Best Illinois to New York Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IL to NY Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life, full of fresh opportunities and adventures. Transitioning from the Land of Lincoln, known for its deep-dish pizza and vibrant Chicago city life, to the Empire State, home of bustling New York City and scenic upstate landscapes, is a journey that leaves behind familiar comforts for new experiences. It's crucial to ensure this significant life change is as smooth as possible by enlisting the help of trusted and reliable professional movers, a service we take pride in offering to help you navigate this long-distance move with confidence.

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Best Illinois to New York Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
JP Urban Moving9.85A+Authorized For HHGContact
Metropolis Moving9.72A+Authorized 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 New York to Illinois guide.

6 Best IL to NY Moving Companies

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

JP Urban Moving Logo
Exceptional9.85/10
based on 4,145+ data points

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to give you the best custo...Read More >>

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Metropolis Moving Logo
Exceptional9.72/10
based on 2,535+ data points

About Metropolis Moving

Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2781573 / 926286

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved96,000 (2022)
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 New York

Moving from one state to another brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Illinois to New York. By comparing the pros and cons, we hope to offer a balanced view to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Harsher winters
  • Lower job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Lower income average
  • Slower pace of life
New York iconNew York
  • Milder winters
  • Higher job opportunities
  • More cultural diversity
  • Higher income potential
  • Faster pace of life
New York iconNew York
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less space
  • Noisier environment
  • More traffic
  • More impersonal
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Lower cost of living
  • More space
  • Quiet lifestyle
  • Less traffic
  • Community feel

Delving deeper into the dynamics of moving from Illinois to New York, there are notable differences that could significantly impact your lifestyle. Illinois, known for its calmer and more laid-back environment, provides a sharp contrast to New York's bustling urban life. In New York, you'll find an array of cultural experiences right at your doorstep. Places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park are not just iconic sights but everyday accessible luxuries for locals. Moreover, neighborhoods like Williamsburg in Brooklyn offer a rich tapestry of restaurants, artisan shops, and vibrant nightlife, something that can be less prevalent in many areas of Illinois. While the cost of living in New York is higher, the city compensates with unparalleled job opportunities, especially in industries like finance, technology, and entertainment. Ultimately, while Illinois offers a quieter and more affordable lifestyle, New York promises a dynamic and culturally rich living experience.

Illinois vs. New York Food Guide

As you explore a move, understanding the local culture is key, and food plays an essential role in that experience. This guide focuses on the comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & New York to help you anticipate the culinary delights awaiting in your new area.

IllinoisNew York
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish PizzaBagel
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefBuffalo Wings
Most popular street food itemHot DogsPretzel
Most popular vegan foodChicago-Style Vegan PizzaVegan Bagel Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Girl & The Goat
  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Dominique Ansel Bakery
  • Per Se
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Illinois to New York, you'll transition from the hearty, comfort-focused cuisine of the Midwest to the diverse, fast-paced food scene of the East Coast. In Illinois, iconic dishes like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches capture the state's love for rich, flavorful meals, with places like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and Portillo's standing as culinary landmarks. New York, on the other hand, boasts a vibrant array of international cuisines, with an emphasis on quick, high-quality meals like bagels and pizza slices. Food trucks and vegan options abound, particularly in bustling neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Manhattan, offering endless food adventures. Whether you're craving a slice from Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York or a Chicago-style vegan pizza in Illinois, both states present a rich tapestry of tastes that reflect their unique cultural identities.

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Illinois vs. New York Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal element when considering relocation. Understanding the nuances between Illinois and New York in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle aspects such as walkability and urban living is essential. This comparison aims to elucidate these critical differences and similarities to aid in your decision-making process.

ComparisonIllinoisNew York
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and RanchBrownstone and High-rise
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, garagesProximity to public transit, views

While comparing Illinois and New York, you'll find significant differences in the cost and lifestyle associated with housing. For instance, the median home price and monthly rent in New York are considerably higher, reflecting the state's overall cost of living and demand for space, especially in NYC. Architecturally, Illinois offers more traditional styles like Prairie and Ranch, often with spacious yards and garages, which contrasts sharply with New York's iconic Brownstones and high-rise apartments, where proximity to public transit and city views are highly valued. Additionally, New York boasts a higher walkability and bikeability score, indicating a more urban lifestyle conducive to those preferring accessibility and minimal car dependency. These factors play a crucial role in determining the right fit for your lifestyle and budget when making a move.

Illinois vs. New York Weather Considerations

Moving between states means adjusting to new weather patterns. Understanding how the climate shifts from Illinois to New York will help you prepare for the changes and plan accordingly. This comparison offers insight into what you can expect after your move.

