Best Chicago to Richmond Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from one city to another is always an adventure, a chance to write a new chapter in your life's story. You're leaving behind Chicago's iconic skyline and deep-dish pizzas for Richmond's historic streets and vibrant art scene. Understanding the importance of this journey, we emphasize the need for reliable professional movers to ensure your transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Best Chicago to Richmond Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Estes SureMove | 9.21 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA | 9.19 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Richmond to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Richmond 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
About Estes SureMove
The most significant cause of stress when moving is the cost. Traditional full-service movers can take care of everything for you, but at th...Read More >>
Services
- Home moving
- Employee relocations
- Add-ons (such as same-day pickup)
About On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA
On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC is a family-owned and operated moving company based in Richmond, VA. They provide local and long-distance moving...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Moving Helpers
- 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. Richmond Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially when trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've created a guide to help you compare Chicago, IL & Richmond, VA neighborhoods . By understanding the similarities between areas in both cities, you can better envision your life in your new surroundings.
| Chicago | Richmond | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | The Fan | Vibrant community, historic homes |
| Wicker Park | Carytown | Artsy, bustling shopping and dining |
| Gold Coast | Monument Avenue | Upscale, historic architecture |
| Loop | Downtown Richmond | Urban core, business district |
| Hyde Park | Museum District | Cultural hub, educational institutions |
| Andersonville | Church Hill | Tight-knit community, rich history |
| Logan Square | Scott's Addition | Hip, rapidly developing area |
| Lakeview | Belle Isle | Outdoor activities, scenic views |
| River North | Shockoe Bottom | Nightlife, historic warehouses |
| Old Town | Oregon Hill | Historic charm, community atmosphere |
When moving from Lincoln Park in Chicago to Richmond, you'll find The Fan's vibrant community and historic homes quite familiar. Imagine walking down Monument Avenue, reminiscent of the Gold Coast's upscale, historic vibe but with Richmond's unique Southern charm. For those attracted to Wicker Park's artsy, bustling essence, Carytown's shopping and dining scene will not disappoint. It's a hub for creative minds and food lovers, with local gems like Carytown Cupcakes offering a taste of the eclectic. Meanwhile, Andersonville's community spirit is mirrored in Church Hill, where the history of Richmond comes alive among well-preserved architecture and friendly faces. For the outdoorsy types, Belle Isle in Richmond offers a slice of nature and adventure, similar to that of Lakeview's proximity to parks and waterfront activities.
Things to Do in Richmond
Explore the historical Richmond National Battlefield Park.- Stroll through the lush Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
- View contemporary art at the ICA at VCU.
- Attend a concert at The National venue.
- Paddleboarding on James River.
- Family fun at the Children's Museum of Richmond.
- Experience the vibrant Downtown Richmond nightlife.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Richmond
Moving can be both an exciting and daunting experience. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA . By juxtaposing the cons of living in Chicago against the pros of living in Richmond, and vice versa, this guide hopes to offer valuable insights that can aid in making an informed decision.
Chicago, IL- High crime rates
- Harsh winters
- Higher cost of living
- Heavy traffic
Richmond, VA- Lower crime rates
- Milder winters
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic congestion
Richmond, VA- Quieter nightlife
- Smaller food scene
- Limited public transit
- Fewer landmarks
Chicago, IL- Vibrant nightlife
- Diverse food scene
- Extensive public transit
- Cultural landmarks
While considering moving from Chicago to Richmond, it's essential to weigh the significant differences in lifestyle and environment. Chicago, known for its iconic skyline, includes Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, offering rich cultural experiences at every turn. On the other hand, Richmond boasts beautiful outdoor spaces like the James River Park System, perfect for those who love nature without venturing far from urban comforts. The food scene in Richmond, though smaller, presents unique and intimate dining experiences at establishments like Sub Rosa Bakery, a testament to the city's growing culinary scene. Whether it's the serene landscapes of Richmond’s Belle Isle or the historical sights such as the Virginia State Capitol, the transition from Chicago’s bustling streets to Richmond’s charming locales marks a significant change of pace that can bring new adventures and opportunities.
