Best Illinois to Virginia Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IL to VA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state is not just a journey across the map, but a thrilling leap into a new chapter of your life. Trading Illinois’ vibrant Windy City and expansive cornfields for Virginia’s rich historical tapestry and the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains signifies a profound shift in surroundings and lifestyle. Given the considerable distance and the life change you’re embarking on, it’s crucial to ensure that you partner with trusted and reliable professional movers, like us at Great Guys Moving, who use an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers for your Illinois to Virginia move.

Illinois iconArrow iconVirginia icon

Best Illinois to Virginia Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
ARS Movers9.63A+Authorized For HHGContact
A Change of Place Movers9.59NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
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 Virginia to Illinois guide.

6 Best IL to VA Moving Companies

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

ARS Movers Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,704+ data points

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a wide r...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
View Full Review
1
A
Exceptional9.59/10
based on 925+ data points

About A Change of Place Movers

The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever meet. They genuinel...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1293943 / 503371

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved290,815 (2023)
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 12/5/2024)

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 12/5/2024)

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
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 12/5/2024)

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 Virginia

Moving from one state to another is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. This comparison aims to give you a bold and honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Illinois to Virginia. By weighing the pros against the cons (and vice versa), you can make a more informed decision about this potentially life-changing move.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Colder winters
  • Less historical sites
  • Flat geography
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Lower taxes
  • Milder winters
  • Rich history
  • Diverse landscapes
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Smaller cities
  • More suburban
  • Fewer farmlands
  • Different sports focus
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Larger cities
  • Vibrant city life
  • Extensive farmlands
  • Great sports culture

When considering the move from Illinois to Virginia, it's essential to delve deeper into the charts' highlights. While Illinois offers the vibrant city life of Chicago, complete with its renowned restaurants like Au Cheval and bustling neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Virginia counters with a quieter, yet richly historical setting. Cities like Williamsburg and Alexandria offer a glimpse into America's past, with sites like the Colonial Williamsburg drawing history buffs from all over. Additionally, the change in geography from Illinois' flatlands to Virginia's varied coastal, mountainous, and urban landscapes presents new opportunities for outdoor adventures—whether that be hiking in Shenandoah National Park or enjoying the beaches of Virginia Beach. Considering these factors among others can provide a fuller picture of what to expect with such a move.

Illinois vs. Virginia Food Guide

When relocating, understanding the essence of local cuisine is pivotal as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area . This comparison between Illinois & Virginia will equip you with insights into the food scene of your new home.

IllinoisVirginia
Most iconic local food itemChicago-style deep-dish pizzaVirginia ham
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefCountry Ham Biscuits
Most popular street food itemHot DogsPeanuts
Most popular vegan foodDeep-dish vegan pizzaVegan Brunswick Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Au Cheval
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Illinois, the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza stands as a testament to the state's rich cultural heritage in culinary arts, with places like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria being a must-visit for any food aficionado. On the other hand, Virginia celebrates its history and local agriculture through its iconic Virginia ham, which can be savored in dishes across the state but is exceptionally highlighted at The Inn at Little Washington. Both states offer unique dining experiences that reflect their local culture, history, and preferences, making the move between Illinois and Virginia an exciting journey for your palate.

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Illinois vs. Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly influences the experience of relocating. It's crucial to understand how housing in Illinois and Virginia compares, focusing on costs, styles, accessibility, and the everyday urban lifestyle. This comparison will help you make an informed decision tailored to your preferences and needs.

ComparisonIllinoisVirginia
Typical Architecture StylePrairie style, Chicago bungalowsColonial, Cape Cod
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, stainless steel appliancesEnergy efficiency, outdoor spaces

Reviewing the table highlights the distinctions between Illinois and Virginia in terms of real estate. The median home price and rent are notably higher in Virginia, reflective of its proximity to the nation's capital and the high demand for housing in areas like Northern Virginia. Architecture in Illinois favors the historic Prairie style and bungalow designs, indicative of its rich architectural heritage. In contrast, Virginia homes often feature Colonial and Cape Cod styles, echoing the state's colonial past. While Illinois generally offers a more urban lifestyle, especially in Chicago, Virginia counters with an emphasis on energy-efficient features and outdoor spaces in its real estate listings, catering to those who value sustainability and nature. Considering these factors can greatly influence your choice, based on what aspects of housing and lifestyle are most important to you.

Illinois vs. Virginia Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Illinois to Virginia, understanding how the weather will compare is crucial. This guide provides a clear comparison to help you anticipate changes and prepare accordingly.

