Best Chicago to Austin Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embarking on a move from the Windy City to the Live Music Capital of the World is an adventure that promises new beginnings and exciting opportunities. Leaving behind Chicago's towering skyscrapers and bustling streets for Austin's vibrant music scene and mouth-watering barbecue can feel like a leap into the unknown. That's why it's crucial to have trusted and reliable professional movers by your side, ensuring your journey to Austin is smooth and stress-free. We at Great Guys Moving understand the importance of your move and are here to provide you with the best movers, vetted through our unbiased ranking algorithm, for this significant life transition.
Best Chicago to Austin Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Austin to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Austin 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
This listing has been claimed by Heavenly Moving and StorageAbout Heavenly Moving and Storage
Heavenly Moving and Storage has been one of Austin’s premier moving companies since 2005. This locally-owned moving company provides high-qu...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Full-service packing
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. Austin Neighborhood Comparison
Preparing to move to a new city can seem daunting, but understanding your future home through the lens of places you already know can make the transition smoother. In this guide, we compare local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Austin, TX , aiming to match you with an area in Austin that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences in Chicago. Let's explore these similar neighborhoods to help you find your new home.
| Chicago | Austin | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Zilker | Vibrant green spaces, family-friendly |
| Wicker Park | East Austin | Trendy, artsy vibe with a rich cultural scene |
| The Loop | Downtown Austin | Urban living, bustling nightlife |
| Gold Coast | Westlake | Upscale, luxurious living |
| Old Town | Travis Heights | Historic homes, picturesque streets |
| Logan Square | Hyde Park | Hipster-friendly, with a mix of old and new |
| Lakeview | South Congress | Lively area with a plethora of entertainment options |
| Andersonville | Clarksville | Quaint and cozy with a strong sense of community |
| River North | Rainey Street | Trendsetting with a dynamic food and bar scene |
| Pilsen | South Lamar | Boasts a creative flair, diversity in cuisine and arts |
For those fond of Lincoln Park's expansive green spaces and cultural attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo, moving to the Zilker neighborhood in Austin, you'll find yourself enamored by the Zilker Metropolitan Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. The vibrant East Austin, akin to Wicker Park in Chicago, offers an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars, mirroring the artsy and bustling scene found on Milwaukee Avenue. Likewise, if the historic charm and close-knit community of Old Town have captured your heart, you will find familiar comfort in Travis Heights's scenic streets and historic homes, reminiscent of a slower-paced lifestyle within arms reach of downtown amenities. Each Austin neighborhood brings its own unique flavor, yet with comforting similarities to Chicago's beloved boroughs, making your transition an exciting journey of exploration and new beginnings.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Austin
Moving from one city to another brings its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of moving from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX, providing a balanced view of the positives and negatives associated with such a relocation. By examining the pros and cons side by side, we hope to facilitate a more informed decision-making process for those contemplating this move.
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters
- High cost of living
- Heavier traffic
- Higher crime rate
Austin, TX- Milder winters
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic congestion
- Lower crime rate
Austin, TX- Less diverse cuisine
- Limited public transit
- No Great Lakes
- Smaller arts scene
Chicago, IL- Cultural diversity
- Robust public transit
- Lakefront beauty
- Abundant arts scene
Moving from Chicago to Austin introduces you to a city that revels in its dynamic food scene, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture. While you might miss the diverse culinary options of Chicago, Austin's food scene, with its renowned barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, can be explored at places like Franklin Barbecue and Guero's Taco Bar. The relatively milder winters in Austin invite more year-round outdoor activities. You could enjoy kayaking on Lady Bird Lake or hiking at Barton Creek Greenbelt. Though you might find Austin's public transit system less extensive than Chicago's, the city's growing network of bike lanes and trails offers a vibrant alternative for commuting and exploring. Moreover, Austin's music and arts scene, centered around events like South by Southwest, may offer a different but just as enriching cultural experience compared to Chicago's robust arts environment.
