living in chicago, il
Are you planning a move to Chicago? As the third-largest U.S. city, Chicago is a great place to live and work. It provides plenty of opportunities to further your career along with nearly limitless options for fun and entertainment.
we’ll cend it
together we are
people & planet
weather & climate
Chicago, Illinois has a diverse climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with occasional heatwaves in summer and frigid Arctic blasts in winter. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and are known for their unpredictable weather patterns.
living in
chicago, il
If you are considering relocating, Chicago is an excellent choice. You can enjoy the stunning architecture, eat at Michelin-starred restaurants, and explore the history and culture. Although Chicago is a bustling city, there are still lots of outdoor activities for any nature enthusiast. Visit the lakefront to relax on the beach, go boating, or enjoy one of the many nearby hiking trails to enjoy the fresh air.
When moving to a new city, you likely have many questions about the area. It’s a good idea to do some research to discover if it’s a good fit for you. Here are some basic answers to common questions to get you started.
chicago at a glance
The cost of living in Chicago is comparable to other major cities. The median cost of buying a new home is $323,200, which means you would need an annual salary of around $96,700 to comfortably afford your mortgage along with other expenses. If you choose to rent, the average monthly price for a one-bedroom is $1,895. It’s widely believed that rent should cost a maximum of 30% of your gross income. Using this guideline, you should aim for a yearly salary of $75,800 per year to live comfortably while renting a one-bedroom apartment.
Chicago is one of the major cities in the United States, and as such, it has an incredibly diversified workforce, filled with a wide range of opportunities. You can pursue anything from working at a tech company or start-up to joining the workforce at one of the major area employers like Boeing, United, or Morningstar. Chicago enjoys a steady growth rate, so you are likely to find plenty of opportunities to pursue the career of your dreams and move up the ranks with a promotion.
The congestion of traffic in Chicago can sometimes make the commute to work difficult. It’s typically better to use public transportation when possible. You have the option to take the bus or the train. If you prefer to get to work solo, biking is a great choice. Or you can drive yourself. The city is laid out in a grid, making it easy to navigate despite the volume of traffic.
Chicago has a continental climate, with hot and humid summers and freezing cold, snowy winters. It’s often cloudy and damp, despite the season.
Chicago boasts some excellent schools, from elementary through college. The public school system has worthy options, such as Poe Elementary and Walter Payton College Prep. If you prefer private schools, there are many options to choose between, such as The Waldorf School which emphasizes the arts. As far as universities go, Chicago is home to many, from community colleges to Northwestern University and the University of Chicago.
Living in Chicago, Illinois, is a unique and vibrant city offering residents a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. However, there’s a lot to be aware of before making the move.
where to live, have fun, and explore
chicago
Chicago has many choices when it comes to neighborhoods. Each one has unique features and offerings that appeal to a certain set of individuals. You’ll need to do some digging to find out what the various attractions and cultures are like in each place.
For example, the North Side is home to a mixture of college students, families, and business professionals. There is an abundance of entertainment in the form of music concerts, street festivals, and sporting events. If you prefer an area that offers fabulous restaurants and access to architectural monuments, you may want to look into the West Side. The Downtown area is home to many of the city’s tourist attractions. While you have access to bars, shopping, and theater, this area is usually crowded and busy. Finally, the South Side features an eclectic mixture of culture and opportunities to socialize.
things to do in chicago, il
There is no shortage of recreational activities in Chicago. In a city this size, there is something for everyone. Check out these lists for some ideas.
Chicago is a busy place on a daily basis. Not only can you seek out your preferred form of entertainment and establish a favorite watering hole or restaurant, but the area is also home to some excellent festivals. Plan to partake in one or more of these events to meet some new people and expand your interests.
– Taste of Chicago
– Chicago Blues Festival
– Chicago Jazz Festival
– Chicago Air and Water Show
– Wicker Park Fest
– Pitchfork Music Festival
– Riot Fest
– Windy City Smokeout
– Logan Square Arts Festival
– Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival
– Grant Park Music Festival
– Chicago House Music Festival
– West Fest Chicago
– December Christkindlmarket
– Lincoln Park Uncorked
– Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo
– Lollapalooza
Sports fans love Chicago. You can almost always catch a game with your friends to watch one of your favorite teams.
– Chicago Bulls
– Chicago Cubs
– Chicago Bears
– Chicago White Sox
– Chicago Blackhawks
– Chicago Sky
– Chicago Fire FC
Plan a night out on the town with your friends at one of these great spots.
– TAO Chicago
– Sound Bar
– PRYSM Chicago
– Debonair Social Club
– DISCO
– Primary NightClub
– Howl at the Moon Chicago
– Beauty Bar
– Spybar
– The Empty Bottle
– Untitled Supper Club
– Joy District
Chicago is full of fun activities for families with young children. Whether your children love to learn or prefer to play outdoors, this extensive list gives you many suggestions to spend an enjoyable day together.
– Millennium Park
– Cloud Gate
– Wrigley Field
– Museum of Science and Industry
– Skydeck Chicago
– Field Museum
– 360 Chicago Observation Deck
– Chicago Riverwalk
– Lincoln Park Zoo
– Shedd Aquarium
– Navy Pier
– Chicago River
– Lakefront Trail
– Buckingham Fountain
– Garfield Park Conservatory
– Maggie Daley Park
Don’t forget to include your furry friends. There are quite a few dog-friendly spaces and activities in Chicago. Keep in mind that you must obey the Chicago leash laws, as well as any rules specific to the location you visit. For example, Chicago demands that all dogs are leashed anytime they are off their owner’s property. The penalty increases if your dog causes any property damage or injury. Dog-friendly activities include:
– Mercury’s Canine Cruise
– Seadog Cruises Chicago
– Shoreline Sightseeing
– Montrose Dog Beach
– Jackson Bark
– Chicago Riverwalk
– Navy Pier
– Fred Anderson Dog Park
– Norwood Dog Park
– Puptown at Margate Park
– Bosly’s Backyard
– Wiggly Field
– Lake Shore Park
– Warren Park
– Horner Park Dog Park
chicago restaurants & breweries
A great part about moving to Chicago is the spectacular food and drinks scene. It’s known as one of the best foodie cities, with diverse options available around every corner. You are bound to find a new local favorite or two when you move here.
Some of the highlights of Chicago are its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. It’s also the home of fine eateries that earned the status of being the recipient of the James Beard Award, such as Lettuce Entertain You and Parachute. The food scene is so great that Chicago even beat out New York City as the top food city in the United States, as named by Bon Appetit Magazine.
environmental standards
If you are concerned about your environmental footprint, you’ll like the standards set by Chicago. There are numerous car charging stations and recycling centers that are easily accessible. Chicago understands the importance of encouraging every citizen to do their part to lower pollution levels, conserve resources, and live sustainably. You can get more information about the resources available to you through your neighborhood community center.
chicago moving & storage
Moving to a city like Chicago is an exciting adventure that provides new opportunities for work, making friends, participating in activities you love, and discovering new interests. Make the most out of your move by taking the stress-free route with CEND. Choose from a range of services to meet your needs, from moving to storage to full-service help with packing. CEND is convenient and competitively priced to make your move a breeze. Visit CEND today to book your services or request a quote.