Things to Consider When Moving In to Chicago
What is your kind of Town? Chicago is a Windy City, The City of Big Shoulders, The Jewel of the Midwest, these are some of the description when they heard the City of Chicago.
Chicago has a rich history that anyone will be amaze once they discover it and because of that, the city can offer a promising future to anyone who would like to live here.
If you are considering to live in the City that Works, you need to ask yourself if this city will work for you. If you are really decided, here are some advise from the Chicagoans that will help you when move-in in Chicago.
Chicago is a Sports Town
Yes, you’re right! If you are a sports lover you will love living in this town. The recent success of the Blackhawks and Cubs can definitely make it feel like the entire city is just as sports-obsessed as the iconic “SNL” sketch indicated. A lot of sports person live and raised in Chicago.
No need for CARS!
When you live in Chicago, you can ditch your car! Trains and buses will be your bestfriend when travelling for work or if you just want to go around the town. It is also more cheaper than bringing your own car most especially if you are living on the North Side of the city. They’ve improve their bike-lane, car sharing and a lot more. In that way it makes their commuter to be more comfortable in using public transportation rather that bringing their own car.
Work Now, Party Later!
After a long week of tiring day at work, you can now enjoy the cities packed activities and events and a lot of them are free or cheap. If you want to be updated with all the activities and parties, you can visit Reader or Time Out, they are posting calendar with the events that will happen in Chicago. One more thing that you will surely enjoy is the FREE SUMMER CONCERTS at Millenium Park.
For Rent is Everywhere
It is not advisable for starters to buy their own property in this city because it is too expensive. You don’t have to worry because there are a lot of apartments that is for rent. You can also check it online in Apartment People or Chicago Apartment Finders - it can be a huge time-saver. If you are just living alone, it is better if you look for a housemate or a roommate, for you to save a lot in renting. But please make sure that you are living with a trustworthy person.
Food is LIFE!
From four-star dining to greasy-spoon excellence, carnivore fantasies to vegan decadence, if you can dream it up, you can get it in Chicago. Since the city have a diverse population a lot of restaurants are built in town and they offer phenomenal food and and ecletic mix of fare.
There is sumptuous choices of food in this City, from Hot Dogs, Steaks up to Pizza. If you are the type of person that “food is life” this is the best place for you to live. Most especially if your place is in Downtown, restaurants are just around the corner and you can just walk to visit one of those.
Outdoor Activities
Since the city doesn’t have a lot of beaches they cover it by having many park, conservatories, nature preserves and a gorgeous river. Once of the biggest park that most of people here visiting is the “Lincoln Park”. It has a wide park that kids can fly their kite during summer and most of the student driver is practicing in this park. And of course, just inland along Fullerton Parkway, the tropical plants and flowers at the Lincoln Park Conservatory are always on display for free, as are all the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo. And at the southernmost end, you’ll find the Chicago History Museum.
And as if that weren’t enough to sell the park, you’ll also find a bird sanctuary, a paddleboat lagoon, a pond with prairie plants and wildlife, and statues of historical figures from Abraham Lincoln to Johann Friedrich von Goethe.
Home of Theaters
Thanks to incredible companies like Steppenwolf, the Hypocrites and many others, some of the nation’s best theater is born in Chicago. In fact, some have even called it the theater capital of America. Check out the storefront scene, which has very affordable ticket prices.
Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely
Chicago have 77 unique neighborhoods with their own rich history, attractions, personality and culture. Make sure to do your research in your chosen neighborhood because you will get stuck there for one year contract of leasing. Here is a little information about each one to get an idea for which you can see yourself living in:
North side: This area is loaded with things to do. Living here will allow you easy and convenient access to all home Cubs games, boutique shopping in Bucktown, and other local gigs.
Downtown: If you’re looking for a fancy lifestyle and have the financial ability to make it happen, you’ll definitely want to live downtown with all the action. You’ll be in the heart of it all with Millennium Park, numerous bars, Buckingham Fountain, art galleries, and tons of shopping on Michigan Avenue, all within walking distance of your humble abode.
West side: If you’re looking for a cultural experience, this is the best place for you. It’s full of ethnic restaurants, including Little Village with a strong Mexican style as well as unique monuments, murals, and churches.
South side: This side is also rich in diversity and culture. Everything from the food in Chinatown to the monuments in Bronzeville will you see nothing anywhere else but here.
New Resident Tip: As you can recall that free parking is strictly limited, if still existent in Chicago, then you’ll want to get a sticker for your car (if you still have one) right away. Otherwise, making the mistake of leaving your car overnight on a permit-only street can bring the surprise of finding a nice yellow boot on it the next day.
Winters Are Cold
Many people, visitors and residents alike, talk about Chicago’s winters like they’re a frozen hell on earth. But they’re simply a fact of life here. Yes, you’ll want to get a good winter coat and a solid pair of waterproof boots to get you through the cold months, but the city’s frozen days have a way of making you even more appreciate of what comes next.