Chicago, Illinois, is a city that offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and Midwest charm. From its stunning architecture to its diverse food scene, Chicago has something for everyone. However, it’s important to understand the nuances of living here before making the move. Read on to find out what to expect if you’re considering a move to the Chicago area in 2024.
You know it from: The Chi, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Outfit
Average 1 bedroom rent: $1,932 | Chicago apartments for rent, Chicago houses for rent
Average home price: $385,000 | Chicago homes for sale
Average cost of full-service moving services: $140/hr for 2 movers
Average cost to rent a moving truck: $19 – $39/day
Top industries: Manufacturing, Business and Professional Services, Finance and FinTech
Move here for: the food, the Lake, the locals
Be sure to bring: An ice scraper and your bathing suit
1. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods
In Chicago, each neighborhood truly has its own distinct personality. It’s what makes the city so livable and so loved by its residents. From the bustling, artsy streets of Wicker Park with its trendy boutiques and bars to the historic, cobblestone walkways of Old Town, every area has a distinct personality. Enclaves such as Chinatown and Little Italy serve up authentic dishes and host cultural festivals that transport you around the world. Lincoln Park is a bastion for upscale shopping and the lakefront communities, like Edgewater, feature scenic views and recreational opportunities along the lake.
Moving Tip: Research before moving to find the right neighborhood for your interests, personality, and lifestyle. Many Chicagoans form loose opinions about strangers based on this and are die-hard devotees of their preferred neighborhoods. Take the time to find somewhere you’ll fit in and make friends, it’s worth it here.
2. Lake effect snow is no joke
The lake effect (and the struggle it causes) is real. Be prepared for some intense winter weather. Chicago winters are brutal, with temperatures often dipping below freezing and significant snowfall. Because of this, the city tends to be quiet during the winter. If you’re new to the region make sure to invest in quality winter gear because snow and ice can linger from November to March. If you drive during the winter months, make sure you have salt, multiple ice scrapers, jumper cables, and an extra set of gloves in the trunk. Trust us. Chicago does an excellent job of clearing snow from the streets and sidewalks, ensuring that life doesn’t come to a complete standstill during snowstorms.
Moving Tip: If you’re moving in the winter, leave it to the pros. Unless you’re experienced at driving a moving truck in the snow on busy city streets, try to schedule DIY moves for the summer. If you’re hiring full-service movers though, moving in winter will save you money.
3. Summer is earned in Chicago
Sure, the weather is nice, averaging about 75 – 90 degrees. But the beauty of a Chicago summer is more than nice weather and festivals. It’s the fact that Chicagoans approach summer with a zest that is unique among big cities. While many residents of Boston or New York head to the nearby Cape or the Hamptons, Chicagoans stick around and generally just enjoy the heck out of the season. And why not? Summer in Chicago is a time of boating on the lake, days at the beach, rooftop bars, festivals, and outdoor concerts. Annual events like the Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, and the Chicago Air and Water Show are mainstays of the season.
Moving Tip: If you’re moving into Chicago in June or July, keep an eye on the weather. It rains frequently and you don’t want to get caught in a downpour while moving that couch!
4. There’s more to public transit than the “L” train
Chicago’s public transit system, operated by the CTA, provides efficient and reliable transportation across its many neighborhoods. The iconic ‘L’ trains, which run both above and below ground, connect downtown with the outer regions. The Metra train offers service connecting the city and its further suburbs and Pace buses complement the train system, covering routes that reach areas the trains do not and ensuring comprehensive coverage. About 1/3 of residents use public transportation for their daily commutes but many Chicagoans still choose to drive for their daily commutes and errands.
5. A cultural juggernaut
Chicago’s cultural offerings are extensive, from world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry to a thriving theater scene that includes the legendary Second City improv group. Neighborhoods like Pilsen and the West Loop are vibrant art hubs, featuring galleries, street art, and cultural centers like the National Museum of Mexican Art. The Chicago Cultural Center hosts free exhibitions and performances, while the Museum of Contemporary Art showcases cutting-edge works. Annual events such as the Chicago Architecture Biennial and EXPO CHICAGO showcase the city’s art and architecture scene.
Known as the birthplace of electric blues, Chicago also has a strong legacy in blues music, with iconic clubs like Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines. Jazz is also a significant part of the city’s musical fabric, with historic venues such as the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge offering live performances. The city is a hub for gospel music, particularly in the South Side neighborhoods, and has a thriving house music scene, a genre that originated in Chicago in the 1980s. Venues like Metro and The Empty Bottle showcasing local and touring rock and indie bands. With festivals like Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival, and the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago draws in music lovers and musicians from around the world.
6. The traffic is awful…
There’s no other way to put it. Chicago traffic is terrible, especially during rush hour. Because many residents commute into the city from suburbs like Evanston, Aurora, Kankakee, and even Kenosha, WI, the roads fill up quickly. Major thoroughfares like the Major Deegan or Dan Ryan Expressway and Lake Shore Drive (LSD) become parking lots. It’s important to plan commutes accordingly and consider using public transit or biking to avoid the worst of the traffic. Apps and navigation tools may help with navigating the traffic, but your best bet is to take public transportation if possible.
7. and Chicago drivers are, well, unique.
