Best Chicago to Minneapolis Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Windy City to the City of Lakes is an exhilarating shift, promising new vistas and adventures. While you may be trading Chicago's skyscraping elegance and bustling streets for Minneapolis’s vibrant arts scene and sprawling green spaces, each city holds its unique charms and challenges. To ensure this long-distance transition is as smooth as possible, it's crucial to entrust your move to reliable professional movers, ensuring your journey to Minneapolis begins on the right note. Trust us at Great Guys Moving to guide you to the best moving services tailored for your needs.
Best Chicago to Minneapolis Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Movers | 9.49 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| General Expert Moving Service LLC | 9.27 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Minneapolis to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Minneapolis Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Business Moving
- Long Distance Residential Moving
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 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 >>
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance 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. Minneapolis Neighborhood Comparison
Moving between cities can feel overwhelming, but understanding your new area through what you already know can ease the transition. This guide is designed to help you compare local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Minneapolis, MN , using familiar Chicago neighborhoods as your baseline to find your new favorite spots in Minneapolis. Whether you're searching for a bustling area with vibrant nightlife or a quiet, family-friendly zone, this comparison will assist in making your relocation smoother.
| Chicago | Minneapolis | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Lyn-Lake | Vibrant arts and dining scene |
| Wicker Park | Uptown | Trendy shops and nightlife |
| Loop | Downtown West | Business and theater district |
| Gold Coast | Lowry Hill | Upscale homes and cultural venues |
| Old Town | Northeast | Historic charm with modern twist |
| Lakeview | North Loop | Vibrant, with a mix of residential and industrial |
| River North | Warehouse District | Trendy arts scene and nightlife |
| Andersonville | Southwest | Cozy, community vibe with local businesses |
| Hyde Park | Powderhorn | Diverse, with strong cultural presence |
| Bucktown | Whittier | Artsy, with eclectic collection of eateries |
Those moving from Chicago's lively Wicker Park will find Minneapolis's Uptown a kindred spirit with its trendy shops, bustling nightlife, and the iconic Chain of Lakes providing outdoor escapades. Likewise, if Gold Coast's upscale living and access to cultural institutions are what you're used to, Lowry Hill will welcome you with its grand homes, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Walker Art Center. And for those who adore the vibrant, community-oriented vibe of Andersonville, Southwest Minneapolis offers a similar warmth, featuring a plethora of local shops like Patisserie 46 and the homey Lake Harriet Pizza to instantly make you feel at home. These comparisons are designed to not just find a new neighborhood, but a new community that feels like it's always been yours.
Things to Do in Minneapolis
Explore the Walker Art Center- Picnic by Minnehaha Falls
- Shop at Mall of America
- Visit Mill City Museum
- Bike along the Mississippi River
- Spend a day at Minnesota Zoo
- Catch a Twins game at Target Field
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis
Moving from Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, we shed light on what makes moving from Chicago to Minneapolis an intriguing decision. Below, find insightful charts that help break down these considerations.
Chicago, IL- Higher crime rates
- Denser population
- Heavier traffic
- Higher living costs
Minneapolis, MN- Lower crime rates
- More space
- Easier commuting
- More affordable living
Minneapolis, MN- Smaller cultural offerings
- Fewer dining options
- More subdued nightlife
- Less public transit
Chicago, IL- Rich cultural scene
- Diverse dining options
- Vibrant nightlife
- Extensive public transit
Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis brings with it changes in lifestyle and environment that can be both refreshing and challenging. In Chicago, neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park and Wicker Park offer a plethora of restaurants, bars, and cultural festivities, like the renowned Taste of Chicago. In comparison, Minneapolis, while offering a more peaceful living environment in areas like Linden Hills and the Uptown district, boasts treasures like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Chain of Lakes, offering a more outdoors-centric lifestyle. Dining experiences in Minneapolis, albeit fewer, include gems such as the award-winning Spoon and Stable, which showcases the city's growing culinary scene. This comparison underscores the shift from a bustling city life to a calmer, but equally enriching, community-focused lifestyle.
