Recently the population of Colorado has reached a record of nearly 6 million residents. This is 1.5 million more compared to 20 years ago. Case in point, The Centennial State is a popular relocation destination, and for a good reason. Reasons for moving vary between individuals, but in colorful Colorado, everyone will find something to their taste. Moving from Illinois to Colorado means indulging in a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle, and being surrounded by mountains and gorgeous landscapes. However, that is by far not everything that the Switzerland of America offers to its residents. So, if you’re ready to start planning your relocation to Colorado from The Land of Lincoln, Verified Movers will make your entire journey a lot easier. Besides, below you’ll find useful info about Colorado, and how to organize your smooth transfer from Illinois.
Colorado might just be the perfect state for you.
What are the major changes you’ll encounter when moving from Illinois to Colorado?
Taking a road trip from Illinois to Colorado will require you to cross through the states of Iowa and Nebraska. Completing this task will take more than 14 hours. And, the distance between Chicago and Denver is about 1010 miles. While this may sound simple, moving along with your belongings is entirely a different story. That’s why hiring interstate moving companies Illinois is something you shouldn’t take lightly. It’s best to talk to our moving specialists at the earliest and see what they can do to help you secure your safe and affordable relocation from Illinois to Colorado.
Besides, swapping the Prarie State for colorful Colorado comes along with not just a change in scenery, but other aspects that you should look at in greater detail. Of course, these will influence your overall quality of life, and how comfortable you’ll feel with your moving decision. Hence, let’s look into a few categories that will give you the lead to further your research.
- Climate
- Cost of living
- Overall lifestyle
A change of scenery and climate
Illinois is a midwestern state nicknamed the Prarie State for a good reason. It has an abundance of farmland, wetland, and forests. On the other hand, the landscape in Colorado is diverse, featuring anything from arid deserts, river canyons, and snow-covered mountains. With this in mind, one of the first things you’ll notice when making Colorado your home instead of Illinois is the dry air. You’ll need to moisturize your skin regularly and increase your water intake. Also, expect changes in elevation, and give yourself time to adjust to the altitude. In case you were wondering why Colorado has the moniker of the Highest State, it’s because it has the highest average elevation in the country. Thus, expect changes in the overall feel when moving westwards from Illinois.
With the difference in landscape, naturally, you’d expect the climate in Illinois and Colorado to be different as well. While looking at the average temperature may not seem like a big difference, there certainly is. And as we said, the air in Colorado is significantly drier, so expect winters to feel colder too. For the sake of comparison, in Illinois, the summer temperatures tend to be at around 89 F, while in Colorado this is about 85 F. The winter lows in the Prairie State can deep down to 19 F, and in Colorado to 18 F. Also, the Highest State gets significantly less rainfall than Illinois. But, snowfalls are more abundant than in The Land of Lincoln, so expect lots of exciting outdoor activities during the colder months.
Withal, transferring to Colorado from Illinois means you should probably alter the contents of your wardrobe. Take note of this before you book your interstate moving companies Colorado.
Illinois vs. Colorado cost of living
In terms of size, Colorado is about 87% larger than Illinois. However, the Prarie State is one of the most densely populated in the nation, and with approximately 12.8 million residents it has more than double the population of The Centennial State. But, even in times of economic upheaval, the job market in Colorado has remained strong. This is an important pulling factor for many people moving here from Illinois.
From quaint towns to vibrant urban vibes, Colorado offers exciting options for exploring while enjoying the perks of a solid job market to anyone moving from Illinois
In terms of the cost of living, various reports confirm that Colorado is the more affordable one. Besides, here are some quick facts and figures to help you scale this aspect when relocating to Colorado from Illinois.
- The unemployment rate in Illinois is about 7%, while in Colorado 5.6%.
- An average annual salary in Illinois is $111,000 and in Colorado, this is $101,000.
- The median home value in the Prarie State is about $250,000. In Colorado, on the other hand, this is $488,000. One of the most important things to pay attention to when moving from Illinois to Colorado is the housing market. Bear in mind that there is a high demand and low supply, which means that good property is hard to come by, and if you do, be prepared to pay a little fortune.
- Based on data referring to Chicago and Denver, the median annual rent in Illinois is about $1000, while in Colorado it’s $1600.
What should you expect in terms of lifestyle when moving to the Highest State from Illinois?
No matter the exact places in the Prarie State and Colorado you are moving from and to, you’ll encounter changes in the overall lifestyle that will appeal to you especially if you’re an outdoor fanatic or adept at a healthy lifestyle. One of the traits of Colorado is its healthy-conscious population. Here not only healthy eating is a thing, but an active lifestyle and going green are encouraged too. For instance, Denver and Chicago are both areas with a prominent urban vibe. However, you’ll find that in Colorado relaxed and laid-back pace of living is promoted, as a way to make life less stressful on daily basis. Thus, this is the general outline of a different lifestyle you should expect when swapping Illinois for Colorado.
The most popular cities in Colorado
Colorado is a large state. The most prominent symbol of it is surely the Rocky Mountains. And when most people think about moving here from Illinois, the choice for the exact location usually narrows down to some of the cities along the Front Range. Of course, living in any of these has many perks, but the gorgeous mountain views are the cherry on the cake. Now, let’s mention the top 3 cities in Colorado that are very popular among transplants from other corners of the country.
The most popular cities in Colorado are along the Front Range
Denver
The capital of the state is home to more than 700,000 people. Denver is growing quickly, and it’s among the most popular places for young professionals. Booking your top movers in Denver is a no-brainer – The Mile High City will not disappoint you. It’s a vibrant metropolis with lots of arts, culture, exciting dining options, and easy access to fantastic outdoor activities. Whether Denver is your top choice when moving from the Land of Lincoln to Colorado, or you’d rather put roots in another city, our moving specialists will help you relocate with ease.
Colorado Springs
An hour’s drive from the capital, Colorado Springs is popular among young families. The housing market here is more affordable than in other popular cities, so that’s a big plus when deciding where in Colorado to move from Illinois. This is also a popular tourist destination, with great access to fantastic hiking options and natural settings.
Fort Collins
The beer capital of Colorado is a college town where the University of Colorado is located. It attracts families and anyone who enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle. Moving from Illinois to Fort Collins means that you’ll get to enjoy some of the best water activities in the state, apart from the fantastic mountains. The Disneyland Main Street USA takes inspiration from Downtown Fort Collins. So, make sure you explore this part of the city and indulge in all the fun things it offers.
In summary, moving from Illinois to Colorado is a promising step for your career, as well as an adventure you’re sure to enjoy. Last but not least, make sure your move is safe, smooth, and up to your expectations with the expertise of Verified Movers. Good luck.