Moving to Chicago, Illinois: Things You Need to Know

Are you moving to Chicago, Illinois?

Chicago, Illinois it’s rich in history and home to some truly amazing food, music, theater, museums, and schools, which makes it one of the most visited cities in the United States. For those considering moving to Chicago, here we have compiled information and resources on things you need to know before moving to Chicago, Illinois to help make the decision easier.

As the first-largest city in Illinois. Chicago is home to 2.7 million people and is an ideal city for those who want to live in a world-class metropolitan area with Midwest values, as well as the most populous city in the Midwestern United States. People from around the world relocate to Chicago, or simply visit this lakefront city. You may hear a variety of languages spoken around Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

What is it like living in Chicago, Illinois

The Economy in Chicago, Illinois

The unemployment rate in Chicago, Illinois is 9.0%, 3% higher than the national average. The job market decreased by -0.2% in 2021. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 25.7%, which is lower than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Chicago

-Chicago, Illinois has a sales tax rate of 10.3%.

-Chicago income tax is 5.0%.

Income Salaries for Chicago

-The average annual pay in Chicago is of $50,181 an year according to Ziprecruiter.

Top industries

1. Healthcare
2. Manufacturing
3. Retail
4. Education
5. Professional, scientific, and technical services
6. Hospitality
7. Finance & Insurance
8. Transportation
9. Construction
10. Administrative

Top Employers

McDonald’s, Walgreens, Sears Holdings, Caterpillar, United Airlines, Model Z International, JLL, Abbott, John Deere, and ITW.

Housing Market

The typical home value of homes in Chicago is $312,489. This value is seasonally adjusted and only includes the middle price tier of homes. Chicago home values have gone up 9.2% in 2021.

Health care

Healthcare in Chicago, Illinois is 1% higher than the national average.

Utilities & Transportation

The utility prices in Chicago, Illinois are 10% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 27% higher than the national average.

Pros and Cons of living in Chicago, Illinois

Pros:

• Job opportunities: This is especially true about Chicago. Growing fields include mobile development, clinical research, engineering, food science, and project development.
• Cost of living: Chicago, Illinois offers a highly reasonable cost of living, particularly when compared to many other cities like New York City.
• Sports: Sports lovers like Chicago, Illinois because it’s home to the Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago White Sox (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), Chicago Sky (WNBA), Chicago Bulls (NBA), and more.
• Food: From hotdogs to Chicago deep-dish pizza, Illinois is a foodie’s paradise. Here in Chicago, Illinois are several food fests (including Taste of Chicago and Sausage Fest).
• Sights: Filled with history, agriculture, and national beauty, the state is home to numerous attractions, national parks, historic sites, architecture, and much more.

Cons:

• Traffic: Chicago is Ranked as the #3 most congested US city, you’re going to spend a lot of time in traffic. Parking can be a nightmare, too. So if you’re planning on moving to Chicago, be prepared for those things.
• Crime rate: The government of Chicago, Illinois has made great strides to combat property and violent crime, but it’s still a major issue.
• Job competition: With nearly more than 2 million residents, everyone is vying for the best positions. It may take time to find a job, so be patient.
• Taxes: With the second-highest effective real-estate tax within the country, the rate will be quite high. Of course, this relies on the county in which you reside.

Is Chicago, Illinois A Good Place To Live?

Illinois is one of the best states to live in because of its quality of life, safety, and quality healthcare. Not to mention, it has the most restaurants per capita and is home to world-famous, original Chicago deep-dish pizzas. It’s also home to many sports teams from many different leagues, so if you’re into athletics, you’ll feel right at home.

Retire in Chicago, Illinois

Living in Chicago as a retirement community has many advantages for active adults 55+ with the means to do it. You get a walkable downtown with great public transportation. Many apartments overlook beaches or harbors on Lake Michigan. Great boating is at your doorstep, as are many lifetimes worth of cultural programs. With 18 miles of public parks around the lake, you get stunning views of the Lake.

Opportunities of every description for paid work or volunteering are all around you. And you hardly ever need to drive anywhere. Chicago draws in retirees from suburbs and all over the mid-west because it is such a manageable, picturesque, and bustling community. For a major city, it retains a mid-western friendliness, even on the dazzling commercial center of Michigan Avenue.

