Best Chicago to Raleigh Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling Windy City to the vibrant city of Oaks is an adventure filled with new opportunities and experiences. Leaving behind Chicago's iconic skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza for Raleigh's lush landscapes and burgeoning tech scene represents a significant life shift. In this journey, securing trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial to ensure a smooth transition between these two distinct cities, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Best Chicago to Raleigh Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Raleigh to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Raleigh Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distan...Read More >>
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
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
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving ExpertsAbout Athens Moving Experts
Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residenti...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
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
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. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison
If you're planning a move from Chicago, IL, to Raleigh, NC, understanding the local scenes can feel daunting. This guide aims to bridge that gap with a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Raleigh, NC . By relating popular Chicago locales to their closest Raleigh counterparts, we hope to make your transition smoother and help you find a new place that feels like home.
| Chicago | Raleigh | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Cameron Village | Walkable, diverse shops |
| Wicker Park | Five Points | Trendy, artsy scene |
| The Loop | Downtown Raleigh | Urban, vibrant living |
| Hyde Park | Boylan Heights | Historic, intellectual vibe |
| Gold Coast | North Hills | Upscale, modern amenities |
| Logan Square | Warehouse District | Creative, lively area |
| River North | Glenwood South | Nightlife, dining spots |
| Andersonville | Oakwood | Quaint, historic charm |
| Lakeview | Stonehenge | Family-friendly, spacious parks |
| Old Town | Mordecai | Vibrant, community feel |
For those moving from Chicago's artsy and vibrant Wicker Park, Raleigh's Five Points neighborhood offers a similar trendy atmosphere, boasting local boutiques, art galleries, and unique eateries like the beloved Lynwood Brewing Concern. If you’re drawn to the intellectual and historic ambiance of Hyde Park, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Raleigh's Boylan Heights, where the streets are lined with enchanting, century-old homes and the air buzzes with creative energy. Those accustomed to the upscale and bustling life in Gold Coast will appreciate North Hills in Raleigh for its luxurious condos, upmarket shops, and fine dining options, including the popular Bartaco. This cross-city comparison aims to match the vibe and lifestyle you're seeking in your new Raleigh neighborhood, ensuring a smoother and more familiar transition.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Raleigh
Moving from one city to another is a significant life change that harbors both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC , helping you weigh your decision carefully.
Chicago, IL- Higher crime rate
- Harsher winters
- Higher cost of living
- More congested traffic
- Dense urban environment
Raleigh, NC- Lower crime rate
- Milder winters
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic congestion
- More green spaces
Raleigh, NC- Quieter nightlife
- Smaller cultural scene
- More car dependency
- Fewer dining options
- Less iconic skyline
Chicago, IL- Vibrant nightlife
- Rich cultural scene
- Better public transit
- Diverse dining options
- Iconic architecture
Moving from Chicago, IL, known for its majestic skyline and vibrant cultural scene, to Raleigh, NC, offers a significant lifestyle shift. Chicago's renowned restaurants like Girl & The Goat and landmarks such as Millennium Park offer urban dwellers a unique experience. In contrast, Raleigh, with its burgeoning tech scene, boasts of quieter suburbs and green expanses like the William B. Umstead State Park, offering a peaceful retreat. The transition from Chicago's dense and bustling streets to Raleigh's spacious neighborhoods and the community-centric lifestyle around areas like the North Hills offers an appealing prospect for those seeking a slower-paced life without sacrificing access to innovative job markets and quality education.
Chicago vs. Raleigh Food Guide
Food is an integral aspect of understanding a locale's culture and everyday life. With this in mind, we aim to enlighten you by making a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Raleigh , enabling a smooth culinary transition as you plan your move. This guide will help you gauge what sorts of flavors, dining experiences, and food-related activities you can anticipate in your new city.
| Chicago | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Pulled Pork BBQ |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Eastern NC Barbecue |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago Dog | Barbecue Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Chicago-style Vegan Deep Dish | Smoked Jackfruit BBQ |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Exploring Raleigh, you'll discover a vibrant culinary scene that's deeply rooted in North Carolinian traditions. Neighborhoods like the Warehouse District or Five Points brim with diverse eateries, such as the celebrated The Pit, which offers a taste of Raleigh's famous pulled pork BBQ. Food trucks, a prevalent sight around Downtown and North Raleigh, serve a blend of local and international flavors, with barbecue tacos standing out as a street food favorite. Raleigh's increasing vegan-friendly options, like the smoked jackfruit BBQ at innovative spots, emphasize the city's evolving foodie landscape, catering to health-conscious diners and ensuring there's something for everyone.
Chicago vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often begins with discovering your next favorite meal. This comparison between Chicago's must-eat spots and Raleigh's culinary gems is designed to bridge your foodie transition from Chicago to Raleigh. Let's ease the change by finding where your taste buds will feel most at home.
