Best Illinois to Washington Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Land of Lincoln to the Evergreen State represents not just a change in scenery, but a promising adventure in your life. Leaving behind Illinois’ vast prairies for Washington's lush landscapes and vibrant coffee culture might seem daunting, yet it's an exciting leap into a new chapter. That's why it’s crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers for this long-distance journey, and we at Great Guys Moving ensure you're matched with the best, making your move as seamless as the breeze across Puget Sound.
Best Illinois to Washington Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happ Movers, Inc. | 9.43 | A+ | Active | Contact |
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| John Volken Academy Movers | 9.34 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Murphy Family Movers | 9.29 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| First Due Movers | 9.26 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to Illinois guide.
6 Best IL to WA Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2970282 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
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 John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
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
About First Due Movers
First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington f...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
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.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Washington
Moving across states is a monumental decision, filled with both excitement and doubts. In this section, we aim to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Illinois to Washington . This comparison will help you weigh the pros and cons, ensuring a well-informed decision is made.
Illinois- High Taxes
- Harsh Winters
- Flat Landscapes
- Higher Crime Rates
- Lower Job Growth
Washington- No State Income Tax
- Milder Climate
- Diverse Landscape
- Lower Crime Rates
- Higher Job Growth
Washington- Less Diversity
- Higher Cost of Living
- Farther from East Coast
- Smaller Cities
- Less Higher Education Choices
Illinois- Cultural Richness
- Affordable Housing
- Central U.S. Location
- Larger Population
- More Universities
When considering a move from Illinois to Washington, the variance in landscapes and climates becomes quite apparent. Washington boasts a diverse natural beauty from the Olympic Peninsula to the arid regions of the east, offering outdoor enthusiasts an expansive playground. Cities like Seattle are renowned for their vibrant neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill and Ballard, each brimming with unique restaurants like Canlis and bustling markets like Pike Place. The economic landscape in Washington is equally impressive, with a robust job market fueled by giants like Microsoft and Amazon, providing ample career opportunities. Conversely, Illinois, with its rich cultural heritage, offers a distinct charm through its historic landmarks and institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago. Each state presents its unique set of advantages and potential drawbacks, tailored to individual preferences and priorities.
Illinois vs. Washington Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Washington. Food significantly shapes the cultural landscape and daily life of a place. By comparing these two locations, you can be better informed about the food scene awaiting you in your new home.
| Illinois | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Salmon |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Cedar Plank Salmon |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Chicago Vegan Deep Dish | Quinoa Salad |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Illinois, particularly in Chicago, you'll encounter a wealth of deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, emblematic of the state's rich culinary traditions. Iconic spots like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria offer quintessential tastes you won't want to miss. Meanwhile, Washington offers a markedly different palette, heavily influenced by its coastal location. Here, salmon dishes dominate, from cedar plank salmon to casual fish tacos, reflecting the state's love affair with seafood. In Seattle, Pike Place Market is a must-visit for food enthusiasts, offering fresh, local fare and unique dining experiences such as Pike Place Chowder and Canlis, renowned for its innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Ready to start your move?
Illinois vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how Illinois and Washington measure up can help make your decision easier. This comparison focuses on housing costs, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle to give a comprehensive overview.
| Comparison | Illinois | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie Style | Northwest Contemporary |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, basements | Eco-friendly features, views |
When moving from Illinois to Washington, you'll notice a significant difference in housing costs. Washington's housing market is pricier, reflecting its booming tech industry and coastal appeal. However, this state also offers a more pronounced urban lifestyle, with cities like Seattle scoring high in walkability and bikeability, which are crucial for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Homes in Washington often highlight eco-friendly features and beautiful views, a testament to the state's commitment to sustainability and its natural beauty. On the other hand, Illinois offers more traditional homes at a more affordable price point, often featuring larger yards and basements, suitable for families looking for space and comfort.
Illinois vs. Washington Weather Considerations
When moving from Illinois to Washington, it's crucial to grasp how the weather compares between your current location and your new home. This understanding will help you prepare for changes in climate, daylight, and seasonal activities. Below, a chart and further details will give you insight into the weather differences between Illinois and Washington, spanning average temperatures, humidity, and more.
