Best New Orleans to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the vibrant, jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the bustling, wind-swept avenues of Chicago marks an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind the Big Easy's laid-back vibes for the Windy City's dynamic pace can feel like swapping gumbo for deep-dish pizza—both delicious but distinctly different experiences. Given the distance and the unique challenges of such a move, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers; that's where we come in, offering you the best options based on our unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.
Best New Orleans to Chicago Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to New Orleans guide.
5 Best New Orleans to Chicago 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 Bart's Office Inc.
Bart's Office, founded in 1978, stands out in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area as a moving company that specializes in commercial moves. Per...Read More >>
Services
- Full service commercial relocation
- Installation/reconfiguration of cubical office space
- Restaurant & Apartment appliance installation
About Two Men and a Truck
In just over 35 years of operation, Two Men and A Truck has come from humble beginnings to becoming one of the leading movers across the Uni...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage
About Slidell Moving
Slidell Moving & Storage is a professional moving company with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Based in Slidell, Louisiana,...Read More >>
Services
- Local Residential Movers
- Long Distance Residential Movers
- Local Office Movers
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.
New Orleans vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
When moving from one city to another, finding a neighborhood that feels like home is crucial. This guide is designed to compare the local neighborhoods between New Orleans, LA & Chicago, IL , helping you familiarize yourself with your new city by drawing parallels to what you already know. Let's explore which neighborhoods in Chicago best match the vibe of your favorite spots in New Orleans.
| New Orleans | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Garden District | Lincoln Park | Historic homes, lush parks |
| French Quarter | Wicker Park | Vibrant nightlife, arts scene |
| Uptown | Lakeview | Family-friendly, diverse dining options |
| Marigny | Logan Square | Hip, with a rich arts culture |
| Bywater | Pilsen | Bohemian, with a strong community vibe |
| Warehouse District | West Loop | Trendy eateries, urban lofts |
| Mid-City | Roscoe Village | Laid-back, with local boutiques |
| Tremé | Bronzeville | Rich cultural history, jazz influence |
| Gentilly | Edgewater | Diverse, waterfront living |
| Audubon | Ravenswood | Quiet, with green spaces |
In comparing neighborhoods between New Orleans and Chicago, one can easily find a slice of their old home in their new surroundings. For instance, if you adored the historic charm and sprawling oak trees of the Garden District, you'll likely find Lincoln Park's stately homes and abundant greenery to be just as enchanting. Similarly, Wicker Park's dynamic social scene and artistic flair could remind you of the French Quarter's lively streets and cultural richness. Fans of the Marigny's indie music scene might find a new haven in Logan Square, where dive bars and venues like The Whistler serve up local brews and live tunes. By drawing these parallels, your transition to Chicago can feel less like a leap into the unknown and more like a continuation of your urban exploration.
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Pros and Cons of Moving from New Orleans to Chicago
Moving from one city to another involves weighing New Orleans, LA's cons against Chicago, IL's pros and vice versa, to fully grasp what each location has to offer or lacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Let's explore the unique aspects of both cities to help you make an informed decision.
New Orleans, LA- Higher humidity
- Lower job growth
- Risk of flooding
- Smaller city
Chicago, IL- Seasonal weather
- Diverse job market
- Better infrastructure
- Larger city
Chicago, IL- Colder winters
- Less live jazz
- Heavier traffic
- Higher living costs
New Orleans, LA- Vibrant culture
- Richer music scene
- Unique cuisine
- Warmer winters
Moving from New Orleans to Chicago introduces you to a city with a dynamic job market, notably in sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare. Chicago's vast expanse offers an extensive array of neighborhoods each with its own character—such as the art-packed streets of Pilsen or the bustling, skyscraper-lined Loop. You might miss the intimate jazz bars of Frenchmen Street or the Creole flavors of Commander's Palace but Chicago offers its own culinary and cultural delights. Check out the world-renowned art at The Art Institute of Chicago or enjoy a leisurely day at Millennium Park. While winters can be harsh, the city's efficient snow removal and public transit system make it manageable and even charming, especially around the festive Christkindlmarket. Each city has its trade-offs; it's about finding which mix of elements feels like home to you.
