Moving to Chicago
Are you considering a move to Chicago? You might wonder where to live, from finding a great coffee shop to choosing the best schools. I went through the same process when I moved here over a decade ago and have many tips to share! This guide answers many of your questions and offers useful resources with links. Need help? Call me at (312) 450-1202.
Exploring Chicagoland
The Chicagoland, or Chicago metropolitan area, is home to more than 9 million people and includes the city of Chicago and many suburbs. It covers parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Key places like Evanston, Naperville, and Schaumburg offer unique living experiences.
Evanston, just north of Chicago, is known for its beautiful lakefront and arts scene. It’s also home to Northwestern University, one of the top 10 best schools in the US. Naperville is great for families, with excellent schools and parks, while Schaumburg is a hub for shopping and dining at the Woodfield Mall.
Oak Park is famous for its Frank Lloyd Wright designs and antique shops. Arlington Heights and Aurora offer suburban living with city access.
The Metra commuter rail system makes traveling to Chicago easy. It connects the city with suburbs, serving over 80 million passengers a year.
Chicago schools
Chicago has many schools for different learning styles. The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district is one of the largest, with top-rated schools like Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. CPS also has charter schools and magnet programs.
Private and alternative schools are also available. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools offers a progressive curriculum. The Latin School of Chicago provides a liberal arts education. The Lycée Français de Chicago offers French immersion, and the British International School of Chicago has a global curriculum.
More information on Chicago schools:
- GreatSchools.org: Use this site to find ratings and reviews of public, private, and charter schools in Chicago neighborhoods.
- SchoolDigger and Niche: These platforms offer detailed school rankings, performance data, and parent reviews.
Chicago food scene
Chicago is a city full of life, with something for everyone. It’s known for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs without ketchup. But it also has a wide range of global foods that show its diverse culture.
From Mexican flavors in Pilsen to Indian curries on Devon Avenue, the city’s neighborhoods reflect its rich cultural heritage.
Chicago’s restaurants have won many awards, making it a top food destination. Alinea, a fine dining spot, has three Michelin stars. The James Beard Foundation has honored many Chicago chefs and restaurants for their outstanding work.
There are upscale steakhouses, farm-to-table restaurants, cozy diners, and food halls. These places offer a memorable dining experience.
Here are some great resources for dining in Chicago:
Things to do
Chicago is always buzzing with events, drawing visitors from all over. It has sports, music festivals, street fairs, and conferences all year round.
Sporting Events: Sports fans love Chicago for its sports history and culture. The Chicago Marathon in October is a big event, with over 45,000 runners. Cubs fans can watch baseball at Wrigley Field. The Chicago White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field. The NBA Draft Combine is also a big event for basketball fans.
Music Festivals: Chicago’s music scene is famous, and its festivals are a big deal. Lollapalooza in summer is huge, with many artists across different stages. The Chicago Blues Festival is the biggest free blues festival, celebrating the city’s music heritage. The Chicago Jazz Festival offers free jazz performances in Grant Park.
Street Fairs and Cultural Festivals: Each neighborhood in Chicago has its own unique feel. They host street fairs and cultural festivals all year.
- The Taste of Chicago is the biggest food festival, with 80+ local restaurants.
- Chicago Air and Water Show is a thrilling event with aerial and water stunts.
- The Chicago Pride Parade is a big celebration for the LGBTQ+ community in June.
- Puerto Rican Festival and Parade – a celebration of Puerto Rican culture in Humboldt Park
- There are many festivals in Chicago, so check out the full list of Chicago neighborhood street festivals!
Conferences and Expos: Chicago is a big place for conferences and expos. Many happen at McCormick Place, the biggest convention center in North America. Events like the Chicago Auto Show, the National Restaurant Association Show, and C2E2 are big draws.
Honorable mention: Chicago also has many events that celebrate its arts and culture. The Chicago International Film Festival and Christkindlmarket holiday market are great examples. They show off the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Farmers markets
Chicago loves its farmers markets, offering fresh, local produce. The Green City Market in Lincoln Park is a favorite. It’s open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to November, then moves indoors in winter.
The Logan Square Farmers Market is open all year on Sundays. It has live music, food vendors, and lots of local produce and handmade goods.
Many neighborhoods in Chicago have their own farmers markets. The Wicker Park Farmers Market is open on Sundays from May to October. It’s a hit with locals.
In Andersonville, the Andersonville Farmers Market runs on Wednesdays from May to October. Evanston’s Evanston Farmers Market is open Saturdays from May to Fall. Both offer fresh produce and more.
More resources
Your home is one of the most important purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s important to cover all the bases when selecting the right neighborhood that ticks all the boxes.
Neighborhood vibes
- Chicago Neighborhood Guides: Websites like Chicago.gov and Choose Chicago offer detailed neighborhood guides that provide insights into the unique characteristics, history, and attractions of each area.
- Yelp and TripAdvisor: These platforms are great for exploring local businesses, restaurants, and amenities. Check out user reviews and ratings to get a feel for the neighborhood’s vibe.
- Niche and AreaVibes: Both sites offer comprehensive neighborhood rankings based on factors like safety, schools, cost of living, and amenities.
- City-Data and NeighborhoodScout: These sites provide in-depth statistical data on demographics, crime rates, housing trends, and more.
- Nextdoor: This neighborhood social networking app connects you with local communities, providing insights into community events, safety updates, and local recommendations.
- Local Community Groups and Forums: Join neighborhood-specific groups on Facebook or Reddit to interact with current residents and get firsthand information about living in the area.
- Google Maps: Help with planning routes and navigating the city.
Get familiar with transportation and commuting options
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): Explore the CTA website to understand public transportation options, including buses and trains, in your desired neighborhood.
- Metra: For suburban commutes, check the Metra website for train schedules, routes, and station information.
- Google Maps and Citymapper: Use these apps to plan commutes and assess transportation convenience.
Hit the pavement!
- Walk or Drive Around: Spend time walking or driving through potential neighborhoods to observe the environment, amenities, and overall atmosphere.