Are you thinking about moving to Chicago, Illinois for retirement? We Are The Best Moving and Storage has moving services and facilities all over the country, so we can help with your move as you downsize for retirement. Get a quote today!

Education in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is home to more than 600 public elementary schools and secondary schools. The city has the largest school system in Illinois.

Best Schools in Chicago, Illinois

These are the top 3 best elementary schools in Chicago, Illinois according to USNews.

Skinner North Elementary School

Student/ Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Math Proficiency: 93%
Reading Proficiency: 90%

Skinner North Elementary School is a public school located in Chicago, IL, which is in a large city setting. The student population of Skinner North Elementary School is 537 and the school serves K-8 and is ranked #1 in Illinois Elementary Schools and ranked #5 in Illinois Middle Schools. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school.

How to Enroll

If you are interested in learning more about Skinner North Elementary School enrollement, you can click here for more information.

Photos of Skinner North Elementary School

Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center

Student/ Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Math Proficiency: 87%
Reading Proficiency: 92%

Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center is a magnet school located in Chicago, IL, which is in a large city setting. The student population of Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center is 282 and the school serves PK-8 and is ranked #2 in Illinois Elementary Schools. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school.

How to Enroll

If you are interested in learning more about Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center application process, you can click here for more information.

Photos of Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center

Decatur Classical Elementary School

Student/ Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Math Proficiency: 92%
Reading Proficiency: 92%

Decatur Classical Elementary School is a magnet school located in Chicago, IL, which is in a large city setting. The student population of Decatur Classical Elementary School is 282 and the school serves K-6 and s ranked #3 in Illinois Elementary Schools. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school.

How to Enroll

If you are interested in learning more about the Decatur Classical Elementary School application process, you can click here for more information.

Photos of Decatur Classical Elementary School

Things to do in Chicago Illinois

Navy Pier

Stretching out onto Lake Michigan, with its iconic Ferris wheel, is Chicago’s Navy Pier. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of little boutique shops, yummy restaurants, gardens, seasonal exhibitions, and age-old attractions as you make your way along the whole pier.

Just over 100 years old, it’s one of the best things to do in Chicago if you want some time to chill. Plus, over the summer months, the Navy Pier has some epic fireworks to watch which are totally amazing.

Millennium Park

Located along Lake Michigan, Millennium Park is the most iconic and exciting green space in Chicago. Originally built for, you guessed it, the millennium; the park is host to lots of different events that take place throughout the year. If you’re visiting, make sure to check the schedule of upcoming performances and events as they’re usually pretty good.

Art Institute of Chicago

Nestled in Grant Park, is the gorgeous Art Institute of Chicago. Founded in 1879, this magnificent institution is one of the oldest (and largest) art museums in the whole of the US!. They’re over 300,000 different artifacts to see, so make sure you set aside a few hours (or days) to see it all. It really is one of the best things to do in Chicago if you’re an art fiend.

Magnificent Mile

If you’re looking for a huge array of shops, international cuisine, live entertainment, and take in some of the most beautiful natural and architectural sites in the city, head for the Magnificent Mile. After all, it’s probably one of Chicago’s most famous areas.

The Mile is a total of 13 blocks along Michigan Avenue, stretching from the banks of the Chicago River up to Oak Street. With over 275 restaurants, 460 stores, 60 hotels, and all sorts of fantastic attractions, the Magnificent Mile is a must-see for anyone in Chicago.

Shedd Aquarium

An aquarium might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of things to see in a major world city, but Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is not to be missed! It is the largest indoor aquarium in the world, showcasing over 8000 aquatic animals.

Shedd also focuses their efforts to educate, promote and showcase the very best ways we can protect the marine environments and make the oceans a better place. Interestingly, Shedd was the first inland aquarium to have permanent saltwater exhibits, with saltwater taken directly from the seas of Key West and brought to Chicago via railroad tank cars.

Are You Ready to Make Your Move?

Moving to Chicago can be a big event for most people, especially if you come from a smaller town. Once you have decided that Chicago is going to be your new home, the moving journey is just beginning. For all of your moving needs, be sure to keep We are the Best Moving and Storage in mind as our movers have handled moves for millions of customers across the country.