Thinking about relocating to Illinois? Whether it’s for work, family, or to take advantage of the ample cultural opportunities, hiring experienced long distance movers can help make the process a lot less stressful. But before you start packing up, take time to familiarize yourself with The Prairie State. Here’s a look at the top three factors you should consider prior to moving to Illinois.
What You Should Know Before Moving to Illinois
Before any move, you may feel there are countless aspects to consider. After all, moving is a big decision, and venturing somewhere new can feel daunting. However, hiring professional long distance movers can help simplify the process and bring you peace of mind. With so many important factors to consider in your choice, it’s easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed during this time. However, if you know the key factors to prioritize in your decision-making process, you can feel more confident in the choice you ultimately make. Specifically, if you’re looking to move to Illinois, you may be wondering about the most crucial elements to contemplate before relocating to this midwestern state. Keep reading to discover our top 3 aspects to examine before a move to this state.
1. Weather and Landscape
When moving to a new location, you want to be sure the climate is at least tolerable and, at best, ideal. In the case of the Midwest, especially for a place like Illinois, which is further north, it’s best to factor in the extreme weather conditions that you will inevitably experience at one point or another. Home of Chicago, the Windy City, Illinois, lives up to that reputation – with wind, snow and ice in full force during the winter as temperatures drop even into the negatives. Each year, northern Illinois averages 48 inches of snow, while the southern portion averages 38 inches. Typically, the temperature sits steadily around 30ºF during the winter.
On the flipside, however, the summers leave no memory of the tough winters. Usually, Illinois residents can expect a hot, humid summer each year. This humidity accompanies severe thunderstorms, resulting in around 50 days of thunderstorm activity each year. Illinois also experiences tornadoes, usually from April to June. If you live in Illinois, you can expect all four seasons in full force, rather than a similar climate year-round.
Additionally, Illinois is known as the Prairie State due to its landscape. Illinois is one of the flattest states, characterized by low-lying fields. It has three geographical divisions – Southern, Central, and Northern – and it is also the home to many rivers and lakes. This landscape is an important note, especially for those who are interested in spending time in nature.
2. Real Estate Market
As with any location you are considering relocating to, the current status of the local real estate market is a necessary point of inspection. The market can determine whether finding a home within your budget will be a nightmare or a breeze. It only takes about 40 days for the average home to sell in Illinois. This is a strong housing market that offers great options for people looking to move here. Of course, although a competitive situation like this can feel daunting for those looking to find a home, it also offers the opportunity to find an incredible home at a reasonable price, especially compared to other markets across the country. Illinois is an excellent place to find great real estate.
3. Cost of Living
The biggest draw to Illinois is its low, affordable cost of living. Sitting about 6% below the national average, people with varying budgets can move to Illinois with less stress than in many other areas of the United States. Housing itself actually stacks up even better, at 14% below the national average. From utilities to groceries and even healthcare, you can get much more bang for your buck in this state.
Average housing costs sit anywhere from $850 to $1,600 per month, depending on where you go in the state and what size home you’re seeking. While a studio apartment for rent is on the low end, the mortgage cost is on the high end. In contrast, the actual average living cost for a year in Illinois is around $44,000. Neighboring Wisconsin costs about $49,000 per year for comparison. This is a major perk that can empower home buyers and renters alike to feel confident about their decision to settle down in Illinois.
Choosing a Reliable Illinois Moving Company
Now that you’ve heard about what to consider before moving to Illinois, are you ready to start your move to the Prairie State? With the climate, geography, real estate market, and cost of living in mind, you’re prepared to make an educated decision regarding the possibility of relocating to Illinois. But once you decide to move, you’re left seeking residential moving services in Illinois – a company that you can rely on. If you’re looking for an Illinois moving company that can empower you to have your best move yet, trust Callaghan’s Moving Services to help with your move. With over 40 years of experience serving Chicagoland and the Illinois suburbs, you can depend on Callaghan’s Moving Services to complete your move with reliable professionals and excellent customer service.
Ready to Move to Illinois? Let Callaghan’s Moving Services Help You Get There
Preparation is key to a successful move, whether you’re planning on relocating to Illinois or any other state. By taking the factors listed above into consideration and partnering with Callaghan’s Moving Services, you can feel secure in your decision and confident knowing that your move will be a streamlined experience. Call (708) 529-9797 or schedule a free moving quote today.