Best Maine to Illinois Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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ME to IL Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state signifies an exciting chapter in your life, full of new possibilities and adventures. Transitioning from Maine's rugged, picturesque landscapes and tranquil pace to Illinois' vibrant cities, rich history, and the bustling energy of the "Prairie State" can feel like stepping into a new world. Understanding the importance of this significant life change, we stress the necessity of choosing trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure your journey from the Pine Tree State to the Land of Lincoln is smooth and stress-free.

Maine iconArrow iconIllinois icon

Best Maine to Illinois Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.43A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
SC Moving Services9.19NRActiveContact
Vacationland Moving9.04NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Earle W Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists8.67A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Local Muscle Movers8.42A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to Maine guide.

6 Best ME to IL Moving Companies

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

Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
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
SC Moving Services Logo
Exceptional9.19/10
based on 644+ data points

About SC Moving Services

SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern Maine, G...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/5/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2324405 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2016)
View Full Review
3
Vacationland Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.04/10
based on 288+ data points

About Vacationland Moving

Vacationland Moving is a relocation specialist company based in Portland, Maine. Their services, which are considered some of the finest mov...Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3540196 / 1181718

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Earle W Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists Logo
Fabulous8.67/10
based on 753+ data points

About Earle W Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists

Earle W. Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists has been moving Maine families and businesses for over 90 years. Family-owned and operated sinc...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Move
  • Overseas Move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

51022 / 38092

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved17,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Local Muscle Movers Logo
Fabulous8.42/10
based on 1,205+ data points

About Local Muscle Movers

Local Muscle Movers is a trusted moving company with over ten years of experience. This local Portland, ME moving service offers short-dista...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2162841 / 822854

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers25
Total Annual Miles Moved70,000 (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 Maine to Illinois

Moving across states is a significant decision, filled with opportunities and challenges alike. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation from Maine to Illinois . Through comparative charts, we delve into what you might gain and what might be missed in this transition.

CONs
PROs
Maine iconMaine
  • Colder winters
  • Less urban
  • Higher taxes
  • Smaller population
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Milder winters
  • More urban
  • Lower taxes
  • Larger population
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Less nature
  • More hustle
  • Bigger communities
  • More traffic
Maine iconMaine
  • Natural beauty
  • Quieter living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Less traffic

Moving from the serene landscapes of Maine to the bustling energy of Illinois brings about significant changes. You’ll be trading the tranquility and natural beauty, epitomized by places like Acadia National Park, for Illinois's vibrant urban centers, such as Chicago, known for its dynamic neighborhood parks like Millenium Park, renowned restaurants like Alinea, and iconic sights such as The Bean. Although you may miss the close-knit community feel and the quieter living, Illinois offers a diverse tapestry of cultural experiences and career opportunities, especially in its populous cities. Whether you're exploring the Magnificent Mile or enjoying the arts scene in neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Illinois provides an exciting new chapter with its own unique pros.

Maine vs. Illinois Food Guide

As you plan your move, considering the local cuisine is crucial to understanding the cultural landscape of your new home. Food is an integral part of local culture and can greatly influence your living experience. To help you prepare, we've created a comparison of the local cuisine between Maine & Illinois, offering a glimpse into the culinary worlds you're about to explore.

MaineIllinois
Most iconic local food itemLobster RollChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishLobsterItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemItalian SandwichChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodBlueberry CobblerDeep-fried Artichoke
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
  • Duckfat
  • Lou Malnati's
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Maine, the lobster roll stands as the pinnacle of local cuisine, a must-try for any food lover, often found in coastal cities like Portland at Eventide Oyster Co. Illinois boasts the Chicago-style deep dish pizza as its culinary crown, with Lou Malnati's in Chicago being one of the best places to dive into this hearty dish. While Maine’s cuisine revolves significantly around its seafood heritage, Illinois offers a diverse palette from its iconic Chicago-style hot dogs at street vendors to the upscale dining experience at Alinea. Both states offer vibrant food scenes that cater to a range of tastes, including vegan options, though Illinois has a slight edge in terms of diversity and the abundance of food trucks.

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Maine vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, comparing the real estate landscape between Maine and Illinois reveals critical differences and similarities vital for making an informed decision. Understanding housing costs, styles, and living conditions in these states is essential.

ComparisonMaineIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, ColonialPrairie, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWaterfront, PrivateSuburban, Spacious

The difference in housing costs between Maine and Illinois might be surprising for some. While Maine's median home price is higher, this often reflects its picturesque settings and the value placed on waterfront or private properties, as seen in many real estate listings. Illinois offers a more urban lifestyle, evidenced by its higher walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle scores. This contrasts with Maine's more rural, private settings. Illinois' architecture favors the Prairie and Ranch styles, aligning with its historical and cultural heritage, whereas Maine's homes often feature Cape Cod and Colonial styles, reflective of its coastal and historical identity.

