Curious about life in Chicago? You’re onto something. Known as the Jewel of the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and one of the only major ones you won’t find on the coast.1 Between the sultry jazz clubs, the roaring stadiums, and the spice rack of suburban culture, Illinois’ booming capital begs to be indulged.
Claims to fame? Well, you’ve got Oprah, deep-pan pizza, and a gargantuan sculpture of a silver bean. Before you pack your bags for the Windy City, prime yourself with this insider’s guide from Common about what to know before moving to Chicago.
The Seasons Swing to Extremes
Chicago enjoys the full monty of Mother Nature. Its weather spans hot and humid summers, as well as frosty winters, as average temperatures for these seasons swing from 22°F to 83°F.2
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the type of weather you can expect in Chicago:
- Gorgeous summers – The summer heat can bob between 82°F to 62°F but reach the mid-90s or even 100°F during hot spells. When temps soar, Chicagoans rise to the occasion with lakeside picnics and curbside dining from downtown to the ‘burbs.
- Frigid winters – Wondering how to survive a winter in Chicago? You wouldn’t want to forget your umbrella and jacket on a cold day in Chicago. The chilly season ranges from anywhere between 12°F to 31°F. This is partially because Lake Michigan drives strong winds through the city from October through May (but despite Chicago’s breezy nickname, the honor of ‘windiest city’ actually goes to Boston).
- Mixed springs – Spring temperatures in Chicago typically sit between 40°F to 60°F as the city shakes off its frigid chill. Although served with a helping of wind and rain, the spring shift is pleasant and welcome, prompting the city to repopulate its blooming parks and playgrounds.
Getting Around is a Breeze
An underrated perk of Chicago is its exceptional travel options. You can walk or cycle wherever you please without ending up off-road. The CTA’s L-trains and buses are often more convenient and sometimes faster than owning a car.
Here’s a quick rundown of getting around Chicago:
- Public transport – Chicago’s elevated train system, the “L”, can take you around the city and some suburbs for $2.50 a ticket.3 It’s reliable, cost-effective, and connects the best neighborhoods in Chicago and their attractions. Two of its lines, Red and Blue, even operate 24/7. You can also count on buses to take you practically anywhere in the city for even less.
- Driving – The abundance of public transport, taxicabs, and rideshare options—combined with mounting costs for car owners—limit the pros of driving your own vehicle. But if you do drive, the city’s grid layout makes navigation simple— when the traffic behaves, that is.
- Cycling – Strong investments in cycling infrastructure rank Chicago among the best U.S. biking cities year after year. Cyclists enjoy an all-access web of bike lanes and generously flat terrain. Although cycling in Chicago is stress-free, watch out for drivers who clog up cycle paths—and best not to brave any icy roads!
- Walking – Those who enjoy the serenity and scenery of a good stroll will feel right at home in Chicago. Residents vouch for the city’s walkability and, as city people, they don’t mind lacing up to get from A to B. Although, Chicago’s blocks are also bigger than, say, New York’s, so you might need to scale up your journey times. Still, the routes are great, and there’s always a bus or train nearby should you decide to switch it up.
Every Neighborhood Has A Story (And A Style)
Chicago’s neighborhoods are like a mesh of mini cities that are equally distinct in culture and appeal. So, whether you’re into art, food, architecture, or just people-watching, there’s a satiating experience to be had for all.
A few of the most notable neighborhoods include:
- The Loop – The beating heart of Chicago and its official downtown area where you’ll discover the Chicago Riverwalk and the Millenium Park Campus, home of Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”).
- West Town & Wicker Park – An artsy playground rife with quirky galleries, hip clubs, must-see museums, and diverse cuisines
- Lakeview – A stone’s throw from downtown and home to the Chicago Cubs stadium. This neighborhood features a popping nightlife scene with no shortage of shops and restaurants
- Lincoln Park & Old Town – A wildly popular area for its proximity to downtown Chicago and the lakefront, not to mention its all-star cast of attractions, like the Nature Museum, the Chicago Museum, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
- River North & Marina City – Considered the apex of Chicago’s architectural and cultural pull. Put simply, this district is a mecca for art and fashion enthusiasts.
- Near North Side & Gold Coast – Where the Magnificent Mile’s retail razzle-dazzle rubs elbows with the bygone allure of the Playboy Mansion.
Chicago Is a Bit More Expensive
The cost of living in Chicago is around 20% higher than the national average.4 While not as pocket-draining as New York or San Francisco, Chicago’s financial landscape has its peaks and valleys. Let’s break it down4:
- Rent – Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment can set you back about $2000, with two-bed options notching an extra $500. The cost between different neighborhoods, however, is vast.
