Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Maine

ConsIllinois

• High property taxes
• Hot humid summers
• Traffic congestion
• Limited ocean access
• Poor air quality days
• Higher violent crime
• Flat scenery
• Tornado outbreaks
• Long commutes
• Noise and light pollution
• Urban sprawl
• Costly city parking
• Crowded public spaces

ProsMaine

• Lower property taxes
• Cooler coastal summers
• Lighter traffic
• Atlantic coastline access
• Cleaner coastal air
• Lower crime rates
• Rugged coast and forests
• Fewer tornado threats
• Shorter commutes
• Darker quieter nights
• Small-town charm
• Easier parking
• Less crowded spaces

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Maine

• Fewer job openings
• Limited transit options
• Fewer direct flights
• Fewer large museums
• Quieter nightlife
• Few pro teams
• Lower average wages
• Less culinary variety
• Fewer specialists
• Fewer campuses nearby
• Limited shopping options
• Rural broadband gaps

Illinois

• Diverse job market
• Extensive public transit
• Major airport hub
• World-class museums
• Vibrant nightlife
• Big-league sports
• Higher average salaries
• Renowned restaurants
• Top-tier hospitals
• Large university options
• Dense retail choices
• Faster internet options

Pros of moving from Illinois to Maine

• Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
• Look forward to moving away from hot, humid summers and moving to Maine with cooler coastal summers
• Swap the traffic congestion of Illinois for lighter traffic in Maine
• Get ready for Atlantic coastline access in Maine

Cons of moving from Illinois to Maine

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse job market in Illinois to live with fewer job openings in Maine
• You'll lose out on the pro of extensive public transit and have to settle for the con of limited transit options
• Time to bid farewell to the major airport hub and get used to fewer direct flights in Maine
• Swap world-class museums for fewer large museums

Illinois vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious lobster roll of Maine. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Maine residents know they have tasty clam chowder and whoopie pie to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the seitan they've grown to love, they can get ready for the blueberry vegan cake of Maine. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Al’s Italian Beef, and Portillo’s. After the boxes are unpacked in Maine, don't wait too long before making your way to Maine's acclaimed eateries like Woodman’s Bar and Grill, The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, and Duckfat.

When comparing lifestyles, Maine shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Illinois. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Maine, compared to what you are used to in Illinois. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Maine.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Maine

• The Prairie School and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the New England Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maine.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and smart home features, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like fireplaces and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Maine is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Maine is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Maine has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Maine housing costs are 52% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased by 70% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Maine is 3.76% more expensive than in Illinois.

How Much Do Illinois to Maine Movers Cost?

Moving 1,248 miles from Illinois to Maine will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.