Best New Jersey to Illinois Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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NJ to IL Moving Specialists

Moving from the Garden State to the Land of Lincoln embodies an exhilarating adventure that marks a significant phase in your life. Leaving behind New Jersey's bustling boardwalks and iconic diners for Illinois' sprawling prairies, vibrant Chicago lifestyle, and rich historical tapestry is no small feat. Acknowledging the distance and the logistics involved, the importance of entrusting this transition to professional, reliable movers cannot be overstated, and that’s where we come in to ensure your move is smooth and worry-free.

New Jersey iconArrow iconIllinois icon

Best New Jersey to Illinois Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Big G Movers, INC9.53A+Authorized For HHGContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.42A+ActiveContact
Cimply Labor, LLC9.38A+Authorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
All Brunswick Moving & Storage9.30NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
UMEX Moving & Storage9.27NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to New Jersey guide.

6 Best NJ to IL Moving Companies

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

Big G Movers, INC Logo
Exceptional9.53/10
based on 1,636+ data points

About Big G Movers, INC

Located in Metuchen, Big G Movers is one of the top-rated hometown movers in New Jersey. This family-owned and operated business has a years...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Residential Moving
  • East Coast Long Distance Moving
  • Office & Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2358159 / 807903

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved19,500 (2022)
View Full Review
1
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
2
Cimply Labor, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.38/10
based on 1,172+ data points

About Cimply Labor, LLC

Cimply Labor, LLC is a moving company based in New Jersey that aims to make the moving process simple and easy for its customers. They offer...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

2988167 / 68577

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
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
4
All Brunswick Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.30/10
based on 929+ data points

About All Brunswick Moving & Storage

All Brunswick Moving & Storage is a full-service moving company in Dayton that has been serving customers throughout the state of New Je...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Corporate Relocation
  • International Moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

866526 / 97183

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved110,000 (2024)
View Full Review
5
UMEX Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.27/10
based on 752+ data points

About UMEX Moving & Storage

UMEX Moving & Storage services Morris, Hudson, Bergen, and Essex Counties with safe and efficient relocations. Its staff members are exp...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Local moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

686881 / 305175

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved172,000 (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 New Jersey to Illinois

Moving from New Jersey to Illinois can be a big decision. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of moving from New Jersey to Illinois , highlighting the good and the bad of such relocation. By examining the pros and cons through our comparative charts, you'll gain insights into what life might be like after the move.

CONs
PROs
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Higher property taxes
  • Dense population
  • Expensive housing
  • Heavy traffic
  • Colder beaches
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Lower property taxes
  • More open space
  • More affordable housing
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Seasonal Midwest beauty
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Far from NYC
  • Less historical sites
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Fewer dining varieties
  • Less extensive public transit
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Proximity to NYC
  • Rich in history
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Fine dining options
  • Better public transit

While the charts offer a quick glimpse, there's more to the story. For instance, while Illinois might have fewer historical sites than New Jersey, cities like Chicago are rich with cultural institutions like The Art Institute of Chicago and landmark parks such as Millennium Park. Illinois' more affordable housing could mean being able to live in popular areas like Andersonville or Lincoln Park, where boutique shops and local eateries like Au Cheval offer a vibrant city life. Although you might be moving away from the coastal vibes of New Jersey, Illinois offers its own natural beauty with spots like Starved Rock State Park, providing a different but equally enriching backdrop to your life. Essentially, while some aspects of your lifestyle might change, others could improve, balancing out your overall experience of relocating.

New Jersey vs. Illinois Food Guide

Food is an essential piece of local culture, impacting what life is like in a given area. In this guide, we delve into the comparison of the local cuisine between New Jersey & Illinois, providing insights into what culinary delights await you upon your move.

New JerseyIllinois
Most iconic local food itemPork RollChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishTaylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese SandwichItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemSalt Water TaffyChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodVegan Sloppy JoesChicago Diner's Vegan Shake
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Diner 24
  • Big Apple
  • Beachside Shack
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Al's Beef
  • The Chicago Diner
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from New Jersey to Illinois, you'll find yourself transitioning from the saltwater taffy of Jersey Shore to the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. For meat lovers, a Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich in New Jersey transforms into the juicy Italian Beef Sandwich found in many Chicago eateries. Illinois also boasts a vibrant vegan scene, with places like The Chicago Diner offering legendary vegan shakes. Food trucks are aplenty in both states, but Illinois, especially Chicago, edges ahead with a more dynamic foodie scene — underscored by a higher rating in vegan friendliness and a plethora of iconic restaurants, including the famed Lou Malnati's Pizzeria.

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New Jersey vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect of relocating. Understanding how New Jersey and Illinois compare in terms of housing—cost, architecture, and lifestyle—can significantly impact your moving decision.

