Best Illinois to Tennessee Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IL to TN Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another marks the start of an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new possibilities and adventures. Leaving behind the Land of Lincoln, known for its vibrant cities and cornfields, for the Volunteer State, renowned for its rich music history and scenic beauty, symbolizes not just a change of scenery but a whole new way of life. Given the distance and the logistics involved, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers for this long journey, ensuring your transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Illinois iconArrow iconTennessee icon

Best Illinois to Tennessee Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.43A+ActiveContact
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC9.40A+Authorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
Boundless Moving & Storage9.33A+Authorized For Property, 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 Tennessee to Illinois guide.

6 Best IL to TN Moving Companies

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

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
1
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC Logo
Exceptional9.40/10
based on 845+ data points

About Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

You can’t trust just anyone with your household belongings. That’s where Alpha Moving & Storage comes in. This company, founded in 2018,...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Short-Term Storage

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3378094 / 1193307

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
4
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,378+ data points

About Boundless Moving & Storage

Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers re...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (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 Tennessee

Moving from one state to another is a big decision. This guide aims to provide an honest comparison between living in Illinois and relocating to Tennessee. Through our charts, we'll highlight the cons of Illinois compared to the pros of moving to Tennessee, and vice versa, to give you a well-rounded perspective on your potential new home.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • No state income tax
  • Milder winters
  • Lower cost of living
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Less urban
  • Car dependent
  • Fewer cultural venues
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Vibrant city life
  • Better public transit
  • Rich cultural scene

Moving from the bustling city life of Chicago with its renowned Art Institute of Chicago, vibrant neighborhoods, and extensive public transportation system to the scenic landscapes of Tennessee might feel like a big change. Tennessee, however, offers its own unique appeal with lower living costs and the absence of state income tax. Cities like Nashville and Memphis are rich in music history, housing iconic spots such as Country Music Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Although you might find yourself relying more on a car than public transit, the natural beauty of places like the Great Smoky Mountains and numerous state parks more than makes up for it, presenting a serene setting that's hard to find in Illinois.

Illinois vs. Tennessee Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Illinois & Tennessee is essential for anyone considering a move. Food deeply reflects the local culture and living experience. This comparison will give you a better idea of what to expect from the food scene in your new state.

IllinoisTennessee
Most iconic local food itemChicago-style deep dish pizzaMemphis-style barbecue
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichHot Chicken
Most popular street food itemChicago-style hot dogPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodDeep dish vegan pizzaBBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to Tennessee, you're entering a world renowned for its rich culinary traditions, especially in the realm of barbecues and the famous Nashville hot chicken. Neighborhoods such as East Nashville and Downtown Memphis are culinary hotspots, where establishments like Prince's Hot Chicken and Central BBQ have left significant marks on the local food scene. For vegans, Tennessee's urban areas are increasingly accommodating, with options like BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches gaining popularity. Exploring Tennessee's food scene offers a savory glimpse into the state's culture and community.

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Illinois vs. Tennessee Real Estate & Living Facts

Considering a move can be a significant life decision, and comparing Illinois and Tennessee in terms of real estate can provide crucial insights into this process. This comparison aims to highlight the essential housing differences between these two states, assisting you in making an informed decision.

ComparisonIllinoisTennessee
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, VictorianColonial, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, granite countertopsOutdoor living spaces, large kitchens

When delving into the housing details between Illinois and Tennessee, some contrasting features become evident. Illinois, with its rich history, showcases a variety of architectural styles including Prairie and Victorian, reflecting the state's cultural heritage. On the other hand, Tennessee homes often highlight Colonial and Craftsman architecture, emphasizing traditional American values and craftsmanship. An interesting aspect of Tennessee real estate is the emphasis on outdoor living spaces, which is indicative of the state’s pleasant climate and residents' desire to enjoy the outdoors. Meanwhile, in Illinois, home listings often boast about hardwood floors and granite countertops, pointing to the residents' preferences for durable and timeless materials. Both states offer unique living experiences tailored to varying tastes and lifestyles.

Illinois vs. Tennessee Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another requires adjusting to a new climate. Understanding how the weather in Illinois compares to Tennessee is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison offers insight into what you can expect in terms of temperatures, sunshine, and more in your new home.

