Best Chicago to Riverside Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Chicago to Riverside Movers

Moving from the Windy City to the City of Arts and Innovation is more than a change of scenery; it's an exhilarating journey toward new beginnings. Leaving behind Chicago's towering skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza for Riverside’s historic missions and sunny citrus groves might feel bittersweet, but adventure awaits. Given the distance and the logistics involved, it's crucial to have trusted and reliable professional movers on your side, ensuring your transition is smooth and stress-free. That’s why we diligently rank the best moving companies, so you don’t have to guess who to trust for this significant life change.

Illinois iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Chicago to Riverside Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Terry Moving & Storage9.37A+Authorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
H2H Movers Inc9.24AAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Chicago guide.

5 Best Chicago to Riverside Moving Companies

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

Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.37/10
based on 2,308+ data points

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helpe...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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 10/18/2024)

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
3
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers26
Total Annual Miles Moved86,474 (2022)
View Full Review
4
H2H Movers Inc Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.24/10
based on 8,231+ data points

About H2H Movers Inc

Are you looking to move places but are worried about the cost? Then, H2H Movers might be the best choice for you. This moving company provid...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2428328 / 836885

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved359,681 (2024)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Chicago vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

When moving from one city to another, familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide aims to help by comparing local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Riverside, CA . By identifying neighborhoods with similar vibes, amenities, and lifestyles, we hope to make your move feel like finding a new home in a familiar place.

ChicagoRiversideHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkWood StreetsHistoric homes, family-friendly
Wicker ParkArlington HeightsTrendy, artsy community
Gold CoastHawarden HillsUpscale, exclusive feel
LoopDowntown RiversideBustling urban center, cultural sites
South LoopGrandGrowing, diverse, convenient amenities
River NorthCanyon CrestScenic views, high-end dining
West LoopMission GroveFamily-oriented, great restaurants
Logan SquareUniversityEclectic mix of students and families
Hyde ParkWoodcrestEducational institutions, suburban feel
AndersonvilleRedwoodDiverse, strong sense of community

If you're moving from Chicago's picturesque Lincoln Park, with its serene parks such as Oz Park, and vibrant Armitage Avenue's boutiques and cafes, you'll find Riverside's Wood Streets area to be a charming counterpart. The historic homes and lovely gardens echo the family-friendly atmosphere, while still offering a sprinkle of urban convenience and cultural offerings. Meanwhile, Wicker Park's dynamic blend of art galleries, nightlife, and quirky shops has a parallel in Arlington Heights, where Riverside's emerging arts scene and eclectic local businesses provide a similar indie vibe. Comparing Gold Coast to Hawarden Hills, both neighborhoods boast exclusive residential areas with a mix of historic and modern homes, catering to those who appreciate a fine living experience alongside accessible luxury amenities. Riverside's robust cultural and outdoor attractions like the Riverside Art Museum and the plethora of hiking trails near Canyon Crest offer a rich, fulfilling lifestyle akin to what one might find in Chicago's more affluent or culturally endowed areas.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Riverside

Moving from one city to another is a major decision that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA, helping you weigh your options carefully.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher crime rates
  • Costly living
  • Heavy traffic
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Milder winters
  • Lower crime rates
  • More affordable
  • Less congestion
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Less diverse
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Fewer dining options
  • Dependent on cars
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant culture
  • Abundant nightlife
  • Great dining scene
  • Better public transit

While both Chicago and Riverside have their unique charms, it's essential to weigh these aspects based on personal needs and preferences. Chicago's winter can be brutally cold, whereas Riverside offers a much milder climate, making it an appealing destination for those weary of the snow. Chicago's vibrant culture and bustling nightlife, highlighted by venues like The Chicago Theatre and City Winery, stand in stark contrast to Riverside's calmer ambiance, which is more focused on outdoor activities and community events in spots like Mount Rubidoux Park. Dining options in Chicago are vast, with renowned restaurants such as Alinea, whereas Riverside, despite having fewer choices, boasts gems like Mario's Place that offer a more intimate dining experience. Consider these factors carefully to make the best decision for your lifestyle.

