Best Illinois to West Virginia Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IL to WV Moving Specialists

Moving from the Land of Lincoln to the Mountain State can be an exhilarating leap towards a new chapter in your life. While you're trading Illinois's vast prairies and hearty deep-dish pizzas for West Virginia's rugged landscapes and rich coal history, remember that such a significant journey requires more than just a leap of faith. It's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers for your long-distance move, and we at Great Guys Moving use an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you're matched with the best, making your transition as smooth as possible.

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Best Illinois to West Virginia Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.42A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
A1 Movers, Inc9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Country Roads Moving LLC9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Abates Moving Services LLC8.53NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from West Virginia to Illinois guide.

6 Best IL to WV Moving Companies

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

Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
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
1
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 12/18/2024)

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
2
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 12/17/2024)

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
3
A1 Movers, Inc Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 776+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Country Roads Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.26/10
based on 714+ data points

About Country Roads Moving LLC

Country Roads Moving is a Morgantown-based moving company that serves the greater North Central West Virginia area. It is licensed, insured,...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3094022 / 73556

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved210,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
A
Fabulous8.53/10
based on 347+ data points

About Abates Moving Services LLC

With Abates Moving Services LLC, you can expect your relocation to be stress-free and quick without feeling hurried at all. This local Morga...Read More >>

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Short-term and long-term storage options

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3679007 / 1278788

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (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 West Virginia

Moving between states is a big decision that requires weighing both the positive and negative aspects of such a transition. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Illinois to West Virginia, helping you to better understand how the cons of your current state compare to the pros of your new home, and vice versa.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Dense population
  • Severe winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less outdoor recreation
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Lower taxes
  • Less crowded
  • Milder winters
  • More affordable living
  • Abundant nature
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Smaller cities
  • Fewer job options
  • Limited cultural venues
  • Less public transport
  • Fewer dining options
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Vibrant city life
  • More job opportunities
  • Rich cultural scenes
  • Better public transportation
  • More diverse cuisine

Moving from Illinois to West Virginia offers a unique opportunity to experience a more relaxed pace of life amidst stunning natural landscapes. West Virginia is renowned for its outdoor recreation, with places like New River Gorge National Park and the lush Monongahela National Forest providing countless opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. While Illinois boasts a vibrant cultural scene, including renowned restaurants in Chicago like Avec and historic venues like the Chicago Theatre, West Virginia offers a more laid-back lifestyle. Nevertheless, smaller cities like Charleston and Morgantown have their charm, with community-driven events, local eateries like Black Bear Burritos, and the personal touch of neighborhood markets. This transition might mean adjusting to fewer job opportunities and smaller cultural venues, but it also opens the door to becoming part of close-knit communities and exploring expansive natural beauty.

Illinois vs. West Virginia Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Illinois & West Virginia helps in understanding the food culture of both states. As food is a significant part of local culture and reflects on what living in an area could be like, this comparison aims to provide a clearer picture of the gastronomic scene awaiting you.

IllinoisWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemChicago-style deep dish pizzaPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefCountry Ham
Most popular street food itemHot Dog (Chicago-style)Pepperoni Roll
Most popular vegan foodChicago-style Vegan Deep Dish PizzaVegetarian Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
  • Pies & Pints
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
  • Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Illinois, particularly in Chicago, the food scene is vibrant with a rich history of its iconic deep-dish pizza and a strong influence from its diverse population. For example, you can visit Lou Malnati's Pizzeria for some of the best deep-dish pizzas. On the other hand, West Virginia is renowned for its comfort food, with the Pepperoni Roll standing out as a local favorite. Restaurants like Pies & Pints serve up hearty dishes that resonate with the state's coal mining heritage. Whether you're looking for street food or fine dining, both states offer unique flavors that cater to a variety of palates.

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Illinois vs. West Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal consideration in relocating, necessitating a comparison between Illinois and West Virginia. Knowing how these two states compare in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle helps in making an informed decision.

ComparisonIllinoisWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanColonial and Cape Cod
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to transportation, Modern amenitiesNature views, Spacious land

While Illinois boasts higher property and rental rates, reflecting its vibrant urban offerings and modern amenities, West Virginia, presents an affordable housing market, ideal for those seeking close-knit, rural living. The architecture in Illinois leans towards Prairie and Craftsman styles, indicative of its rich historical fabric, whereas West Virginia's Colonial and Cape Cod styles mirror its traditional roots. Notably, Illinois' higher urban lifestyle score highlights its bustling city life, contrastingly, West Virginia scores on its serene, nature-centric living, offering spacious land and picturesque nature views in its real estate listings.

Illinois vs. West Virginia Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another involves many changes, and understanding how the weather varies is crucial. Here, we compare the climates of Illinois and West Virginia to help you prepare for what's ahead.

Summer icon
85°F / 65°F

Illinois

80°F / 60°F

West Virginia

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 20°F

Illinois

40°F / 20°F

West Virginia

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

52

West Virginia

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

33

West Virginia

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisWest Virginia
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornados, FloodsFloods, Landslides
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Illinois to West Virginia, you'll encounter a milder summer with slightly lower highs and comparable lows. West Virginia sees fewer days of sunshine but makes up for it with more beautiful, mist-covered mornings, thanks to its higher annual rainfall and humidity. The increased snowfall in West Virginia might require a bit of adjustment, especially in winter driving conditions. Additionally, while both states share common airborne allergens, West Virginia's lush landscapes could mean longer seasons for these allergens, so prepare accordingly.

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

When you're moving from one state to another, understanding how your finances will compare is crucial. This comparison will help you see what changes you might expect in your wallet. We will compare Illinois to West Virginia on key financial aspects to help you prepare for your move.

ComparisonIllinoisWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$76,708$54,329
Cost of Living Index94.2595
State Income Tax4.953.0 to 6.5
Avg. Property Tax2.160.59
Avg. Sales Tax8.86.5
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Services, TechnologyEnergy (Coal), Chemicals, Tourism
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessHigherLower

Considering the move from Illinois to West Virginia, the lower average household income in West Virginia is contrasted by its significantly lower cost of living and property taxes, making daily and long-term expenses more manageable for many. The wider range of income tax rates in West Virginia may provide flexibility depending on your income bracket. Additionally, while each state boasts diverse leading industries, moving from a state with a strong technology sector to one where energy (particularly coal) and chemicals lead may offer different job opportunities and economic environments. These comparisons underscore the importance of understanding regional economic landscapes to better anticipate your financial adjustment.

Illinois vs. West Virginia Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Illinois to West Virginia, understanding the communities you'll be joining is crucial. This quick snapshot provides insights into the comparison of the politics between Illinois & West Virginia, alongside the religious landscape, offering a glimpse into what to expect from your potential neighbors.

IllinoisWest Virginia
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsDiverse, urban areas more liberalRural, with a conservative governance
ReligionMixed, with a strong Catholic presencePredominantly Protestant

Moving from Illinois to West Virginia, you'll notice a significant shift in both the political and religious outlooks. Illinois' political scene is marked by its liberal-leaning urban centers, such as Chicago, contrasted by more conservative rural areas. In contrast, West Virginia's political landscape is broadly conservative, reflecting its predominantly rural makeup. The religious environment also shifts, moving from Illinois' diverse religious makeup with a strong Catholic presence, to West Virginia's predominantly Protestant community. Understanding these nuances will help you acclimate to your new surroundings more comfortably.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to West Virginia

Moving between states can be a daunting process, especially when considering the best educational opportunities for your children. To assist you, we've created a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options from Illinois to West Virginia . This will help you make an informed decision about your family's education needs.

IllinoisWest Virginia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia Wesleyan College

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Skinner North Classical School (Chicago)
South Loop Elementary School (Chicago)
Lincoln Elementary School (Springfield)
Weimer Elementary School (Morgantown)
Suncrest Primary School (Morgantown)
North Elementary School (Morgantown)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Whitney Young Magnet High School (Chicago)
Lincoln Junior High School (Skokie)
Suncrest Middle School (Morgantown)
Mountaineer Middle School (Morgantown)
Triadelphia Middle School (Wheeling)

Top 3 High School Schools

Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
George Washington High School (Charleston)
Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport)
Morgantown High School (Morgantown)

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
The Linsly School (Wheeling)
Greenbrier Episcopal School (Lewisburg)
Charleston Catholic High School (Charleston)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest)
Morgan Park Academy (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
The Linsly School (Wheeling)
Notre Dame High School (Clarksburg)
Wheeling Country Day School (Wheeling)

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Skokie School District 68
Monongalia County Schools
Ohio County Schools
Harrison County Schools

Illinois and West Virginia both offer a variety of top-tier educational institutions, but the nature and location of these schools differ significantly between the two states. For instance, Illinois boasts prestigious universities such as the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, which attract a large number of high school graduates. On the other hand, West Virginia University and Marshall University are popular choices among West Virginia seniors, reflecting the states' distinct educational landscapes. Furthermore, Illinois' top rankings are often filled with schools from urban areas like Chicago, which is known for its diversity and academic excellence. Contrastingly, West Virginia's top schools like George Washington High School in Charleston and The Linsly School in Wheeling showcase the state's preference for smaller, community-focused education. This comparison illuminates the diverse options available, whether you're looking for a public school in a bustling city or a private school in a more intimate setting.

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