New Orleans vs. Chicago Food Guide
Understanding the heartbeat of a city can often come down to its food, which is a vibrant part of local culture and living experience. To help you get a taste of where you're heading, this is a comparison of the local cuisine between New Orleans & Chicago , giving you a better sense of what culinary delights await.
| New Orleans | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Gumbo | Deep-dish pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Jambalaya | Italian Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Po'boy | Chicago-style hot dog |
| Most popular vegan food | Okra Gumbo | Seitan Hot Dog |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from New Orleans to Chicago, you'll transition from the spice-laden, seafood-centric dishes of the Gulf Coast to the hearty, meat-focused meals synonymous with the Midwest. New Orleans’ famed French Quarter is where you can indulge in a warm bowl of gumbo or grab a po'boy on the go. Chicago, on the other hand, offers its culinary delights in neighborhoods like the West Loop, where you can dive into a deep-dish pizza or grab a Chicago-style hot dog near Millennium Park. Both cities boast a rich foodie scene, but Chicago edges ahead with a slightly more health-conscious and vegan-friendly environment. Enjoy exploring the iconic eateries, from Commander's Palace in New Orleans to the innovative Alinea in Chicago, each telling a story of their city's culinary journey.
New Orleans vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, finding spots that tantalize your taste buds is essential for feeling at home. This restaurant comparison between New Orleans to Chicago will guide you in discovering your next favorite dining destinations based on your old favorites.
| New Orleans | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Commander's Palace | Alinea | Both offer an exquisite fine dining experience with unique tasting menus. |
| Willie Mae's Scotch House | Honey Butter Fried Chicken | Southern-inspired, best for comfort food lovers. |
| Cochon | The Publican | Similar focus on pork and hearty meat dishes, with a farm-to-table ethos. |
| Galatoire's | Girl & The Goat | Both are iconic spots offering diverse and innovative dishes. |
| Café du Monde | Stan's Donuts & Coffee | For a sweet treat reminiscent of Café du Monde's beignets. |
| Antoine's | Le Bouchon | Offering a classic French dining experience comparable to Antoine's elegance. |
| Bayona | Sepia | Creative American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, similar vibe. |
| Acme Oyster House | Shaw's Crab House | Both are celebrated for their fresh seafood and raw bar selections. |
| Dooky Chase's | Virtue | Both places specialize in soul food with a modern twist, focusing on heritage and history. |
| Drago's Seafood Restaurant | Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Known for their exceptional seafood dishes. |
Discovering a city's food scene is crucial in making it feel like home. Alinea in Chicago, just like Commander's Palace in New Orleans, promises an unforgettable fine dining experience, but with a Chicago twist. If your comfort food craving kicks in, Honey Butter Fried Chicken is Chicago's answer to Willie Mae's Scotch House, offering that soul-satisfying, crunchy goodness. Those missing Galatoire's unique flair will find a contemporary counterpart in Girl & The Goat, where innovative and diverse dishes take center stage. And for those yearning for a taste of Café du Monde's iconic beignets, Stan's Donuts & Coffee in the Windy City offers a sweet solace with its array of donuts and coffee, ensuring you'll find a piece of New Orleans in Chicago.
Ready to start your move?
New Orleans vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial aspect of relocating, offering insights into living standards and lifestyle. Understanding how the housing markets in New Orleans and Chicago compare will better prepare you for your move.
| Comparison | New Orleans | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Cottage and Creole townhouses | Modern and Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic homes, proximity to water | Lake views, public transit access |
When comparing the housing markets, New Orleans offers a glimpse into a rich, historic urban fabric with its cottage and Creole townhouses, often featuring close proximity to water. In contrast, Chicago's housing landscape blends modern with Victorian architecture, emphasizing lake views and accessibility to efficient public transit. Chicago's higher urban lifestyle score reflects its dense, walkable urban areas, affording greater convenience and amenity accessibility. Therefore, your housing choice substantially impacts your urban experience, from architectural styles to lifestyle dynamics.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
1. Lincoln Park: With its sprawling namesake park, you'll find plenty of green spaces for walks and the Lincoln Park Dog Park where your furry friend can run off-leash.
