Best Rochester to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Rochester, NY, to Chicago, IL, marks an exciting journey and a significant life change, blending the essence of two vibrant cities. While leaving behind Rochester's scenic waterways and cozy charm for Chicago's towering skyline, bustling streets, and the vibrant culture of the Windy City, it's a transition filled with anticipation. To ensure this long-distance adventure unfolds seamlessly, it's crucial to hire trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we take pride in using an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, making your transition as smooth as possible.
Best Rochester to Chicago Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Rochester guide.
5 Best Rochester to Chicago Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Zippboxx
Zippboxx is a top-rated moving and storage company based in Hauppauge, New York, providing residential and commercial moving services both l...Read More >>
Services
- Local movers
- Long Distance Movers
- Storage
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 Interior Moving Services, Inc.About Interior Moving Services, Inc.
Located in Rochester, New York, Interior Moving Services has close to three decades of moving expertise, serving both residential and commer...Read More >>
Services
- Local residential moving
- Local commercial moving
- Long-distance residential moving
This listing has been claimed by Reliable MoversAbout Reliable Movers
Reliable Movers is a family-owned and operated business specializing in moves from New York to Florida. Since 1996, this Auburn-based moving...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving, local and long distance
- Commercial factories and offices moving
- Hot tubs, pianos, and gun safes moving
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.
Rochester vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to a city where everything from the local coffee shop to the nearest park is unknown. To ease this transition, we're offering a unique comparison. By examining Rochester, NY & Chicago, IL neighborhoods , we hope to help you find a new community that feels like home. Consider this guide as a roadmap to familiarize yourself with your future surroundings using Rochester as your navigational baseline.
| Rochester | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Park Avenue | Lincoln Park | Vibrant nightlife and diverse dining |
| East Avenue | Gold Coast | Historic homes and upscale shopping |
| Highland Park | Hyde Park | Culturally rich with strong community focus |
| South Wedge | Wicker Park | Artsy with local boutiques and eateries |
| North Winton Village | Roscoe Village | Quiet, family-friendly with a small-town feel |
| Swillburg | Andersonville | Diverse, with unique shops and a strong sense of community |
| Charlotte | Rogers Park | Lakeside living with cultural diversity |
| Corn Hill | Old Town | Historic neighborhood with charming architecture |
| Browncroft | Beverly | Well-maintained homes and family-oriented |
| Ellwanger-Barry | Bucktown | Hip, with a mix of modern and vintage homes |
For those moving from Rochester's Park Avenue to Chicago, Lincoln Park awaits you with its energetic nightlife and culinary diversity reminiscent of places like Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! and Steppenwolf Theatre. If Hyde Park's unique blend of culture and community has drawn your interest, you'll find similar appeal in Chicago's Hyde Park, home to landmarks like the Museum of Science and Industry and the historic Hyde Park Art Center. Swapping the boutique charm of South Wedge for Chicago's Wicker Park will provide an artsy atmosphere along with a haven for foodies, featuring spots like Big Star and The Tack Room. Each of these neighborhood pairs presents an opportunity to embrace new experiences while finding comfort in the familiar features that made your Rochester neighborhood feel like home.
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Rochester to Chicago
Moving from one city to another is a significant decision that involves weighing numerous factors. This comparison seeks to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad aspects of relocating from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL, helping you make an informed decision. By examining the cons and pros side by side, you'll have a clearer understanding of what to expect in your new city.
Rochester, NY- Smaller city vibe
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer job opportunities
- Colder winters
- Less dynamic nightlife
Chicago, IL- Larger, vibrant city
- More cultural diversity
- More job opportunities
- Milder winters
- Lively nightlife
Chicago, IL- Higher cost of living
- More impersonal
- Higher crime rates
- More urban
- More traffic
Rochester, NY- Affordable housing
- Close-knit communities
- Lower crime rates
- Natural beauty
- Less traffic
When moving from Rochester to Chicago, you're transitioning from a city with cozy neighborhoods to a bustling urban environment rich in culture and opportunities. Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, such as Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, offer an eclectic mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options that cater to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. For instance, the vibrant restaurant scene includes establishments like Girl & The Goat and Avec, known for their innovative dishes. Meanwhile, cultural hotspots like the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park provide endless leisure and inspiration. Although traffic and the cost of living might be higher in Chicago, the city's vast network of parks, including the sprawling Lincoln Park, offers ample green space for relaxation and recreation amidst the urban setting.