Chicago vs. Richmond Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Richmond to give you a taste of what culinary experiences await you in your new city. Understanding local food is crucial to feeling at home, and here, we'll dive into the flavors that define these two remarkable cities.
| Chicago | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Pimento Cheese |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Fried Catfish |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich |
| Most popular vegan food | Chicago-style Vegan Pizza | Vegan Soul Food |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Chicago, the deep dish pizza reigns supreme as a must-try, with Lou Malnati's being a beloved spot to dive into this iconic dish. If you're moving to Richmond, prepare your palate for a different culinary adventure. Here, pimento cheese captures the essence of local flavors, and you can enjoy this regional specialty at places like Sally Bell's Kitchen. Richmond's thriving food scene also embraces modern trends, including a vibrant vegan movement, with spots like Mama J's offering vegan soul food that caters to a diverse audience. Whether it's exploring Chicago's famed food trucks or diving into Richmond's pulled pork BBQ, your move is an opportunity to discover a new culinary landscape.
Chicago vs. Richmond Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts at the table. For those moving from Chicago to Richmond, we've prepared a comparison to highlight how your culinary favorites from Chicago can find a counterpart in Richmond, making the transition feel like home . This guide aims to connect you with local spots that mirror the essence of what you loved back in Chicago.
| Chicago | Richmond | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | L'opossum | Artful presentations and innovative cuisine parallel. |
| Girl & The Goat | Heritage | Creative dishes in a vibrant atmosphere that matches. |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Bottoms Up Pizza | Known for deep-dish pies reminiscent of Chicago's staple. |
| The Purple Pig | Saison | Focuses on seasonal ingredients with a similar adventurous spirit. |
| Portillo's Hot Dogs | City Dogs | Offers a variety of hot dogs that echo Portillo's Chicago-style favorites. |
| Gene & Jude's | Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint | Relaxed vibe with a focus on comfort food parallels. |
| Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill | En Su Boca | A spot for Mexican cuisines that channels a similar commitment to flavor. |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse | Classic elegance with a focus on seafood and steaks. |
| Chicago Diner | Ipanema Cafe | Vegetarian and vegan options that cater to a similar ethos. |
| Giordano's | Anthony's on the Hill | Offers a pie that rivals the famous Chicago deep-dish. |
While it might seem daunting to leave Chicago's bustling food scene behind, Richmond offers exciting culinary adventures that can make the transition smoother. For instance, L'opossum's artful presentations and innovative dishes provide an experience akin to Alinea's in Chicago. Meanwhile, Heritage's approach to creative dishes in a spirited atmosphere might remind you of Girl & The Goat. For those missing Lou Malnati's iconic deep-dish pizza, Bottoms Up Pizza in Richmond steps up to the plate with its similarly renowned pies. Thus, as you explore Richmond, you'll discover not just replacements for your Chicago favorites, but perhaps new staples that celebrate the unique flavors and vibrancy of Richmond's own diverse culinary landscape.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Richmond Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial factor when moving, and understanding how housing options in Chicago, IL and Richmond, VA compare can help make your decision easier. This analysis considers cost, architectural styles, walkability, and more to give you a clearer picture.
| Comparison | Chicago | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Victorian | Colonial and Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to transit | Historic details, large yards |
Considering both cities, you'll find that despite Chicago's slightly higher cost of living and median home price, it offers a more urban lifestyle with better walkability and bikeability scores. Chicago's modern and Victorian architecture contrasts Richmond's Colonial and Craftsman styles, offering a different kind of aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, Richmond might be more appealing if you're looking for a more relaxed environment with historic charm and larger yards, as indicated by the popular items in real estate listings. Both cities offer unique benefits, so your choice may come down to personal preference regarding lifestyle, architectural taste, and budget.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Richmond, VA
1. The Fan: Famed for its high walkability scores, dog-friendly restaurants like City Dogs, and numerous pet boutiques, The Fan ensures your furry friend will be well-catered to.
2. Shockoe Bottom: With access to places like Chimney Park, a dedicated dog park, and a plethora of pet-friendly housing options, Shockoe Bottom offers a bustling, pet-friendly environment.
