Moving from Arizona to Illinois?

6 Best AZ to IL Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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AZ to IL Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state symbolizes an exciting chapter in your journey, brimming with new possibilities and life changes. Leaving behind Arizona's vast deserts and sun-soaked landscapes for Illinois' bustling cities, expansive farmlands, and the charm of the Windy City is a vivid transition from the Grand Canyon State to the Land of Lincoln. To ensure this significant relocation is smooth and stress-free, it's crucial to entrust your move to trusted and reliable professional movers, and that's where we come in to guide you every step of the way.

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

6 Best Arizona to Illinois Movers

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

#1
Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 2,279+ data points

Location DotPhoenix, AZ
GearLocal moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3006713 Verify

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in phoenix 2023 sterling interstate llc image
top 10 ranked movers in phoenix 2022 sterling interstate llc image
#2
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,118+ data points

Location DotGlenview, IL
GearProfessional Moving Services, Residential Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 7/24/2023)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in waukegan 2023 happ movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in waukegan 2022 happ movers inc image
#3
606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,152+ data points

Location DotChicago, IL
GearResidential Movers, Commercial Movers, Packing & Unpacking Services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 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 >>

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top 10 ranked movers in kankakee 2023 606 movers inc image
top 10 ranked movers in park forest 2022 606 movers inc image
#4
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional

based on 991+ data points

Location DotPeoria, AZ
GearLong Distance Moves, Local Moves, Business Relocation See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/27/2022)

Circle DotUSDOT: 3656946 Verify

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in surprise 2023 new beginnings moving solutions image
top 3 ranked movers in peoria 2022 new beginnings moving solutions image
#5
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 4,091+ data points

Location DotPhoenix, AZ
GearLocal Moving Services, Long-Distance Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 1877603 Verify

About Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Since 2008, Creative Moving and Packing has served the Phoenix, AZ, area with high-quality local and long-distance relocation services. This...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in phoenix 2023 creative moving and packing llc image
top 10 ranked movers in phoenix 2022 creative moving and packing llc image
#6
Camelback Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,248+ data points

Location DotPhoenix, AZ
GearLocal Moving, Long-Distance Moving, Commercial & Office Moving See More
Circle CheckAuthorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

Circle DotUSDOT: 1635834 Verify

About Camelback Moving

Camelback Moving has been operating in the Phoenix area for over 15 years as one of the area's largest independently-owned moving companies....Read More >>

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Illinois

Moving from one state to another is a significant life decision, encapsulating a wide range of emotional, logistical, and financial considerations. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Arizona to Illinois , ensuring you make an informed choice based on a comprehensive understanding of both the advantages and challenges associated with such a move.

CONs
PROs
Arizona iconArizona
  • Extreme heat
  • Less greenery
  • Sparse rainfall
  • Limiting water activities
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Seasonal weather
  • Lush landscapes
  • Abundant water
  • Greater outdoor variety
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Colder winters
  • Less sunshine
  • Higher humidity
  • Indoor-centric lifestyle
Arizona iconArizona
  • Year-round sun
  • Desert landscapes
  • Lower humidity
  • Outdoor living

When moving from Arizona's sun-drenched deserts to Illinois' verdant plains, you're not just trading one landscape for another; you're stepping into a kaleidoscope of seasonal colors and lifestyle changes. Illinois' weather patterns invite a distinct array of activities, from seasonal festivals in Springfield to beach outings along Lake Michigan's shores. The lush scenery of Starved Rock State Park offers a stark contrast to Arizona's arid views, supplying ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating that Arizona's terrain can't match. Meanwhile, city dwellers will find Chicago's vibrant restaurant scene, including renowned establishments like Alinea, a stark contrast to Phoenix's Southwestern fare, highlighting the rich cultural shift that accompanies this move.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Arizona to Illinois

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Arizona & Illinois, highlighting food's significance in reflecting a region's culture and lifestyle. As you plan your move, understanding the culinary differences will give you a taste of what to expect in your new home.

ArizonaIllinois

Most iconic local food item

Chimichanga
Chicago-style deep dish pizza

Most popular meat dish

Carne asada
Italian Beef Sandwich

Most popular street food item

Sonoran Hot Dog
Chicago-style hot dog

Most popular vegan food

Prickly pear sorbet
Chicago-style vegan deep dish

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro Café
  • Durant’s
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

8
7

Abundance of Food Trucks

8
6

Foodie Scene

8
9

Vegan Friendly

7
8

In Arizona, the fusion of Native American and Mexican cuisines creates unique flavors, evident in dishes like the Chimichanga and Carne Asada, and neighborhoods such as Phoenix and Tucson are hotspots for these culinary delights. Over in Illinois, especially Chicago, the food scene is anchored by iconic eateries that serve up classics like the Chicago-style deep dish pizza and Italian Beef Sandwich. Neighborhoods like the West Loop in Chicago offer a vibrant foodie scene, with a range of dining options from high-end restaurants like Alinea to the city's myriad food trucks and vegan establishments.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Arizona to Illinois

When planning a move, comparing real estate aspects between Arizona and Illinois is crucial for decision-making. This guide helps highlight differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle amenities.