Rochester vs. Chicago Food Guide
Food plays an integral role in understanding the local culture of a new place. This comparison of the local cuisine between Rochester & Chicago will help you get acquainted with the food scene in these vibrant cities, offering a taste of what it's like to live there.
| Rochester | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Garbage Plate | Deep Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Beef on Weck | Italian Beef Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | White Hots | Chicago-Style Hot Dog |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Garbage Plate | Vegan Deep Dish Pizza |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When comparing the local cuisine of Rochester and Chicago, it's evidently clear both cities carry their unique flavors and food traditions. Rochester is celebrated for its innovative "Garbage Plate," while Chicago takes pride in its iconic "Deep Dish Pizza." Despite differences in specific food items, both cities boast a vibrant foodie scene. Rochester's emergence of vegan versions of its classics, like the Vegan Garbage Plate, and Chicago's vegan deep dish, highlight the adaptability and inclusiveness of their food cultures. Moreover, Chicago's higher rating in foodie scene, vegan friendliness, and food truck abundance reflects its larger size and diversity, while Rochester's offerings are cozy yet equally compelling, particularly to those with an affection for tradition and innovation.
Rochester vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Moving to a new city brings the challenge of finding your new favorite spots, especially when it comes to dining. Food helps in making a new area feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Rochester, NY, and Chicago, IL, will assist in guiding you towards your next beloved eatery, leveraging your current Rochester favorites as a benchmark.
| Rochester | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| DiBella's Subs | Al's Beef | Both offer a nostalgic deli experience with iconic sandwiches |
| Dinosaur Bar-B-Que | Smoke Daddy | Renowned for smoky, succulent BBQ with a vibrant atmosphere |
| Highland Park Diner | Lou Mitchell's | Iconic diner spots known for hearty American breakfasts |
| Joe Bean Coffee Roasters | Intelligentsia Coffee | Pioneer in the third wave coffee movement |
| Ristorante Lucano | Sapori Trattoria | Authentic Italian cuisine that makes you feel like family |
| Genesee Brew House | Revolution Brewing | Both anchor their respective city's brewing culture |
| Swan Market | Gene's Sausage Shop | A slice of European deli heaven in the heart of the city |
| SEA Restaurant | Pho's Spicier Thai Cuisine | For a similar dedication to authentic SEA flavors |
| Roux | Dove's Luncheonette | Both offer a sophisticated twist on classic comfort food |
| Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches | Banh Mi BaGet | Offers a modern take on traditional Vietnamese sandwiches |
For those who find comfort in the smoky flavors of barbecue, transitioning from Rochester's Dinosaur Bar-B-Que to Chicago's Smoke Daddy will feel like a seamless move. Both establishments pride themselves on their succulent meats and lively settings, ensuring the barbecue culture continues to thrive in your culinary experiences. On the other hand, coffee aficionados who cherished the micro-roasted beans at Joe Bean Coffee Roasters will find solace in the rich aromas and innovative blends of Intelligentsia Coffee. This Chicago-based coffee pioneer has carved a niche in the third-wave coffee movement, much like Joe Bean did in Rochester. Moreover, Italian cuisine lovers will appreciate the transition from Ristorante Lucano to Sapori Trattoria, where the warmth of Italian hospitality and the authenticity of the cuisine are unmatched, offering a piece of Italy in the heart of their new city.
Ready to start your move?
