Things to Consider When Planning a Move to Chicago

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post, written by Ana Hernandez thepromove.com.

Wrigley Field. Deep dish pizza. Oprah and Jordan. The Bean, the Bears, the Blues Brothers.  

Chicago is increasingly recognized as one of the world’s great cities, steeped in culture, food, and history while staying true to a legacy of hard work and little pretension. Carl Sandburg famously coined it “City of the Broad Shoulders” and even today, it remains one of the most affordable big cities in America for the middle-class.  

Planning a move anywhere can be overwhelming, let alone to the Windy City, now the third-largest in the United States. Worry not – by taking a few steps in advance, you can help ensure that your transition to Chicago is as smooth as the jazz clubs in Wicker Park.

Prepare for the Wind Chill

There’s no getting around it – you can face some pretty brutal winters when you arrive in the Midwest. Chicagoans wear their resilience as a badge of honor and there’s no doubt the city’s famously tough disposition was borne in the bleakness of some grim winters. Come with your wardrobe prepared if you are moving on from sunnier environs; keep in mind all of the cultures at museums and concert halls that can keep you blissfully warm all winter.

Know What You Want in a Neighborhood

Your experience will be largely driven by where you choose to live, so think carefully about what you are looking for in a new neighborhood. With nearly 80 unique neighborhoods with their own storied pasts and traditions scattered throughout the city, there is a lot to choose from.

If you’re looking for some space that can hold a growing family, corners of town like historic Beverly on the South Side have long attracted Irish and African-American families in spades. Plenty of students and academics crowd the leafy streets of Hyde Park near the University of Chicago, while Lakeview on the North Side offers countless sports bars and quick access to Wrigley. You can craft any experience you want in a city on the scale of Chicago, so choose deliberately.

Dig Into Your Plate

You might want to hit the jogging trail now – a new Chicago resident’s waistline can take a hit with all of the great culinary options on hand. From their famous hot dog vendors to world-class dining options, the city offers a palate for all tastes. Exploring new eateries is one of the best ways you can get to know your adopted town, from the meat at Chicago Cut Steakhouse to soul food at Daley’s.

Map Out Your Transportation Options

Take some time in advance to assess what your daily commute will look like. Chicago can be a tricky city to find affordable parking, so you might familiarize yourself with the transit system in advance. Millennials, in particular, are increasingly relying on the CTA system and new mobility options like Uber to live a car-free lifestyle around town. Those two options can make settling into Chicago and getting around much easier.

Get Help

Finally, you don’t have to try to be a hero and do everything alone. Moving only has to be a stressful experience if you choose to make it so. Consider lightening your burden by hiring Chicago movers who know the city like the back of their hands.