Best Chicago to Alexandria Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Chicago to Alexandria Movers

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.

Illinois iconArrow iconVirginia icon

Best Chicago to Alexandria Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
ARS Movers9.63A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bookstore Movers9.60A+Authorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
H2H Movers Inc9.24AAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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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)

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
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
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
H2H Movers Inc Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.24/10
based on 8,231+ data points

About H2H Movers Inc

Are you looking to move places but are worried about the cost? Then, H2H Movers might be the best choice for you. This moving company provid...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2428328 / 836885

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved359,681 (2024)
View Full Review
5
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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.

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.

ChicagoAlexandriaHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkOld TownHistoric charm, vibrant nightlife
Wicker ParkDel RayArtsy, eclectic with a strong community vibe
The LoopPotomac YardUrban, with easy access to amenities
Gold CoastSeminary HillUpscale, historic, with quiet streets
Hyde ParkRosemontDiverse, historic, academic atmosphere
Logan SquareParker GrayHip with a mix of modern and historic homes
AndersonvilleDel Ray againWelcoming, with unique local shops
River NorthEisenhower EastTrendy, with a bustling business district
StreetervilleCarlyle DistrictModern, with high-rise apartments
South LoopSouthwest QuadrantGrowing, 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.

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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.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher crime rates
  • Traffic congestion
  • Higher cost of living
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Milder winters
  • Lower crime rates
  • Less traffic
  • More affordable living
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Smaller food scene
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Dependent on car
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • 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.

ChicagoAlexandria
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaSeafood, especially Virginia Oysters
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichVirginia Ham
Most popular street food itemChicago-style Hot DogFalafel
Most popular vegan foodSeitan WingsVegetable Grain Bowls
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Lamb's Quarter
  • Virtue Feed & Grain
  • Hank's Oyster Bar
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.

ChicagoAlexandriaWhat You'll Love
AlineaRestaurant EveHigh-end dining experience with innovative cuisine
Portillo'sMomo Sushi & CafeCasual spot known for hearty portions
Girl & The GoatBraboEclectic, foodie-favored dishes with a cozy vibe
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaDel Ray PizzeriaQuality pies with a focus on fresh ingredients
The Purple PigVermilionInventive American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere
PublicanVola's Dockside GrillGreat spot for seafood lovers and casual dining
Giordano'sValentino's PizzeriaKnown for deep-dish pizza options
RoisterEvening Star CafeModern American with a fun and inventive menu
Frontera GrillLos Tios GrillAuthentic Mexican cuisine with a lively atmosphere
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabWarehouse Bar & GrillIconic 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.

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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.

ComparisonChicagoAlexandria
Typical Architecture StylePrairie School, Chicago SchoolColonial, Federal
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, proximity to parksHistoric 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 background image

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.

Summer icon
83°F / 63°F

Chicago, IL

89°F / 71°F

Alexandria, VA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32°F / 18°F

Chicago, IL

47°F / 29°F

Alexandria, VA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

43

Alexandria, VA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

15

Alexandria, VA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoAlexandria
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersBlizzards, Cold WavesHurricanes, 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.

ComparisonChicagoAlexandria
Avg. Household Income$66,576$101,162
Cost of Living Index116.9140.1
State Income Tax4.955.75
Avg. Property Tax2.10.8
Avg. Sales Tax10.256
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Retail, Health ServicesGovernment, Professional Services, Real Estate
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableLower
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

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.

ChicagoAlexandria
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsDiverse with a historical focus on Democratic leadersProgressive, with active community engagement
ReligionMixed, with a significant Catholic presenceVariety, 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.

ComparisonChicagoAlexandria
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3430
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Yes, with some planningYes, 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.

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