If you’re considering moving to Chicago, chances are you have visited the city and fallen in love with it or you have always dreamed of living here and are ready to take the leap. Whatever the reason, the city is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Before moving to any new city, it is useful to have a few bits of information in your back pocket. Here are the 15 most important things to know before moving to Chicago.
1. Chicago is a midwest city with an international feel
Chicago is home to nearly three million people. As the third largest city in the United States, Chicago boasts a dynamic and diverse population of people from all walks of life. Living here, you will get the chance to experience big-city living, get exposed to international cultures and cuisines, and still experience the charming, Midwestern life that surrounds the city.
If you are new to the city, there are plenty of social gatherings you can attend to meet new people. Fitness classes, bar crawls, sports leagues, and volunteering are just some ways to meet new people and create connections. In Chicago, it is easy to find where you fit in best by putting yourself out there.
Insider tip: join the mailing lists for Chicago-based events to stay updated on all of the new activities going on in the city.
2. Weather in Chicago holds up to the reputation
The temperature in Chicago can typically range from 22°F in the winter to 83°F in the summer, and can usually be warmer or colder than the average depending on the year (WeatherSpark). Chicago is notorious for its harsh, long winters but they are manageable. Summer is another story. It is true when locals say that Chicago is a perfect place to be in the summer.
You will get to experience the wonder of each season and the activities that come with it, like spending hours outside at a restaurant patio in the summer or roaming a pumpkin patch with a local beer in hand in the fall.
3. Navigating Chicago is simple
You can get anywhere in the city with various forms of transportation. You can travel by car, train, bus, bike, and more. Chicago has transportation that is easy to navigate and affordable. Each one-way ride on the CTA bus is $2.25 and $2.50 for the train.
Chicago offers city bikes, scooters, and proximity to the Metra train station that connects the city to the nearby suburbs. Rideshare services are popular and can be expensive, though dependable if you are traveling at night or for a longer distance.
Insider tip: Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft often charge a city surcharge. Keep that in mind when budgeting your finances.
Try walking as much as you can. Chicago is a walkable city where you can explore each neighborhood and discover a new spot to check out.
4. Each neighborhoods in Chicago is unique
Each neighborhood in Chicago has its vibe. The one you choose should fit your lifestyle and preferences.
If nightlife is your thing, and you don’t mind hearing people and cars late at night, River North could be your spot. If you’re an avid runner and would enjoy running by the lake, but don’t want to be too close to Downtown, Edgewater welcomes you. If you prefer a more laid-back neighborhood with quaint shops, then Roscoe Village may be the location for you.
5. Chicago is a sports city
Chicago supports its sports teams year-round. There are baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and hockey teams to cheer for. You will likely get the chance to spend an afternoon cheering on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field or attend a snowy Bears game at Soldier Field in the winter.
6. The rental market can be competitive in Chicago
Like many cities in the US, the rental market has become competitive, with lines down the block to see a single apartment. This is common in NYC, but recently, the apartment search in Chicago has also become quite tense. There aren’t the typical lines down the block like in New York, but apartments do go quickly as rent prices are increasing nationwide.
Renting an apartment in Chicago does not have to be complicated. Chicago is a rental-friendly city, with thousands of rental properties and realtors ready to assist you in finding the apartment of your dreams.
First, assess your budget and preferences. Reach out to realtors to help you find the ideal apartment, and make sure to see as many apartments as you can in different neighborhoods.
Finding an apartment in Chicago may take some time, but in some cases, you can find an apartment within weeks even if you are coming in from out of town. If you are out of town and cannot come into town for a showing, many property managers can provide you with a remote apartment viewing.
7. Chicago architecture is stunning
One of the most appealing things about Chicago is its architecture. Here, you can find apartments in historic pre-war buildings, revamped warehouses with vaulted ceilings, or modern studio apartments in some of the tallest buildings in the city.
8. Cost of living in Chicago is higher than the national average
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Chicago is 33% higher than the national average. This takes into account transportation, groceries, clothing, gym membership, and entertainment. You’ll want to be prepared for the cost of living in Chicago prior to your move, so make sure to do your research and budget accordingly.
9. Chicago has culture covered
With various cultures, languages, and cuisines, Chicago is an international city. When it comes to food, you can find anything from a Peruvian restaurant with stunning rooftop views to a Korean/Mexican fusion taco spot for late-night bites.
Humboldt Park, on the city’s West Side, is a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood with authentic shops, restaurants, and parades in the summer. Bronzeville is another neighborhood with a rich history. Once known as the “Black Metropolis,” Bronzeville became a hub for musicians, artists, and writers following the Great Migration. Today, Bronzeville maintains its status as the former residence of Black legends like Louis Armstrong, Richard Wright, and Nat King Cole.
These two neighborhoods are just some of the many with vibrant histories and deep identities that contribute to the city’s cultural history.
10. The city has a wide range of apartment styles
In Chicago, you can find anything from garden units to penthouses. Garden units are apartments located on the ground floor, slightly below street level that usually have access to patios and backyards. You can also see three-flat apartments in the city. Three flats are homes that look like single-family homes but are made up of three single apartments on different floors. Another popular apartment style is the studio apartment, which are open landscape apartments that are self-contained in one room.
11. Average rent prices are on trend with other large cities
Like other big cities in the US, rent prices are high and steadily increasing due to rising inflation and property tax rates. According to our research on Zumper, the average cost of a one-bedroom in Chicago is $1,850.
While rent in Chicago can be pricey, you receive a lot in return such as living in prime locations. Some buildings even offer deals where you can get up to 1-2 months of rent for free.
The average price of rent, by neighborhood
The range of rent prices varies by neighborhood. Average rent in popular neighborhoods:
South Loop – $2,100
Lakeview – $1,695
Logan Square – $1,695
Edgewater – $1,450
Lincoln Park – $1,980
West Town – $2,330
12. Working from home in Chicago is easy
Chicago is a dream for those who work from home. The city has plenty of cafes with wifi and coworking spaces to be productive when looking for a change of scenery from your desk at home. If you are looking for the best coworking space in Chicago, consider trying one of these popular spaces.
13. Chicago is a pet-friendly city
Most apartments in Chicago are pet-friendly, and some neighborhoods are more pet friendly than others. In some cases, your apartment may charge “pet rent,” a monthly fee for housing pets in an apartment complex.
Overall, Chicago is welcoming for pet owners. There are dog parks in almost every neighborhood and some shops and cafes allow leashed dogs. Montrose Dog Beach is also a beloved area for pet owners to take their dogs for a dip in the lake.
The West Loop, Rogers Park, and Lincoln Park are just some of the most pet-friendly neighborhoods in the city.
14. High-rise living in Chicago is a coveted luxury
High-rise living in Chicago is unparalleled. In neighborhoods that are known for high-rises like River North and the Loop, you have access to everything you need to experience city living. By living in high-rise apartment buildings, your rent plus HOA fees offer you front lobby security, apartment maintenance, access to social gatherings in the building, and a central location with stunning views of the city.
If you decide to rent an apartment in a highrise in Chicago, you will have access to various amenities to make your rental worth it. Some amenities that can be included with your rent include:
- Rooftop pool
- Coworking space
- Gym access and discounts on a gym membership
- Complimentary yoga classes
Final thoughts
Chicago has something for everyone. It can be your first big city experience, your new work-from-home base, and your chance to finally discover for yourself why people love deep-dish pizza so much. Moving to a new city is a monumental step, and knowing the ins and outs of renting an apartment is the first step. Plan accordingly, and get ready to find the apartment of your dreams.
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