Moving to Chicago

Whether you know it as Chi-Town, the Windy City, or The Second City, Chicago has a lot to offer.

While there might be features you’re not prepared for as a long-time Orlando resident (like having four distinct seasons), there are plenty of great surprises in store in this northern gem (like the cleanliness of its streets). So whether you’re moving to Chicago for work, for family, or simply a change of pace, read on to learn a bit more about what you can expect.

Jobs

With a history going back to 1781, it comes as no surprise that Chicago’s job market is a mix of old and emerging industries. Financial services, engineering, and publishing make up the most significant chunk of the job market, but food processing is still a popular job sector. (Chicago actually boasts the largest food processing industry in the country.)

Of course, the changing global economy hasn’t left Chicago in the dust. Technology, health services, and green energy are finding some traction here. In such a large city (the nation’s third largest), chances are there’s a job market available for whatever you’re looking for.

Received a job offer already? Interested in applying to a specific company and curious about whether you’ll like it? The Chicago Tribune surveyed employees across the city and came up with a list of Top Chicago Employers for 2014. See how your favorite companies measured up or simply find a company that sounds like a good fit.

Neighborhoods

Chicago has been called a city of neighborhoods: there are 77 of them, each with its own unique character and lifestyle. Suffice it to say, there’s a Chicago neighborhood for everyone. (If you’re intimidated by such an exhaustive list, start with these 10 neighborhoods and see if there are any that appeal to you.)

Chi-Town is also a huge melting pot, with a wealth of history, culture, and charm lying in its many ethnic neighborhoods. So whether you want to find an apartment right next door to a great pierogi place or simply have convenient, same-day access to authentic Chinese noodles, Chicago’s got you covered.

Weather

One major difference between Orlando and Chicago is the weather. The Windy City (although it’s not actually the country’s windiest city) plays host to freezing temperatures during the winter, mild springs and autumns, and hot summers. In fact, you may be pleasantly surprised to experience four distinct seasons. January temperatures range between 17 and 30 degrees, while in July, the temperature typically stays between 68-84 degrees.

Although you’ve gotten away from Florida’s ubiquitous summer thunderstorms, expect to see plenty of clouds and precipitation in Chicago. The city stays pretty cloudy through most of the year, and rain or snow is common year-round (most of it falling as snow during the winter months).

Transportation/Parking

Chicago’s street grid makes navigating and walking around the city simple. Madison Street divides the city north and south, while State Street divides it east and west. But if your trip is too far to manage on foot, don’t worry; Chicago has the country’s second largest public transportation system, with rail and bus service covering the entire city. Of course, there are plenty of taxis available in the downtown and airport areas, but for a more unique experience, try the water taxi, a fun way to travel between Chicago’s top tourist spots.

Those commuting into downtown Chicago will soon grow familiar with the Metra train, which provides a convenient way for suburban dwellers to make it to work without relying on a car. And speaking of cars, you might find it’s easier to get around the city without one. All of the city’s parking meters were sold to a private company in 2008, which means parking meter costs have skyrocketed. Something to keep in mind should you choose to keep your wheels.

Cost of Living

Like any large city, you should expect a cost of living increase when moving from Orlando, and Chicago is no exception. Most expenses—rent, utilities, housing, etc.—will be higher in Chicago, but being in the Midwest means that other things (milk, eggs, potatoes) are less expensive.

One thing that may help your wallet, however, is the recent drop in state income tax rates (from 5% to 3.75%) across the state of Illinois. Floridians have long been used to paying a 0% tax rate, but Chicago’s new 3.75% rate is fairly competitive to the rest of the country.

Culture

So what type of lifestyle can you expect from living in Chicago?

Foodies will find a lot to love. Aside from the typical Chicago hot dog and deep dish pizza, there’s plenty of other culinary options to whet your appetite. For starters, forget everything you thought you knew about “Chicago deep dish.” Instead, make sure you try Chicago thin-crust pizza cut into squares rather than wedges. Once you’ve had your fill, make your way through the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods to try the local delicacies (Polish, Italian, and Greek are popular).

The city has plenty for sports fans to love as well. Baseball (Cubs and White Sox), football (Bears), basketball (Bulls), and hockey (Blackhawks) are all represented, meaning you can cheer on your local team pretty much all year round.

And for a little off-the-wall fun, make sure you check out some improv at one of the city’s many comedy clubs. The improv movement got started in Chicago in 1955 by a group known as the Compass Players. Pioneering the method of improvisational and “sketch” comedy (think Saturday Night Live), the Compass Players gave rise to the famous Second City comedy club, boasting such illustrious alumni as Jerry Stiller, Bill Murray, Bob Odenkirk, and Stephen Colbert.

So, when it comes to East Coast vs. West Coast, you don’t have to choose. Chicago is a bustling city right in the middle of them, and has a culture, history, and lifestyle all its own. Regardless of your reasons for moving to Chicago, Cento Family Moving & Storage can help you get there. Call us today for a free estimate and find out how we can get you packed up and shipped off for the Windy City.