Chicago vs. Riverside Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Riverside, highlighting that food is not just sustenance but a vibrant part of local culture. Understanding the culinary landscape of your new city is essential to feeling right at home.

ChicagoRiverside
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaAvocado Toast
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemChicago-Style Hot DogStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan WingsVegan Burrito
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tio's Tacos
  • Simple Simon's
  • Maria's Mexican Kitchen
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Chicago, you can explore neighborhoods like the Loop for a slice of the city's beloved deep-dish pizza, or venture to River North to sample iconic Italian beef sandwiches. Meanwhile, Riverside offers a culinary voyage through its rich street food culture, particularly noted in areas such as the historic Downtown, where one can delight in a myriad of vegan options or savor the local favorite: carne asada. Riverside's heightened health consciousness and vegan friendliness are reflected in its diverse culinary offerings, making it a welcoming city for food enthusiasts of all preferences.

Chicago vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

Food is a cornerstone of feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison from Chicago, IL, to Riverside, CA, aims to ease your transition, guiding you to new favorite eateries that echo the flavors of your current hometown favorites. Let's discover where your culinary heart can find its next home.

ChicagoRiversideWhat You'll Love
AlineaLe Chat NoireFine dining French cuisine reminiscent of Alinea's elegance
Giordano'sBig T's PizzaKnown for their deep dish pizzas, similar to Giordano’s iconic pies
The Purple PigMario's PlaceItalian-inspired dishes with a modern twist, capturing the essence of The Purple Pig
Portillo's Hot DogsDog Haus BiergartenOffers a variety of creative hot dogs, mirroring Portillo's famous offerings
Girl & The GoatThe Salted PigGastropub fare with inventive twists, akin to Girl & The Goat’s approach
Smoque BBQGram's BBQAuthentic barbecue flavors that resonate with Smoque BBQ’s smoky goodness
Rick Bayless's Frontera GrillDon Jose'sAuthentic Mexican cuisine with a passion for flavors, much like Frontera Grill
PublicanThe Salted PigAgain, for its diverse menu that reflects Publican's focus on meats and artisanal beers
Gene & Jude'sBaker's Drive-ThruA local fast-food chain with unique offerings, hitting the spot like Gene & Jude's
RL RestaurantMission Inn RestaurantOffers a luxurious dining experience resembling RL Restaurant’s sophistication

Discovering your new go-to dining spot can be a culinary adventure that reminds you of home. For those missing the deep-dish delight of Giordano's, Big T's Pizza in Riverside serves up a hearty and satisfying alternative, ensuring your pizza cravings are well catered to with their own take on the iconic deep-dish recipe. The transition from the eclectic, bold flavors of Girl & The Goat to the innovative twists at The Salted Pig is another seamless culinary journey Riverside offers. Here, the focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients and playful renditions of classic dishes mirrors the spirit and passion for food that defines Chicago's dining scene. These selections not only promise to fill the void left by your old favorites but also offer a unique take, ensuring your dining experiences in Riverside are as fulfilling and exciting as back home in Chicago.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process when moving. Understanding how the housing markets in Chicago, IL, and Riverside, CA compare is essential. This comparison will help you gauge affordability, lifestyle, and architectural styles that await you in your new city.

ComparisonChicagoRiverside
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, Chicago SchoolSpanish Revival, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, Stainless steel appliancesOutdoor living spaces, Solar panels

While the median home price and monthly rent are considerably higher in Riverside than in Chicago, Riverside offers a unique blend of architectural styles with a focus on Spanish Revival and Ranch designs, reflecting its geographic and cultural landscape. The emphasis on outdoor living spaces and solar panels in Riverside listings highlights a lifestyle that capitalizes on California’s sunny climate. Conversely, Chicago’s real estate listings often boast hardwood floors and stainless-steel appliances, catering to urban living within its characteristic Prairie and Chicago School architectural settings. Though Riverside rates lower in walkability and urban lifestyle, it offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Chicago’s bustling city life.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

1. Downtown Riverside: Known for its welcoming environment, Downtown Riverside boasts multiple dog-friendly establishments like Lakeside to Brambles, a specialized pet spa that offers grooming, therapy, and consultation services for your furry friends.

