Chicago is known as “The Windy City”, and the only two U.S. cities that have a larger population are Los Angeles and New York. It’s not a typical city that you hear about people moving to, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to live. In fact, here are five reasons why you should consider moving to Chicago, or staying in the city if you’re thinking about moving away.
#1: Weather
The climate of Chicago is considered “continental” meaning that the summers are warm and the winters are cold— as they should be. Chicago is a city that also experiences all four seasons, which is a big selling point to those who live in relatively warm areas, such as the southwestern or southeastern United States. Springs in Chicago are cool and wet, the summers are hot and humid, falls are mild and pleasant, and winters are cold and breezy.
If you’re thinking about moving away from the Chicago area, you may not see this type of weather anywhere else, except maybe in cities along the same latitude. On the other hand, if you’re thinking about moving to Chicago, having four distinct seasons is a great selling point for those tired of mostly hot (or cold) weather.
#2: Thriving Economy
Windy City has one of the largest and most diversified economies in the world. This means that there are many job opportunities available to those who may be considering relocating to another city. Some of the top industries in Chicago include:
- Automotive
- Biotechnology
- Food
- Health services
- Manufacturing (general)
As of 2019, Chicago is the headquarters of 12 Fortune 500 companies. A city is also a great place for entrepreneurs to take a shot at starting their own businesses. Being the third largest U.S city (by population) also makes it a very well-connected city, with the O’Hare International Airport being the sixth busiest in the world.
#3: Food
One thing Chicago is definitely known for is its food, particularly the deep-dish pizza. Still, Chicago is known for many other famous dishes, such as its Chicago-style hotdogs and barbecue. In fact, a tourist can’t try all of Chicago’s best restaurants in one single visit— but being a resident can make this much easier to do.
If these tasty dishes aren’t enough to convince you to move to (or remain in Chicago), remember that the food industry is one of the largest sectors in the city. This means that there are many jobs available, whether it’s food manufacturing or the restaurant industry. Don’t forget that Chicago is also a great place to start a small business, so if you’re thinking of opening a restaurant, this city may be your best bet.
#4: Cost of Living
Compared to America’s largest cities, Chicago is going to be one of the most affordable options. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s cheap to live in Chicago, but if you’re a Chicago native thinking about moving to New York City, Los Angeles, or even Washington, DC, you’re going to pay a lot more in rent/for a home and in general. Of course, where exactly you choose to live in a city will depend on how much you spend on necessities and luxuries every day, but Chicago is generally a good option when it comes to big cities. With that being said, if you’re moving from a smaller city to Chicago, it is going to be a bit more pricey than what you’re used to.
#5: Activities, Amenities, and Resources
Finally, the last reason to move to (or stay in Chicago) is the endless amount of entertainment and resources available to you in the city. Chicago has something for everyone, as the list of things to do and enjoy includes things like street and music festivals, picnicking, going to the theater, and aquatic activities.
There are also many resources for families and individuals, such as child care centers and primary schools, assisted living facilities, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and colleges/universities. Even in your times of need, you can find some of the best personal injury lawyers.
Chicago has everything that all other major U.S. cities have and a lot more than smaller cities. It’s a good place for young adults to get their start in the business world, as well as a good place to grow both economically and culturally. If you’re looking for a place to relocate, consider Chicago.
