Best Chicago to Salem Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling Windy City to the serene City of Witches offers an exciting transition, each city with its unique charm and pace. You're trading Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizzas and towering skyscrapers for Salem's tranquil parks and historic streets. Regardless of the miles and differences between them, ensuring your belongings arrive safely is paramount— that's why choosing trusted and reliable professional movers for this long-distance journey is crucial, and that's where we come in, offering you the best options ranked through an unbiased algorithm.
Best Chicago to Salem Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | 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 |
| Northwest Grace Moving | 9.29 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| All Service Moving | 9.27 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salem to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Salem Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 Northwest Grace Moving
Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland Metro...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Senior Moving
This listing has been claimed by All Service MovingAbout All Service Moving
Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By using a ...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial 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. Salem Neighborhood Comparison
When moving from one city to another, familiarizing oneself with the new environment is crucial. To ease this transition, we've compared local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Salem, OR . This guide will help you find a slice of Chicago in Salem by matching top neighborhoods from each city based on their vibe, amenities, and overall character.
| Chicago | Salem | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | West Salem | Family-friendly with green spaces |
| Wicker Park | Sunnyslope | Trendy area with arts scene |
| Gold Coast | Fairmount | Upscale with historic homes |
| Andersonville | Englewood | Tight-knit community, diverse dining |
| Logan Square | Grant | Bohemian vibes, vibrant murals |
| Loop | Downtown Salem | Urban center, cultural hotspots |
| River North | Morningside | Lively nightlife, dining options |
| Old Town | Faye Wright | Quaint, with a sense of history |
| Hyde Park | Candalaria | Educational institutions, historic areas |
| Bucktown | South Salem | Creative energy, community focus |
For those moving from Chicago's Lincoln Park, known for its expansive greenery and family-friendly atmosphere, West Salem presents a similar vibe with parks like Wallace Marine Park fostering community and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, Wicker Park enthusiasts will find Sunnyslope's burgeoning arts scene and local hangouts reminiscent of their Chicago stomping grounds. If the upscale and historic essence of the Gold Coast appeals to you, Fairmount in Salem, with its elegant homes and manicured lawns, offers a comparable backdrop. Andersonville's diverse dining and close-knit community finds a counterpart in Salem's Englewood neighborhood, where local eateries and neighborhood unity stand out. These parallels not only help in physical relocation but also in preserving a sense of familiarity and belonging in a new city.
Things to Do in Salem
Stroll through the colorful Bush's Pasture Park- Discover gothic horrors at Witch's Castle
- Visit the Willamette National Forest
- Book a ticket to an event at El Sinai Center
- Explore craft brews at Gilgamesh Brewing
- Enjoy a show at Elsinore Theatre
- Join a Salem Saturday Market
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Salem
Moving from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation . The charts below detail how the various aspects of life will change, helping you weigh the pros and cons of such a significant decision.
Chicago, IL- Higher crime rate
- Cold winters
- Costly housing
- Traffic congestion
- Limited nature access
Salem, OR- Lower crime rate
- Milder winters
- More affordable housing
- Less traffic
- Greater nature access
Salem, OR- Smaller city vibe
- Less cultural diversity
- More car-dependent
- Fewer dining options
- No major sports teams
Chicago, IL- Vibrant city life
- Diverse culture
- Extensive public transit
- Rich food scene
- Major sports teams
In more detail, while Chicago's vibrant city life features landmarks like Magnificent Mile and prestigious museums such as The Art Institute of Chicago, Salem offers a more laid-back lifestyle with easy access to outdoor activities. In Salem, locations like Minto-Brown Island Park and the historic Willamette Heritage Center cater to those who appreciate nature and local history. However, it's worth noting that foodies might miss Chicago's extensive dining scene, though Salem has its gems like Word of Mouth Bistro. Moving to Salem could mean embracing a smaller community but also discovering the charm and leisurely pace of life in Oregon.
