Top 5 Destinations People Move to From Illinois (2025) — Routes, Reasons, and Pro Tips
Thinking about leaving Illinois? You’re not alone. Recent migration data shows continued outbound moves from Illinois, with the largest flows heading to nearby Midwest states and sun-belt destinations. Below are the top five routes Illinoisans are choosing now, why they’re moving there, and how to plan a smooth relocation.
Data you can trust: We reference the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest state-to-state migration flows (2023 ACS release) and national moving trend studies (2024–2025), which show strong movement toward the Southeast and Texas alongside short-hop Midwest moves.
The 2025 Leaders (from Illinois)
Indiana
Why it’s hot: Close to Chicago with lower housing costs and taxes, easy commuting to NW Indiana, and quick access to I-90/I-94/I-65. Year-over-year flows from IL to IN are among the largest in the Midwest, per Census ACS. Census.gov
Typical route: I-90/I-94 to I-65 (Chicagoland → Hammond/Munster/Indianapolis).
Great if you want: Proximity to Chicagoland, suburban space, shorter commutes.
Florida
Why it’s hot: Warmer weather, no state income tax, retiree and remote-work appeal keep Florida near the top of national in-migration lists; Southeast destinations led U-Haul’s 2024 index. Houston Chronicle+1
Typical route: I-65 → I-24 → I-75/I-95 (Chicago → Tampa/Orlando/Jacksonville).
Great if you want: Sun, coastal lifestyle, large job markets in tourism/healthcare/logistics.
Wisconsin
Why it’s hot: Short-distance moves to Milwaukee/Madison for affordability and lifestyle; a perennial top destination from IL in ACS flows. Census.gov
Typical route: I-94/I-90 (Chicago → Milwaukee/Madison).
Great if you want: Lower cost of living, outdoor amenities, quick trips back to Illinois.
Texas
Why it’s hot: High job growth (tech, energy, logistics), larger homes, and a business-friendly climate. Southern states (incl. TX) remain top inbound regions in 2024 moving studies. United Van Lines+1
Typical route: I-55 → I-44 → I-35 (Chicago → Dallas/Austin/San Antonio).
Great if you want: Big-city economies with relative affordability and no state income tax.
California
Why it’s hot (still): Despite California’s net outbound trend, flow volumes from Illinois to CA remain large in ACS, reflecting career moves into tech, entertainment, and research hubs. Census.gov
Typical route: I-55 → I-44 → I-40 (Chicago → LA/Orange County/SF Bay Area).
Great if you want: Coastal industries, year-round outdoor life, and major metros.
Notes on methodology: U.S. Census ACS 2023 state-to-state flows provide the latest official counts; 2024–2025 moving industry studies (United Van Lines press resources; U-Haul Growth Index reporting) confirm continued momentum toward the Southeast and Texas while short-hop moves to neighboring states remain substantial for Illinoisans. MySA+4Census.gov+4Census.gov+4
Route Planning & Timing (What to Expect)
Drive times:
Chicago → Indianapolis: ~3–3.5 hrs (I-65)
Chicago → Milwaukee: ~1.5 hrs (I-94)
Chicago → Tampa/Orlando: ~18–20 hrs (I-65/I-75)
Chicago → Dallas: ~14–16 hrs (I-44/I-35)
Chicago → Los Angeles: ~29–31 hrs (I-40)
Transit windows vary by inventory, access, and season.
How We Make Long-Distance Moves Easy
Licensed & insured interstate carrier (USDOT #2628513 | MC #914433)
Door-to-door service, set delivery windows
Pro packing & unpacking for fragile, glass, electronics
Piano & bulky item handling
Family & senior moves; office & corporate relocations
Move prep & checklists for a smooth Day-1 setup
Helpful internal resources (from your site)
Destination pages: Illinois → Texas · Illinois → New York City · Illinois → Alabama · Illinois → Virginia · Illinois → Arizona · Illinois → Tennessee · Illinois → Arkansas
Key ZIPs We Serve
Illinois origins (sample): Chicago 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60607, 60610, 60611, 60614, 60616, Naperville 60540, 60563, Evanston 60201, 60202, Rockford 61101, 61107, Springfield 62701, 62704.
Destination samples by state:
Indiana: 46204 (Indianapolis), 46307 (Crown Point), 46312 (East Chicago), 46321 (Munster)
Florida: 32801 (Orlando), 33602 (Tampa), 32202 (Jacksonville), 33130 (Miami)
Wisconsin: 53202 (Milwaukee), 53703 (Madison), 53151 (New Berlin), 53132 (Franklin)
Texas: 75201 (Dallas), 78701 (Austin), 77002 (Houston), 78205 (San Antonio)
California: 90012 (Los Angeles), 94103 (San Francisco), 92614 (Irvine), 95814 (Sacramento)
Smart Tips Before You Move
Book early (spring/summer peak).
Purge & label — fewer boxes = lower cost; room-labels speed delivery.
Protect fragiles — pro-pack TVs, glass, art; crate pianos.
Confirm building rules — reserve docks/elevators at both ends.
Plan first-night kit — linens, toiletries, cords, tools.
FAQ
How were the “Top 5” chosen?
We combined Census ACS 2023 state-to-state flows (latest official counts) with 2024–2025 moving trend studies that show strong demand for the Southeast and Texas and continued short-hop Midwest relocations.
How long will my move take?
Nearby Midwest moves (IN/WI): often 1–2 days; long-haul (FL/TX/CA): typically 2–5 days, depending on inventory and access.
Do you offer packing and bulky-item care?
Yes — full packing/unpacking, furniture disassembly/reassembly, piano & oversized items.
Are you licensed for interstate moves?
Yes. USDOT #2628513 | MC #914433 (interstate authority).
Can you move my office out of Illinois?
Yes — labeling plans, tech-safe packing, dock scheduling to minimize downtime.
Where can I learn more about routes?
See our route pages (Texas, NYC, Alabama, Virginia, Arizona, Tennessee, Arkansas) in the section above for detailed checklists and tips.
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Illinois Movers Inc. — fast, reliable long-distance movers from Illinois to any state.