Best Illinois to North Carolina Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IL to NC Moving Specialists

Moving from the Land of Lincoln to the Tar Heel State is more than a change of scenery—it's an adventure in lifestyle. Leaving behind Illinois' iconic skyline for North Carolina's lush landscapes and sandy shores can feel like stepping into a whole new world, from deep-dish to barbecue, skyscrapers to mountain ranges. Yet, with such a significant journey ahead, the importance of choosing trusted and reliable movers cannot be overstated—that’s why we at Great Guys Moving use an unbiased algorithm to help you find the best professionals for your interstate voyage.

Illinois iconArrow iconNorth Carolina icon

Best Illinois to North Carolina Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Just Move It, LLC9.50A+Authorized For HHGContact
Illuminated Moving & Packing9.47NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.42A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
A1 Movers, Inc9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from North Carolina to Illinois guide.

6 Best IL to NC Moving Companies

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

Just Move It, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 1,771+ data points

About Just Move It, LLC

Just Move It offers some of the best local and long-distance moving rates. But that’s not all that makes it great. It is also professional, ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long-Distance Moving
  • Packing Services
  • Commercial & Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3250986 / 1148366

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved180,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Illuminated Moving & Packing Logo
Exceptional9.47/10
based on 858+ data points

About Illuminated Moving & Packing

Illuminated Moving & Packing is a locally owned and operated moving company based in Asheville, NC, serving surrounding areas such as Hender...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/17/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3605341 / 1226097

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
based on 1,118+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Professional Moving Services
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/24/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2970282 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
5
A1 Movers, Inc Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 776+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
6
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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.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to North Carolina

Moving can be a monumental decision, especially when it involves leaving a familiar home for a new state. This comparison aims to shed light on both the challenges and rewards of transitioning from Illinois to North Carolina , offering a balanced view to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Colder winters
  • Flat landscape
  • Urban congestion
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Lower taxes
  • Milder winters
  • Diverse terrain
  • More green spaces
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Less history
  • Quieter cities
  • Car dependency
  • BBQ-centric cuisine
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant city life
  • Extensive public transit
  • Deep-dish pizza

While you might miss the bustling city vibe of Chicago with its world-renowned Art Institute or the deep-dish pizza that has become synonymous with Illinois, moving to North Carolina offers its own set of unique attractions and lifestyle benefits. You'll discover a different culinary world in North Carolina, renowned for its BBQ—places like Lexington Barbecue are local legends. The move offers a chance to experience the beauty of diverse landscapes, from the serene beaches of the Outer Banks to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, all of which encourage a more outdoor-centric lifestyle. Instead of the historic snowfall amounts of Illinois winters, you'll enjoy the milder winters in cities like Charlotte or Raleigh, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. North Carolina also offers an array of parks and green spaces, such as the Freedom Park in Charlotte or Pullen Park in Raleigh, which provide a refreshing escape from urban life.

Illinois vs. North Carolina Food Guide

When considering a move, it's essential to dive into the flavors that define a place. Food is a vibrant part of local culture, shaping daily life and special moments. In this spirit, we present a comparison of local cuisine between Illinois & North Carolina, offering a taste of what to expect from each food scene and helping you feel more at home in your new surroundings.

IllinoisNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaPulled pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichEastern NC barbecue
Most popular street food itemChicago-style hot dogBoiled peanuts
Most popular vegan foodChicago-style vegan deep-dishSmoky Mountain chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Alinea
  • Giordano's
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Delving deeper into the culinary landscapes, Illinois proudly presents a hearty tradition with its deep-dish pizza and Italian Beef Sandwich, echoing the rich, multicultural tapestry of Chicago. On the other side, North Carolina takes you down a flavorful voyage with its famed Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern NC barbecue, rooted deeply in the state's history and local pride. Notably, the iconic Lexington Barbecue in North Carolina invites you to experience authentic BBQ culture. Whether strolling through the bustling streets of Chicago or exploring the historic landscapes of North Carolina, the local cuisine offers a glimpse into the soul of each place. Both states boast vibrant food scenes where food trucks, vegan options, and health-conscious choices are abundant, but each with its unique flair and specialties that reflect their rich cultural heritage.

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Illinois vs. North Carolina Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the decision-making process when moving. Understanding how the housing markets in Illinois and North Carolina compare is crucial for anyone considering a move. Let's dive into the specifics.

ComparisonIllinoisNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and Chicago SchoolColonial Revival and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, stainless steel appliancesLarge yards, open floor plans

Housing costs in Illinois and North Carolina reflect the distinct lifestyles each state offers. Illinois, with its slightly higher urban lifestyle rating, is ideal for those seeking a blend of modern amenities and midwestern charm, featuring architecture that ranges from the innovative Prairie style to iconic skyscrapers. North Carolina, on the other hand, appeals to those looking for more space and a slower pace of life, as reflected in its popular real estate features like large yards and open floor plans. Despite its lower urban lifestyle score, the state's rich history is embodied in its prevalent Colonial Revival and Craftsman architectural styles. Choosing between the vibrant city life of Illinois or the relaxed, scenic beauty of North Carolina hinges on individual preferences on space, lifestyle, and architectural taste.

