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Chicago might not get the same attention as New York or LA but the city certainly deserves it. It’s the third-largest city in the United States and a global center for finance, tech, and commerce. Chicago helped define the modern skyscraper, serves as a central transportation hub, and has deep cultural roots.
Is Chicago or the greater Chicagoland area — including Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, and Kane counties — your destination? If so, this Chicagoland Moving Guide, brought to you by NSA Storage, provides in-depth information to make your upcoming move successful. Read on to prepare yourself before you arrive in the Windy City!
The Economy in Chicagoland is Diverse and Robust
Much like New York City and Los Angeles, Chicagoland is a major financial center with many world-class employers. The area is also a logistics powerhouse thanks to its central location and strong rail and road access. Tech growth is strong here, especially downtown and in the region’s River North district.
Below are some of the highlights of this powerful city’s economic might:
- Chicagoland’s transportation infrastructure is robust, with CTA trains and buses, the Metra commuter rail, and several major interstate highways.
- The Chicago Mercantile Exchange is a key part of the city’s identity and one of the world’s most important financial institutions.
- Major employers in Chicagoland include Fortune 500 companies like McDonald’s, Walgreens, Northwestern Mutual, Caterpillar, and Abbott Laboratories.
- Large hospital and research ecosystems are also located here, including Rush, UChicago Medicine, and Northwestern Medicine.
One important thing to know is that, like many major metro areas, commuting times in Chicagoland can be rough. The city’s core commute times average around 40 minutes, while a trip to the suburbs can take 50+ minutes.
Arts and Culture in Chicagoland
The arts and cultural scene in Chicagoland is dazzling. From world-class art museums and institutions to a vibrant blues and jazz scene, there’s plenty to explore. The area rivals other great American cities and offers something for every taste.
If you’re a patron of the arts, love jazz, or adore Broadway shows, Chicago’s art scene will be a revelation:
- Stunning architecture and rotating exhibits are on display at the Chicago Cultural Center, which is free to the public.
- The Steppenwolf Theatre Company offers Tony Award-winning shows.
- One of the world’s largest museums, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, calls Chicagoland home.
- Millennium Park is the site of exciting outdoor concerts and the world-famous Cloud Gate, better known as “The Bean”.
- You can gaze at the iconic American Gothic and other famous works of art at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Among all of these cultural pleasures is one that genuinely stands out – Chicago’s jazz and blues scene. Since the early part of the 20th century, Chicagoland has been a musical hotspot. If you adore either genre, visiting legendary venues like Green Mill Cocktail Lounge and Kingston Mines is a must. And don’t forget the Chicago Blues Festival and Chicago Jazz Festival, both of which are stellar.
Chicagoland Delivers Strong Financial Value
If you’re like most folks, cost of living is always top-of-mind. The good news is that, compared to other major metro areas, Chicagoland is moderately affordable. Yes, it’s above the national average, but still below cities like New York or San Francisco. Things get even more affordable outside of the city, especially in Joliet, Naperville, and Aurora.
Take a look at Chicagoland’s cost of living facts below to get a better idea of how it compares:
- Median home prices in the city of Chicago hover around $305,000. Suburban homes vary widely depending on the county.
- One-bedroom apartments downtown rent for $1,700–$2,200 per month. Like housing, the suburbs are more affordable, with typical rents falling between $1,000–$1,500.
- Electricity and water costs are around the national average. However, due to Chicagoland’s frigid winters, expect gas and electric prices to spike.
- An extensive public transportation system can reduce car expenses, but parking and gas in the city can be pricey.
- Grocery costs are slightly above the national average.
- Healthcare costs are moderately higher than national averages, but those expenses are offset by access to world-class care.
Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%, which is moderate compared to major coastal cities. However, Chicago’s combined sales tax (around 10.25%) is higher than most U.S. cities. If you’re coming from a state with no income tax, expect Chicagoland to have a bigger impact on your budget.
Chicago is a Pro Sports Powerhouse
Chicago is one of the few cities with pro teams in all four major sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. The city also has a winning tradition, with many major titles and championships. Fans here are fiercely loyal, and Chicagoland has several big-time rivalries with other cities.
The list below should easily convince you that, when it comes to pro sports, Chicagoland is a major player:
- The Chicago Bears of the NFL are one of the league’s oldest franchises and have had several Hall of Fame players. Their Super Bowl win in 1985 over the New England Patriots was electrifying thanks to Walter Payton and Mike Singletary.
- Wrigley Field is easily one of the country’s most celebrated stadiums, and home of MLB’s legendary Chicago Cubs.
- Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman dominated the NBA during the 1990’s, winning six championships for the Chicago Bulls!
- Chicagoland is a hockey town! The Chicago Blackhawks have six Stanley Cup championships to show for it, cementing their hockey legacy.
- Historic rivalries like Bears vs. Packers, Cubs vs. White Sox, and Bulls vs. Knicks fill the city with excitement.
One of the best features of Chicago’s sports scene is that several stadiums are along Lake Michigan or near downtown. For fans, that means amazing game day scenery and excellent access to their favorite teams.
The Weather in Chicagoland Can be Unpredictable
Like most northern cities, you’ll experience all four seasons in Chicagoland. Winter, however, can be brutally cold and often lasts longer than in many other U.S. cities. That’s due in part to the “Lake Michigan Effect,” which can intensify snowfall. Ironically, that same effect can also make fall milder and more enjoyable.
If you’re coming from a southern location, the following weather notes will help you prepare:
- The city and metro area typically see annual snowfall of 35–40 inches.
- Subzero wind chills are relatively common, making it seem even colder.
- The temperature can change rapidly here, with swings of 30–40 degrees in just a few days, sometimes even overnight.
- Many consider fall to be the best season, thanks to milder temps and breathtaking foliage.
- It’s not unusual for major winter storms to disrupt the entire area. Construction companies, for example, plan their projects around the weather in Chicagoland.
- Summer can be quite humid thanks to Lake Michigan, with heat indexes climbing into the 90s.
For newcomers, it’s important to be well-prepared and accept the fact that, sometimes, your plans will be forced to change.
Chicago Outdoor Recreation and Sports
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, Chicagoland will not disappoint. There’s something for everyone here, from boating and biking to horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
Below are some of the fun outdoor activities you can enjoy in the area:
- Boating, fishing, and other water sports on Lake Michigan and the Chicago and Des Plaines Rivers.
- Over 300,000 acres of suburban green spaces, with miles of trails and plenty of spots for camping and fishing.
- The elevated 606 Trail, which is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking.
- Beaches on Lake Michigan, including North Avenue, Oak Street, and Montrose Beach.
- The Lakefront Trail, which provides 18+ miles of paved paths along Lake Michigan.
Considering the area’s long, snowy winters, it’s no surprise that cold-weather recreation is also popular. Ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in scenic forest preserves will give you plenty of opportunities to stay active.
Need to Store Your Belongings in Chicagoland? NSA Storage Can Help
Depending on your situation, storing your belongings might be necessary when you arrive in Chicago. Maybe you haven’t yet found your new home, or you’re moving into a small apartment while you search. Whatever the case, NSA Storage offers secure, convenient solutions throughout the Chicagoland area.
Our safe, secure Chicago storage facilities can be found all around the area, and in various sizes. You can reserve Chicagoland storage units online or do it in person, giving you flexibility and peace of mind during your move.
