Thinking about moving to Chicago? The Roommates.com Chicago City Guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making the Windy City your new home. From understanding what makes Chicago a great place to live to knowing what to expect before making the move, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're already planning your relocation or just exploring the idea, here’s a breakdown of what this post will cover:
- Why Move to Chicago?
- Should I Move to Chicago?
- Things to Know Before Moving to Chicago
- Pros and Cons of Living in Chicago?
- Moving to Chicago FAQ’s
Why move to Chicago?
Moving to Chicago offers an exciting opportunity to live in one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the U.S. Known as the "Windy City," Chicago is the third-largest city in the country with a population of nearly 2.7 million people. Founded in 1833, it quickly grew into a major hub for trade and industry. As the capital of Illinois, Chicago is famous for its striking skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class attractions. Food lovers will enjoy the city's culinary treasures, including Al’s Beef, deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, and its role as the setting for the hit series The Bear, which celebrates the city’s iconic food scene
Why is everyone moving to Chicago?
People are moving to Chicago because it offers the perfect mix of a big city feel and Midwestern charm. Compared to other major cities, Chicago is relatively affordable. You’ll find people from all over the world creating their own communities. There are a variety of spaces in downtown Chicago and the surrounding areas, with a total of 77 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own culture and backstory. When discussing moving to Chicago, it's important to mention the job market. While the unemployment rate is somewhat high at 4.7%, it has shown significant improvement over the past year. There are many job opportunities in skilled trades, technology, finance, and business fields such as marketing and management.
Like any major city, there are positive and negative things to expect. There is a thrilling outdoor recreation scene, with a lot of energy focused on celebrating professional sports teams. The proximity to Lake Michigan and its beaches also offers many opportunities for outdoor relaxation. However, this proximity to the lake also means harsher winters. If you're used to winters, it's nothing new, but if you're coming from an always-sunny climate, you may struggle during the colder months. If you're planning to purchase a home, you should also expect increasingly high property taxes. With the money you’re spending on property taxes, you may save on car payments and maintenance. While many still prefer to drive, public transportation in Chicago is extensive. If you don't have a vehicle, you'll have no problem getting around the city.
The pros and cons of living in Chicago do balance each other out well. While you may have to pay more in taxes, you don't need to own a car. Although you'll experience cold winters, a Chicago winter is beautiful. Ultimately, Chicago provides a dynamic urban experience, but it's essential to weigh these pros and cons before relocating.
Chicago's sports culture is vibrant and diverse, encompassing major leagues like the NFL's Bears, NBA's Bulls, MLB's Cubs and White Sox, and NHL's Blackhawks. The city is known for its passionate fans and historic rivalries, creating a strong sense of community and pride. Sports events are embedded in Chicago's identity and social life.
Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, ranking as the second-largest in the U.S. The 'L' train includes both elevated and subway trains connecting various neighborhoods. The bus system has 129 different routes and provides 1.7 million rides on an average weekday. Many bus routes operate 24/7, including special Night Owl services. Apart from the wide range of stops and 24/7 access, the system is also simple to use. The payment options and available apps make planning and paying for your trip easy.
When compared to other major cities, Chicago is more affordable, but it is still pricier than other cities in Illinois. The median household income in Chicago is about $66K, with many feeling the burden of spending an average of 30% of their income on housing. However, if you're looking to live in a big city with relatively lower costs, Chicago is for you.
Chicago is known for its diversity, with a population that reflects a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Areas like Rogers Park and Albany Park are recognized for their ethnic diversity, showcasing a mix of cultures and backgrounds. However, many neighborhoods are predominantly composed of a single racial or ethnic group. This is a trend you can see throughout Chicago.
The lakefront in Chicago stretches 26 miles and includes numerous parks and beaches. The lakefront not only serves as a recreational space but also plays a vital role in the city's identity. You'll find parks, restaurants, attractions, and museums along the shore. The Lakefront Trail in Chicago is an 18.5-mile paved path offering views for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading.
Parking in Chicago is a significant challenge for residents and visitors alike. While there are street parking options, the dense city makes it difficult to find open spaces. There are also parking garages that are more secure but come with a hefty fee. You should also be aware of the quick-moving city staff who issue parking tickets.
Chicago has a complex tax structure, with specific taxes for many different goods and services. Items such as bottled water, checkout bags, restaurants, parking, and more have different tax percentages. The property taxes in Chicago are among the highest in Illinois, though there is a flat-rate income tax. Low-income residents and seniors can receive tax breaks, which makes life a bit easier.
Being so close to Lake Michigan, the winter weather and wind chill are more extreme. Average winter temperatures hover around 26 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. While the winters are difficult for many, Chicago provides outdoor activities such as ice skating and beautiful decorations around the city.
While the public school system in Chicago (CPS) has been improving over the last few years, there are still challenges. There are difficulties with getting access to resources for each school across different neighborhoods. This means that things like science materials, books, and computers may not be available everywhere. Additionally, some of the buildings and infrastructure are dated and need renovation. While the Chicago Public School system does have a five-year plan in place to continue improving each school, teacher retention has been a significant issue. All of these factors should be considered when evaluating the Chicago Public School system.
The landscape in Chicago is mostly flat, creating minimal natural views. While this doesn't allow for nature to be widely seen, it is very beneficial for the city's infrastructure. Buildings are easier to construct, and the city is more walkable because of the flat landscape.
For a single person, not including rent, you can expect to pay around $1,300. A family of four's living expenses will be around $4,700.
The public transportation system in Chicago is quite robust. The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) has a rail system expanding through most of the city. If this doesn’t get you to your destination, then the buses can take you the rest of the way. Apart from the CTA, the Metra is also available for people to use. The Metra reaches the suburbs of Chicago and is the most common way for commuters to enter the city.
Just like any large city, there are some areas that are more known for crime than others. Generally, Chicago is a very safe city. You should always take precautions, so you're not alone when it gets dark and avoid some train lines after a certain hour.
The public school system in Chicago has created a five-year strategic plan to improve the schools in each neighborhood. Some neighborhoods have more access to resources than others, but this five-year plan is designed to address that. The private schools in Chicago have access to many materials and teachers, giving the students more one-on-one time than those in the public school system.
When making the decision to move to Chicago, you need to take into account a multitude of factors. Decide on the lifestyle you want, look at jobs in the area, and consider housing costs in your preferred neighborhood. Using Roommates.com will help you find individuals in the area who share your lifestyle goals and discover the best neighborhoods. Use Roommates.com to search for those in Chicago who are looking for a roommate and find your perfect match.
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