Moving to Chicago Illinois

Are you thinking about moving to Chicago, Illinois?

As the third-largest city in the U.S. Chicago is home to 2.7 million people and 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.

Despite not having access to a coast, the Chicago lakefront is a major part of city life. With multiple beaches, waterfront restaurants, and an abundance of recreational activities, the lakefront offers a nice reprieve from the summer heat.

Chicago is also known as a city full of culture, Michelin-starred restaurants, a world-class Central Business District and neighborhoods that are the backbone of the city’s colorful history.  the epicenter of the Midwest with thriving industries, higher education opportunities, and urban beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan. The city is a popular choice for students, staff, as well as corporate career climbers in finance, leisure, hospitality, and more.

Chicago has long been a mainstay of thriving urban centers in the US.

From towering skyscrapers to the rich cultural landscape, it’s easy to fall in love with the Windy City, but moving to Chicago requires more than just a trip down the expressway. The first thing to know is that it’s not called the Windy City because of the weather. While the lake effect is definitely real, the nickname comes from a longstanding history of corrupt politicians and the hot air they like to spew. But don’t let that deter you;the positives of living in Chicago far outweigh the negatives.

Whether you’re moving to Chicago with your family or venturing to a new city for a job, here’s some basic knowledge, so you don’t walk into the Windy City unprepared.

Cost of Living in Chicago

Living in Chicago is more expensive than many Midwestern cities like Indianapolis, although cheaper than a metropolis like New York. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Chicago is 23% higher than the national average. Housing is 56% higher than the national average.

Depending on your salary, the lifestyle that Chicago offers can be worth it. Chicago rental will probably take up the biggest part of your budget.

As a general rule, you shouldn’t spend over 30% of your income on rent. For instance, if your apartment costs $1,200 per month, your monthly income should be $3,600.

Median rent in Chicago, Illinois increased to $ 1,131 for a one-bedroom apartment and $ 1,247 for a two-bedroom apartment. Rents are starting to rise again after a sharp drop during the pandemic. To live comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago, you must have an income of at least $ 33,930 per year or $ 16.31 per hour. For a two-bedroom apartment.

Job Market

Like many urban centers, Chicago’s economy and job market took a hit during the pandemic, but conditions are showing steady improvement as the pandemic wanes. Chicago has one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies with a typical Gross Regional Product (GRP) of nearly $700 billion.

Leisure and hospitality are significant industries in Chicago, as well as manufacturing, transportation, Information Technology, Health Services, Consulting, Banking, Venture capital, Private equity, and Insurance. Depending on the type of career you’re building, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Boeing, United Airlines, and Ford Motors are all significant employers around the greater Chicago area.

Public Transportation.

Chicago is one of the flattest cities in the country making it easy to navigate via car, bike or public transportations. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides 24-hours rapid train and bus service to all commuters.

You can also hop on the Metro Rail for transportation between Chicago and the rest of the suburbs. If you live near the waterfront around Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Riverwalk, Ogilvie, or Chinatown, you can hop a water taxi to get to work.

Living in Chicago without a car isn’t challenging in the slightest if you live near public transportation. Chicago Public Transportation runs about $105 for service on the L train. You can also add in Uber, Lyft, taxi, cycling, and urban walking to make up the gaps of not having a vehicle.

Transportation will take up more of your budget than in other cities. Expect to spend about $5,149 on transportation as a single adult—families of two working adults and a child need at least $11,753.

Things to do.

Chicago is a world-class city with endless attractions and things to do year-round. Root for the home team at Wrigley Field, which sits on the North Side of Chicago. The historic stadium was built in 1914 and has housed the Chicago Cubs for over a century.

Sears Tower, also known as Willis Tower, has 108-stories and sits 1,450 feet high. Take a tour on the Ledge Skydeck for the views, take advantage of a unique photo op, and to learn more about the tower and city’s history.

The infamous Bean, or Cloud Gate, is the hallmark of public art in the heart of Chicago. The sculpture is the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park in the Loop area. The reflective Bean is made of stainless steel, drawing visitors to interact with its reflective surface.

Taking in Chicago’s architecture is a favorite pastime in the city. Take a self-guided walking tour and snap some shots of the Aqua Building, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Carbide and Carbon Building.

Spend a day walking around Navy Pier. Opened in 1916, the amusement area and shipping facility comprises 50 acres of gardens, venues, shops, and restaurants. There’s also a 150-foot Ferris wheel and a historic carousel.

Chicago Annual Events.

Chicago’s annual Lollapalooza music festival was founded in Grant Park in 1991 before spreading to the rest of the country. Performances include rock, heavy metal, punk, electronic music, hip hop, and more. Summer dates span four days and draw thousands of attendees.

The annual Chicago Jazz Festival is a popular Labor Day Weekend tradition that helps promote jazz appreciation. The Millennium Park festival is free and features both veteran and up-and-coming jazz artists.

Runners and supporters gather at the Chicago Marathon every October. The marathon is the fourth-largest race and is a pinnacle achievement for runners.

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 hometown, the moving journey is just beginning. For all of your long-distance 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. Keep your mind at ease and go with us to move you to Chicago.