While both Arizona and Illinois offer unique living experiences, they differ significantly in housing costs and styles. For instance, Arizona's real estate market emphasizes outdoor living with many listings featuring swimming pools and open, Spanish Colonial-style homes. On the other hand, Illinois, known for its Prairie-style architecture, places great importance on having basements and hardwood floors, catering to the different climate and lifestyle. Illinois also ranks higher in urban lifestyle, indicating a preference for city living, which might appeal to those looking for a vibrant city environment.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Arizona to Illinois

When planning a move from Arizona to Illinois, understanding weather comparisons between these states is crucial. This overview highlights key weather aspects you'll experience, enabling you to prepare for changes.

Summer icon
104°F / 75°F

Arizona

85°F / 65°F

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 46°F

Arizona

35°F / 22°F

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
13"

Arizona

39"

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0" (varies by elevation)

Arizona

22"

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Moving from Arizona to Illinois, you'll transition from a desert climate to one with four distinct seasons. Arizona's abundant sunshine and low humidity will be swapped for Illinois' cooler, more humid weather, and its summers are significantly milder. An important aspect to consider is the change in natural disaster risks, from wildfires and flash floods in Arizona to tornadoes and severe storms in Illinois. Additionally, the difference in annual rainfall and snowfall is notable, with Illinois experiencing much more of both compared to Arizona. This can impact your daily life, from choosing a home to preparing for seasonal allergies.

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

Moving from one state to another brings a list of financial considerations that can greatly impact your finances. In this guide, we've created a comprehensive comparison chart to help you understand the differences in money and finance when moving from Arizona to Illinois. Knowing these differences will assist you in planning your move effectively.

While the average household income in Illinois is higher compared to Arizona, it's important to consider Illinois' flat state income tax rate of 4.95%, which may affect your take-home pay differently than Arizona's progressive tax system. Additionally, Illinois' considerably higher average property tax rate of 2.05% suggests that homeownership could be more expensive in terms of annual property taxes despite a slightly lower cost of living index. While both states offer diverse economic landscapes, Illinois is particularly robust in manufacturing, services, and agriculture, indicating potential job opportunities in these sectors. Evaluating these aspects can help you make a more informed decision about your financial readiness for such a move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Arizona and Illinois

This quick snapshot aims to provide a comparison of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Arizona & Illinois. Understanding these dynamics can help you anticipate the social and cultural atmosphere of your new home state.

ArizonaIllinois

Political Make-up

Mixed, leaning RepublicanDominantly Democratic

Local Politics

Varies by city; Phoenix has a Democrat majorityChicago strongly influences state politics, Democrat majority

Religion

Christianity predominant, with a significant "none" populationChristianity predominant, diverse religious communities

While both states have a Christian majority, you'll find a wider religious diversity in Illinois, reflecting its more diverse population. Political landscapes also differ significantly; Arizona presents a more mixed political environment, while Illinois leans heavily Democratic, mostly due to Chicago's strong political influence. Whether attending services at local Phoenix churches or participating in political discussions in Chicago, it's crucial to understand these differences as you make your move.

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Illinois

Moving from one state to another can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to your children's education. To help you make an informed decision, we've compared the educational landscapes of Arizona and Illinois. This comparison aims to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Arizona and Illinois.

ArizonaIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Basis Chandler
Knox Gifted Academy in Chandler
Benchmark School in Phoenix
Lincoln Elementary School in Springfield
South Loop Elementary School in Chicago
River Woods Elementary School in Naperville

Top 3 Middle Schools

Basis Scottsdale
Basis Tucson North
Basis Oro Valley
Woodlawn Middle School in Long Grove
Marie Murphy School in Wilmette
Daniel Wright Junior High School in Lincolnshire

Top 3 High School Schools

Basis Scottsdale
Basis Oro Valley
Basis Peoria
Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago
Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora

Top 3 private high schools

Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix
Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix
The Gregory School in Tucson
Phillips Academy in Andover
Deerfield Academy in Deerfield
Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Phoenix Country Day School in Paradise Valley
The Gregory School in Tucson
Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale
Latin School of Chicago
Francis W. Parker School in Chicago
Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest

Top 3 School Districts

Scottsdale Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools
New Trier Township High School District 203 in Northfield
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 in Naperville
Community High School District 128 in Vernon Hills

When it comes to education, Arizona and Illinois offer distinct opportunities and environments. For instance, Arizona's Basis Scottsdale frequently tops national rankings for STEM education—an ideal choice if you're prioritizing science and technology. Meanwhile, Illinois boasts prestigious institutions like the University of Chicago, appealing to families aiming for top-tier higher education. Notably, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora provides an exceptional education for students with a particular interest in these fields. Diving deeper, the difference in top private high schools showcases varying educational emphases and cultures between the states, with Illinois' Chicago-based institutions like the Latin School of Chicago emphasizing a broad liberal arts education. Choosing the right state for your family involves considering these unique educational landscapes alongside other factors.

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