Chicago, fondly known as the Windy City, is one of the cities in Illinois with the highest population. This means a lot of people want to live here, and there are plenty of opportunities too. There is a good mix of young professionals, retirees, and families in this area and many jobs, activities, and green spaces to enjoy as well. If you are moving here, congratulations. Here are some tips to help you settle in comfortably.
Tips for a comfortable move to Chicago
There is a relatively high cost of living
Chicago will never be as expensive as the likes of New York or Los Angeles, but comparatively, it is still fairly high in the grand scheme of things. So, if you are moving here, you will need to adjust your budget accordingly. Factor in things like utility costs and the price of going out and doing things and make sure you check in with every single resident discount available to make the most out of living in the area.
Embrace the local facilities
Chicago has so much to discover for anyone who moves here. There are great places to eat and a bustling night scene that is bound to draw you in at some point. With pizza on every corner and bars galore, there is a lot to pick from. Sometimes, a night in with friends or hosting a party to get to know your neighbours can be fun too and you can lean on alcohol delivery services that cover the Chicago metropolitan area to make the night run more smoothly.
It’s called the windy city
So, you can safely say that there will be some wind. In fact, there are quite a lot of windy days dominating the seasons in Chicago and, if you are going to be comfortable in your new home, you need to be aware of this. Aside from the wind, you will be facing some tougher winter conditions than in other states and it can get snowy, cold, and icy for long patches. However, this balances out in the summer months when the sun will definitely be shining, and you will feel the temperatures soar up to 80+F.
Getting around the City
Chicago is well known for its traffic jams, so, if you want a stress-free way of getting around the city, you should lean on public transport, cycling or walking instead. This is especially true for the morning and evening commute to and from work or school. There is a train system and a bus network that cover all the main areas in the city and there are things like scooters to hire for the residents moving around as well. The public transport is not too expensive, with an average ticket price of around $3 for most routes both ways.
Sports dominate the culture
Culture in the city is versatile, but one major theme remains and that is sports. You can’t escape it, and there is a fierce pride amongst residents for the Bulls and other local teams too. It will feature heavily in education settings, and you will often see people walking around with their jerseys on as a show of support. While there is no obligation to join in, and plenty of people stay away from the scene, it is a lot of fun and you may find a great group of friends if you ever go to a game at any major stadium. It is a highly entertaining way to spend a few hours, and the positive vibes will definitely boost your wellbeing.
End note
Moving to Chicago is a major shift for some people because it is a truly unique state. With a whole variety of weather and a fixation on sports, the residents are friendly and welcoming, and the area has a lot to offer.
Featured image: Yomex Owo/Unsplash
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