Moving to Arlington Heights, Illinois: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Arlington Heights is Northwest Chicagoland’s premier suburb – a large, well-established community of 77,000 residents that combines vibrant downtown shopping with diverse residential neighborhoods and major corporate presence. The downtown area along Campbell and Dunton features over 200 shops, restaurants, and businesses creating genuine urban energy, while Arlington Park (former racetrack) is being transformed into a massive mixed-use development. Residential areas range from historic neighborhoods with charming vintage homes to modern subdivisions, offering housing options for young professionals, growing families, and retirees alike.


The village attracts residents through its winning combination of amenities: excellent schools, extensive park district facilities, thriving arts scene, and superior Metra service with multiple stations providing quick Chicago access. The population is diverse and professional, drawn by both the quality of life and employment opportunities at numerous corporate headquarters. Arlington Heights has successfully maintained small-town friendliness despite its size – residents support local businesses, attend community events, and take pride in the village’s consistent rankings as one of the best Chicago suburbs. This is a place where you can walk to downtown restaurants, catch a morning train to Chicago, enjoy summer concerts in the park, and feel connected to an active community. The vibe is energetic but not overwhelming, upscale but accessible, making it appeal to a wide range of residents seeking suburban excellence.

Why move to Arlington Heights? Whether you’re drawn to the excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, or easy access to Chicago, Arlington Heights offers the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.

🎓 Elementary Schools

Families moving to Arlington Heights have access to quality elementary education:

South Middle School, Thomas Middle School, Olive Elementary, Windsor Elementary

🏫 High Schools

Arlington Heights students attend:

Hersey High School, John Hersey High School, Rolling Meadows High School

Research school ratings and performance at GreatSchools.org before choosing your new home.

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Arlington Heights coffee shops:

Quiote Coffee (15 S Evergreen Ave), Metropolis Coffee (multiple locations)

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the dining scene in Arlington Heights:

Le Titi de Paris (1015 W Dundee Rd), Horse Shoe (121 S Arlington Heights Rd), Retro Bistro (1746 W Golf Rd)

🍺 Bars & Entertainment

Enjoy Arlington Heights’s local bars and entertainment venues:

The Village Tavern (1211 W Campbell St), Horse Shoe (121 S Arlington Heights Rd)

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

If you’re moving to Arlington Heights with a furry friend, check out these dog-friendly areas:

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💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Arlington Heights fitness facilities:

LA Fitness (345 E Palatine Rd) – Pool| basketball| weights| cardio| classes; Planet Fitness (Arlington Heights) – 24-hour| budget-friendly

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Arlington Heights

Successfully moving to Arlington Heights requires understanding suburban parking regulations and property access:

• HOA & Property Rules: Check with your homeowners association or property management about move-in procedures, temporary parking restrictions, and required notifications.
• Driveway Access: Most Arlington Heights homes have driveway access for moving trucks. Verify your driveway can accommodate a 26-foot moving truck or if street parking is necessary.
• Street Parking Permits: Some Arlington Heights neighborhoods require temporary no-parking signs or street permits. Contact your local village hall or HOA office for specific requirements.
• Best Moving Times: Year-round offers the most flexibility. Avoid moving on the last three days of the month when rates are 20-30% higher.
• Neighbor Courtesy: Inform neighbors about your move-in date, especially if trucks will block streets or driveways.

🏢 Building & Property Requirements in Arlington Heights

Common requirements when moving to Arlington Heights properties:

• Elevator Access: Rare buildings in Arlington Heights have elevator access. For condos and apartments, reserve elevators 1-2 weeks in advance.
• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Varies by building – Many Arlington Heights buildings and HOAs require proof of insurance with $1M+ general liability coverage from your moving company.
• Move-In Reservations: Book your move-in date with Arlington Heights property management or HOA 2-3 weeks ahead. Some communities restrict moves to weekdays or specific hours.
• Property Protection: Professional movers use floor runners, door jamb protectors, and padding to prevent damage to your Arlington Heights home.
• Single-Family Homes: For houses, ensure clear pathways from the street to all entry points and measure doorways for large furniture items.

