Best Illinois to Pennsylvania Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IL to PA Moving Specialists

Moving from the Land of Lincoln to the Keystone State is an adventure filled with new beginnings and exciting opportunities. While you may be swapping Illinois' sprawling prairies for Pennsylvania's rich history and picturesque landscapes, remember, moving state to state is a significant life change. To ensure this long-distance move is as smooth and stress-free as possible, it's crucial to hire trusted and reliable professional movers. Let us at Great Guys Moving guide you in finding the best movers, using our unbiased ranking algorithm to take the guesswork out of choosing who truly are the best for your journey.

Illinois iconArrow iconPennsylvania icon

Best Illinois to Pennsylvania Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pittsburgh Moving9.62NRAuthorized For HHGContact
EverSafe Moving Co.9.51A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.43A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murphy Family Movers9.29A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois guide.

6 Best IL to PA Moving Companies

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

Pittsburgh Moving Logo
Exceptional9.62/10
based on 1,264+ data points

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...Read More >>

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
EverSafe Moving Co. Logo
Exceptional9.51/10
based on 2,941+ data points

About EverSafe Moving Co.

Founded in 2011, EverSafe Moving has built a reputation in the Greater Philadelphia area for courtesy, care, and quality due to its team of ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long-distance Movers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261303 / 771755

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
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 10/18/2024)

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 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers26
Total Annual Miles Moved86,474 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Murphy Family Movers Logo
Exceptional9.29/10
based on 1,271+ data points

About Murphy Family Movers

Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest level o...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Interstate Moving
  • Professional Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2965334 / 7122

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
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 Pennsylvania

Moving homes can be a complex decision, especially when it involves relocating to a different state. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania , focusing on various lifestyle factors. By comparing the cons and pros through charts, we help you make an informed decision about your upcoming move.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Colder winters
  • Flatter landscape
  • Less historic sites
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower taxes
  • Milder winters
  • Varied terrain
  • Rich history
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Smaller cities
  • No Great Lake
  • Less diversity
  • Less dominant sports culture
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Vibrant Chicago
  • Lake Michigan
  • Cultural diversity
  • Strong sports culture

In Illinois, you have the majestic Chicago skyline, brimming with life and famous spots like Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. On moving to Pennsylvania, while you might miss the vastness of Lake Michigan, the scenic beauty of the Pocono Mountains and the historic city of Philadelphia offer a different charm. Pennsylvania's moving terrain, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to the serene Amish countryside, introduces you to diverse experiences—ranging from the bustling history-rich streets of Philadelphia, where landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall reside, to the calm, picturesque parks in smaller towns. Despite lesser overall diversity, cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have thriving cultural scenes with restaurants and museums that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests.

Illinois vs. Pennsylvania Food Guide

When planning a move, understanding the local culture is crucial, and nothing says culture like food. This guide provides a comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Pennsylvania, helping you grasp the culinary scene in your new home.

IllinoisPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefPork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemChicago-style Hot DogPretzels
Most popular vegan foodSeitan WingsMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Alinea
  • Giordano's
  • Portillo's
  • Zahav
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Geno's Steaks
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving to Pennsylvania, you'll find an array of rich, iconic foods that are deeply embedded in the state's cultural fabric. The Philly Cheesesteak, originating from Philadelphia, is a must-try local food item. Pennsylvania's food scene extends beyond its most famous dish; for instance, the city of Pittsburgh offers an intriguing mix of traditional and modern culinary experiences. For vegan fare, restaurants in neighborhoods like Fishtown in Philadelphia are pushing the boundaries with innovative dishes like the mushroom cheesesteak. Additionally, Pennsylvania's food truck scene, particularly vibrant in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offers a wide variety of cuisines and showcases the state's growing foodie culture.

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Illinois vs. Pennsylvania Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current and future home is crucial. Understanding how Illinois and Pennsylvania measure up in key aspects such as housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle helps make informed decisions. This guide explores these important differences.

ComparisonIllinoisPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StylePrairie School, Chicago SchoolColonial, Federal
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Chicago, Modern Kitchens, Hardwood FloorsHistoric Details, Access to Nature, Spacious Backyards

When comparing Illinois and Pennsylvania, you'll find both states offer unique living experiences. Illinois, with a strong emphasis on modern amenities and proximity to bustling Chicago, appeals to those seeking an urban lifestyle. On the other hand, Pennsylvania shines with its rich history, access to beautiful natural landscapes, and a slightly more affordable living cost. Notably, Pennsylvania's architecture features more colonial and federal styles, grounding its homes in a sense of historical Americana, contrasting with Illinois' modernist and architectural innovation leanings. When making a move, consider not only the financial aspects but also the lifestyle and cultural milieu you prefer.