Summer icon
85/65

Illinois

89/68

Tennessee

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/20

Illinois

49/30

Tennessee

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

53

Tennessee

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

6

Tennessee

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisTennessee
Air QualityModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Illinois to Tennessee, you'll notice a warmer climate overall, with higher average temperatures in both summer and winter. Tennessee enjoys more days of sunshine per year, which could enhance your outdoor activities. Despite the similarities in annual humidity levels, Tennessee experiences a higher average UV index, meaning sun protection becomes even more critical. Besides the weather, understanding the difference in natural disasters, such as Illinois' snowstorms versus Tennessee's floods, is vital for preparedness. Also noteworthy is the significant decrease in annual snowfall when moving to Tennessee, indicating milder winters.

Ready to start your move?

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

When relocating, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and financial landscape in Illinois compares to Tennessee. Understanding these differences will help you adjust your budget and expectations accordingly, ensuring a smoother transition.

ComparisonIllinoisTennessee
Avg. Household Income$76,708$65,254
Cost of Living Index94.2588.9
State Income Tax4.95%0% (on wage income)
Avg. Property Tax2.16%0.71%
Avg. Sales Tax8.8%9.45%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, ServicesHealthcare, Manufacturing, Retail Trade
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowerModerate

While the average household income in Illinois is higher, Tennessee offers a lower cost of living and significant tax advantages, such as no state income tax on wages, which can be particularly beneficial for your finances. However, despite the lower expenses in Tennessee, the state has higher poverty rates compared to Illinois. This contrast underscores the importance of considering not just income but also the cost-related benefits when moving. Notably, Tennessee's lower property tax rate is an attractive factor for homeowners, while the slightly higher sales tax reflects on everyday spending.

Illinois vs. Tennessee Political & Religious Comparison

Relocating from Illinois to Tennessee offers a unique opportunity to immerse in diverse cultural and social environments. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Tennessee, helping you understand the community you're about to join.

IllinoisTennessee
Political Make-upDemocratic leaningRepublican leaning
Local PoliticsLiberal urban centersConservative rural and suburban areas
ReligionMixed, with a slightly higher population of non-religious peopleStrongly religious, Christian predominant

When moving from Illinois to Tennessee, you'll notice a shift from a state with Democratic leanings to one that generally supports Republican candidates, reflecting in both states' local governance and community values. Illinois, especially in urban areas like Chicago, tends to be more liberal, whereas Tennessee displays a conservative tilt, especially evident outside of its cities like Nashville and Memphis. Religion plays a more central role in Tennessee, where Christianity, particularly Evangelical Protestantism, deeply influences social and political landscapes. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate your new surroundings with greater ease.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Tennessee

To better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Tennessee, it’s crucial to dive into various educational aspects. This overview aims to offer insights into where most seniors attend college, the top-rated schools across different levels, and the highest-performing school districts within each state.

IllinoisTennessee

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary School (Chicago)
South Loop Elementary School (Chicago)
Edison Regional Gifted Center (Chicago)
Lockeland Elementary School (Nashville)
New Hope Christian Academy (Memphis)
Franklin Elementary School (Franklin)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Skinner North Classical School (Chicago)
Kennedy Middle School (Plainfield)
Daniel Wright Junior High School (Lincolnshire)
Meigs Magnet Middle School (Nashville)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Houston Middle School (Germantown)

Top 3 High School Schools

Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Franklin High School (Franklin)

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago)
North Shore Country Day School (Winnetka)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
The Harpeth Hall School (Nashville)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
The British International School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Ensworth School (Nashville)
Evangelical Christian School (Cordova)

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203 (Northfield)
Community High School District 128 (Vernon Hills)
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 (Naperville)
Williamson County Schools (Franklin)
Maryville City Schools (Maryville)
Oak Ridge School District (Oak Ridge)

In comparing the educational landscapes of Illinois and Tennessee, one notable aspect is the emphasis both states place on both public and private educational institutions. For instance, Illinois boasts highly prestigious universities such as Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, which draws many of its high school seniors. Similarly, Tennessee presents strong higher education options like Vanderbilt University. On the K-12 front, cities like Chicago and Nashville harbor some of the most reputed schools, such as the Latin School of Chicago and Baylor School in Chattanooga. Additionally, the quality of the school districts, such as Naperville Community Unit School District 203 in Illinois and Williamson County Schools in Tennessee, showcases each state's commitment to providing top-notch education across all levels.

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