- Utilities – Your average monthly utilities might cost around $150-$200 for a 900-square-foot apartment, which includes heat, electricity, cooling, water, and garbage—plus an extra $60 for high-speed internet.5
- Eating out (and in) – Chicago’s incredible food scene comes with a price tag: $20 for your average meal, jumping to $80 for a three-course dinner for two without drinks. Coffee clocks in at $4.50 and beer about $6. A no-thrills grocery shop will eat about $350 of your budget.
- Transit – Your car will slurp around $5.20 in gas per gallon. Parking meters also gobble about $7 an hour. Alternatively, the “L” train and CTA buses are at your service for $2.50 and $2.25 a ride, respectively. Or, you can choose the CTA’s unlimited ride option for $75 a month.
Although the city’s 10.25% sales tax won’t do your wallet any favors either, for young professionals looking to get the most bang for their buck, the Windy City presents a redeeming palette of activities and fun.
Chicago L-L-L-Loves Sports
Chicago is one of eleven U.S. cities with professional teams in all five major sports, so it’s hard not to catch sports fever. Whatever gets you out of your seat—dunks, touchdowns, or home runs—there’s a tribe waiting for you with their arms wide open, pint in one hand and foam finger on the other.
Get familiar with Chicago’s pro teams:
- Chicago Bulls – Michael Jordan’s dynasty might be long gone, but the United Center Stadium (America’s biggest) still brims with champion energy from the hardwood to the nosebleeds each NBA season.
- Chicago Cubs & Chicago White Sox – Two baseball teams occupy either end of the city but share an impassioned rivalry. North Side vs. South Side: take your pick.
- Chicago Blackhawks – The United Center can miraculously toggle from hardwood to ice rink to accommodate Chicago’s NHL team, the Blackhawks.
- Chicago Bears – Soldier Field becomes the place to be when the leaves start to fall. Die-hard football fans don navy and orange with love for “Da Bears” that runs as deep as Chicago-style pizza.
- Chicago Fire FC – Few soccer teams have fans quite like Fire FC. The club has been around for 25 years and you can’t go to a game without supporters choreographing tifo displays and an orchestra of call and response.
Your Taste Buds Won’t Be Bored
Chicago’s food scene demands its own stage. Here are a handful of offerings that Chi-Town uniquely nails:
- Deep-dish pizza – Local legends like Lou Malnati and Pequeono’s Pizza can pretty much guarantee the goods in this department. (Another can’t-miss cuisine these spots are known for is the Italian Beef Sandwich).
- Classic hot dogs – No longer a relic from the Great Depression, the Chicagoan hot dog comes traditionally ‘dragged through the garden’, with plenty of trail-blazing chefs shaking things up for the better. The Vienna Beef Factory Store is Chicago’s hot dog litmus test; they’ve been going since 1893 and supply most of the hot dogs in the city.
- (Seriously) fine dining – Forget a reservation at Dorsia—Chicago’s fine dining puts flavor first, with the presentation and wine lists to back it. Heavy hitters include the Oriole, Smyth, Boka, and the triple Michelin-star-garnished Alinea in Lincoln Park.
- Authentic ethnic eating – Chicago’s authentic ethnic cuisine reaches all corners of the planet and (your tastebuds will swear) beyond. Thai, Greek, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Indian, Ukrainian, you name it. You’ll find incredible ethnic restaurants scattered across the city in delectable abundance.
At this point, you may be wondering, “Should I move to Chicago for the food alone?”
It’s a valid question—nobody who’s tried it themselves would argue with you.
Make Your Move to Chicago with Common
Ready to give the Windy City a whirl? For as low as $708/month, you can join the community at Prairie by Common in the South Loop neighborhood. Private bedroom? Check. All utilities included? Yep—including high-speed WiFi. Plus, monthly cleaning, bike storage, a furnished rooftop, in-unit laundry, and community events.
Want to dial it up a little? Check out our other amazing options in Chicago. Each of our coliving and private apartments packs all the amenities you need to enjoy everything Chi-Town has to offer at prices more affordable than traditional rentals.
No matter your budget, Common will make coliving in Chicago a breeze. So, what are you waiting for? A new adventure (and a deep-pan pizza) awaits.
Sources:
- Chicago Tribune. Chicago’s population is declining, but it’s still the nation’s third most populous city, new census data shows. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-census-update-2023-20230518-i2de6f6oy5gsba3ahzgv2by2hq-story.html
- Weather Spark. Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Chicago. https://weatherspark.com/y/14091/Average-Weather-in-Chicago-Illinois-United-States-Year-Round
- Chicago Transit Authority. Fare Information. https://www.transitchicago.com/fares/
- PayScale. Cost of Living in Chicago, Illinois. https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Illinois-Chicago
- Expatisan. Cost of living in Chicago, Illinois, United States. https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/chicago