Best Chicago to Alexandria Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Windy City to the historical charm of Alexandria symbolizes an exciting transition in your life, a journey ripe with new possibilities. While you gear up to swap deep-dish pizzas and towering skyscrapers for quaint cobblestone streets and waterside dining, it's essential to remember the pivotal role of dependable movers in this long-distance adventure. With our unbiased ranking algorithm, we ensure you're matched with the best movers, making your move from Chicago to Alexandria as smooth as historical cobblestone will allow.
Best Chicago to Alexandria Moving Companies
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alexandria to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Alexandria Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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)
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
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
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. Alexandria Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To help you get acclimated, we've created a guide that performs a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Alexandria, VA . By comparing popular neighborhoods in Chicago with their closest counterparts in Alexandria, you can find a new home that reminds you of your old one.
Chicago | Alexandria | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Lincoln Park | Old Town | Historic charm, vibrant nightlife |
Wicker Park | Del Ray | Artsy, eclectic with a strong community vibe |
The Loop | Potomac Yard | Urban, with easy access to amenities |
Gold Coast | Seminary Hill | Upscale, historic, with quiet streets |
Hyde Park | Rosemont | Diverse, historic, academic atmosphere |
Logan Square | Parker Gray | Hip with a mix of modern and historic homes |
Andersonville | Del Ray again | Welcoming, with unique local shops |
River North | Eisenhower East | Trendy, with a bustling business district |
Streeterville | Carlyle District | Modern, with high-rise apartments |
South Loop | Southwest Quadrant | Growing, diverse, with a range of housing options |
When you move from Wicker Park with its bustling, eclectic vibe, full of artists and young professionals, to Del Ray in Alexandria, you'll find a similar spirit of community and creativity. Del Ray, known for its artsy atmosphere, is packed with unique local shops like the Del Ray Farmers Market and artistic murals. Similarly, Old Town Alexandria readily parallels Lincoln Park's appeal through its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and vibrant nightlife, including waterfront dining options like Chart House. For those moving from the urban core of The Loop in Chicago, Potomac Yard in Alexandria offers a comparable urban experience, with easy access to shopping and amenities such as Potomac Yard Center. This detailed comparison ensures you can find a neighborhood in Alexandria that feels like home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Alexandria
Moving from one city to another presents an array of new opportunities and challenges. This guide offers an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Alexandria, VA. By comparing the drawbacks to the advantages, and vice versa, this comparison aims to help you make an informed decision about your move.
- Harsh winters
- Higher crime rates
- Traffic congestion
- Higher cost of living
- Milder winters
- Lower crime rates
- Less traffic
- More affordable living
- Quieter nightlife
- Smaller food scene
- Fewer cultural venues
- Dependent on car
- Vibrant nightlife
- Diverse cuisine
- Rich cultural attractions
- Better public transit
When considering a move from Chicago to Alexandria, it's essential to weigh both the tangible and intangible aspects. Chicago's vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine, represented by iconic establishments like Au Cheval or the bustling corridors of The Art Institute of Chicago, are unparalleled. However, Alexandria offers a charm all its own with historic sights like Old Town and serene waterfront parks such as Founders Park. While you might find Alexandria's nightlife quieter, the quality of life, including lower crime rates and milder winters, can offer a refreshing change. Every city has its unique offerings, and Alexandria, with its blend of history and modern conveniences, presents a compelling case for those yearning for a change.
Chicago vs. Alexandria Food Guide
Understanding the local cuisine is a pivotal part of experiencing a city's culture and lifestyle. By exploring the food scene, you grasp what life might taste like in your new home. To assist you in this savory journey, this is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago, IL & Alexandria, VA . Let’s dive into the culinary contrasts to keep you well-informed about the exciting flavors awaiting you.