2. Lakeview: Home to the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park, Lakeview offers an urban setting with a pet-friendly attitude, hosting numerous pet supply shops and pet-friendly patios.
3. Andersonville: This community-oriented neighborhood not only features pet-friendly dining and shopping but also events like the annual Andersonville Pet Parade, making it a delightful place for pet owners.
New Orleans vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather in New Orleans and Chicago will compare is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust better to your new environment by preparing you for the changes in climate and seasonal variations you're likely to experience.
New Orleans, LA
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
New Orleans, LA
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
New Orleans, LA
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
New Orleans, LA
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | New Orleans | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Flooding | Snowstorms, Tornados |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Comparing the climates of New Orleans and Chicago, you'll find significant differences that may impact your daily life and wardrobe. New Orleans is characterized by hot summers and mild winters with high humidity levels, making it feel warmer than the actual temperature. Chicago experiences a wider range of temperatures, with cold winters that can see significant snowfall. The transition from the humid climate of New Orleans to Chicago's dry winter air can impact your skin and respiratory system, necessitating a different approach to hydration and possibly even home heating and humidification. Additionally, if you're not accustomed to driving in snow, you'll need to prepare for winter road conditions in Chicago.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from New Orleans to Chicago
When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the differences in financial aspects between your current and future home is crucial for budgeting. This comparison between New Orleans, LA and Chicago, IL sheds light on various financial factors you'll need to consider.
| Comparison | New Orleans | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $46,942 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.52 | 2.10 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.45 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Port, Healthcare | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Visible | Concerning |
The financial landscape varies significantly between New Orleans and Chicago. With an average household income higher in Chicago, this might initially appear advantageous. However, this benefit is somewhat offset by Chicago's higher cost of living and property taxes, which are notably steeper than in New Orleans. State income tax in Chicago is also slightly higher. The differences in the top industries between the two cities reflect the diverse economic environments and job opportunities available. While New Orleans thrives on tourism and its port, Chicago's economy is driven by finance, manufacturing, and information technology, indicating a broader base of high-paying jobs. Despite these financial and economic differences, each city presents unique opportunities and challenges depending on your profession and lifestyle preferences.
New Orleans vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison of the politics between New Orleans & Chicago provides a quick glimpse into the political and religious landscape of the two cities, aiming to offer insights into their diverse populations.
| New Orleans | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Largely Democratic |
| Local Politics | Moderate with liberal leanings | Progressive with strong historical ties to labor movements |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, with a significant Catholic presence Archdiocese of New Orleans | Diverse; Christianity leading but more religious variety, significant Catholic and Jewish communities Archdiocese of Chicago, Jewish United Fund |
The political and religious landscapes of New Orleans and Chicago offer fascinating insights into their cultural tapestries. New Orleans has a political environment that leans more towards moderate liberalism, grounded in its diverse demographic and historical influences. Chicago, on the other hand, showcases a more pronounced progressive political climate, heavily influenced by its rich history of labor and civil rights movements. Religious life in New Orleans is dominantly Christian, with a notable Catholic heritage evidenced by the prominence of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Chicago presents a broader religious diversity including a significant representation of both Catholic and Jewish communities, supported by institutions like the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Jewish United Fund, reflecting the city's wider ethnic and cultural diversity.
New Orleans vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When considering a move, it's crucial to understand how daily commutes and traffic patterns differ across cities. This comparison between New Orleans & Chicago will provide insights into what you can expect when driving or using public transit in these cities.
| Comparison | New Orleans | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possibly, with planning | Yes, easily |
In New Orleans, while the average commute time is relatively short, the city's infrastructure and reliance on cars mean that traffic congestion can still be a significant factor. Public transit options are available, but they may not cover all areas comprehensively, making it somewhat challenging to depend entirely on them. On the other hand, Chicago offers more robust public transit options, including buses, trains, and subways, making it easier to navigate the city without a car. The average commute time is longer, reflecting the larger cityscape and possibly more significant distances between residential areas and workplaces. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your move and daily life in your new city.
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