With its food, culture, traditions, sports, and events, Chicago is definitely one of the most exciting places to live in. Of course, the city has its downsides like traffic problems and the cold (it’s not called the ‘Windy City’ for nothing), but doing your research in advance will help prepare mentally and financially for what to expect.
To help you out, we’ve prepared a list of 8 things to expect when moving to Chicago.
There are 77 different neighborhoods in Chicago, each with its own personality, history, culture, and attractions. So, it would definitely be wise to conduct thorough research and make sure you don’t end up in a neighborhood that doesn’t match your lifestyle.
Downtown is for those who prefer a fancy lifestyle and have the ability to pay for it! With the numerous bars, art galleries, and shopping options, downtown is definitely the place where all the action happens.
The North Side is also packed with action. It is especially convenient for sports fans as it provides easy access to the Cubs’ games.
With its churches, murals, monuments, and ethnic restaurants, the West Side area offers a rich cultural experience. The South Side is very similar; if you decide to live there, don’t miss the monuments in Bronzeville and the best Chinese food in the city.
Besides researching the city, you should also consider hiring professional Chicago movers to help you get there. When searching for the best moving company, look for more than just the prices. Gather info on the services included, their experience, and check out the reviews so as to avoid any unwanted surprises on the big day.
When in Chicago, you need to try all the delicious foods it offers. We recommend the Italian beef sandwich, deep-dish pizza, jibarito, Polish sausage, old-fashioned Chicago donuts, and the Chicago-style hot dog (no ketchup, please!).
No matter how prepared you might feel for the Chicago weather, winters can still surprise you with their brutality. Besides sub-zero temperatures, you should also brace yourself for the wind that comes from all directions. Sun is quite scarce in winter and people don’t go out much, so it can be somewhat depressing. But if you do manage to survive your first Chicago winter, everything else will be a piece of cake.
Driving in the city is very stressful as it involves reckless driving, traffic jams, parking fees, and speed cameras. Plus, Chicago is short on parking space, so CTA is very likely to become your new best friend.
Even though CTA is infamous for being always late, it’s by far the cheapest and most efficient transport option in the city which will take you almost anywhere.
Cycling is another great option for moving around Chicago as it is fast, cheap, and super-convenient. The city also encourages people to use bikes by providing lots of bike lanes. You can even rent a bike by just picking it up in one location and leaving it at another!
Chicagoans love their sports teams, so it’s in your best interest to become a loyal fan and start rooting for one of the city’s professional teams. Sports are a great way to enjoy time with your new friends. In spring or summer, you’ll probably get invited to White Sox or Chicago Cubs games. In winter, everyone flocks to the sports bars to watch a sports game, so don’t be surprised if you hear shouting coming from your local bar.
In summer, everyone in Chicago comes out of hibernation. The city has some amazing events during warmer temperatures that you won’t want to miss out on. With the numerous rooftop bars, parks, and beaches, you won’t have any trouble finding something to do at the weekends.
The Festival season begins in May and lasts until October. With more than 150 events, almost every neighborhood puts on a local street fair to celebrate their music scene, food, and heritage. Chicago residents love being outside, drinking, and talking about the ever-changing weather!
Whether you’re looking for an adventure in a new city, relocating with your family, or moving for business, you’ll quickly fall in love with the Windy City. Once you explore Chicago, try its delicious food, and experience its cultural diversity, you’ll soon find your favorite spots and feel at home.
