Things to Know Before Moving to Chicago, IL

Chicago’s population is about 2.7 million, making it the third largest in the United States. It is situated in the middle of the country and is well-known for its attractive beaches, remarkable skyline, and culturally rich neighborhoods. There are a few things you need to know before your relocation if you want everything to go off without a hitch.

Make sure you look for reliable Chicago movers that provide your required services. If you are curious about things to know before moving to Chicago, read on. The post will explore various things to know about Chicago before moving such as the various neighborhoods, the job market, housing market trends, tax rates, schools, colleges, and universities, as well as activities that the city has to offer.

Neighborhoods In Chicago

Distinct communities, each one with its own unique appeal, have helped make the city what it is today. Some of the most well-liked areas are listed here.

North Side

Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Rogers Park are all part of this larger community. Lakeview is known for its lively nightlife and great restaurants, while Lincoln Park is renowned for its stunning architecture and the world-famous Lincoln Park Zoo. The proximity to the lake and the low cost of living make Rogers Park a great place to call home.

West Side

Just a handful of the West Side communities are Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, and Humboldt Park. Many of the city’s most incredible people live in Wicker Park, which is easy to tell thanks to its abundance of murals and vintage shops. The popularity of Ukrainian Village, a San Francisco district home to a sizable Ukrainian community, has increased in recent years. Gorgeous parks and a diverse population make Humboldt Park a vibrant neighborhood.

Downtown- River North/The Loop

Two of Chicago’s most recognizable structures, the Willis Tower and Navy Pier, can be found in the city’s downtown. The River North area of Chicago is a popular place due to its abundance of hip bars and restaurants. The Loop is Chicago’s downtown business center and the location of many of the city’s tallest buildings.

South Side

There are several communities located on the South Side, including Hyde Park, Bronzeville, and Beverly. Hyde Park, one of Chicago’s most remarkable neighborhoods, is renowned for its rich history and unique character, and is particularly notable for being home to the prestigious University of Chicago. Bronzeville, Chicago, is home to a sizable African-American population and, as a result, has a deep well of history and culture. Mansions and streets surrounded by trees are just some of the luxuries found in Beverly, an upscale suburb with higher incomes than the national average.

Jobs, Housing, And Taxes In Chicago

The city’s economy offers many job opportunities in banking, medicine, and technology. As a direct result of this trend, the city’s unemployment rate has dropped to roughly 7%. Due to low housing prices (about $200,000), it is one of the most affordable real estate markets among major U.S. cities.

An individual’s income can be taxed from 4.95 percent to 7.99 percent on a progressive scale. Nevertheless, the city’s typical property tax rate is nearly 2.1%.

A single, working adult needs at least $15 per hour to cover basic living expenses, including rent and food. This is, of course, only a rough estimate; the actual minimum salary required to maintain a family will vary depending on a number of factors.

Chicago Schools, Colleges, and Universities

If you’re planning on moving, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the schools, colleges, and universities in the area.

Almost 350,000 pupils are enrolled in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), making it the third biggest school district in the country. The district’s student body is extremely multicultural, with representatives from over 140 countries and 100+ languages spoken among them. The College Preparatory School (CPS) provides a wide range of educational opportunities for its students. There are also test-in and test-out schools in the district’s enrollment structure.
There is no shortage of private educational institutions in Chicago. The Archdiocese of Chicago runs the city’s largest private school network, with over 200 schools and more than 78,000 pupils.
Some of the finest educational institutions in the world can be found here. University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago are just a few of the top-tier educational institutions in the region.
City Colleges of Chicago, which runs seven community colleges in different parts of the city, is just one of many community colleges and vocational institutions in Chicago.
The city of Chicago is home to several prestigious art institutions, such as the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
The city is also home to a number of prestigious legal schools, such as the Pritzker School of Law at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Law School.

The educational options range from public schools to prestigious universities to specialized arts and vocational institutions. There’s bound to be a college or degree program out there that’s perfect for you, with all the alternatives available.

Chicago Activities

The city has a wide variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the most popular activities.

Beaches

The city has 26 miles of lakefront beaches, making it an excellent destination for beach lovers. Some of the most popular beaches include North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, and Montrose Beach.

Shopping destinations

The shopping is fantastic, and you can find anything from high-end boutiques to vintage stores. Some of the most prestigious brands in the world may be found along the world-famous shopping district known as the Magnificent Mile. Wicker Park, Bucktown, and the West Loop are also great places to do some shopping.

Athletic activities

The Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks are just some of the professional sports clubs that call the Windy City home. Millenium Park, Grant Park, and Lincoln Park are just a few of the city’s many wonderful public parks and recreation places.

Family activities

It is an excellent place for families, with several kid-friendly attractions like Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum. The city also has several beautiful parks and playgrounds, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities.

Culture

There are many museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues in this area. The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Chicago Theatre are just a few of the city’s most visited cultural institutions.

To put it plainly, this city caters to all tastes. The city has a lot going for it, such as a storied history, excellent employment prospects, beautiful parks and beaches, and a high cost of living in some areas. Make sure to do some preliminary research on how to move to Chicago and get to know the area that is the perfect fit for you. The town’s unique character and charm make it an excellent place to call home.