Moving from New Jersey to Illinois?

6 Best NJ to IL Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

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
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to New Jersey guide.

6 Best New Jersey to Illinois Movers

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

#1
Big G Movers, INC Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,636+ data points

Metuchen, NJ
Local Residential Moving, East Coast Long Distance Moving, Office & Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 2358159 Verify

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 >>

top 10 elizabeth 2024 big g movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in elizabeth 2023 big g movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in elizabeth 2022 big g movers inc image
#2
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,118+ data points

Glenview, IL
Professional Moving Services, Residential Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/24/2023)

USDOT: 2970282 Verify

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 >>

top 10 waukegan 2024 happ movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in waukegan 2023 happ movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in waukegan 2022 happ movers inc image
#3
Cimply Labor, LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,172+ data points

Keyport, NJ
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 2988167 Verify

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 >>

top 10 elizabeth 2024 cimply labor llc image
top 10 ranked movers in long branch 2023 cimply labor llc image
top 10 ranked movers in long branch 2022 cimply labor llc image
#4
6
Exceptional

based on 1,152+ data points

Chicago, IL
Residential Movers, Commercial Movers, Packing & Unpacking Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 3476069 Verify

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 >>

top 10 chicago 2024 606 movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in kankakee 2023 606 movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in park forest 2022 606 movers inc image
#5
All Brunswick Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 929+ data points

Dayton, NJ
Residential Moves, Corporate Relocation, International Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 866526 Verify

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 >>

top 10 new brunswick 2024 all brunswick moving storage image
top 10 ranked movers in new brunswick 2023 all brunswick moving storage image
top 10 ranked movers in new brunswick 2022 all brunswick moving storage image
#6
UMEX Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional

based on 752+ data points

Morristown, NJ
Residential moving, Commercial moving, Local moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 686881 Verify

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 >>

top 10 passaic 2024 umex moving storage inc image
top 3 ranked movers in dover 2023 umex moving storage inc image
top 10 ranked movers in clifton 2022 umex moving storage inc image

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.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Illinois

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 item

Pork RollChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza

Most popular meat dish

Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese SandwichItalian Beef Sandwich

Most popular street food item

Salt Water TaffyChicago-style Hot Dog

Most popular vegan food

Vegan 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

76

Abundance of Food Trucks

87

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

68

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.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from New Jersey to Illinois

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.

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.

Weather Considerations for Moving from New Jersey to Illinois

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)

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.

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.

Political & Religious Comparison between New Jersey and Illinois

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-up

Lean DemocraticLean Democratic

Local Politics

Diverse, with strong Democratic citiesMix of Democratic urban centers and Republican rural areas

Religion

Catholic, 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.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best New Jersey to Illinois Movers Featured Image