Chicago vs. Austin Food Guide
Food is an integral part of understanding a city's culture and lifestyle. This guide offers a snapshot of what's on the menu when moving from one vibrant city to another. Through this comparison, we aim to offer you a taste of the local cuisine between Chicago & Austin , helping you adjust your palate to your new home.
| Chicago | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Brisket BBQ |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Smoked Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Chicago Diner Nachos | Vegan Breakfast Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Chicago, you can delve into the rich, cheesy layers of Deep Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati’s or savor the juicy Italian Beef sandwiches that are a staple of the city's culinary scene. Meanwhile, in Austin, the aroma of smoked brisket fills the air, with Franklin Barbecue standing as a testament to the city’s love for BBQ. Street food enthusiasts will enjoy the stark contrast between Chicago's iconic hot dogs "dragged through the garden" and Austin's diverse, innovative taco scene. Additionally, health-conscious eaters will find solace in both cities, with Austin slightly edging out in terms of fitness and vegan offerings. Regardless of where you're moving, both cities promise an exciting and diverse food scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Chicago vs. Austin Restaurant Comparison
Making a place feel like home often comes down to finding those perfect dining spots that resonate with our tastes and memories. This restaurant comparison between Chicago and Austin aims to ease the transition for someone moving from the Windy City to the Heart of Texas by identifying new favorite eateries based on their old preferences.
| Chicago | Austin | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Uchiko | renowned for creative and sophisticated dining, akin to Alinea's unique experience |
| Portillo's | Franklin Barbecue | iconic in its own right, Franklin's offers a quintessential Austin barbecue experience, much like Portillo's does for Chicago-style hot dogs |
| The Purple Pig | Barley Swine | both are celebrated for inventive dishes and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere |
| Giordano's | Via 313 | renowned for Detroit-style pizza, but its hearty, indulgent nature is a nod to Giordano's deep-dish pies |
| Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse | Jeffrey’s | offers high-quality steaks and an elegant dining experience reminiscent of Gibsons |
| Girl & The Goat | Olamaie | Southern cuisine with a creative twist that provides a similar innovative dining experience to Girl & The Goat |
| Lou Malnati's | Home Slice Pizza | known for its passion for authentic pizza, echoes Lou Malnati's dedication to Chicago-style pizza |
| Lincoln Park Zoo Food | Zilker Park Food Trucks | Austin's outdoor vibe and variety of food trucks offer a casual dining experience akin to the ease of Lincoln Park Zoo eats |
| Smoque BBQ | Micklethwait Craft Meats | both places are hallowed among locals for their exceptional smoked meats and laid-back ambiance |
| Rick Bayless' Restaurants | Veracruz All Natural | both offer an authentic and high-quality approach to Mexican cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients |
Exploring Austin's rich culinary landscape, you'll find gems like Uchiko and Franklin Barbecue that echo the high standards and unique flavors of Chicago's finest, like Alinea and Portillo's. Diving deeper, Via 313's Detroit-style pizza offers a comforting slice of indulgence reminiscent of Giordano's iconic deep-dish, ensuring your pizza cravings are well met with a local twist. Moreover, for those who cherish innovative and upscale dining, the comparison of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse to Jeffrey’s underlines Austin's capability to offer exceptional steakhouse experiences, ensuring that your transition not only introduces you to new flavors but also rekindles the love for the familiar tastes and dining rituals you've cherished.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Austin Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, the real estate market is a critical factor. Understanding how housing costs, styles, and urban lifestyles in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX stack up against each other will empower your decision-making.
| Comparison | Chicago | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Brick Row Houses and Skyscrapers | Modern and Hill Country |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to Lake Michigan and public transit | Energy efficiency and tech-friendly homes |
In analyzing the comparison, it's clear that Austin promises sunnier skies and a more laid-back lifestyle but with a steeper price tag for home buyers, despite lower rental costs than Chicago. Chicago's rich architectural history offers a different allure, with its iconic brick row houses and skyscrapers, a stark contrast to Austin's modern and Hill Country stylings. Despite having a higher walkability score indicating an urban explorer’s paradise, Chicago’s living cost in terms of purchasing property is more affordable. Both cities offer unique advantages, from Chicago’s proximity to Lake Michigan to Austin’s tech-friendly, energy-efficient homes, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Austin, TX
1. Zilker: This neighborhood is a paradise for your pets, offering the sprawling Zilker Metropolitan Park and the leash-free Barkin Springs, where your furry friends can play and splash to their heart's content.
