Moving to Chicago could be the biggest change in your life. It doesn’t matter where you are coming from, in Chicago there is something for everyone. This modern metropolis is the most diverse city in the US with people from around the world and colorful and charming neighborhoods. If you want to see nearly every country in the world represented in one city, Chicago is your place! People in Chicago believe that there is no place like home and firmly hold on to this by enriching the city with their cultures constantly. There is a lot more than the international nature of Chicago though. You can find great career job opportunities, bitter winters, one of the greatest lakes, one of the most beautiful skylines in the country, competitive schools and many more great things. Do your research and pick your reason to move to Chicago. You will surely find one! Moreover, if you are coming from New York, Boston or California, Chicago will seem relatively cheaper. Here is our complete guide on what to know before moving to Chicago.
Moving to Chicago taxes
Despite the recently raised State Income Tax, food and clothing in Chicago are still cheaper than NYC or Los Angeles. Moving to Chicago has its advantages. The sales tax in the city may seem high though – around 10 percent. However, most of the suburbs comfort with lower taxes and cheaper living cost. If you are coming from any of the big cities, Chicago will seem as a more reasonable choice in terms of rental prices. On the other hand, if you are moving from a small town to the big urban capital it may look a bit pricey.
Moving to Chicago guide – Public Transportation
It could be better people say, but in fact, Chicago has one of the most developed public transportation systems in the country. Chicago Transit Authority has eight train lines (the “L” as Chicagoans call it) and nearly 200 bus lines. The City of Chicago offers variety of travel passes and cards in order to save you money. You can get more information on their website www.TransitChicago.com . One more benefit is the Metra Train System providing Chicago metro area with more than ten railroads in all directions. You can get more information on www.MetraRail.com.
Flying to Chicago can’t be easier, O’Hare International Airport is the second largest in the country and a flight lands every 6 min. From O’Hare your commute to downtown will be approximately 35-40 min by taking the Blue Line. Besides this airport, many smaller ones around the city also handle international flights.
Moving to Chicago tips – Shopping and Fun
Once settled in the Windy City, you definitely want to check out one of the biggest malls in the country, Woodfill Mall in Schaumburg and the variety of grocery stores. By variety in Chicago, Chicagoans definitely mean variety! This city offers enormous selection of food marts filled with goods from around the world. You can find typical Asian markets, tons of Middle Eastern food shops, Italian and Eastern- European stores and cafes as well as great many South American restaurants and stores. Talking about restaurants, if you want to check out all of them, you will probably have to go out every day for the next 10 years!
After- work and nightlife is a must for Chicagoans. Chicago offers great selection of ethnic restaurants and bars, where one can enjoy a great meal and a drink after work or start the weekend. And when the weekend comes, the choices are endless; moreover, the bars and clubs are open until 4 or 5 in the morning. Chicago is one of the few big cities in the country where you will find that freedom.
Besides all that nightlife advantages, just keep in mind that Chicago is the third largest cultural center in the US. Unmatched museums and theaters are nested in the city, and thousands of blues rhythms derived from its vibrant artists.
Guide to moving to Chicago
Now that you are about to move to Chicago, you have to find a professional Chicago movers. Like everything else in Chicago, moving companies are plentiful too. Choose your Chicago moving company by customers’ reviews and associations’ affiliation. As a part of our list of moving to Chicago information and tips, here is a resume of the best Chicago and Illinois Moving Companies. Remember that it is always better to hire a professional moving company, as they will know exactly what to do when relocating you to the big city.
Chicago moving tips – things to know before moving to Chicago
Searching for professional Chicago movers starts with requesting free moving quotes and ends with researching and reading moving reviews online.
No matter if you are moving to Chicago after college are you are about to move to Chicago with family and kids you will love the City. The Windy City is a major commercial and cultural place in the US, and strict rules and regulation in relocating services are enforced. You should speak with the real estate landlords and see if they have any particular requirements. You might also want to explore some Chicago self storage options if you need to store your stuff for some time before you find the best place to stay in Chicago. When you hire a moving company, they will know about them and should inform you of all the details involved in moving you to Chicago. In many cases, an elevator has to be reserved well in advance because if movers have to use the stairs this may hit your packets seriously. In addition, parking permits are necessary in downtown Chicago, as parking is very expensive. You will have to make sure you get one for the moving truck or consult with the moving company to arrange it. By doing these two major things – reserving an elevator and obtaining a parking permit – you save yourself time and money.
Downtown Chicago relocation
For almost every building in downtown Chicago, the management requires that your moving company provide a certificate of liability insurance. Check with your Chicago real estate building management and see if they need one and make sure the Chicago moving company you have hired can issue such. The management wants to be sure that in case of any property damages the movers have the necessary insurance. The moving company should send you the certificate free of charge.
Moving to Chicago cost
If you are wondering “How much money do I need to move to Chicago?” – just fill the Free Moving Quote on the top of the page for a complete Chicago moving cost calculation.
Now that you are on your way to Chicago, you can still keep asking questions about the things to know before moving to Chicago. Check out our Moving Resources to find more moving tips and helpful information about the moving industry. And do not forget to write a review on your cross country moving company after the move is completed.
Related posts:
The complete Boston moving guide
The New York City moving guide
