Firstly why Chicago, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Chicago
• State: Illinois
• Population: 2,693,976 people
• Chicago’s quick summary would be The third-largest city in the U.S., renowned for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant cultural scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 70,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 50,000 annually
• Net Migration: 20000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 30,000
• Number of Homeless people: 65,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers extensive job opportunities and cultural amenities attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Chicago Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $85,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Chicago is $93,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $8000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Chicago’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 145 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,644
• Property Tax %: 1.86%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,200
• Rent for an average house: $2,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Chicago, Lincoln-Park, Lake-View, South-Loop, and probably could include West-Loop
• Avg. Age of Homes in Chicago: 83 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Chicago’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Chicago are  Finance, Technology, and Manufacturing
• Chicago Job Scene: strong job market in finance tech and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub with strengths in fintech, health tech, and diverse industries
• Chicago Resident’s pay $2,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Chicago: 10.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 800 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 180

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Chicago

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $160 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-90 and I-94 run through Chicago connecting the city to suburbs and regions
• Commute Time: 35 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening congestion on the Dan Ryan Expressway
• Transportation Score: 80 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Chicago: 1,500,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 30 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Chicago: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 76 of 100
• Local Airport: O’Hare International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Chicago’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Chicago is best described as experiences a varied climate with cold snowy winters hot humid summers and comfortable transitional seasons offering a mix of urban weather patterns
• Winter Weather in Chicago i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Chicago can be described as cool with occasional showers
• Summer’s in Chicago are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Chicago is usually cool with possible rain
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 25 days in summer
• Days in a row in Chicago below Freezing: 23
• Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality frequently affected by urban pollution
• Chicago Winter Air average air quality often impacted by heavy traffic

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Chicago Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Chicago 132
• While the number of trade schools inside Chicagos’s city limits are 32
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Chicago Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Chicago Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Chicago only Doctors is about 4,500
• Local Hospitals here is  30
• Full-time Chicago only Police Officers is about 26,000
• Crime Rate Index: 74/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Chicago’s Monthly utility bill average is $180
• Chicago’s Monthly Gym Membership: $65
• Chicago’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Chicago

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 40 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: big city with a mix of cultures and lively neighborhoods
• You might enjoy concerts at the United Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Chicago  boasts a world-class nightlife with a mix of clubs bars restaurants and cultural events in a bustling metropolis

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Chicago

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a rich culinary scene with diverse international options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 1,000 scattered around Chicago
• The Popular Sports Team is Chicago Bears
• Top Level Political Climate in Chicago can be described as diverse and progressive city with a focus on social equity
• Chicago’s Longer standing religious establishment is Willow Creek Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Chicago Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Chicago has 600 Parks?
• Lincoln Park is Chicago’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Chicago Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, festivals, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Chicago Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Chicago can be described as fast-paced urban center known for its culture and business opportunities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Chicago attending neighborhood festivals exploring parks visiting museums
• The Cities people commute to from Chicago are Oak-Park 9 miles away Cicero 8 miles away Evanston 13 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Chicago or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening congestion on the Dan Ryan Expressway. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Chicago’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Lincoln Park is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Chicago are Oak-Park 9 miles away Cicero 8 miles away Evanston 13 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 74 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Chicago has 23 days in a row below freezing and 25 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Chicago people have an average (positive or negative) $8000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   65,000 homeless people living in Chicago. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse and progressive city with a focus on social equity could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Chicago.

Retiree & Senior Life in Chicago

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might benefit from property tax exemptions aimed at lower-income elderly
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Carrington at Lincoln
• Chicago Senior Center offers various social activities and wellness programs for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Chicago, Illinois?

If Chicago, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Chicago, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!