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Moving to Chicago: Everything to Know Before Migrating

Chicago is one of the most populous cities in the US, with almost 2.7 million residents calling it home.

Living in the big city is a big deal. If it’s your first time making such a life change, that’s even more true. Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, and it can be an exhilarating experience to live there – as well as a daunting prospect.

From finding apartments to planning ahead to avoid disappointment, you have to think carefully about all the logistics before making the move. Below is a guide to help you with everything you need to know before moving to Chicago.

Chicago is one of the most populous and diverse cities in the US

It has a population of over 2.7 million people, speaking more than 10 languages, making it one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation.

Chicago is also one of many cities in the US that has declared itself to be a sanctuary city for immigrants. This means that it will not let local police enforce federal immigration law. It also means that city agencies are prohibited from asking someone about their immigration status or helping Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with arrests, except in certain circumstances.

Although Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, it’s not the capital

Though it’s the largest city in Illinois, Chicago is not the capital. That honor goes to Springfield, which is located about 70 miles north of downtown Chicago.

Chicago is also one of the largest cities in America, but because it isn’t spread out like Houston is (and because there are no skyscrapers outside Loop), it feels much smaller than other major American cities.

The weather in Chicago can be pretty harsh

If you’re planning on moving to Chicago, you should know that its climate is classified as humid continental. This means that Chicago has four distinct seasons, with the summers being hot and humid (it’s been known to reach 100 degrees), and winter being cold and dry (it’s been known to get down below zero).

It also receives a lot of rain throughout the year; you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience different types of weather throughout your time in Chicago!

Chicago’s cuisine is best known for its pizza and hot dogs

There are many delicious things to eat in the Windy City, but the most famous of them all is deep dish pizza. There are now over 100 different locations throughout Chicago serving up this cheesy goodness. If you’re not a fan of thick crust, fear not! There are also thin-crust and stromboli options available.

Chicago hot dogs have only been around since 1918; the original version was topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes and pickles—making it very similar to what we know today except for one thing: the bread isn’t split open like a bun; instead it’s folded into a rectangle! This makes eating them easier so no worries about losing toppings out of your sandwich while transporting it from point A to point B.

Italian beef sandwiches originated during Chicago’s Great Depression era when meat was expensive so people started using cheaper cuts such as eye round roast or sirloin tip roast instead (mirroring how American beef production has evolved). These meats were then slow-cooked for hours in an Italian seasoning bath until tender enough for slicing thinly before being piled high between two pieces of bread along with peppers/onions/pickled veggies, and maybe even some cheese if you’re feeling bold!

Many iconic landmarks and neighborhoods can be found in Chicago

The Sears Tower, the Magnificent Mile, and Grant Park are just a few of the many sights that make this city famous.

Millennium Park is one such landmark located on Michigan Avenue between Madison Street and Randolph Street. This is where you’ll find Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean” for its mirror-like appearance.

Grant Park is another popular spot in Chicago and features Buckingham Fountain, Crown Fountain (aka Millennium Monument), Lurie Garden and many more attractions such as Soldier Field Stadium where you can enjoy concerts or sports games with friends or family during the summer months.

Public transportation is extensive in Chicago

Chicago is one of the best cities for public transportation. It has a great subway system, bus system and train system. The city has a variety of public transportation options that can get you from A to B with ease. However, if you do have a car, you can also easily find a garage for rent in Chicago.

There’s plenty to do and see in Chicago

Chicago has some of the best museums in the country. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or art and culture, there is something for everyone here. Here are some of our favorite places to visit:

  • The Museum of Science and Industry
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Field Museum of Natural History

If you want something different from a museum or zoo day trip, explore Millennium Park with its outdoor sculptures and fountains. If it’s chilly out, take a picnic blanket and sit on the steps at Buckingham Fountain while listening to live music. And if you like nature but don’t want anything too drastic from your day trip (like hiking), there are also plenty of options.

Wrapping up

Why should you move to Chicago? There are plenty of reasons. Chicago is a great city to live in, work in, visit and play sports. It has a lot of history (and culture) and offers some amazing food options—you can’t go wrong here.

The Windy City has been named one of the best places for millennials to live, thanks to its diverse population with more than 100 ethnic communities represented and its high employment rate for young adults. It’s also home to some iconic landmarks: The Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), Wrigley Field baseball stadium, Buckingham Fountain — which you can see from anywhere downtown.

We hope you’ve gained a better sense of what Chicago is like as a city and have learned something new about its history, culture, and cuisine. We also hope you feel inspired to pack your bags and start packing! Whether this guide helped you narrow down your choices for relocation or simply provided some useful information for those considering moving to the Windy City, we wish you luck on your journey.

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