Best Raleigh to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the City of Oaks to the Windy City marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. You're leaving behind Raleigh's famed oak-lined streets and warm, Southern charm for Chicago's towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and diverse neighborhoods. To ensure this long-distance move is as smooth as the Lake Michigan breeze, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we use an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, making your transition to or from these vibrant cities stress-free.
Best Raleigh to Chicago Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Raleigh guide.
5 Best Raleigh to Chicago Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distan...Read More >>
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
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
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving ExpertsAbout Athens Moving Experts
Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residenti...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
About Capital Moving & Storage
Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years...Read More >>
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Packing
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.
Raleigh vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
When moving from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL, finding a neighborhood that feels like home is crucial. This comparison aims to make finding a comparable neighborhood in Chicago, IL for Raleigh, NC residents easier. By identifying the key characteristics of Raleigh's top neighborhoods, we can find their counterparts in Chicago, easing the transition and helping you familiarize yourself with your new city through a familiar lens.
| Raleigh | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Five Points | Wicker Park | vibrant nightlife, artisan boutiques |
| Cameron Village | Lincoln Park | mix of retail, dining, green spaces |
| North Hills | West Loop | fast-growing, trendy restaurants |
| Brier Creek | South Loop | modern living, shopping centers |
| Boylan Heights | Andersonville | strong sense of community, historic homes |
| Warehouse District | Fulton Market | industrial chic, innovation hub |
| Oakwood | Gold Coast | affluent, historic architecture |
| Glenwood South | River North | upscale dining, entertainment |
| Mordecai | Old Town | charm, local history |
| Hayes Barton | Lincoln Square | quiet, family-friendly |
In exploring these neighborhoods, you'll find that Chicago's River North and Raleigh's Glenwood South both offer an upscale mix of dining and entertainment options. River North, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, is home to iconic spots like the Merchandise Mart and high-end eateries. Wicker Park mirrors Five Points' combination of historic charm and modern amenities, featuring bustling streets lined with unique shops like Myopic Books and cozy coffee shops. For a quieter, more family-oriented setting similar to Hayes Barton in Raleigh, Lincoln Square in Chicago provides a warm community vibe with events at Old Town School of Folk Music and summer festivals that bring neighbors together, further emphasizing Chicago's diverse and inclusive culture.
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Raleigh to Chicago
Moving from one city to another involves considering a multitude of factors. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL. Through emphasizing the pros and cons, you can better understand what awaits in your new city and what you'll be leaving behind.
Raleigh, NC- Smaller job market
- Limited public transit
- Less diverse cuisine
- Warm winters
Chicago, IL- Larger job market
- Extensive public transit
- World-class dining
- Vibrant winters
Chicago, IL- Higher cost of living
- More crowded
- Harsh winters
- Fast-paced life
Raleigh, NC- Lower cost of living
- More personal space
- Milder climate
- Close-knit communities
While the transition from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL, may seem daunting, it's an adventure laden with new opportunities and experiences. For instance, leaving behind Raleigh's burgeoning, yet smaller job market, you'll find Chicago's employment landscape vast with opportunities in various industries. The Windy City's extensive public transit system, including buses and the "L", significantly dwarfs Raleigh's, transforming how you navigate through the bustling metropolis. Food enthusiasts moving from Raleigh's comfortable, but less varied dining scene will rejoice in Chicago's rich, diverse culinary landscape highlighted by iconic restaurants like Girl & the Goat and deep-dish pizza at Pequod's Pizza. Additionally, Chicago's four-season climate brings vibrant winters and a plethora of outdoor summer activities at Lake Michigan's beaches, Lincoln Park, or the Millennium Park, offering a dramatic change from Raleigh's more consistent, milder weather patterns.
Raleigh vs. Chicago Food Guide
Understanding the rich tapestry of local cuisine is crucial when relocating. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Raleigh & Chicago . Food significantly influences the local culture and your daily life in a new city. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of the culinary scene you're moving into.
| Raleigh | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | North Carolina BBQ | Deep-dish pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Pulled pork | Italian beef sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Hot dogs | Hot dogs (Chicago-style) |
| Most popular vegan food | BBQ jackfruit | Seitan wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Raleigh prides itself on its down-home, smoky flavors, especially with the famous North Carolina BBQ and pulled pork, Chicago offers a bold culinary scene marked by its iconic deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwich. You'll find Raleigh's food trucks and markets abundant in areas like Downtown and the Warehouse District, offering a diverse palette, from gourmet hot dogs to innovative vegan options like BBQ jackfruit. Meanwhile, Chicago's vegan scene thrives in neighborhoods such as Logan Square and Wicker Park, where seitan wings and other vegan delights are readily available. Both cities boast a rich foodie culture, with Chicago slightly edging out for its variety and food innovation, highlighted by establishments like Alinea. Regardless of your taste, each city offers distinctive flavors that reflect its unique culinary character.
Raleigh vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort through cuisine can make any new city feel like home. This from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL restaurant comparison is designed to ease your transition by identifying familiar flavors and atmospheres in your new locale. Let's dive into the food scene to discover new favorites that echo the comforts of Raleigh.