Summer icon
85/65

Illinois

87/68

Virginia

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/20

Illinois

48/30

Virginia

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

44

Virginia

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

14

Virginia

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisVirginia
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, Winter stormsHurricanes, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

The transition from Illinois to Virginia weather-wise involves adapting to milder winters and enjoying more days of sunshine annually. In Virginia, while summers can be slightly warmer, the overall climate boasts less humidity than Illinois. Notably, Virginia is prone to different natural disasters, with hurricanes and flooding replacing the tornadoes and winter storms more common in Illinois. Such insights into the climatic differences should help you better prepare for your move, from wardrobe changes to emergency planning.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, grasping the financial landscape is crucial. Understanding how costs such as housing, taxes, and general living expenses compare can significantly impact your decision-making process. This comparison will emphasize the financial differences between moving from Illinois to Virginia, highlighting key areas like income, taxes, and the cost of living to help you make an informed transition.

ComparisonIllinoisVirginia
Avg. Household Income$76,708$85,873
Cost of Living Index94.2596.6
State Income Tax4.95 (flat rate)2 to 5.75 (progressive)
Avg. Property Tax2.160.80
Avg. Sales Tax8.85.3
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, ServicesTechnology, Military, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessNotableLesser

While Illinois offers a more affordable cost of living index, Virginia boasts higher average household incomes which could offset the higher living costs found there. The significantly lower property tax rate in Virginia compared to Illinois can make homeownership more attainable and less burdensome in the long run. Moreover, Virginia's progressive state income tax may benefit lower income earners in contrast to Illinois' flat rate. Considering the major industries, the move could present new job opportunities especially if your profession aligns with Virginia's leading sectors like technology and military. Finally, understanding the socio-economic landscape, such as the lower levels of poverty and homelessness, can provide a broader picture of life in Virginia.

Illinois vs. Virginia Political & Religious Comparison

This guide offers a quick glimpse into the fundamental differences between Illinois and Virginia, focusing on the comparison of the politics between Illinois & Virginia , and the religious landscape. It's designed to provide you with an at-a-glance snapshot of what to expect from the communities in both states.

IllinoisVirginia
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerate, with a slight lean towards Democratic in recent years
Local PoliticsDemocratic strongholds in major cities like ChicagoMixed; Northern Virginia leans Democratic, while rural areas are more Republican
ReligionChristian (Catholic & Protestant); also diverse in urban areasPrimarily Christian (Evangelical Protestant), with a growing diversity in urban centers

Delving deeper, you'll find that the political composition of Illinois largely anchors around its major urban centers like Chicago, which predominantly votes Democratic, reflecting in state-wide policies tending towards liberal ideologies. Conversely, Virginia presents a more complex tapestry of political beliefs, with Northern Virginia substantially influencing its recent swing towards Democratic, yet still harboring a strong Republican presence in its vast rural areas. Religious practices in both states are primarily Christian, but with significant urban centers such as Chicago and Richmond, both Illinois and Virginia showcase a rich tapestry of faiths and communities, mirroring their broader national heritage.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Virginia

Moving can be a daunting process, especially when it involves finding the best educational options for your family. To assist in this transition, we have prepared a comparison to help you better understand the differences between school options in Illinois and Virginia. This comparison aims to make your decision-making process a bit easier.

IllinoisVirginia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
Illinois State University
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
James Madison University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary
Skokie; South Park Elementary
Deerfield; Walden Elementary
Deerfield
Arlington Traditional School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary School
Vienna; Westbriar Elementary School
Vienna

Top 3 Middle Schools

Marie Murphy School
Wilmette; Twin Groves Middle School
Buffalo Grove; Maple School
Northbrook
Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Frost Middle School
Fairfax; Henley Middle School
Crozet

Top 3 High Schools

Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire; Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; New Trier High School
Winnetka
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; The Potomac School
McLean; St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Alexandria

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
The Potomac School
McLean; Norfolk Academy
Norfolk; Collegiate School
Richmond

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield; Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125
Lincolnshire; Hinsdale Township High School District 86
Hinsdale
Fairfax County Public Schools
Falls Church; Arlington Public Schools
Arlington; Loudoun County Public Schools
Ashburn

When you look beyond the basics, the contrasts in educational opportunities between Illinois and Virginia begin to stand out. Illinois boasts top-ranked universities and highly acclaimed public and private schools throughout the state, including the renowned University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the prestigious Adlai E. Stevenson High School. Virginia counters with its own prestigious education institutions like the University of Virginia and the nationally acclaimed Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, highlighting the state's focus on science and technology education. Notably, both states offer strong educational foundations, yet Virginia's emphasis on technology and innovation may appeal to those seeking cutting-edge educational opportunities. Each state's unique offerings reflect the diverse educational landscapes across the U.S., illustrating the richness of choices available to you and your family.

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