2. South Congress: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, South Congress is pet-friendly with numerous cafes and shops like Jo's Coffee that welcome pets, making it the perfect neighborhood for pet owners who love to dine and shop with their furry companions.
3. Travis Heights: With its close proximity to the Stacy Parks and off-leash areas, this neighborhood is ideal for pet owners seeking a community that values outdoor activities and has access to pet-friendly spaces.
Chicago vs. Austin Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX, understanding the weather differences can help you adapt more easily. Chicago’s chilly winters and moderate summers contrast sharply with Austin’s warmer climate year-round. Familiarize yourself with what to expect in your new home.
Chicago, IL
Austin, TX
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Austin, TX
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Austin, TX
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Austin, TX
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Heatwaves, Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Chicago to Austin means you'll exchange harsh winters for milder ones, with Austin boasting 300 days of sunshine annually compared to Chicago's 189. This increase in sunny days is complemented by higher summer temperatures and virtually no snowfall. Chicago's winter wardrobe can largely be retired, but don't forget to prepare for Austin's higher summer heat and occasional hurricanes. Moreover, while both cities share similar humidity levels, Austin’s higher UV index requires more routine sun protection. Adjusting won't just be about enjoying more sunny days; it's also about adapting to a different spectrum of natural events and daily weather experiences.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Austin
Moving from one location to another necessitates understanding how the cost of living and key financial metrics between Chicago and Austin will compare. This comprehensive chart helps illustrate the differences in finances, taxes, and economic environment you'll face when transitioning from Chicago, IL, to Austin, TX.
| Comparison | Chicago | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $79,542 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 95.5 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 1.83 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 8.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology | Technology, Education, Health Services |
| Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
| Poverty | High | Lower |
| Homelessness | Serious | Moderate |
While both cities boast vibrant economies, the transition from Chicago to Austin presents some key differences worth noting. Texas, where Austin is located, has no state income tax, which can significantly increase your take-home pay compared to Illinois's 4.95% tax rate. However, Austin's higher cost of living index indicates that daily expenses may be more, a factor to consider alongside the higher average household income there. Furthermore, Chicago's reliance on finance and manufacturing differs from Austin's strong tech, education, and health services industries, potentially impacting job opportunities depending on your sector. Understanding these nuances will help you better prepare for your move.
Chicago vs. Austin Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX, it's essential to not only think about the logistics and cost of living but also understand the communities you're moving into. This quick comparison will give you an insight into the political and religious makeup of the residents between Chicago & Austin . By understanding these aspects, you can better anticipate the cultural atmosphere of your new home.
| Chicago | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Historically focused on labor and social equity | Focused on tech industry growth and housing |
| Religion | High diversity with Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, and Protestant communities | Largely Protestant, but with a rapidly growing non-religious demographic |
In both cities, the political landscape leans towards the Democratic Party, but the local political emphasis varies. Chicago's historic focus on labor and social equity reflects its industrial roots and diverse population. In contrast, Austin's politics frequently spotlight the booming tech industry and housing policies, a nod to its rapid growth and status as a tech hub. Religion in Chicago is notably diverse, with significant Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, and Protestant communities contributing to a rich cultural tapestry. Austin, while still maintaining a sizeable religious population, has seen a rise in non-religious residents, aligning with its reputation as a progressive, laid-back city. Understanding these nuances can help smooth your transition and integration into your new home.
Chicago vs. Austin Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX and wondering about your daily commute? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Austin gives you a clear picture so you can plan ahead.
| Comparison | Chicago | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes | No |
In Chicago, the robust public transportation system, which includes buses and the Chicago "L" trains, means you can easily get around the city without owning a car. With an average commute time of 34 minutes and relatively high traffic congestion, many choose to utilize these options. On the other hand, Austin's commute time is shorter, on average, but the city scores lower in terms of public transit availability. This means living in Austin typically requires a car to navigate the city effectively, despite its slightly less congested roads.
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