Thinking about moving to Chicago? The city has a vibrant culture, delicious deep-dish pizza, and stunning architecture. You’ll love it there if you’re looking for a dynamic and exciting place to call home. But before you pack your bags, here are some important things to know about the city.
The Crime Rate Is Improving
When moving to a new city, your number one concern should be safety. The great news is that the crime rate in Chicago went down by 25% in 2024, making the city safer than it has been in the past. As with any major city, some areas are safer than others, and therefore, you should do your due diligence before you select where to live.
The Cost of Living Is High
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Chicago is pretty high. It’s 19% higher than the national average. Housing expenses, for example, are 50% higher than the national average and are especially high in areas such as the Loop, River North, or Lincoln Park. Also, other day-to-day expenses like food, transport, and healthcare are usually fairly higher in the city. The further from the city you live, the more affordable it gets. You should factor in these facts when creating a budget for living in Chicago.
Chicago Is a Food Lover’s Paradise
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, a pan-style pizza that has become famous worldwide. But it doesn’t end there. The city also has lots of other delicacies you can explore. The city has so much to offer, from hot dog carts on the street to fine dining restaurants.
Also, being a culturally rich city, Chicago has a wide variety of international foods, including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and many others. The city also has lots of food markets, including the Chicago French Market and the newly revitalized Chicago Riverwalk, where people can taste different foods and purchase locally grown products.
Chicago Some of the World’s Bluest Waters
This might sound odd, but for several reasons, Chicago has some of the world’s bluest waters. First of all, Lake Michigan is very deep, which makes it bluer than other, shallower lakes. Furthermore, the water is colder, and thus, there is less nutrition for the algae to grow. Finally, the local governments have put a lot of effort into preserving Lake Michigan and preventing it from being polluted, which greatly impacts water quality, purity, and reflection.
Traffic Can Be a Challenge
If you’re considering hitting the road by car, be ready for heavy traffic during peak hours. The highways in the city, such as I-90 and I-94, tend to be crowded during morning and evening rush hours. Downtown streets can also get pretty sluggish, with all the pedestrians mingling with buses and cyclists around the area.
It’s also worth noting that finding parking can be quite a hassle and pricey in downtowns or busy districts. Street parking with meters is an option, but it tends to get occupied, and certain neighborhoods also demand residential parking permits. That said, you can opt for public transport or biking if you reside in or close to downtown since it’s more convenient.
Public Transportation Is Convenient
The Chicago area has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and buses. The CTA’s “L” train lines consist of eight lines that carry passengers within the city and its surrounding suburbs. During rush hours, when there’s heavy traffic on the roads and streets, you can opt for the frequent train service to move around without being stuck in traffic jams.
In addition to trains, the CTA offers bus service to areas the “L.” doesn’t reach. There are some buses that run round the clock, so you can always use public transport at any time of the day. You can use the Ventra card to pay for both trains and buses.
There’s Always Something to Do
Chicago has lots of fun activities to do throughout the year. It has art galleries and outdoor adventures along Lake Michigan. The city also has music festivities like Lollapalooza and the Chicago Jazz Festival that attract music enthusiasts nationwide. There’s something for everybody.
Welcome to Chicago
Moving to Chicago can be an exciting experience. However, adjusting to the new environment might take some time, especially if you don’t have friends to show you around. Knowing what to expect and navigating the transportation system will make you feel right at home and help you adjust more quickly to living in Chicago.
We hope you found this blog post on 7 Things to Know Before Moving to Chicago, useful. Be sure to check out our post on 5 Good Reasons To Move From NYC To Chicago for more great tips!
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