ComparisonNew JerseyIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianPrairie, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to NYC, Spacious backyardsAccess to parks, Open floor plans

In comparing New Jersey and Illinois, notable differences arise particularly in housing affordability and style. New Jersey's proximity to New York City elevates median home prices and rent, making Illinois a more budget-friendly option for many. Illinois homes tend to feature open floor plans, a reflection of the state's Prairie and Craftsman architectural influences, offering a distinct aesthetic and spacious living experience unlike New Jersey's Colonial and Victorian styles. Furthermore, Illinois slightly outperforms New Jersey in terms of walkability and bikeability, suggesting a more accommodating environment for those who prefer non-vehicular modes of transportation. The urban lifestyle, slightly more pronounced in New Jersey, reflects its denser living conditions and closer ties to NYC’s vibrant city life.

New Jersey vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another brings many changes, but understanding how the weather compares between New Jersey and Illinois is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
85/66

New Jersey

85/65

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40/25

New Jersey

35/22

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47

New Jersey

39

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
23

New Jersey

22

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNew JerseyIllinois
Air QualityModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Winter StormsTornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When you move from New Jersey to Illinois, you'll notice both similarities and differences in the weather. Both states enjoy similar summer temperatures, but Illinois tends to have slightly colder winters. Illinois also experiences fewer days of sunshine throughout the year, which can impact your daily activities and mood. Another significant difference is in the kinds of natural disasters each state typically faces; Illinois is more prone to tornadoes, while New Jersey experiences hurricanes and winter storms. These factors are essential to consider as you prepare for your relocation, allowing you to adjust more smoothly to your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one state to another, grasping the financial landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences you'll encounter moving between New Jersey and Illinois , focusing on money and finance . Understanding these aspects will help you adjust your budget and financial planning accordingly.

ComparisonNew JerseyIllinois
Avg. Household Income$96,346$76,708
Cost of Living Index129.794.25
State Income Tax1.4% - 10.75%4.95% flat
Avg. Property Tax2.44%2.16%
Avg. Sales Tax6.6%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesPharmaceuticals, Finance, TechnologyManufacturing, Agriculture, Services
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateModerate to High

Comparing the financial and economic landscapes of New Jersey and Illinois reveals significant differences. For instance, while the average household income is higher in New Jersey, this is counterbalanced by a much higher cost of living and property taxes, making Illinois more financially attractive on the surface. However, it's essential to consider state income tax structures; New Jersey employs a progressive tax, whereas Illinois uses a flat tax rate. The predominant industries also differ markedly between the two, which could impact job opportunities depending on your field. Understanding these nuances is key to a smooth financial transition.

New Jersey vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

If you're considering relocating from New Jersey to Illinois, understanding the comparison of the politics between New Jersey & Illinois along with the religious landscape can offer valuable insights into the communities you're moving between. This quick overview provides a glimpse into the political and religious makeup of both states.

New JerseyIllinois
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsDiverse, with strong Democratic citiesMix of Democratic urban centers and Republican rural areas
ReligionCatholic, ProtestantCatholic, Protestant, increasingly diverse

In both New Jersey and Illinois, the political landscape leans Democratic, particularly in major cities like New Jersey's Newark and Illinois' Chicago. However, Illinois tends to have a more pronounced divide between urban Democratic strongholds and more Republican-leaning rural areas. Religion plays a significant role in community life, with both states having a solid base of Catholic and Protestant residents. Illinois, however, is witnessing a more rapid diversification of faiths. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate into your new home, recognizing the blend of political and religious perspectives that shape local communities.

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Illinois

Moving from New Jersey to Illinois involves many adjustments, with education being a significant one. To ease this transition, it's helpful to understand the educational landscape across both states . This comparison aims to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in New Jersey and Illinois .

New JerseyIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Rutgers University
Princeton University
The College of New Jersey
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Purnell School
Blairstown
Hilltop Country Day School
Sparta
The Peck School
Morristown
Lincoln Elementary School
River Forest
Avery Coonley School
Downers Grove
South Park Elementary School
Deerfield

Top 3 Middle Schools

Princeton Charter School
Princeton
Millburn Middle School
Millburn
Thomas Grover Middle School
West Windsor
Woodlawn Middle School
Long Grove
Marie Murphy School
Wilmette
Twin Groves Middle School
Buffalo Grove

Top 3 High School Schools

High Technology High School
Lincroft
Biotechnology High School
Freehold
Bergen County Academies
Hackensack
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aurora
Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago
Payton College Preparatory High School
Chicago

Top 3 private high schools

The Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville
The Pingry School
Basking Ridge
Delbarton School
Morristown
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Princeton Day School
Princeton
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Edison
Moorestown Friends School
Moorestown
Lake Forest Country Day School
Lake Forest
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago

Top 3 School Districts

Millburn Township School District
Millburn
Princeton Public Schools
Princeton
Summit Public Schools
Summit
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield
Glenbrook High Schools District 225
Glenview
Northfield Township High School District 225
Northfield

Exploring the top educational institutions in New Jersey and Illinois reveals notable differences and remarkable strengths in each state's educational system. In New Jersey, institutions like High Technology High School and The Lawrenceville School stand out for their high academic standards and innovative programs. Illinois, on the other hand, boasts prestigious establishments such as the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and the University of Chicago Lab School, highlighting a strong emphasis on STEM education and college preparatory curricula. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision based on your educational priorities and your child's needs and aspirations.

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