Rochester vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of Rochester, NY, and Chicago, IL is crucial for informed decision-making. Understanding differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and livability scores helps set realistic expectations for your new home.
| Comparison | Rochester | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Brick bungalows, Greystones |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, quiet streets | Lake views, proximity to transit |
In terms of housing, both cities offer unique pros and cons. Rochester's more affordable housing market is attractive for those looking to buy, with a median home price significantly lower than Chicago's. However, Chicago outshines Rochester with its higher walkability and bikeability scores, indicating a more conveniently structured city for pedestrians and cyclists. Architectural styles significantly differ as well, with Rochester homes often featuring Colonial or Cape Cod styles, while Chicago boasts a variety of buildings from vintage brick bungalows to stately Greystones, which speak to its rich historical and cultural tapestry. Understanding these differences can help you envision your life in your new city more clearly.
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.
Rochester vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather will change is crucial. This comparison sheds light on what to expect when moving from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL, focusing on various climatic aspects to help prepare you for your new home.
Rochester, NY
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Rochester, NY
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Rochester, NY
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Rochester, NY
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Rochester | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Ice Storms | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Rochester and Chicago enjoy four distinct seasons, you'll find that winters in Chicago are slightly milder, though the Windy City makes up for it with a higher average humidity year-round. The sunshine is more generous in Chicago, offering a respite, especially during harsh winters. However, the stark difference in annual snowfall—Rochester averaging nearly three times as much as Chicago—highlights the significant variance in winter experiences between these two locations. This key difference can impact everything from daily commutes to recreational activities, making it an important consideration for those used to Rochester's heavy snowfalls.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Rochester to Chicago
When planning a move from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL, understanding the financial landscape is crucial for adapting to your new life. Key factors like income, taxes, and the cost of living greatly impact your budget. This comparison between Rochester and Chicago aims to highlight these essential aspects.
| Comparison | Rochester | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $41,980 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 6.21 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.87 | 2.10 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.00 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Modest | Higher |
| Poverty | Higher | Comparable |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Significant |
The transition from Rochester to Chicago comes with financial contrasts and adjustments. Chicago's average household income is higher, reflecting its bigger economy driven by robust finance, insurance, and manufacturing sectors. Yet, this is coupled with a higher cost of living and sales tax rate, which could impact your daily expenses. While property taxes in Chicago are slightly lower than in Rochester, the Windy City's dense urban environment can influence housing affordability and choices. Moving to Chicago, you'll experience a dynamic economic environment, but it's important to budget carefully for the increased living costs.
Rochester vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
The imminent move from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL prompts an interesting comparison of the political and religious makeup between Rochester & Chicago , providing a concise glance at the demographic landscape awaiting you.
| Rochester | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on education and local development | High emphasis on social issues and urban planning |
| Religion | Mix, with a significant Christian population | Diverse, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others |
When comparing Rochester and Chicago, you’ll find Chicago to be more politically vibrant, with a stronger leaning toward Democratic views, reflecting in its policies and urban planning initiatives. Key social issues and city development play significant roles in Chicago's political scene, more so than in Rochester. Religion in Chicago presents a rich tapestry of diversity, from Christian congregations to Islamic centers and Jewish communities, mirroring the city's multicultural fabric. This mosaic offers newcomers a broad spectrum of communities and spiritual homes to explore, bolstering Chicago’s standing as a city of inclusive diversity.
Rochester vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL, this comparison of the traffic and transportation options will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in each city, allowing you to plan your move and daily life more effectively.
| Comparison | Rochester | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Yes |
In Rochester, the average commute time is shorter, and traffic congestion is significantly less compared to Chicago. However, Rochester's public transit system is less extensive, making it more challenging to get around without a car. In contrast, Chicago boasts a higher public transit availability rating, thanks to its comprehensive network, including the CTA buses and "L" trains, making it easier to live without a personal vehicle. This substantial difference in public transit accessibility highlights the importance of considering your transportation needs and lifestyle preferences when planning a move to either city.
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