Illinois vs. Pennsylvania Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Illinois to Pennsylvania, understanding how the weather differs is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight key climate differences between Illinois and Pennsylvania to help you prepare for the change in your living environment.

Summer icon
85/65

Illinois

85/62

Pennsylvania

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/20

Illinois

40/25

Pennsylvania

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
38

Illinois

42

Pennsylvania

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

38

Pennsylvania

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisPennsylvania
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsFloods, Snowstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Illinois and Pennsylvania enjoy similar summer temperatures, winters in Pennsylvania tend to be milder but with more snowfall, reflecting the state's more varied topography and proximity to large bodies of water. This increased snowfall can impact your travel plans and require additional preparations for winter driving. Interestingly, Pennsylvania also experiences fewer days of sunshine but maintains a slightly lower humidity level year-round than Illinois. Air quality and top seasonal allergies are similar in both states, primarily affecting residents during spring and fall. Adjusting to these climate differences will be an essential part of your move, so consider how each factor might influence your lifestyle and preparations.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how the financial landscape will shift. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance-related aspects between Illinois and Pennsylvania, providing a clearer view of what to expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and income opportunities.

ComparisonIllinoisPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$76,708$71,798
Cost of Living Index94.2599.7
State Income Tax4.953.07
Avg. Property Tax2.161.58
Avg. Sales Tax8.826.34
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, ServicesFinance, Manufacturing, Energy
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessNotableNotable

While the average household income is slightly higher in Illinois, Pennsylvania holds a slightly lower cost of living index, making it an economically attractive destination for many. Despite the lower income tax rates in Pennsylvania, those moving from Illinois will need to consider the overall tax burden, including property and sales taxes which are lower in Pennsylvania, potentially offsetting the higher income tax in Illinois. The differences in the top industries between the two states could also signify varying job opportunities, depending on your profession. Understanding these nuances is crucial for making an informed decision about relocating.

Illinois vs. Pennsylvania Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Illinois to Pennsylvania, it’s helpful to understand not just the logistics, but who your new neighbors will be. This quick comparison sheds light on the political and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Pennsylvania , providing a snapshot of the communities you will be joining.

IllinoisPennsylvania
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsDemocratic stronghold in urban areasDemocratic in urban, Republican in rural
ReligionChristianity
Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago
Christianity
Diocese of Scranton

While both Illinois and Pennsylvania have Christianity as the predominant religion, the way politics play out in each state is considerably different. Illinois generally leans Democratic, particularly in Chicago and other urban centers. In contrast, Pennsylvania's political landscape is more divided, with urban areas leaning towards the Democrats and rural zones often supporting Republicans, making it a key swing state in national elections. This difference highlights the diverse political landscape you will encounter moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate and participate in your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania

Moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania involves many decisions, and selecting the right school for your family is paramount. To aid you in this vital aspect of your relocation, we've created a comparison tool to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

IllinoisPennsylvania

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Avery Coonley School (Downers Grove)
Lincoln Elementary School (Springfield)
South Loop Elementary School (Chicago)
Adlai Stevenson Elementary School (Pittsburgh)
Hill House Passport Academy Charter School (Philadelphia)
Winchester Thurston School (Pittsburgh)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Buffalo Grove Middle School (Buffalo Grove)
Woodlawn Middle School (Long Grove)
Daniel Wright Junior High School (Lincolnshire)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Haverford Middle School (Havertown)

Top 3 High School Schools

Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora)
Julia R. Masterman High School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Lower Merion High School (Ardmore)

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest)
The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Morgan Park Academy (Chicago)
The Hill School (Pottstown)
The Kiski School (Saltsburg)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203 (Northfield)
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 (Naperville)
Community High School District 128 (Vernon Hills)
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District (Wayne)
Lower Merion School District (Ardmore)
Radnor Township School District (Radnor)

In highlighting the educational landscapes of Illinois and Pennsylvania, certain distinctions emerge. For example, the Chicago area in Illinois boasts prestigious institutions at all educational levels, from the University of Chicago Lab School to Northwestern University. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania's strong educational showing includes internationally recognized universities such as Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pennsylvania. Notably, both states offer a mix of acclaimed public and private institutions, illustrating refined choices for relocating families. The top school districts, like New Trier Township in Illinois and Tredyffrin-Easttown in Pennsylvania, reflect highly on the states' commitments to quality education, showcasing exceptional opportunities for students at all levels.

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