Maine vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

Comparing the weather between Maine and Illinois is crucial if you're planning a move. Understanding how the climate differences will affect your daily life and seasonal adjustments is essential. Our comparison insights aim to prepare you for the weather adjustments you'll encounter. Maine's cold, crisp winters and mild summers contrast with Illinois's more variable climate, which offers a blend of midwestern weather patterns.

Summer icon
70°F/50°F

Maine

85°F/65°F

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31°F/11°F

Maine

35°F/22°F

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
45"

Maine

39"

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
75"

Maine

22"

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMaineIllinois
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersBlizzards, Ice StormsTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Maine and Illinois experience a variety of seasons, you'll notice that winter in Maine tends to be significantly colder and harsher with substantially more snowfall, making winter sports more accessible but also potentially extending winter-related challenges. In contrast, Illinois experiences milder winters but is more prone to severe weather such as tornadoes and floods during the spring and summer months. The average summer temperatures in Illinois are warmer, which might be a pleasant change if you enjoy warmer weather. However, those with allergies might find different triggers in each state, from the more mold and pollen-focused issues in Maine to the prevalent pollen and ragweed in Illinois.

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

When contemplating a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how your finances will be impacted. This comparison aims to illuminate the money and finance differences between Maine and Illinois , providing a clear picture of what to expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and income prospects. Understanding these nuances will enable you to anticipate your financial situation better.

ComparisonMaineIllinois
Avg. Household Income$69,543$76,708
Cost of Living Index116.594.25
State Income Tax5.84.95
Avg. Property Tax1.362.16
Avg. Sales Tax5.58.8
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Retail, ManufacturingManufacturing, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate

Moving from Maine to Illinois, you'll notice a significant difference in both the cost of living and average household income. Illinois offers a lower cost of living but also imposes higher property and sales taxes, which could affect your overall financial planning. Interestingly, Illinois enjoys a higher affluence level, partly due to its diverse economy anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and the burgeoning technology sector. However, this affluence comes with its complexities, as higher poverty and moderate homelessness levels indicate a wider economic disparity among its residents. These dynamics should be considered when envisioning your new life in Illinois.

Maine vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

This overview provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents when comparing Maine & Illinois . This comparison offers insight into what you might expect in these key aspects of daily life as you plan your move.

MaineIllinois
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on environmental policiesEmphasis on social justice
ReligionLargely secular, Protestant majorityDiverse with a significant Catholic presence

When it comes to the finer points of daily life, understanding the political and religious climates of your new home can be incredibly valuable. Maine's residents tend to lean Democratic with a strong focus on environmental issues, reflecting the state's abundant natural resources and commitment to preserving them. Illinois, with its stronghold in Democratic politics, places a higher emphasis on social justice issues, indicative of its urban and suburban demographics. The religious landscape sees Maine as more secular with a Protestant majority, while Illinois enjoys a diverse religious community, including a significant Catholic population. These differences hint at the distinct cultural atmospheres you may encounter moving from Maine to Illinois.

Education Guide When Moving from Maine to Illinois

Moving across state lines comes with its set of challenges and decisions, especially when it concerns education for your children or future academic paths for yourself. This comparison aims to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Maine and Illinois , providing you with a clearer picture to make informed decisions about your move.

MaineIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Maine
Bowdoin College
Bates College
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Cape Elizabeth Schools
Falmouth Elementary
Yarmouth Schools
Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest)
South Park Elementary (Deerfield)
Willowbrook Elementary (Glenview)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Yarmouth Middle School
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Falmouth Middle School
Maple School (Northbrook)
Daniel Wright Junior High School (Lincolnshire)
Wood Oaks Junior High School (Northbrook)

Top 3 High Schools

Yarmouth High School
Cape Elizabeth High School
Falmouth High School
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
New Trier High School (Winnetka)
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)

Top 3 private high schools

Waynflete School (Portland)
Hebron Academy
Berwick Academy (South Berwick)
University of Chicago Lab School
North Shore Country Day School (Winnetka)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Waynflete School (Portland)
Berwick Academy (South Berwick)
North Yarmouth Academy
University of Chicago Lab School
North Shore Country Day School (Winnetka)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)

Top 3 School Districts

Cape Elizabeth School Department
Falmouth School Department
Yarmouth Schools
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northbrook/Glenview School District 30
Community High School District 128 (Vernon Hills)

Understanding the differences in educational opportunities between Maine and Illinois can significantly impact your move, especially if education is a high priority. For example, Maine offers a serene, closely-knit educational environment with schools like the highly regarded Cape Elizabeth and Yarmouth school districts, which focus on a personalized learning experience. On the other hand, Illinois provides access to some of the nation's top universities and highly competitive public and private schools such as the University of Chicago Lab School and New Trier Township High School District. This diversity in academic rigor and settings between the states can cater to various preferences and educational goals, ensuring your or your children's needs are met post-relocation.

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