2. Wood Streets: This neighborhood is perfect for those who love to take regular strolls with their pets, thanks to its peaceful streets, beautiful architecture, and Wood Streets Green Team's community garden that includes dog-friendly spaces.

3. Canyon Crest: Canyon Crest stands out with its City of Riverside parks and recreational facilities such as Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, known for pet-friendly walking paths and trails where you can enjoy outdoor activities with your pets.

Chicago vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares between Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA can help guide your preparation for a new climate. This comparison highlights key weather characteristics to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
82°F / 63°F

Chicago, IL

94°F / 64°F

Riverside, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32°F / 18°F

Chicago, IL

68°F / 43°F

Riverside, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

12

Riverside, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

0

Riverside, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoRiverside
Air QualityModerateVaries (Moderate to Unhealthy)
Natural DisastersBlizzards, Severe ThunderstormsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Chicago to Riverside means preparing for warmer summers and milder winters, along with significantly more days of sunshine and lower humidity in Riverside. While Chicago battles with blizzards and severe thunderstorms, living in Riverside introduces the risk of earthquakes and wildfires. It's important to consider the varying air quality and prominent seasonal allergies in Riverside as compared to Chicago. Adjusting to less rainfall and the absence of snow will be part of the transition. These climatic differences significantly affect daily life and should be considered in your moving plans.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Riverside

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances might be affected. This comparison between Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA sheds light on the economic differences you might encounter. Beyond just the cost of living, we explore taxes, income levels, and the overall economic health of each location to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

ComparisonChicagoRiverside
Avg. Household Income$66,576$76,558
Cost of Living Index116.9112.5
State Income Tax4.959.3
Avg. Property Tax2.100.81
Avg. Sales Tax10.258.75
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, Information TechnologyHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantLower
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from Chicago to Riverside involves navigating a significant shift in economic landscapes. Your dollar might stretch differently due to variations in taxes and the cost of living. While Riverside boasts a higher average household income, its cost of living and state income tax rates are also higher, potentially impacting your net income. However, the more favorable property tax rates in Riverside may offer some relief. Moreover, the industries driving each city’s economy vary, which might influence your job prospects. Understanding both cities' fiscal health, including poverty and homelessness levels, is also crucial to setting realistic expectations for your new home.

Chicago vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA, understanding the comparison of the politics between Chicago & Riverside and religious landscape helps in setting the right expectations. This quick overview aims to provide a snapshot of what to expect from the communities in both cities.

ChicagoRiverside
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerately Conservative to Liberal
Local PoliticsPrimarily controlled by the Democratic PartyMixed with a slight Republican lean in local governance
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Catholic presence Archdiocese of ChicagoDiverse, with noticeable Christian communities Harvest Christian Fellowship

In both Chicago and Riverside, you'll find a diverse and vibrant community, but the political and religious landscapes do have their differences. Chicago is known for its liberal leanings and Democratic dominance in local politics, which is evident in its progressive policies and social dynamics. On the other hand, Riverside presents a more mixed political environment, with a balance that leans slightly toward conservative values, especially in local governance. Religiously, both cities offer diversity; however, the Catholic Church has a substantial presence in Chicago, while Riverside is home to significant Christian communities, including large congregations like the Harvest Christian Fellowship. These differences reflect the unique cultural makeup and priorities of each city.

Chicago vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Exploring the differences in daily commute and traffic between Chicago & Riverside can illuminate how your daily life might change after a move. This comparison aims to give you a clearer view of what to expect in terms of traffic, public transit availability, and the overall necessity of owning a car in both cities.

ComparisonChicagoRiverside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3430
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, easilyChallenging

Chicago and Riverside offer contrasting experiences when it comes to navigating them. In Chicago, the average commute time is slightly longer than in Riverside, partly due to higher traffic congestion. However, Chicago's extensive public transit system, which includes buses, trains, and subways, significantly reduces the need for a personal vehicle. On the other hand, Riverside, with its lower availability of public transit options, makes daily life without a car more challenging. The city's public transit system is growing but doesn't yet compare to the convenience found in larger metropolitan areas. This factor is essential to consider if you're contemplating a car-free lifestyle post-move.

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