| Raleigh | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Brewery Bhavana | Alinea | Offers an innovative dining experience with intricate dishes that mirror Bhavana's creativity |
| Bida Manda | Naoki Sushi | A blend of traditional and contemporary sushi offerings, echoing Bida Manda's meticulous care |
| Crawford and Son | Girl & The Goat | Both places highlight modern American cuisine with a touch of innovation and comfort |
| Poole’s Diner | Au Cheval | Known for elevated diner classics, similar to Poole's approach to American comfort food |
| Garland | Fat Rice | A celebration of unique and bold flavors, resembling Garland's adventurous spirit in culinary exploration |
| The Pit | Smoque BBQ | Both are highly regarded for their respective takes on traditional American BBQ, emphasizing flavor and quality |
| Mandolin | North Pond | Both are beloved for their use of fresh, local ingredients in crafting beautiful, seasonal dishes |
| Beasley’s Chicken + Honey | Honey Butter Fried Chicken | Similar in their specialized approach to comfort food, with a focus on fried chicken |
| Death & Taxes | The Publican | Both offer an ambiance perfect for refined dining, pairing with exceptional and innovative dishes |
| Centro Mexican Kitchen | Frontera Grill | Rick Bayless’s spot offering a sophisticated take on Mexican cuisines, mirroring Centro’s passion and flavors |
If your affection for Raleigh's Bida Manda was rooted in its intricate and carefully curated dining experience, Chicago's Naoki Sushi will impress with its blend of traditional and contemporary approaches to sushi. Garland's fearless culinary exploration finds a counterpart in Chicago's Fat Rice, where unique and bold flavors from across the globe are celebrated. On the other hand, a craving for Southern comfort food synonymous with The Pit in Raleigh can be satisfied at Smoque BBQ in Chicago, where dedication to traditional American BBQ shines. These recommendations not only promise an exquisite dining experience but also a comforting glimpse into the familiar, easing the transition to your new home in Chicago.
Ready to start your move?
Raleigh vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, it’s crucial to compare the real estate landscapes to make an informed decision. Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how the housing aspects of Raleigh and Chicago compare will help you understand what to expect in terms of cost, lifestyle, and amenities.
| Comparison | Raleigh | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival, Craftsman | Chicago School, Greystone |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Proximity to tech hubs | Lake views, Access to public transport |
While Raleigh offers more affordable housing at a median home price of $350,000 and lower monthly rents, the city scores lower in terms of walkability and bikeability compared to Chicago. This could impact your daily commute and access to amenities if you rely on walking or biking. Chicago excels in urban lifestyle, boasting higher scores in walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle with a median home price slightly less than Raleigh's. The typical architecture in Chicago, featuring Chicago School and Greystone, reflects its rich historical background and urban charm. On the other hand, Raleigh, with its Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles, offers a blend of tradition and modernity. In Chicago, the access to public transport and lake views are often highlighted in real estate listings, showcasing the city’s connectivity and scenic beauty. Meanwhile, in Raleigh, listings frequently mention large yards and proximity to technology hubs, indicating a preference for space and a burgeoning tech industry.
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.
Raleigh vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another means adapting to new weather conditions. Understanding how the climate in Raleigh, NC compares to Chicago, IL will prepare you for your move. This comparison aims to highlight the essential weather differences to ensure you know what to expect year-round.
Raleigh, NC
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Raleigh, NC
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Raleigh | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Raleigh to Chicago, one of the most significant adjustments will be the winter weather. Chicago's winters are much colder, with average highs significantly lower than Raleigh's, not to mention the difference in snowfall — Chicago averages six times more snow annually. While both cities enjoy a fair amount of sunshine, Raleigh benefits from more sunny days and slightly higher average temperatures year-round. Additionally, if you suffer from allergies, it's worth noting that while both cities battle pollen, Chicago also grapples with mold due to its location near Lake Michigan.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Raleigh to Chicago
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and other financial aspects compare between your current and future homes. This comparison between Raleigh, NC, and Chicago, IL, focuses on key money and finance topics to help you gauge the economic landscape you're moving into.
| Comparison | Raleigh | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,612 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.2 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 5.25 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.86 | 2.10 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Education | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Varied affluence |
| Poverty | Lower than national average | Higher than national average |
| Homelessness | Lower than national average | Higher than national average |
While Raleigh and Chicago both offer vibrant economies and opportunities, there are notable differences in living costs and taxation that can impact your budget. Raleigh's lower state income and property taxes may offset its slightly higher cost of living index compared to Chicago. However, Chicago's diverse economic base, with its push in finance, manufacturing, and IT, may present more varied job opportunities despite its higher sales tax and property taxes. These differences underline the importance of a careful financial plan when moving between these cities, taking into account your career prospects, lifestyle, and budgeting needs.
Raleigh vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Raleigh, NC, to Chicago, IL, involves more than just a change of scenery. This guide offers a quick glance at the comparison of the politics between Raleigh & Chicago and how religious compositions might affect your social landscape.
| Raleigh | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Moderate with a growing progressive influence | Progressive, with historic strong labor and community organizing roots |
| Religion | Christianity is predominant, with a mix of Baptist, Methodist, and non-denominational churches. | Diverse, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and more. Notable institutions include Saint Sabina Church and Islamic Foundation of Chicago. |
While both Raleigh and Chicago lean Democratic, Chicago has a more pronounced progressive stance, deeply influenced by its long history of labor and community activism. This could mean a different political climate than you're used to in Raleigh, with possibly more active public policies on social issues. Religion in Chicago reflects its vast ethnic diversity far more than in Raleigh, offering a wide range of places of worship and community organizations. Whether you're looking for a church similar to what you attended in Raleigh or interested in exploring new faiths, Chicago's religious landscape is incredibly broad and inclusive.
Raleigh vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL brings a significant change, especially when comparing the daily commute and traffic. This guide aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Raleigh & Chicago, providing insight into how your routine might adjust.
| Comparison | Raleigh | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
In Raleigh, your daily commute is typically shorter when compared to Chicago. However, Raleigh scores lower on public transit availability, making a personal vehicle almost a necessity for getting around. The city experiences moderate traffic congestion. Conversely, Chicago's traffic congestion is notably higher, but its robust public transit system, including buses and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains, offers a practical alternative to driving. Residents often choose public transit or biking over driving, particularly for commuting to work or navigating through the city's densely populated areas.
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