3. Museum District: Known for its tree-lined, walkable streets, the Museum District combines convenience for you and quality of life for your pets with places like Barky's, a popular pet store.
Chicago vs. Richmond Weather Considerations
When relocating, it's essential to grasp how the weather in your new city compares to what you're accustomed to. This guide illustrates the climatic differences you'll encounter when moving from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA, helping you prepare for your new environment.
Chicago, IL
Richmond, VA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Richmond, VA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Richmond, VA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Richmond, VA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Winter storms, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, Summer storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both cities experience four distinct seasons, you'll find Richmond, VA, to enjoy warmer summers and milder winters compared to Chicago, IL. This could mean a longer active outdoor season in Richmond and less need for heavy winter clothing. Furthermore, the higher annual sunshine days in Richmond may improve your overall mood and vitamin D intake. However, Richmond does face a higher risk of hurricanes and summer storms, a significant contrast to Chicago's winter challenges. Adapting to the local climate will be crucial for your comfort and safety in your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Richmond
When contemplating a move, it's critical to compare the financial landscapes of your current and future homes. This comparison will shed light on what to expect in terms of living costs and economic environment. In this case, understanding how Chicago, IL and Richmond, VA stack up against each other in financial aspects is invaluable.
| Comparison | Chicago | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $51,770 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 104.5 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 5.75 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.89 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 5.3 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Technology, Manufacturing | Government, Finance, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | High | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
When you move from Chicago to Richmond, you'll find the overall cost of living slightly more affordable in Richmond, with its Cost of Living Index standing at 102.1, compared to Chicago's 106.9. Though the average household income in Richmond is a bit lower, the difference in average property tax rates, with Chicago at 2.16% versus Richmond's 0.89%, can offer substantial savings for homeowners. Richmond's lower sales tax rate also means routine purchases and dining out could be lighter on your wallet. Although both cities boast strong economic foundations with finance and manufacturing being core industries, the shift from Chicago to Richmond may feel like a transition to a locale where your money stretches further, meshing well with a lifestyle prioritizing financial comfort and stability.
Chicago vs. Richmond Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Richmond, VA, offers a unique opportunity to compare the demographics of your current home with your future one. This quick guide provides an at-a-glance snapshot focusing on the political and religious makeup of the cities, representing a comparison between Chicago & Richmond. Understanding these aspects can help anticipate the cultural and social environment awaiting you.
| Chicago | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Diverse, intense urban politics | Community-driven, more consensus-based politics |
| Religion | Multicultural religious landscape | Christian dominance, with historical Virginia Faith roots |
When you move from Chicago to Richmond, you'll transition from a city with a vibrant, diverse political environment to one where politics are woven into the fabric of community life, often with a more consensus-driven approach. Chicago's political scene is known for its intensity and the Democratic stronghold, whereas in Richmond, while still leaning Democratic, the political atmosphere is mixed with Virginia's historical significance and a strong sense of local community. The religious landscape will also be a shift. Chicago's multiculturalism includes a wide spectrum of faiths and practices, reflecting its diverse population. Meanwhile, Richmond's religious makeup has deep Christian roots, with a significant presence in community involvement and history. This move presents an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in different yet enriching cultural experiences.
Chicago vs. Richmond Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When considering a move from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA, it’s crucial to compare the traffic and transportation options between these two cities. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of your daily commute and navigating the city streets. Understanding the differences can help you better prepare for your new life in Richmond.
| Comparison | Chicago | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, but easier with a car in certain neighborhoods | Yes, with some limitations |
While both Chicago and Richmond offer public transportation options, the availability and convenience differ significantly between the two cities. In Chicago, the comprehensive CTA network makes it easier to rely on public transit for daily commutes, which is reflected in its higher public transit score. Richmond, on the other hand, has a smaller GRTC transit system, which may suffice for central neighborhoods but can prove limiting for more remote areas. This distinction in public transit availability could necessitate a car for more convenient travel in Richmond, despite the lower traffic congestion compared to Chicago. Understanding these differences ensures you can better plan your transportation needs ahead of your move.
Popular Chicago, IL to Virginia Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