Chicago | Alexandria | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Seafood, especially Virginia Oysters |
Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Virginia Ham |
Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Falafel |
Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Vegetable Grain Bowls |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move from Chicago to Alexandria, you'll exchange the hearty, comforting flavors of deep dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches for the fresh, briny taste of Virginia oysters and the rich tradition of Virginia ham. Alexandria's culinary scene may surprise you with its innovative approaches to seafood and a strong presence of health-conscious and plant-based options. For those who cherish dining out, Alexandria boasts unique establishments like The Lamb's Quarter and Hank's Oyster Bar, where local cuisine shines. Whether you’re strolling through Old Town's cobblestone streets in search of a lush oyster platter or exploring vibrant food trucks for a quick falafel wrap, Alexandria offers a dynamic food scene that caters to a range of palates and dietary preferences.
Chicago vs. Alexandria Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a vital role in making a place feel like home. This comparison will help you find your new favorite eating spots by leveraging your current love for Chicago's top restaurants to find their Alexandria's equivalents , easing your transition.
Chicago | Alexandria | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Alinea | Restaurant Eve | High-end dining experience with innovative cuisine |
Portillo's | Momo Sushi & Cafe | Casual spot known for hearty portions |
Girl & The Goat | Brabo | Eclectic, foodie-favored dishes with a cozy vibe |
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Del Ray Pizzeria | Quality pies with a focus on fresh ingredients |
The Purple Pig | Vermilion | Inventive American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere |
Publican | Vola's Dockside Grill | Great spot for seafood lovers and casual dining |
Giordano's | Valentino's Pizzeria | Known for deep-dish pizza options |
Roister | Evening Star Cafe | Modern American with a fun and inventive menu |
Frontera Grill | Los Tios Grill | Authentic Mexican cuisine with a lively atmosphere |
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Warehouse Bar & Grill | Iconic seafood and steakhouse offerings |
When your taste buds are yearning for a deep-dish pizza reminiscent of Giordano's in Chicago, head over to Valentino's Pizzeria in Alexandria, where satisfaction awaits with their famous deep-dish pies. If your culinary heart misses the eclectic, vivacious spirit of Girl & The Goat, Brabo in Alexandria will rekindle that foodie flame with its unique dishes and cozy atmosphere. For those who appreciate the sophisticated dining experience akin to Alinea, Restaurant Eve promises an unforgettable high-end culinary journey, celebrating innovation in cuisine with every dish. This comparison ensures you don't have to leave your favorite flavors behind; instead, it invites you to discover new favorites in your new hometown.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Alexandria Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding the real estate landscape is crucial when planning a move. Comparing Chicago, IL and Alexandria, VA in terms of housing can provide valuable insights into where you might want to live. This comparison will focus on cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help inform your decision.
Comparison | Chicago | Alexandria |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Prairie School, Chicago School | Colonial, Federal |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to parks | Historic homes, walkable neighborhoods |
When considering a move from Chicago to Alexandria, it's worth noting the significant difference in median home prices and rent, reflecting Alexandria's closer proximity to the dense economic hubs of the Washington D.C. metro area. Alexandria offers a unique blend of colonial and federal architectural styles, embodying its rich historical tapestry. Additionally, its walkability score trumps that of Chicago, highlighting Alexandria's compact, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. On the other hand, Chicago's architecture, heavily influenced by the Prairie School and Chicago School movements, speaks to the city's innovative spirit. Despite a lower walkability score, Chicago excels in urban lifestyle offerings with its diverse neighborhoods, broad cultural institutions, and robust public parks. For those particularly keen on outdoor and family-oriented amenities, Chicago listings often emphasize lake views and park access, while Alexandria's charm lies in its historical homes and pedestrian-friendly streets.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA
1. Del Ray: Known for its welcoming community and variety of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, Del Ray lets you enjoy outdoor dining experiences with your furry friend by your side.
2. Old Town: With its waterfront parks, such as Founders Park, and abundance of pet-friendly shops, Old Town is perfect for leisurely strolls and shopping with your pet.
3. Potomac Yard: This neighborhood features spacious pet-friendly apartments and easy access to the Potomac Yard Park, which includes a dedicated dog park for your pet to play and meet other dogs.
