Best Maryland to Illinois Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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MD to IL Moving Specialists

Moving from Maryland to Illinois marks the start of a thrilling adventure and a significant life change. You may be swapping Maryland’s storied Chesapeake Bay for Illinois’ iconic Windy City, each state with its own unique charm and challenges. Recognizing the importance of this long journey, it's crucial to choose trusted, reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving use an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you connect with the best movers for a smooth transition.

Maryland iconArrow iconIllinois icon

Best Maryland to Illinois Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
AT Movers9.64A+Authorized For PropertyContact
AJ Moving Services LLC9.56AAuthorized For HHGContact
AB Secure Moving LLC.9.48NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Bulldog Movers9.42NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.42A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to Maryland guide.

6 Best MD to IL Moving Companies

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

AT Movers Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.64/10
based on 1,252+ data points

About AT Movers

AT Movers is a moving company based in Potomac, with business hours from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. They provide reliab...Read More >>

Services

  • Wrapping, stocking, and relocation
  • Assembling the uplift desks
  • The protection of the valuable frames and pictures

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3455533 / 1126253

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
AJ Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 549+ data points

About AJ Moving Services LLC

AJ Moving Services LLC, based in Frederick, MD, has been providing a broad range of moving solutions for both residential and commercial cli...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Move
  • Office Move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3866515 / 1414221

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved17,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
AB Secure Moving LLC. Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.48/10
based on 669+ data points

About AB Secure Moving LLC.

AB Secure Moving LLC is a professional moving company with over 10 years of experience in the moving industry. Based in Maryland, they serve...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

3900650 / 1436879

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved6,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Bulldog Movers Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
based on 587+ data points

About Bulldog Movers

Bulldog Movers, based in Rockville, Maryland, offers moving services to areas such as Germantown, Washington D.C., Gaithersburg, and Virgini...Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing & Unpacking
  • Piano Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3482586 / 1143505

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
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
5
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
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 Maryland to Illinois

Moving can be a daunting process, and when it come to relocating from Maryland to Illinois, it's vital to weigh the pros and cons to ensure a smooth transition. This guide is designed to give you a balanced view of the benefits and drawbacks of making such a move. By examining both sides, you’ll be better equipped to make a well-informed decision about your future.

CONs
PROs
Maryland iconMaryland
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Humid summers
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • Milder summers
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Flat landscape
  • No ocean access
  • Higher tornado risk
Maryland iconMaryland
  • Vibrant cities
  • Access to coast
  • Rich history

While Maryland and Illinois offer distinct lifestyle opportunities, your decision to move can be influenced by several factors. Maryland, known for its vibrant cities like Baltimore and access to the Atlantic Ocean, presents a rich historical tapestry and an array of coastal adventures. In contrast, Illinois offers a different kind of charm with its expansive prairies and iconic metropolitan areas such as Chicago. Chicago’s renowned culinary scene, featuring deep-dish pizzas and the Magnificent Mile for shopping, is juxtaposed with the serene landscapes found in locales like Starved Rock State Park. The transition from the high cost of living and humid summers of Maryland to Illinois's milder climate and lower overall expenses can also present an appealing change, offering both economic benefits and an improved quality of life. The complexities of such a move highlight the importance of considering not only the financial implications but also the lifestyle changes that accompany a transition from the East Coast to the heart of the Midwest.

Maryland vs. Illinois Food Guide

Food plays a pivotal role in understanding the local culture and what it's like to live in a specific area. That’s why we’ve crafted a comparison focused on the culinary scenes you’ll encounter when moving. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Maryland & Illinois, designed to help you navigate your new food environment more effectively.

MarylandIllinois
Most iconic local food itemCrab CakesChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishPit Beef SandwichItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemSoft Shell Crab SandwichHot Dog (Chicago style)
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Bertha's Mussels
  • Charm City Cakes
  • Phillips Seafood
  • Lou Malnati's
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Maryland to Illinois, you'll find yourself transitioning from a cuisine that celebrates the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay to one that embraces the heartland's robust flavors. Maryland's iconic crab cakes from spots like Phillips Seafood contrast with Illinois’ hearty deep-dish pizzas from renowned establishments such as Lou Malnati's. Baltimore's pit beef sandwiches and Chicago's Italian beef smothered in giardiniera offer delicious takes on regional meat dishes. For those exploring street food, Maryland's soft shell crab sandwiches exemplify local flavors, while in Illinois, you can’t miss out on a classic Chicago-style hot dog, best enjoyed at stands throughout the city. The vegan scene is vibrant in both states, with a slight edge in Illinois for its innovative uses of seitan. Whether you're dining at Bertha's Mussels in Baltimore or grabbing a bite at Alinea in Chicago, each state offers a unique insight into America's diverse culinary culture.

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Maryland vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's essential to understand how the two states compare, focusing on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle between Maryland and Illinois.

ComparisonMarylandIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleColonialPrairie School
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWaterfront views, luxury kitchensHistorical significance, modern upgrades

When considering a move, it’s important to note the differences in living conditions between Maryland and Illinois. The median home price in Maryland is significantly higher than in Illinois, reflecting the premium for coastal living and proximity to Washington, D.C. However, Illinois compensates with a strong urban lifestyle, particularly in Chicago, where modern upgrades and historical buildings create a unique real estate market. Architecture aficionados will appreciate Illinois's dedication to Prairie School design, a contrast to Maryland’s colonial charm. The difference in walkability and bikeability scores indicates a slightly more car-dependent lifestyle in Maryland versus Illinois, but both states offer their unique advantages to residents.

Maryland vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather compares between Maryland and Illinois is crucial when planning a move. Acknowledging the differences in climate can help you adjust more smoothly to your new surroundings, ensuring you’re prepared for seasonal changes and weather patterns in your new home state.

Summer icon
87/66

Maryland

85/65

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
42/29

Maryland

35/22

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44.5

Maryland

39.2

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
20.6

Maryland

22.0

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMarylandIllinois
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Blizzards
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Maryland and Illinois share similarities in humidity and the main seasonal allergies, their winter weather is notably different. In Illinois, you'll experience colder winters with slightly more snowfall than in Maryland, emphasizing the need for warmer clothing and possibly different commuting considerations during the snowy season. The lower number of sunshine days in Illinois might also affect your outdoor activities compared to Maryland. Such adjustments are important to consider for your lifestyle changes following the move.

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

When considering a move from one location to another, it's essential to weigh the financial aspects that will affect your living expenses and overall lifestyle. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of how moving from Maryland to Illinois will impact your finances, focusing on various economic indicators and living costs. Understanding these differences is crucial for a smooth transition and efficient financial planning.

ComparisonMarylandIllinois
Avg. Household Income$94,991$76,708
Cost of Living Index124.9594.25
State Income Tax2.00 - 5.754.95 (flat)
Avg. Property Tax1.092.16
Avg. Sales Tax66.25
Top 3 IndustriesBioHealth & Life Sciences, Cybersecurity, Aerospace & DefenseManufacturing, Agriculture, Energy
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate

Moving from Maryland to Illinois, you'll find that the average household income is lower in Illinois, which correlates with a lower cost of living index. This means your dollars might stretch further in Illinois, especially for housing and everyday expenses. However, it's important to note that Illinois has a flat state income tax rate, which might not favor all income brackets compared to Maryland's progressive tax system. The significantly higher property tax rate in Illinois could also impact your budget, especially if you're considering buying a home. Despite these differences, both states offer unique opportunities in leading industries, which could influence your employment prospects and overall financial well-being.

Maryland vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

When planning a move from Maryland to Illinois, it's critical to understand the communities you'll be joining. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political makeup of Maryland & Illinois, local politics, and the religious landscape to help you gauge how you might fit into your new surroundings.

MarylandIllinois
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive in urban areasDiverse, with both progressive and conservative regions
ReligionChristianity prominent, diverse religious communitiesChristianity dominant, with a mix of other faiths represented

Both Maryland and Illinois lean Democratic in terms of political makeup, meaning you'll find communities supportive of progressive policies. However, Illinois showcases a broader palette of political views due to its mix of urban and rural areas. In terms of religion, both states host diverse religious communities, allowing for a rich tapestry of faiths and beliefs. This diversity reflects the overall cultural variety you're likely to encounter, enriching your experience in your new state.

Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to Illinois

The purpose of this comparison is to better understand the differences between Maryland and Illinois in terms of school options. This guide will help you navigate your educational choices as you plan your move, ensuring you find the best fit for your family's needs.

MarylandIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Maryland
Towson University
University of Maryland Baltimore County
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Fulton Elementary (Fulton)
Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac)
Woodfield Elementary (Gaithersburg)
Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest)
South Park Elementary School (Deerfield)
Willowbrook Elementary School (Glenview)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda)
Herbert Hoover Middle School (Potomac)
Westland Middle School (Bethesda)
Marie Murphy School (Wilmette)
Twin Groves Middle School (Buffalo Grove)
Wood Oaks Junior High School (Northbrook)

Top 3 High Schools

Poolesville High School (Poolesville)
Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda)
Winston Churchill High School (Potomac)
New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
Northside College Prep High School (Chicago)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)

Top 3 private high schools

Gilman School (Baltimore)
Holton-Arms School (Bethesda)
McDonogh School (Owings Mills)
University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Landon School (Bethesda)
Sandy Spring Friends School (Sandy Spring)
Severn School (Severna Park)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)

Top 3 School Districts

Montgomery County Public Schools
Howard County Public School System
Fairfax County Public Schools
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield Township High School District 225
Community High School District 128

The detailed comparison highlights some remarkable aspects about education in Maryland and Illinois. For instance, Maryland boasts highly acclaimed Montgomery and Howard County school systems known for their strong academic programs. On the Illinois side, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a top choice for graduates, reflecting the state's strong emphasis on higher education. Furthermore, both states have exceptional private schools, with the Latin School of Chicago and the Gilman School in Baltimore offering top-tier K-12 education. These educational institutions not only deliver excellent academics but also provide a wide range of extracurricular activities and support services. When choosing the right school in either Maryland or Illinois, consider not just the academic record but also how each school's values and community align with your family's needs.

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