Chicago vs. Minneapolis Food Guide
When considering a move, it’s essential to dive into the cultural nuances that make a place unique. Understanding local cuisine is a pivotal part of this exploration. With our guide, we will embark on a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Minneapolis , which will serve as a key indicator of the vibrant food scenes and what you can expect as you transition to your new home.
| Chicago | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Jucy Lucy Burger |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Wild Rice Sausage |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dog | Food Truck Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Heading to Minneapolis means you're stepping into a city with a rich tradition of embracing both the old and the new in its culinary scene. The Jucy Lucy, a deliciously unique cheese-stuffed burger, is a must-try local delight, famously available at Matt’s Bar, located in the bustling Powderhorn neighborhood. Minneapolis’s commitment towards health and fitness is evident, with a higher score in fitness and health conscientiousness compared to Chicago. For vegans and vegetarians, the city offers an array of options, such as jackfruit tacos at various local eateries, that surpass the offerings in many other urban areas, demonstrating Minneapolis's progressive and inclusive food scene. The abundance of food trucks and cozy cafes like Café Alma peppered around the city ensures that your adventures in Minneapolis will be as flavorful as they are memorable.
Chicago vs. Minneapolis Restaurant Comparison
When settling into a new city, finding your go-to eateries can truly make it feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to ease the transition by guiding you from your favorite spots in Chicago to potential new favorites in Minneapolis. By examining a variety of dining experiences—from high-end to affordable and iconic—we hope to highlight comparable locales in the journey from Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN , ensuring that no matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find comfort in familiar, yet new culinary delights.
| Chicago | Minneapolis | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Spoon and Stable | Innovative haute cuisine in a warm, welcoming space. |
| Portillo's | Matt's Bar | Famed for the "Jucy Lucy," a Midwestern culinary staple similar in iconic status. |
| Girl & the Goat | The Bachelor Farmer | Farm-to-table concept with a Nordic twist, offering inventive dishes. |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Pizzeria Lola | Known for creative, wood-fired pizzas that could rival Chicago's deep-dish. |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Manny's Steakhouse | Premium steaks and seafood, maintaining an upscale dining experience. |
| Publican | Spoon and Stable again | Celebrated for both their meat-centric dishes and inviting atmosphere. |
| The Purple Pig | Bar La Grassa | Italian-inspired with a robust menu of pastas and small plates. |
| Roister | Travail Kitchen and Amusements | Offers a unique, experimental dining experience. |
| Gene & Georgetti | Murray's | A historic steakhouse known for its "Silver Butter Knife" steak, a nod to tradition. |
| The Berghoff | Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit | Authentic German fare that echoes The Berghoff's rich heritage. |
Among these culinary gems, Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis emerges as a standout, drawing parallels to Chicago's Alinea through its innovative approach to haute cuisine. Meanwhile, those who cherish the deep-dish delights of Lou Malnati's Pizzeria will find solace in the wood-fired wonders of Pizzeria Lola. The essence of Chicago's vibrant Italian scene, represented by The Purple Pig, resonates in the bustling atmosphere and pasta prowess of Bar La Grassa. This array of Minneapolis dining options not only matches the caliber of Chicago's favorites but also enriches the food scene with their unique local flair, making the transition between these cities a journey of delightful discovery for your palate.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Minneapolis Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly impacts your relocation experience, making it essential to compare living conditions in both cities. Understand how Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN stack up in terms of housing to make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Gothic & Modern | Craftsman & Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, L train access | Lake proximity, Bike paths |
While both cities offer unique living experiences, Chicago is slightly more walkable, contributing to an urban lifestyle score that edges out Minneapolis. However, Minneapolis boasts a higher bikeability score, reflecting its extensive bike paths and commitment to cyclist-friendly infrastructure. The architecture in both cities mirrors their rich histories and modern growth, with Chicago known for its Gothic and Modern buildings, while Minneapolis features charming Craftsman homes alongside contemporary designs. Furthermore, the proximity to lakes and outdoor amenities plays a crucial role in real estate listings in both cities, although the emphasis varies, highlighting Chicago's famous lake views and Minneapolis's abundant bike paths.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Minneapolis, MN
1. Linden Hills: Known for its quaint and walkable streets, you'll find numerous pet-friendly cafes and the nearby Lake Harriet perfect for dog walking.