Chicago vs. Alexandria Weather Considerations
Understanding how the weather will compare between your current city and your new home is crucial when planning a move. This guide will help you grasp the climatic differences between Chicago, IL, and Alexandria, VA, ensuring you're well-prepared for your relocation.
Chicago, IL
Alexandria, VA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Alexandria, VA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Alexandria, VA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Alexandria, VA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Chicago | Alexandria |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Hurricanes, Floods |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When considering a move from Chicago to Alexandria, it's important to note the milder winters and hotter summers you'll experience in Virginia. Alexandria boasts more sunny days and a slightly lower humidity level than Chicago. While both cities face their respective natural disaster risks, with Chicago experiencing harsh winter conditions and Alexandria vulnerable to hurricanes, the overall climate in Alexandria tends to be more temperate. Paying attention to the increased average annual UV Index in Alexandria might require a slight adjustment in your daily sun protection routine.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Alexandria
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on the financial differences between Chicago, IL and Alexandria, VA —from income levels to the cost of living. Such insights will help you anticipate changes in your expenses and lifestyle, ensuring a smoother transition.
Comparison | Chicago | Alexandria |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $101,162 |
Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 140.1 |
State Income Tax | 4.95 | 5.75 |
Avg. Property Tax | 2.1 | 0.8 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 6 |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Retail, Health Services | Government, Professional Services, Real Estate |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Noticeable | Lower |
Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
When comparing the financial landscapes of Chicago and Alexandria, several notable differences emerge. Chicago's average household income sits lower than Alexandria's, which is reflected in the latter's higher cost of living index. However, despite the higher income in Alexandria, Virginia's state income tax rate is slightly higher. Interestingly, property taxes are considerably lower in Alexandria, potentially offsetting other costs. The dominant industries between these cities differ greatly, reflecting a shift from manufacturing and health services in Chicago to government and professional services in Alexandria. Aspects of affluence, poverty, and homelessness between the two cities underline the economic disparities, with Alexandria generally presenting a more affluent image. These financial contrasts paint a vivid picture of what you might expect moving from the Windy City to this historic Virginia locale.
Chicago vs. Alexandria Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Chicago, IL to Alexandria, VA, it’s insightful to examine the community you'll be joining. This quick look aims to give you a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, comparing Chicago & Alexandria . Understanding these aspects can help you gauge how well you’ll fit into your new environment.
Chicago | Alexandria | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Largely Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Diverse with a historical focus on Democratic leaders | Progressive, with active community engagement |
Religion | Mixed, with a significant Catholic presence | Variety, but with notable Episcopal and Catholic communities |
In both Chicago and Alexandria, the political leanings are predominantly Democratic, but Alexandria is often considered more progressive with a highly engaged citizenry keen on local politics and issues, hinting at a potentially more participative political environment for you. Religion in Alexandria offers diversity, much like Chicago, with historical Episcopal churches such as Christ Church adding to the city's rich tapestry. This blend of progressive politics and religious diversity in Alexandria may offer a seamless transition, aligning closely with what you're accustomed to in Chicago, yet in a smaller, maybe more closely-knit community.
Chicago vs. Alexandria Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Alexandria, VA? This comparison will give you a better understanding of what the daily commute and traffic is like in both cities, from driving to public transportation options. Whether you're used to the bustling streets of Chicago or preparing for the historic pathways of Alexandria, knowing the differences can help make your transition smoother.
Comparison | Chicago | Alexandria |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 30 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Yes, with some planning | Yes, but it's easier with a car |
Chicago offers a robust public transit system, the CTA, making it possible to navigate the city without a car, though owning one can be advantageous for certain commutes or errands. Conversely, in Alexandria, while there are public transit options such as the WMATA for metro and buses, the city's smaller size and reduced congestion make driving more feasible for many. The availability and convenience of public transportation in Chicago score higher, reflecting the city's larger transit infrastructure, while Alexandria provides a quieter, less congested commuting experience. This indicates that while it's possible to live without a car in both cities, your daily experience—and reliance on public vs. private transportation—will differ significantly.
Popular Chicago, IL to Virginia Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes