Trusted. Licensed. Insured.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.
Moving from Illinois to West Virginia?
6 Best IL to WV Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide
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6 Best Illinois to West Virginia Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
#1
| Glenview, IL | |
| Professional Moving Services, Residential Moving, Commercial Moving See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 7/24/2023) | |
| USDOT: 2970282 Verify |
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 >>
#2
6
| Chicago, IL | |
| Residential Movers, Commercial Movers, Packing & Unpacking Services See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/6/2024) | |
| USDOT: 3476069 Verify |
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 >>
#3
| Chicago, IL | |
| Full Moves, Truck Loading and Unloading, Interstate Moving Assistance See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/5/2024) | |
| USDOT: 1906350 Verify |
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 >>
#4
| St. Charles, IL | |
| Local Moving, Interstate Moving, Professional Packing See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/5/2024) | |
| USDOT: 2965334 Verify |
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 >>
#5
| Morgantown, WV | |
| Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/6/2024) | |
| USDOT: 3094022 Verify |
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 >>
#6
A
| Somerville, NJ | |
| Local and long-distance moving services, Packing and unpacking services, Short-term and long-term storage options See More | |
| Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/6/2024) | |
| USDOT: 3679007 Verify |
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 >>
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- Higher taxes
- Dense population
- Severe winters
- Higher cost of living
- Less outdoor recreation
West Virginia- Lower taxes
- Less crowded
- Milder winters
- More affordable living
- Abundant nature
West Virginia- Smaller cities
- Fewer job options
- Limited cultural venues
- Less public transport
- Fewer dining options
Illinois- 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.
Food Scene Guide When Moving from Illinois to West Virginia
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.
| Illinois | West Virginia |
|---|---|
Most iconic local food item Chicago-style deep dish pizzaPepperoni Roll | |
Most popular meat dish Italian BeefCountry Ham | |
Most popular street food item Hot Dog (Chicago-style)Pepperoni Roll | |
Most popular vegan food Chicago-style Vegan Deep Dish PizzaVegetarian Chili | |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
| |
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness 76 | |
Abundance of Food Trucks 85 | |
Foodie Scene 97 | |
Vegan Friendly 86 | |
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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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Illinois to West Virginia
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.
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.
Weather Considerations for Moving from Illinois to West Virginia
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.
85°F / 65°F
Illinois
80°F / 60°F
West Virginia
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
35°F / 20°F
Illinois
40°F / 20°F
West Virginia
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
39
Illinois
52
West Virginia
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
22
Illinois
33
West Virginia
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
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.
Political & Religious Comparison between Illinois and West Virginia
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.
| Illinois | West Virginia |
|---|---|
Political Make-up Lean DemocraticLean Republican | |
Local Politics Diverse, urban areas more liberalRural, with a conservative governance | |
Religion Mixed, 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.
| Illinois | West Virginia |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Illinois Northwestern University University of ChicagoWest 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 68Monongalia 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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