2. Uptown: With its vibrant mix of parks like Lake of the Isles, pet stores, and patio dining options, Uptown is a haven for pets and their owners alike.
3. Northeast Minneapolis: This artsy neighborhood boasts pet-friendly breweries like Sociable Cider Werks, along with plenty of green spaces and riverfront paths for leisurely walks.
Chicago vs. Minneapolis Weather Considerations
If you're considering a move, it's vital to compare the weather between Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN to anticipate how your lifestyle might adjust. This comparison will help you understand the differences in climate and prepare accordingly.
Chicago, IL
Minneapolis, MN
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Minneapolis, MN
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Minneapolis, MN
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Minneapolis, MN
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Chicago to Minneapolis, prepare for colder winters with significantly more snow, about 16 inches more annually. The summer temperatures are quite similar, but winters in Minneapolis can be notably harsher, with average lows dropping to 9°F. Minneapolis enjoys slightly more sunny days each year, which might offset the chillier winter for some. Both cities experience their fair share of natural disasters, but Minneapolis has a higher risk of tornadoes, while both locations need to be prepared for blizzards. Whether you're embracing the snow or gearing up for allergy season, understanding these differences can help ease your transition.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis
When planning a move from one city to another, comparing financial aspects is essential for a seamless transition. This chart aims to provide a clear comparison of money and finance between Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN, helping you understand how your cost of living and income may change.
| Comparison | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $69,397 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 111 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 (Flat) | 5.35 to 9.85 (Progressive) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 1.15 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 8.025 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Manufacturing, Medical Instruments, Retail |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | High | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Lower |
The data indicates a notable difference in financial aspects between Chicago and Minneapolis. Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis, you might find a more favorable tax structure despite the progressive state income tax, with a significantly lower average sales tax and property tax in Minneapolis. Moreover, the average household income in Minneapolis is higher, paired with a slightly lower cost of living index, suggesting a potentially stronger purchasing power. This, combined with the described levels of affluence, poverty, and homelessness, paints a comprehensive picture of what one might expect in terms of financial lifestyle changes after the move.
Chicago vs. Minneapolis Political & Religious Comparison
Considering a move from Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN? Understanding the communities you'll be joining is critical. This quick look provides a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Chicago & Minneapolis , offering a glimpse into the local landscapes you're about to navigate.
| Chicago | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on fiscal policy, education | Focus on social issues, housing |
| Religion | Diverse, with a significant Catholic population | Diverse, with notable Lutheran and Catholic communities |
In both Chicago and Minneapolis, you'll find a strong Democratic presence, reflecting their urban, progressive roots. However, the local political concerns differ, with Chicagoans concentrating on fiscal matters and education reforms, while Minneapolitans are more focused on progressive social issues and affordable housing. Religious diversity is a hallmark in both cities, albeit with a stronger Lutheran presence in Minneapolis, reflective of its historical Scandinavian influence. This blending of political and religious backgrounds contributes to the uniquely vibrant cultures of both Chicago and Minneapolis.
Chicago vs. Minneapolis Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison between driving and transiting in Chicago & Minneapolis provides a comprehensive view to better anticipate what your daily travels might look like.
| Comparison | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, but challenging in some areas | Yes, in most areas |
When considering your move from Chicago to Minneapolis, you'll find key differences in both cities' commuting dynamics. Chicago's average commute time is notably longer, partly due to its greater traffic congestion. However, Chicago boasts a more comprehensive public transit system, making it possible, though sometimes challenging, to navigate the city without a car. Conversely, Minneapolis offers a more manageable commute with less congestion and slightly less public transit coverage, yet it's generally easier to live in Minneapolis without a car. Understanding these differences will help you plan your daily travel in your new city more effectively.
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