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Arlington Heights

• Contact your Arlington Heights HOA or property manager at least 2 weeks before moving
• Measure doorways, stairways, and hallways before moving day
• Introduce yourself to neighbors and provide your moving schedule
• Keep property management and HOA contact info readily available
• Tip your movers – the standard is 15-20% for excellent service

💡 Cost-Saving Tip: Moving to Arlington Heights mid-week or mid-month can save 15-25% compared to weekend or month-end moves. Ask local moving companies about off-peak discounts!

How much does it cost to move to Arlington Heights, Illinois?

The average cost for a Arlington Heights move ranges from $650-950, depending on home size and specific requirements. Studio apartments typically cost $450-700, 1-2 bedroom homes range $600-900, 2-3 bedroom homes cost $900-1,500, and larger 3+ bedroom homes range $1,500-3,500. Factors affecting Arlington Heights moving costs include property access, driveway availability, distance traveled, time of month, and additional services like packing.

Do I need a parking permit to move in Arlington Heights?

Parking requirements vary in Arlington Heights. Most single-family homes have driveway access for moving trucks, but some neighborhoods or HOAs require temporary no-parking signs or street permits. Contact your Arlington Heights property manager, HOA office, or local village hall to understand specific requirements. For condos and apartments, check with building management about move-in procedures and guest parking reservations.

When is the best time to move to Arlington Heights?

Year-round is typically the best time to move to Arlington Heights. Mid-week and mid-month moves offer the best rates and availability. Avoid the last three days of the month when demand is highest and prices increase 20-30%. Summer months (June-August) are the busiest moving season in the Chicago suburbs, so book Arlington Heights movers 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season.

Is Arlington Heights a safe community?

Safe: Approximately 10-12 crimes per 1,000 residents. About 1 in 90 chance of experiencing crime. Very safe suburb, well below national average.. As with any community, safety can vary by specific neighborhoods and streets. We recommend researching crime statistics for your exact address and visiting the area at different times of day before moving to Arlington Heights.

Check local police department websites and community resources for current safety information in Arlington Heights.

Do Arlington Heights buildings require insurance from movers?

Varies by building – Many Arlington Heights buildings, condos, and HOAs require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with at least $1 million in general liability coverage from your moving company. All reputable suburban movers carry proper insurance and can provide COI documentation immediately upon request. This protects both you and the Arlington Heights property from potential damages during the move.

How far in advance should I book movers for Arlington Heights?

We recommend booking Arlington Heights movers 3-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May-September). For month-end moves or summer relocations, book 6-8 weeks ahead to ensure availability. Same-day and next-day moving services are often available for urgent Arlington Heights moves, though rates may be higher. Early booking guarantees better rates and your preferred moving date. Many Arlington Heights Movers recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance during peak moving season to ensure availability and optimal pricing.

What should I look for in a Arlington Heights moving company?

When choosing movers for Arlington Heights, verify they are licensed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), carry proper insurance, have positive online reviews, offer transparent pricing, and are familiar with suburban Chicago requirements. Ask about experience with Arlington Heights properties, HOA procedures, and whether they provide COI documentation. Get written estimates from at least 3 companies before deciding.

Are there good schools in Arlington Heights?

Yes, Arlington Heights is served by quality schools. Elementary students attend schools including South Middle School, Thomas Middle School, Olive Elementary, Windsor Elementary, while high school students attend Hersey High School, John Hersey High School, Rolling Meadows High School. When moving to Arlington Heights with children, research individual schools’ performance ratings and visit campuses if possible.

What’s the best way to explore Arlington Heights before moving?

Before moving to Arlington Heights, spend time driving through different neighborhoods at various times of day, visit local coffee shops like those at Quiote Coffee (15 S Evergreen Ave), Metropolis Coffee (multiple locations), dine at area restaurants, and explore local parks. If you have pets, check out dog parks in the area. This hands-on research will help you understand the community’s character and determine if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.