Chicago driving is best characterized as aggressive, fast-paced, and creative. You will see maneuvers in Chicago that you have never seen anywhere else (and don’t get us started on the parking). Chicagoans are big on U-turns. They will make them into traffic without blinking so be alert. Because the traffic is so bad on surface streets, you will notice drivers using the left or right turn lanes as passing lanes at red lights, waiting until the light changes and then speeding up to get ahead of the car in front. Chicago drivers are noisy. Really noisy. Because visibility is frequently poor when pulling out of alleys, many drivers will honk their horns when turning onto larger streets or other alleys as an alert to other cars on the road. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that drivers tend to drive without their lights on at dusk or early morning because the streets are so well-lit.
Moving Tip: Chicagoans take their parking spaces very seriously. If you thought residents of New York or Boston were fanatical, you’ve never been to Chicago. Free parking spots along the streets are highly coveted and locals will place “dibs” on them by leaving chairs or other pieces of furniture in them until they return. Moving someone’s chair makes you a jagoff so we don’t recommend it unless you’re spoiling for a fight.
8. Chicagoans Are Friendly and Down-to-Earth, just don’t mess with their dibs
In spite of their passion for dibs, Chicago residents are surprisingly friendly. Expect strangers to greet you and look you in the eyes when conversing. If you look lost, someone will stop to help you every time. Locals are approachable and friendly. Most are extremely proud of their city and eager to recommend a favorite spot or welcome you to town. Chicago has a deep sense of community and connection to one another which should make the move to Chicago less harrowing than you might expect.
9. The food scene is incredible
Chicago is a foodie’s paradise. Truly. The city is known for its deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs but the city also boasts an impressive array of gourmet restaurants and food trucks. Neighborhoods like West Loop and River North are culinary hotspots, while Pilsen and Chinatown celebrate their heritage with authentic cuisines. The mixture of high and low cuisine is characteristic of the city. Just don’t put ketchup on that hot dog.
Moving Tip: Many restaurants in Chicago are BYOB, so grab that bottle of wine or 6 pack of beer to save money on beverages.
10. Chicago isn’t cheap but it’s relatively affordable for its size
Chicago’s cost of living is relatively high but the cost of housing is actually far below the national average. Rent and property prices vary widely by neighborhood, with downtown and affluent areas like Lincoln Park and River North commanding high rents. Groceries, dining, and entertainment are on par with other major U.S. cities. Transportation costs are more reasonable if you take public transit, but owning a car can be expensive. Fore homeowners, property taxes can be hefty. However, there are more affordable areas like Rogers Park and Albany Park that offer a lower cost of living while still providing access to the city’s amenities.
11. From startups to the Fortune 500, the job market is strong
Chicago’s job market is diverse and robust, with strong sectors in finance, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Major companies, including Boeing, United Airlines, and McDonald’s, have headquarters here. The city is home to other major corporations, including Fortune 500 companies, providing ample employment opportunities. Startups and small businesses also thrive, particularly in tech hubs like the West Loop. Chicago’s central location and extensive transportation network make it a key logistics and distribution center. While the job market is competitive, the city’s variety of industries and steady economic growth make it an excellent place to grow your career.
12. Sports are a religion in Chicago
If for no other reason than that the zealous followers of certain teams must keep the faith for many years as they wait for a miracle. We’re looking at you Bears and Cubs fans. Sports are a big deal in Chicago and the fans are passionate, whether it’s cheering for the Chicago Bears in football, the Chicago Cubs and White Sox in baseball, the Chicago Bulls in basketball, or the Chicago Blackhawks in hockey. This enthusiasm extends beyond the games, with Chicago’s rich culture of sports bars, fan clubs, and community events. The loyalty and fervor of local sports fans create an electric atmosphere at games and really brings Chicagoans together.
Moving Tip: You aren’t a real Chicagoan until you’ve been to Wrigley field and watched a Bulls game at United Center.
13. The city that invented the skyscraper
Chicago’s skyline is legendary. It should be. They invented it. The Home Insurance Building, built soon after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, is considered the first skyscraper. Chicago’s architectural legacy is largely due to that fire, which required that the city be rebuilt from the ground up. It continued as visionary architects like Louis Sullivan, Daniel Burnham, and Frank Lloyd Wright contributed groundbreaking designs that emphasized form and function. The current skyline is dominated by buildings such as the Hancock Center, the Aqua Tower, and the Sears Tower (now known officially to non-Chicagoans as the Willis Tower). Architectural landmarks like the Tribune Tower and the modernist Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park are beloved by locals. Chicago’s investment in public spaces and modern architectural projects reflects its dedication to the trade and fosters a continuous evolution of its architectural landscape, blending historical significance and contemporary design.
14. Urban oases abound
In the summertime, Chicago’s parks are absolutely packed with residents enjoying the gorgeous green spaces at the heart of the city. Millennium Park is probably the most famous. It’s home to The Bean, Crown Fountain, and the Pritzker Pavilion and regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and art exhibits. Grant Park is a close second and is known as Chicago’s front yard. It features stunning gardens and scenic walking trails. It’s also home to events like Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza. The Frederick Law Olmstead designed Jackson Park is perfect for picnics and features the Museum of Science and Industry. Locals love Humboldt Park for its Puerto Rican community events and peaceful lagoons. The 606 and the Lakefront Trail are also popular for biking, running, and leisurely strolls.
Methodology: Average rent prices sourced from Rent.com July 2024. Home prices sourced from Redfin July 2024. Average moving costs sourced from MoveBuddha. Employment data sourced from World Business Chicago.