| Chicago | Raleigh | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern | Both offer a high-end dining experience with a focus on precision and creativity in their dishes. |
| Portillo's | The Pit | Both are iconic in their respective cities for offering classic, beloved dishes: hot dogs and Italian beef in Chicago and eastern NC barbecue in Raleigh. |
| Girl & The Goat | Brewery Bhavana | While differing in cuisine, both share a lively atmosphere and plates full of bold, unforgettable flavors. |
| Pequod's Pizza | Trophy Brewing & Pizza | Both beloved for their unique and delicious takes on pizza in a casual yet passionate setting. |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Angus Barn | Both offer a luxurious dining experience specializing in steak and seafood, perfect for special occasions. |
| Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill | Jose and Sons | While offering a different take on Mexican cuisine, both prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and flavors. |
| The Purple Pig | Death & Taxes | Both locations are well-known for their innovative approach to small plates and their extensive wine lists. |
| Gene & Georgetti | Sullivan’s Steakhouse | Known for their classic steakhouse vibe and high-quality meats, both offer a taste of time-honored American dining. |
| Smoque BBQ | Big Al’s BBQ | Both are praised for their dedication to traditional American BBQ, with a focus on flavor and authenticity. |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Johnny’s Pizza | Both spots are go-tos for local pizza aficionados, celebrated for their distinct approaches to traditional pies. |
For those who relish the thought of a high-end dining experience that tantalizes the senses, transitioning from Alinea's artful presentations in Chicago to the sumptuous elegance of Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern in Raleigh promises an enchanting journey through culinary excellence. Meanwhile, the casual diner will find comfort in swapping the iconic Chicago-style pizza from Pequod's Pizza with the creative and locally inspired pies found at Trophy Brewing & Pizza. Each restaurant, whether in Chicago or Raleigh, encapsulates the essence of its city’s culture through flavor, offering newcomers a culinary bridge to their new home without leaving behind the tastes they love.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate aspects of both Chicago, IL, and Raleigh, NC, is crucial in making an informed decision. This includes housing costs, styles, and the lifestyle each city offers. Let’s dive into how these cities differ in their real estate markets.
| Comparison | Chicago | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Gothic | Colonial and Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, public transportation access | Green spaces, family-friendly neighborhoods |
When comparing Chicago and Raleigh, it's evident that each city offers a distinct living experience. Chicago, with its higher urban lifestyle score, perhaps appeals more to those seeking a vibrant city life, emphasized by its modern and Gothic architecture as well as ample lake views and public transportation options. On the other hand, Raleigh is characterized by its Colonial and Craftsman homes, highlighting green spaces and family-friendly environments, which might be more appealing to those looking for a quieter, more spacious setting. These differences underline the importance of aligning your housing priorities with the city that best matches your lifestyle preferences.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC
1. North Hills: With an abundance of pet-friendly shops and an expansive park, your pet will love the outdoor activities available.
2. Boylan Heights: This neighborhood is known for its pet-friendly community atmosphere and easy access to Dorothea Dix Park, a popular spot for dog walks and community gatherings.
3. Five Points: You and your pet will enjoy walking through the historical streets and visiting local pet-friendly businesses, including several cafes and eateries that welcome furry friends.
Chicago vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations
If you're considering a move, understanding how the weather in your new city compares to what you're used to can ease the transition. This guide focuses on the weather differences between Chicago, IL and Raleigh, NC , providing insight into what you can expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and more.
Chicago, IL
Raleigh, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Raleigh, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Raleigh, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Raleigh, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In comparing the climates of Chicago and Raleigh, you'll find Raleigh enjoys a milder winter with higher average temperatures and significantly less snowfall. However, summer in Raleigh is not only hotter but also slightly more humid, which might take some adjustment. Raleigh's additional sunshine days and higher UV index suggest more opportunities for outdoor activities but also a greater need for sun protection. Air quality in Raleigh is generally better, which can be a significant advantage for those sensitive to pollution. Lastly, while both cities face natural disaster risks, the types differ greatly, with Raleigh prone to hurricanes and Chicago to blizzards and cold waves.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Raleigh
When contemplating a move from one location to another, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and economic factors in Chicago and Raleigh will impact your finances. This comparison aims to shed light on what you can expect in terms of expenses, taxes, and general affluence when relocating.
| Comparison | Chicago | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $74,612 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 98.2 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 5.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.84 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology | Technology, Healthcare, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | High | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Less significant |
Moving from Chicago to Raleigh can significantly affect your financial well-being. Though the average household income is higher in Raleigh, it's accompanied by a slightly higher state income tax. However, the overall cost of living and property taxes are considerably lower, making Raleigh an attractive option for many. Additionally, Raleigh's leading industries suggest a thriving job market, especially in technology and healthcare, which could present new career opportunities. Despite both cities facing challenges with poverty and homelessness, Raleigh demonstrates a lower prevalence, indicating a potentially higher standard of living.
Chicago vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, focusing on the differences between Chicago & Raleigh . It's designed to help you understand the community you're moving into or leaving.
| Chicago | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Moderately Democratic |
| Local Politics | Heavily influenced by unions and businesses | More balanced influence of business and academia |
| Religion | Diverse, with a strong presence of Catholic and Protestant communities | Diverse, with Protestant majority and growing non-religious community |
In moving from Chicago to Raleigh, you'll find that both cities share a Democratic leaning, though Raleigh presents a more moderate political environment. This difference is reflective of the local political traditions, where Chicago's history is steeped in union and business influence, while Raleigh's political landscape is shaped by the interplay between business interests and its significant academic community. Religious life in both cities is diverse, yet the religious landscape in Raleigh is shifting, with a notable increase in the non-religious community alongside a dominant Protestant presence. This mirrors a broader national trend towards secularism, especially in urban areas.
Chicago vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC brings changes in many aspects of life, including your daily commute. To ensure you’re prepared, we’ve created a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Raleigh. This comparison aims to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic might look like as you transition from one city to the other.
| Comparison | Chicago | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes | No |
While relocating from Chicago to Raleigh, you'll notice a significant shift in your daily commute. Chicago's robust public transportation system, including buses and the "L" train, scores high in availability, making it feasible for many to live without a car. On the flip side, Raleigh's public transit is less developed, which makes owning a vehicle almost a necessity for getting around effectively. Although Raleigh enjoys a lower average commute time and less traffic congestion, the reliance on personal transportation could be a significant adjustment for those accustomed to Chicago's public transit options.
Popular Chicago, IL to North Carolina Moving Routes
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