Illinois
Washington
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Washington
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Washington
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Illinois
Washington
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Illinois | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Earthquakes, Volcanoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Illinois to Washington, you'll notice a significant difference in climate and weather experiences. Illinois enjoys more days of sunshine but also has higher summer temperatures compared to Washington. Meanwhile, Washington's winters are milder but wetter, given its higher annual precipitation in many areas. The climatic changes affect more than just wardrobe choices; they may impact your daily activities, potential for seasonal allergies, and even your approach to home maintenance. Adapting to Washington means embracing its lush, outdoor beauty, albeit with more frequent rain and cloud cover than you might be used to in Illinois.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Washington
Moving between states can significantly impact your financial situation, so it's crucial to understand how costs and economic conditions compare at your new location versus what you're accustomed to. This comparison chart serves as an informative tool to highlight the key financial differences and what to expect when relocating from Illinois to Washington.
| Comparison | Illinois | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $76,708 | $91,306 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.25 | 104.1 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.93 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.8 | 9.17 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Services | Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Substantial | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Notable | Significant |
While Washington boasts a higher average household income compared to Illinois, the cost of living is correspondingly higher, especially in urban areas like Seattle. The absence of a state income tax in Washington is an attractive financial incentive for many. However, this benefit can be offset by higher property taxes in Illinois, which might affect homeownership decisions. The top industries in each state highlight the local economies' diversity and focus, potentially guiding your career path decisions. Understanding these financial indicators can help smooth your transition and set realistic expectations for your move.
Illinois vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Illinois to Washington means adapting to a new community and surroundings. This quick comparison aims to give you an at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Washington , helping you to better understand your future neighbors.
| Illinois | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
| Local Politics | Chicago's influence is significant | Seattle's progressive politics play a key role |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, with diverse religious communities | Less religiously affiliated; diverse spiritual practices |
When you move from Illinois to Washington, you'll notice both similarities and differences in the community makeup. Both states lean Democratic on the political spectrum, with Illinois's political scene largely influenced by Chicago, and Washington's by Seattle. These major cities in each state are known for their progressive politics. On the religious front, while both states boast diverse religious communities, Illinois has a higher percentage of residents identifying as Christian. Washington, on the other hand, holds a notable portion of individuals who are less religiously affiliated, pointing towards a broader spectrum of beliefs and practices. Adapting to these distinctions will be an integral part of making Washington your new home.
Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Washington
Moving between states can be a bewildering experience, especially when it comes to finding the best educational opportunities for your family. To assist in this transition, we've compared schools and education systems in Illinois and Washington. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Washington.
| Illinois | Washington |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Illinois Northwestern University University of ChicagoUniversity of Washington Washington State University Seattle University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Lincoln Elementary Skokie; South Loop Elementary Chicago; Edison Regional Gifted Center ChicagoCascade Ridge Elementary Issaquah; Medina Elementary Medina; Discovery Elementary Sammamish | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Marie Murphy School Wilmette; Twin Groves Middle School Buffalo Grove; Maple School NorthbrookInternational School Bellevue; Odyssey: The Essential School Bainbridge Island; Lakeside Middle School Seattle | |
Top 3 High Schools Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Aurora; Northside College Prep Chicago; Payton College Prep ChicagoBellevue High School Bellevue; Tesla STEM High School Redmond; Newport High School Bellevue | |
Top 3 private high schools Phillips Academy Andover; Deerfield Academy Deerfield; Choate Rosemary Hall WallingfordLakeside School Seattle; The Overlake School Redmond; The Bush School Seattle | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Latin School of Chicago Chicago; The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Chicago; Francis W. Parker School ChicagoThe Evergreen School Shoreline; The Bear Creek School Redmond; Seattle Academy Seattle | |
Top 3 School Districts New Trier Township High School District 203 Northfield; Niles Township Community High School District 219 Skokie; Township High School District 211 PalatineMercer Island School District Mercer Island; Bellevue School District Bellevue; Lake Washington School District Redmond | |
When comparing the educational landscape of Illinois and Washington, certain distinctions become clear. For instance, Illinois boasts highly regarded institutions like the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, which attract a significant number of high school graduates. On the other hand, the University of Washington stands out in Washington, drawing students with its strong programs. The presence of top-tier private K-12 schools in major cities across both states indicates a commitment to educational excellence. Notably, schools like the Latin School of Chicago and The Evergreen School in Shoreline offer comprehensive education from kindergarten through 12th grade, highlighting the diverse educational opportunities available. Whether considering public or private educational institutions, both states offer robust programs designed to cater to a wide range of academic interests and needs.
Popular Illinois to Washington Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