Summer icon
85°F / 65°F

Illinois

82°F / 62°F

New York

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 22°F

Illinois

32°F / 18°F

New York

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

42

New York

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

25

New York

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisNew York
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsHurricanes, Blizzards
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When relocating from Illinois to New York, expect milder summers and slightly cooler winters, along with an increase in sunny days. Notably, the weather in New York allows for more vitamin D on bright days but prepares you for brisker winters. Both states experience their share of natural disasters, but while Illinois is more prone to tornadoes, New York's coastal location makes it susceptible to hurricanes and nor’easters, highlighting the importance of understanding and preparing for different types of weather emergencies. Additionally, air quality in New York tends to be better, which might be a relief for those sensitive to pollution. Understanding these differences can significantly impact your year-round comfort and preparedness in your new home.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, comprehending the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the significant differences in money and finance that you'll encounter when relocating. The key aspects to consider include average household income, cost of living, and state taxes between Illinois and New York, ensuring you make an informed decision about your move.

ComparisonIllinoisNew York
Avg. Household Income$76,708$79,557
Cost of Living Index94.25102.8
State Income Tax4.954-10.9
Avg. Property Tax2.161.69
Avg. Sales Tax8.88.52
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Services, AgricultureFinance, Healthcare, Professional & Technical Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySubstantialSignificant
HomelessnessNotableConsiderable

Moving from Illinois to New York, you'll notice a stark difference in the cost of living—New York's index significantly surpasses that of Illinois, challenging newcomers with higher expenses in nearly every category. While average household incomes in New York are slightly higher, the tiered state income tax system could impact your take-home pay depending on your earnings. Moreover, the shift from a manufacturing and agriculture-driven economy in Illinois to the finance and services-dominated landscape of New York offers new professional opportunities but also demands adaptability and potentially higher living costs.

Illinois vs. New York Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison aims to give a quick glimpse into the political and religious makeup of the residents in Illinois & New York, providing insights that might help you understand the cultural and societal climate you’re moving into.

IllinoisNew York
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsDiverse mix, with some conservative rural areasDiverse, but largely progressive urban areas
ReligionMix of Protestants & Catholics, growing diversityDominantly Catholic, significant Jewish population

Moving from Illinois to New York, you’ll find yourself transitioning from a state that leans Democratic to one that is strongly Democratic, especially significant in New York’s urban areas like New York City. This shift reflects not just in the political representation but also in local policies and social attitudes. Illinois presents a diverse religious makeup with a strong presence of both Protestants and Catholics, along with an increasing diversity in faiths. New York, while also religiously diverse, has a notably dominant Catholic community alongside a significant Jewish population, particularly in areas like Brooklyn. Understanding these nuances can aid in easing your transition and help you connect with your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to New York

Moving from one state to another can be a huge transition, especially when it comes to finding the right school for your children. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and New York. By examining key aspects of each state's education system, you can make an informed decision on what's best for your family.

IllinoisNew York

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
New York University
Columbia University
Cornell University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Skinner North Classical School (Chicago)
South Loop Elementary School (Chicago)
Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest)
PS 77 Lower Lab School (New York)
Success Academy Charter School-Cobble Hill (Brooklyn)
Anderson School (New York)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Whitney Young Magnet High School (Chicago)
Edwardsville Middle School (Edwardsville)
East Side Middle School (New York)
Baccalaureate School for Global Education (Queens)
I.S. 187 The Christa McAuliffe School (Brooklyn)

Top 3 High Schools

Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
New Trier High School (Winnetka)
Stuyvesant High School (New York)
Bronx High School of Science (Bronx)
Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn)

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest)
Horace Mann School (Bronx)
Trinity School (New York)
Collegiate School (New York)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Morgan Park Academy (Chicago)
North Shore Country Day School (Winnetka)
Chapin School (New York)
Brearley School (New York)
Dalton School (New York)

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203 (Winnetka)
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 (Naperville)
Cons High School District 99 (Downers Grove)
Jericho Union Free School District (Jericho)
Syosset Central School District (Syosset)
Great Neck Public Schools (Great Neck)

When comparing the top educational institutions between Illinois and New York, a few standout differences emerge that could influence your decision. Illinois boasts prestigious universities like the University of Illinois and Northwestern, appealing to those looking for top-notch higher education options close to home. Contrastingly, New York is home to highly-ranked universities such as NYU and Columbia, set in the heart of the city, providing unique opportunities for urban education. In terms of elementary and secondary education, New York offers several high-profile private K-12 schools like the Chapin and Dalton Schools, known for their rigorous academic programs and extensive extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, Illinois' public school districts, such as New Trier Township and Naperville, are routinely celebrated for their excellence in education, ensuring students receive a high-quality learning experience. Depending on your preferences for public versus private education, and whether you're leaning towards urban or suburban settings, these factors can significantly guide your choice in relocating.

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