Chicago vs. Salem Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago, IL & Salem, OR to help you understand the food scene in your new city. Food is a vibrant part of local culture and offers a taste of what life is like in an area. By comparing these two locations, you'll be better equipped to dive into the culinary delights awaiting you.
| Chicago | Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-Dish Pizza | Marionberry Pie |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Pinot Noir Glazed Salmon |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Tempeh Reuben |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Chicago to Salem, you'll transition from the iconic deep-dish pizza and vibrant street food scene highlighted by Chicago-style hot dogs to Salem's rich offerings like Marionberry pie, inspired by the local fruit, and Pinot Noir glazed salmon, showcasing Oregon's renowned wine and seafood. Salem might not have Chicago’s sheer volume of food trucks, but it compensates with a strong emphasis on health-conscious and vegan-friendly options. Neighborhoods like West Salem and downtown are burgeoning foodie destinations, featuring spots like Word of Mouth Bistro for your brunch cravings and Willamette Valley Pie Company, a testament to Salem’s love for Marionberry pie.
Chicago vs. Salem Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new favorite spot to dine is crucial in making any city feel like home. This chart is specifically designed to ease the transition for those moving from Chicago, IL, to Salem, OR, by comparing familiar Chicago eateries to their Salem counterparts. Whether you're craving high-end dining or a casual bite, this guide will help you discover your next go-to restaurant.
| Chicago | Salem | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | DaVinci Ristorante | High-end, creative Italian cuisine reminiscent of Alinea's unique dining experience |
| Portillo's | Word of Mouth Bistro | A casual dining experience with an iconic, local flavor similar to Portillo’s |
| Girl & The Goat | Rudy's Steakhouse | A foodie’s paradise offering a diverse menu with the creative flair of Girl & The Goat |
| Pequod's Pizza | Straight From New York Pizza | Offers authentic, deep-dish pies reminiscent of Pequod's legendary crust |
| The Purple Pig | Amadeus Cafe | Unique and affordable European dishes that echo The Purple Pig’s eclectic menu |
| Joe's Seafood | Turner's Seafood | Quality seafood dining, providing a similar upscale experience to that of Joe’s |
| Smoque BBQ | Adam's Rib Smokehouse | A haven for BBQ lovers, mirroring Smoque BBQ's dedication to flavor and quality |
| Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill | La Margarita Co | Authentic Mexican food with a creative twist, celebrating Rick Bayless' culinary spirit |
| Hot Doug's | Willamette Valley Pie Company | While primarily known for pies, offers savory options that appeal to Hot Doug’s fans |
| Rainforest Cafe | Enchanted Forest Theme Park | While not a direct restaurant match, this thematic park offers dining options in an immersive environment |
For Chicagoans moving to Salem, discovering a new dining scene is an adventure worth exploring. DaVinci Ristorante in Salem offers an exquisite dining experience that rivals the creativity and luxury of Chicago's Alinea. If casual and iconic is more your style, Word of Mouth Bistro in Salem serves up hearty, familiar flavors that will remind you of Portillo's. Fans of Smoque BBQ's mouthwatering dishes will find solace in Adam's Rib Smokehouse, where the BBQ tradition is kept alive with a passion for smoked meats and savory sides. Each of these Salem establishments not only offers a taste reminiscent of Chicago favorites but also brings its unique local flair to the table, making your new dining journey an exciting chapter in Salem.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Salem Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of Chicago, IL, and Salem, OR is crucial. Understanding differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle amenities can significantly impact your decision-making process. Let's delve into how these two cities compare in various housing aspects.
| Comparison | Chicago | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Bungalow, Greystone | Mid-Century, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, Luxury finishes | Large backyards, Proximity to parks |
In the side-by-side comparison, we see Chicago's housing market is uniquely characterized by historic Greystones and bungalows, offering an authentic urban feel combined with luxury finishes and desirable lake views mentioned frequently in real estate listings. These features reflect Chicago's higher urban lifestyle score. On the other hand, Salem boasts more spacious properties with large backyards and a closeness to parks, highlighting a preference for outdoor living and the Craftsman architectural style that dominates the local landscape. Despite Salem's slightly higher median home price, the cost of living in terms of rent tends to be more affordable than in Chicago, providing an appealing alternative for those seeking a balance between urban amenities and the appeal of the Pacific Northwest.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salem, OR
1. West Salem: This area is highly pet-friendly due to its numerous walking trails such as Wallace Marine Park and pet services like Taylor Street OB/GYN Veterinary Clinic.
