Do you serve pickup from suburbs like Naperville and Evanston?

Yes, we offer pickup from all Illinois locations and move interstate exclusively.

Can you handle piano or large furniture moves to Grand Rapids?

Absolutely — we’re experts in safe set-up and transport for bulky items.

Do you offer moving insights or transition tips for relocating to Indiana or Colorado?

Yes — subscribe to our blog or request a moving guide specific to your destination.

Top Cities Illinois Residents Are Moving To in 2026

Where Illinois Is Moving

Illinois has seen steady net out-migration, and the destinations aren't random — they cluster around three pulls: no (or low) state income tax, more affordable housing, and warmer weather. Below are the most popular cities Illinois residents are relocating to, why each one draws them, and roughly how far it is by road from the Chicago area. Each links to a route page where we break the move down in detail.

The Top Destination Cities

Destination	Drive from Chicago	Why People Move There
Dallas, TX	~925 mi	Tech, healthcare & logistics jobs; no state income tax; affordable housing
Phoenix, AZ	~1,750 mi	Dry warm climate, growing job market, lower cost of living
Atlanta, GA	~715 mi	Corporate HQs, film industry, relative affordability
Austin, TX	~1,160 mi	Tech hub, no income tax, strong culture for young professionals
Nashville, TN	~470 mi	No income tax, music & healthcare economy, Southern lifestyle
Tampa, FL	~1,180 mi	Gulf Coast beaches, no income tax, retiree and family appeal
Naples, FL	~1,320 mi	Premier retirement communities and warm winters
Indianapolis / Carmel, IN	~185 mi	Short haul, lower taxes and cost of living, top-rated suburbs

What's Driving These Moves

Taxes. Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Nevada levy no state income tax — a major pull for earners and retirees alike.
Housing cost. A budget that buys a condo in the Chicago metro often buys a single-family home with a yard in Dallas, Indianapolis, or Tampa.
Climate. Milder winters in the South and Southwest draw families and retirees tired of lake-effect snow.
Jobs. Austin and Dallas tech, Nashville and Atlanta healthcare and media, and Phoenix's booming service economy keep hiring.
Proximity to family. Short hauls like Indianapolis and Carmel let families leave the metro without leaving the Midwest.

Plan Your Move by Destination

How We Get You There

Whichever city makes your shortlist, Illinois Movers Inc runs direct, single-truck service from anywhere in Illinois to all 48 contiguous states. As a licensed interstate carrier (USDOT #2628513 · MC #914433), we give you a binding quote, a dedicated coordinator, GPS tracking, and full-value protection — no brokers, no warehouse transfers.

Top Cities FAQ

Why are so many people leaving Illinois?

The biggest drivers are lower taxes, cheaper housing, warmer climate, and job growth in Sun Belt metros like Dallas, Phoenix, and Nashville.

What's the most popular Illinois-to-elsewhere move?

Texas destinations — especially Dallas and Austin — rank at the top, thanks to no state income tax and a strong job market.

How long does a move to these cities take?

Short hauls like Indianapolis deliver in 1–2 days; mid-range cities like Nashville, Atlanta, and Dallas run 2–3 days; Florida and Arizona typically take 2–4 days.

Do you serve all of these destinations directly?

Yes. We move households from Illinois to every city listed here on our own trucks, with no third-party handoffs.

Written and reviewed by the Illinois Movers Inc Long-Distance Relocation Team — licensed interstate movers (USDOT #2628513 · MC #914433) tracking where Illinois moves for 10+ years.
Last updated: October 2026.

Top Cities Illinois Residents Are Moving To — Your Guide to the Most Popular Moves