Moving from Chicago, IL, to Phoenix, AZ

Moving from the Windy City to the Valley of the Sun?

While Chicago, Illinois, and Phoenix, Arizona, are the largest cities in their states by population, the two places differ in culture and climate. At just under 1,800 miles apart, you’ll leave behind the windy weather in Chicago for warm winters and hot summers to explore what Phoenix has to offer in the desert region.

Plan for time outdoors

There are plenty of desert-related sites in Phoenix, like the Desert Botanical Garden, boasting 50 acres of arid plants like cacti. Other outdoor attractions include: 

  • Camelback Mountain (experience the panoramic view from the “hump” of this mountain that resembles a kneeling camel)
  • Papago Park (red rock buttes and rock formations)
  • Phoenix Zoo (home to 1,400+ animals)
  • South Mountain Park and Preserve (50 miles of trails in the 16,000-acre area of the Sonoran Desert) 

Experience desert culture 

Visit the Heard Museum to learn more about the culture of 22 regional Native American tribes. It has immersive exhibits, an art shop and hosts the annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. For more indoor exploration, check out the Phoenix Art Museum — the largest fine art museum in the Southwest — and the Musical Instrument Museum to experience pieces from all over the world. Fans of Frank Llyod Wright’s architecture will enjoy touring his winter home, Taliesin West, which blends beautifully into its desert background. 

The job market in Phoenix

According to U.S. News and World Report, the tourism industry is vast in Phoenix, and the city is also popular for those working in technology fields. Many residents also work in financial or health services.  

Some of the top employers in the city include: 

  • Amazon 
  • American Express 
  • Bank of America 
  • Banner Health 
  • Dignity Health 
  • Honeywell 
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co. 
  • Phoenix Children’s Hospital 
  • Wells Fargo 

U-Pack can move you from the Midwest to the desert region

With our service centers near Chicago and Phoenix, U-Pack® can get you where you need to go. We’re a self-moving service, so you’ll do the packing, loading and unloading, and then we’ll drive your things to your new place. Get a free, no-obligation online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.