2. South Salem: Your pet will enjoy South Salem's selection of pet-friendly restaurants and services, including All-In-One Pet Grooming and Garry's Pub which has a pet-friendly patio.
3. Morningside: Known for its large number of dog-friendly parks such as Morningside City Park, this neighborhood also hosts a favorite pet supply store, Petco.
Chicago vs. Salem Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another requires adapting to a new weather pattern. Understanding how Chicago's brisk seasons and sharp climate contrasts compares to Salem's milder, yet wetter environment is crucial to prepare adequately for your relocation.
Chicago, IL
Salem, OR
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Salem, OR
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Salem, OR
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Salem, OR
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Flooding |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Chicago to Salem, you'll experience a shift towards milder summer and winter temperatures, with winters in Salem being much less harsh than the windy, icy conditions commonly seen in Chicago. However, be prepared for more rain and fewer days of sunshine in Salem, which could influence your outdoor activities and overall lifestyle. Also noteworthy is the air quality improvement you might notice in Salem, a pleasant change especially for those with respiratory sensitivities. Despite the differences, both cities share concerns about seasonal allergies mainly due to pollen and mold.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Salem
When deciding to relocate from one city to another, it's crucial to understand the financial dynamics of your new home compared to your current one. This comparison highlights the differences in money and finance when moving from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.
| Comparison | Chicago | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $63,927 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 110.55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 9.9 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.12 | 1.08 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 0 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Technology, Manufacturing | Agriculture, Government, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | High | Lower |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
Moving from Chicago to Salem, you'll find noteworthy differences and some similarities in financial aspects. Salem's cost of living is slightly higher, primarily due to housing. However, you'll save on sales tax because Oregon has no state sales tax, contrasting sharply with Chicago's high sales tax rate. Despite a higher state income tax in Oregon, Salem's more moderate approach to property taxes can be appealing, especially if purchasing a home. Moreover, the changing economic landscape, with different leading industries, may offer new employment opportunities or challenges, depending on your profession.
Chicago vs. Salem Political & Religious Comparison
This guide offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot designed to compare the political and religious makeup of the residents between Chicago, IL & Salem, OR . Understanding these nuances can help you adjust and connect with your new community more effectively.
| Chicago | Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Moderately Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on urban policy, commerce | Emphasis on environmental policy, state governance |
| Religion | Diverse; significant Catholic and Protestant communities | Diverse; increased presence of non-affiliated individuals |
In moving from Chicago to Salem, you're transitioning from an area with a strong Democratic leaning to one that is still moderately Democratic, yet might hold slightly different political priorities, notably with Salem's emphasis on environmental policies. Additionally, the religious landscape in Salem presents a significant proportion of non-affiliated individuals, reflecting a distinct cultural character compared to Chicago's substantial Catholic and Protestant communities. This blend of political and religious backgrounds will be part of your new environment, influencing local culture, community activities, and social interactions.
Chicago vs. Salem Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Salem, OR requires an understanding of the differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Salem aims to provide insights to better navigate your new city.
| Comparison | Chicago | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | It's challenging |
While both Chicago and Salem offer unique living experiences, their traffic and transportation systems differ vastly. Chicago, with its extensive public transit system, makes it possible to navigate the city without a car. The average commute time in Chicago is longer due to higher traffic congestion, but the city compensates with a robust public transit score. In contrast, Salem, with its lesser traffic congestion, offers a quicker commute. However, the city's public transit options are more limited, making it challenging to rely solely on public transportation for daily commutes.
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