Minnesota, consider the unique qualities both states offer. Illinois, renowned for its vibrant city life in Chicago, boasts an unmatched cultural scene, with famous spots like The Art Institute of Chicago and diverse dining options ranging from deep-dish pizza to haute cuisine. In contrast, Minnesota, often celebrated for its outdoor lifestyle, offers access to stunning natural landscapes like those found in Itasca State Park, and a lifestyle conducive to active individuals with a passion for nature. Despite its smaller cities and fewer restaurants, Minnesota compensates with a close-knit community feeling and activities that harness its beautiful, albeit sometimes harsh, winter landscapes.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Illinois to Minnesota

When relocating from Illinois to Minnesota, understanding the local cuisine is vital, as food plays a significant role in the cultural landscape. This comparison of local cuisine between Illinois & Minnesota will provide insight into the food scene of your new home.

IllinoisMinnesota

Most iconic local food item

Chicago-style deep-dish pizzaHotdish

Most popular meat dish

Italian Beef SandwichWalleye

Most popular street food item

Chicago-style hot dogJuicy Lucy

Most popular vegan food

Seitan dishesWild rice dishes

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Alinea
  • Giordano’s
  • Portillo’s
  • Matt’s Bar
  • Al’s Breakfast
  • Butcher & the Boar

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

67

Foodie Scene

87

Vegan Friendly

78

In Illinois, particularly Chicago, the food scene is robust and diverse, featuring everything from high-end dining at Alinea to the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s. The city's love for meat is evident in its famous Italian Beef Sandwiches available at places like Portillo's. On the other hand, Minnesota presents a unique blend of Midwest comfort foods with a notable spotlight on local catches like Walleye, and a penchant for hearty dishes such as Hotdish. Minneapolis, known for its vibrant food scene, offers a myriad of experiences from the Juicy Lucy at Matt’s Bar to the cozy brunches at Al’s Breakfast. Both states cater well to the health-conscious and vegan crowds, with Minnesota slightly edging out with its wild rice dishes. Whether you're moving to Illinois or Minnesota, your taste buds are in for a treat.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Illinois to Minnesota

When relocating, understanding the nuances of real estate is crucial. This comparison between Illinois and Minnesota highlights the essentials of housing to assist in your decision-making process. Examine aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle to better gauge what awaits you in your new state.

Moving to a new state brings about a change in your living environment, and dissecting housing aspects of Illinois and Minnesota illustrates prominent differences. Illinois often features homes that prioritize proximity to transportation and boast ample outdoor spaces, making it attractive for those who value accessibility and recreation. On the other hand, Minnesota's real estate listings frequently highlight eco-friendly attributes and proximity to lakes, reflecting the state's high regard for sustainability and love for water activities. Besides the differing architectural styles, with Illinois favoring Prairie and Mid-Century Modern and Minnesota leaning towards Prairie and Craftsman, potential homeowners should consider the overall lifestyle each state offers, weighing factors like walkability, bikeability, and urban living against their personal preferences.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Minnesota

When planning a move from Illinois to Minnesota, it's crucial to understand how the weather patterns compare. This comparison will help you adjust to your new environment smoothly. Our chart below highlights the weather differences between Illinois and Minnesota , providing a clear overview of what you can expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, humidity, and more.

Summer icon
85°F/65°F

Illinois

83°F/63°F

Minnesota

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F/22°F

Illinois

24°F/8°F

Minnesota

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

30

Minnesota

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

54

Minnesota

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While both Illinois and Minnesota experience a variety of weather patterns, there are notable differences, especially during the winter months. Minnesota's winters are harsher, with average highs and lows significantly lower than in Illinois, and double the snowfall. This means you'll need to prepare for colder temperatures and more snow removal. On the other hand, summer temperatures are quite similar, although Illinois sees slightly more rainfall annually. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your move, allowing a smoother transition to your new home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Minnesota

When relocating, understanding how your finances might be impacted is crucial. Comparing Illinois and Minnesota's money and finance-related aspects helps you gauge the economic landscape you're moving into. Know what to expect in terms of income, taxes, and living costs to make an informed decision.

Understanding the financial implications of your move between Illinois and Minnesota involves more than just comparing numbers. For instance, while the average household income is higher in Minnesota, so is the cost of living and the range for state income tax, which can impact your take-home pay. However, the lower average property and sales tax rates in Minnesota could offset some of these costs. Additionally, Minnesota's high affluence and low poverty rates are appealing, correlating with robust employment opportunities in its leading industries. These economic conditions suggest Minnesota can offer a desirable quality of life, though it's important to weigh these factors against your personal and professional circumstances.

Political & Religious Comparison between Illinois and Minnesota

This comparison between Illinois & Minnesota serves as a quick glance at the political and religious makeup of each state's residents, providing you with a snapshot of what to expect as you transition from one state to the other.

IllinoisMinnesota

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticLean Democratic

Local Politics

Urban areas strongly Democratic, rural areas tend to be more RepublicanSimilar pattern, with Twin Cities metropolitan area being a Democratic hub and rural areas leaning more Republican

Religion

Christian (70%), Unaffiliated (22%), Other (8%)Christian (74%), Unaffiliated (20%), Other (6%)

When moving from Illinois to Minnesota, you'll find many similarities in the political landscape of both states, with a Democratic-leaning population concentrated in the urban areas, such as the Twin Cities in Minnesota and Chicago in Illinois. However, as you explore local politics, note the subtleties in political engagement and issues at the forefront in different locales. Religion plays a significant role in both states' cultures, though the exact composition might vary, reflecting a diverse range of beliefs and practices. Understanding these nuances will help you adapt more smoothly to your new surroundings.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Minnesota

When planning a move from Illinois to Minnesota, it's essential to consider the educational opportunities available for your family. The purpose of this comparison is to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Minnesota, allowing for an informed decision on where to enroll your children.

IllinoisMinnesota

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minnesota State University Mankato
University of St. Thomas

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary School
Oak Park; South Loop Elementary School
Chicago; Meadow Glens Elementary School
Naperville
Deephaven Elementary School
Minnetonka; Scenic Heights Elementary School
Minnetonka; St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower Elementary
Stillwater

Top 3 Middle Schools

Woodlawn Middle School
Long Grove; Daniel Wright Junior High School
Lincolnshire; Kennedy Junior High School
Lisle
Minnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka; Wayzata Central Middle School
Plymouth; St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle School
Stillwater

Top 3 High School Schools

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aurora; Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
Minnetonka High School
Minnetonka; Wayzata High School
Plymouth; Edina High School
Edina

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
Breck School
Golden Valley; The Blake School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul

Top 3 private K-12 schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; Morgan Park Academy
Chicago
Breck School
Golden Valley; The Blake School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District
Naperville 203
Township High School District 214
Minnetonka Public Schools
Edina Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools

Both Illinois and Minnesota offer exceptional educational environments, but there are some noteworthy differences to consider. For example, Illinois boasts prestigious universities like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago, drawing many high school seniors from the state. However, Minnesota's University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a significant draw for its diverse programs and research opportunities. When it comes to K-12 education, both states offer highly ranked schools, but Minnesota's Minnetonka and Edina Public Schools districts consistently score high for their academic excellence and extracurricular offerings. For those considering private education, schools like Breck School and The Blake School in Minnesota are comparable to Illinois's University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in terms of their comprehensive K-12 programs and college preparatory focus.

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