Illinois vs. North Carolina Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding how the climate and weather conditions compare is critical. This comparison will help you adapt more easily to your new environment. Weather comparison between Illinois and North Carolina illuminates key differences and similarities that might impact your daily life and preferences for outdoor activities.

Summer icon
85°F / 65°F

Illinois

88°F / 67°F

North Carolina

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 22°F

Illinois

50°F / 30°F

North Carolina

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39 inches

Illinois

50 inches

North Carolina

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22 inches

Illinois

4 inches

North Carolina

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisNorth Carolina
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsHurricanes, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Illinois to North Carolina means you'll experience milder winters and slightly hotter summers, making outdoor activities more enjoyable year-round. With North Carolina offering more sunny days, you might find yourself spending more time outside compared to Illinois. However, it's important to prepare for the higher humidity and potential for hurricanes, which are uncommon in Illinois. The change in allergens and air quality may also affect your day-to-day comfort, so planning for these adjustments ahead of your move will mitigate any surprises and help you acclimate more quickly to North Carolina's environment.

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

When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to examine financial differences that will impact your budget and lifestyle. This comparison aims to highlight the variations in money and finance between Illinois and North Carolina, helping you make an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonIllinoisNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$76,708$67,481
Cost of Living Index94.2595.85
State Income Tax4.955.25
Avg. Property Tax2.160.85
Avg. Sales Tax8.86.9
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Services, AgricultureTechnology, Banking, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateComparatively Less
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessMore pronouncedLess pronounced

The average household income in Illinois is notably higher than in North Carolina, which might make Illinois seem like the wealthier option at first glance. However, it's important to consider that Illinois also has higher state and property tax rates, potentially offsetting the income advantage. North Carolina offers a lower cost of living and more favorable property taxes, which could result in more disposable income and a different quality of life. Furthermore, the significant variation in top industries between the two states might influence your job market prospects, highlighting the importance of considering your career path as part of your relocation decision.

Illinois vs. North Carolina Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Illinois to North Carolina, understanding the comparison of the politics between Illinois & North Carolina alongside the religious landscape offers a quick snapshot of the potential changes in the community environment you'll encounter. This side-by-side comparison provides insight into the political leanings, local government dynamics, and predominant religious affiliations in both states.

IllinoisNorth Carolina
Political Make-upLean DemocratSwing State
Local PoliticsMix of Urban Liberal & Rural ConservativeLiberal Cities, Conservative Rural Areas
ReligionChristianity Predominant, Diverse Religion LandscapeChristianity Predominant, with a notable Baptist presence

The political landscape you'll navigate moving from Illinois to North Carolina transitions from a predominantly Democratic-leaning state to one that is known for its swing state status, reflecting a more mixed political inclination among its residents. This could mean a broader spectrum of political views and potentially a more dynamic political environment. Local politics in both states echo a common urban-rural divide, although North Carolina's prominent Baptist presence illustrates a slightly different religious composition. Understanding these nuances will help you acclimate to your new surroundings more smoothly and provide context for the diverse perspectives you may encounter.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to North Carolina

When planning a move from Illinois to North Carolina, it's crucial to understand how educational opportunities compare between these two beautiful states. This guide aims to highlight the purpose of comparing education and schools between Illinois and North Carolina to help you make informed decisions for your family's educational future.

IllinoisNorth Carolina

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Illinois State University
University of Chicago
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary School
Naperville
South Loop Elementary School
Chicago
Greeley Elementary School
Winnetka
Endhaven Elementary School
Charlotte
Green Hope Elementary
Cary
Morrisville Elementary
Morrisville

Top 3 Middle Schools

Woodlawn Middle School
Long Grove
Twin Groves Middle School
Buffalo Grove
Maple School
Northbrook
Carnage Middle School
Raleigh
Smith Middle School
Chapel Hill
Jay M. Robinson Middle
Charlotte

Top 3 High School Schools

Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
Northside College Prep High School
Chicago
Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago
Raleigh Charter High School
Raleigh
Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology
Charlotte
Early College at Guilford
Greensboro

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Charlotte Latin School
Charlotte
Ravenscroft School
Raleigh
Cary Academy
Cary

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Lake Forest Country Day School
Lake Forest
Morgan Park Academy
Chicago
Charlotte Country Day School
Charlotte
Durham Academy
Durham
Greensboro Day School
Greensboro

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield
Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125
Lincolnshire
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Chapel Hill
Wake County Public School System
Cary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Charlotte

When comparing Illinois and North Carolina regarding education, it's evident both states boast robust systems with a diverse mix of public and private institutions. Illinois offers some of the top-ranking universities nationally, like the University of Chicago, where innovation meets tradition. North Carolina, on the other hand, is home to prestigious institutions like Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, known for their strong academic programs and research initiatives. In terms of K-12 education, Illinois' Adlai E. Stevenson High School and North Carolina's Raleigh Charter High School represent the pinnacle of high school education in their respective states, demonstrating excellence in academic performance and college readiness. Lastly, the comparison between the two states' top school districts, such as Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Wake County Public School System, highlights the dedication to providing quality education from kindergarten through 12th grade. These insights provide a clearer picture of what each state offers, helping families make a more informed decision when moving.

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