Last Updated on: 29th January 2023, 09:45 pm
Chicago and Seattle are two cities that do not need an introduction, up there with New York City as some of America’s most iconic cities. There are plenty of reasons to love one or the other, but moving from city to city has become more common nowadays, and Seattle is a very common destination for said moves. Many move for family, employment, housing, or any other multitude of reasons. If you’re someone who is currently considering moving from Chicago to Seattle, you’re in luck – our moving to Seattle guide is sure to help you!
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What Moving to Seattle is Like
Seattle can easily be called the most hip city in America – perhaps only rivaled by other West Coast cities like San Francisco. Seattle is known as a hub for all sorts of things, like coffee, grunge music, art, outdoor recreation, and the tech industry. It was here that both Starbucks and Amazon would get their starts. The Seahawks, the ever-famous Space Needle, and the Pike Place Market are all places that give Seattle its unique charm. Compared to Chicago, Seattle may seem quaint – but there’s plenty to do and see here!
The population of Seattle is 733,904 people, although this only includes Seattle itself and not many suburban communities that are considered part of Seattle. The population density is around 8,750 residents per square mile, considerably lower than Chicago’s population density of 11,000 residents per square mile. The median household income is $110,781, and the median home price is $848,100. Compared to Chicago, both of these are significantly higher, indicating that Seattle is a far more affluent city in general. Seattle, like many bigger cities in the United States, has a majority of renters over owners – 55% of residents live in rented units. According to RentCafe, the average rent here is $2,334 per month for a 691 sq. ft. apartment.
Seattle has a much more robust public transportation system than Chicago, with buses being provided by King County Metro and streetcars operated by South Lake Union Streetcar. Seattle is one of the best-educated cities in the country and is serviced by the Seattle Public Schools school district. The city also has plenty of famous things to do, like the community’s biggest park Discovery Park, the famous Space Needle, and the Pike Place Market.
Moving to Seattle, you’ll find that the culture is far more hip and progressive overall. Seattle boasts many artists, musicians, and other creatives that give the city a unique culture.
Benefits of Moving from Chicago to Seattle
The reasons for relocating away from Chicago are just as numerous as there are people moving. Employment and crime are two big drivers of Chicago’s great exodus. However, there are many things to consider when thinking about moving from Chicago to Seattle.
Seattle is a center for tech, and the tech industry means good money. Indeed, tech giant Amazon got its start while Bezos was living in Seattle and remains headquartered there to this day. Secondly, being a much smaller and more compact city (Seattle is only 84 sq. mi. in area, while Chicago is 227 sq. mi.), Seattle is significantly more walkable and has public transportation systems that are the envy of other American cities.
Seattle’s walkability and wide variety of profitable industries are not the only reason many Chicagoans decide to move to greener pastures. While Seattle does struggle with crime, particularly property crime, Seattle’s violent crime rate is relatively tame when compared to Chicago. Chicago has a violent crime rate that is 154% higher than the national average (987 violent crimes per 100,000) and a murder rate that is over 300% higher than the national average (29 murders per 100,000). Seattle’s violent crime rate is almost 100% lower, at 626 violent incidents per 100,000 people.
However, Chicago does have one thing going for it, and that is (relative) affordability. Compared to the rest of the country, Chicago’s cost of living is 23% higher than the national average, while Seattle’s cost of living is 52% higher. Housing and just about every other commodity in Seattle will be more expensive than they would be in Chicago – but that’s the price you pay for being a tech city!
Chicago to Seattle Movers
If your mind is set on transitioning from Chicago to Seattle, you’re going to want professional, experienced help. Moving over any distance can be stressful, but that is doubly true of moves that take place over thousands of miles! Alleviate that stress by calling up and hiring a top-rated Chicago to Seattle mover! The benefits of hiring a professional mover for a long-distance job like this are numerous, but here are only a few examples:
- Coordination of the entire moving process by a personal Move Coordinator
- Boxes and packing material obtained by us
- Professional packing services
- Loading of all furniture, belongings, boxes onto truck
- Optional storage in state-of-the-art facility
- Driving/delivery of all items to the destination in a timely manner
- Unloading all furniture, belongings, and boxes from truck to destination
- Assembling all furniture in new location
- Optional unpacking services
- Placing furniture where desired
- Disassembly/reassembly of furniture
- Moving of appliances
Trustworthy and experienced Chicago to Seattle long-distance movers provide their expertise and experience, alleviating stress and saving you time. With the vast suite of services they offer, you’ll find that even tough, arduous moves can be resolved with minimal issues.
Why Federal Companies is the Best Chicago to Seattle Moving Choice
Hiring a professional moving team for your job can be a fantastic stress reliever, but choosing the wrong one can be quite the opposite. Many crews are not equipped to handle a move as serious as one from Chicago to Seattle – it takes training and skill to make sure these things go smoothly! Luckily for you, Federal Companies is here to help!
Since the 1920s, Federal Companies has been the premier Chicago-area mover in the industry! We pride ourselves in our training, our experience, our customer service, and our countless happy and satisfied customers – see our excellent, 5-star reviews on Google! With proper licensing and insurance, equipment like full-size trucks, storage, and no less than a century of experience, Federal Companies has the know-how to make your relocation easy!
Chicago to Seattle Moving Cost
Decided to use a professional company for moving from Chicago to Seattle?? It’s only natural that you wonder just how much a move like this will cost you. As anybody with experience will know, the cost of a move is anything but static and is something that varies widely based on a few factors:
- Distance
- Weight and volume of objects moved
- Dates and overlap with seasons, holidays
- Storage
- Additional services
According to Thumbtack, the average cost for a long-distance moving service within the United States and the Chicago area is approximately $4,000. However, the only surefire way to know how much you’ll be paying for your Seattle-bound long-distance move is by filling out a quote from your moving company of choice, usually offered online and for free.
Chicago to Seattle Distances & Travel Information
If you’re planning on moving to Seattle from Chicago, you’re going to need to get yourself over there somehow! That process is likely going to involve either driving, flying, or going by train.
Considering the distance, driving may not be your first option. The distance from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA is a whopping 2,064 miles, which will take about 30 hours of straight driving without traffic. Of course, there’s little to see along the way, but the Yellowstone National Park (and the cluster of national parks around), are not too distant from the route.
Flying is a more reasonable option if you have the funds to afford it. A wide variety of airlines, including Delta, Alaska, and Spirit, service flights between the two cities. A flight from Chicago to Seattle typically takes four and a half hours.
The train is another option, but one that will take almost two full days. The route is serviced by the Empire Builder.
Whichever reason you end up choosing to move to Seattle, you’re going to need help with your move! Nobody has the best Chicago to Seattle moving services quite like Federal Companies! Just give us a call at 800-747-4100, or fill out our free online quote form!