Relocating from one state to another is never a decision you want to take lightly. Even if you are dead-set on relocating, you might want to give the decision some more thought. But if that is really what you want, then we are here to help! Moving from California to Illinois involves getting familiar with all that your new state has to offer, its pros and cons, as well as reminding yourself what you love about California. Chances are, you will be able to replicate much of your desired lifestyle in one of Illinois’ neighborhoods. You may also want to check out which interstate moving companies Illinois has on offer, they may be able to provide you with a better deal than California-based ones. That being said, let’s dive right into the preparation phase.
Moving from California to Illinois – Preparation stage
This part is simple but it can be time-consuming. Basically, you will want to:
- Remind yourself what is good about California
- Learn more about Illinois
While this does sound rather simple, the fact of the matter is that it will require some careful consideration. For example, you might be taking a lot of things for granted in your current neighborhood. What you need to do is try and figure out what you like about the place and what would you like to have in your new home as well. Illinois might be a completely different state but it can match California in many regards. You just need to know what to look for. This is also the perfect time to look into some of the interstate moving companies California has to offer, just to get a head start. But we will get back to that once we get to the relocation process itself. All you need to do at this point is “put your feelers out”.
After you figure out what do you require from your ideal neighborhood, it is time to learn more about the state of Illinois. As with every other place on the planet, Illinois has its own share of benefits and drawbacks. Pros and cons, if you will.
First things first, remember what you liked about California.
Pros and cons of living in Illinois
Illinois is one of the best places to live in the US. At least it has the reputation of being one. The best-known city is, of course, Chicago, the country’s second most populated city. But the state itself has plenty to offer aside from Chicago. There are numerous scenic settings, freshwater beaches, as well as national parks to explore. And the state prides itself on its diversity. It gets Verified Movers seal of approval! But let’s look at it from a neutral angle, before you “jump the gun” and hire a professional mover.
Pro- Strong economy
This is something that you are already well-used to, living in California. While Illinois may have a lower GDP than California, it makes up for it in the strong job market. There are numerous sectors that are doing really well, such as machinery, food processing, transportation equipment, and so on. The latter is one of the reasons why top movers in Chicago have a reputation of being one of the best in the country. They simply have access to top-notch equipment, right from the source!
Con- The crime rate
It is a well-known fact that you will need to adapt to a somewhat higher crime rate, living in Illinois. However, it is not as bad as you might think. The crime rate is higher than the national average, with 16% of violent crimes and 23% of property crimes. But that will depend quite a bit on where you decide to live. Illinois has 19 of the safest cities in the country, according to Neighborhood Scout.
The crime rate numbers might be scary at a first glance. But there are safe neighborhoods as well.
Pro- A true sportsman’s state
If you enjoy watching sports or actively engaging in them, Illinois is the place to be. Its residents cheer on their teams with unbridled passion, whether it is hockey, soccer, basketball, or any other sport. Even if you are not really into sports, this is something that you need to adapt to. Many conversations you will have in the state will be about sports. You might as well get ready for that.
Con- High taxes
Illinois pays its residents well. But it also taxes them heavily. If you are looking to invest in a property, you might want to know that Prairie State has the second-highest property tax in the US, standing at 2.32%. The singular state that has the higher property tax is New Jersey.
Pro- Best food in the country
While this one might be highly debatable (unless you ask Illinois’ residents), the fact of the matter is that the state is a foodie paradise. Chicago, being the food capital of the US, contributes immensely to this reputation. But you can find diverse and amazing cuisine no matter where you go.
Con- The weather
To be completely frank, winters are extremely harsh in Illinois. This is something that will shock you, moving from California to Illinois. Expect long periods of snow, as well as your doors being frozen. But, on the bright side, you get used to it over time. Furthermore, the state is quite prone to natural disasters. Expect around 50 days of thunderstorms each year, as well as almost 50 tornadoes sweeping through the state.
But for the most part, these issues can be avoided by carefully considering where you will live, and investing in additional insurance. The state of Illinois, despite its drawbacks, remains one of the best states to move to.
Get ready for harsh winters.
Moving from California to Illinois – The relocation process
Once you find the ideal place to live in Illinois, it is time to devote some attention to the moving process. Here are the activities that you will need to do:
- Set a moving budget
- Research moving companies
- Create a moving checklist
- Organize your time
- Remember to pack the essentials bag
As for the choice of your moving company, you have several options there. You can hire one of the top Movers in Los Angeles for your relocation, or you can search for Illinois-based ones. Ideally, you will get a free estimate from both when moving from California to Illinois and minimize your relocation cost. Remember to start early, get as much information as you can, and you will have no issues!