Moving to a new city is always an adventure.
When that city happens to be as dynamic and diverse as Chicago, there’s even more reason to get super excited.
But before you start dreaming about mounds of delicious deep dish pizza, here’s a bit of an introduction into some things you may not know about the Windy City.
Take it from us, we know Chicago like it’s nobody’s business.
We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and we’ve been helping buyers and sellers navigate every neighborhood in Chicago for the last 10 years. There’s a lot to love about the city, and if you’re thinking about moving to Chicago for the first time, we hope you find this article as useful as it was fun for us to put together.
And maybe we can grab a slice of that pizza afterwards too.
Here are 12 things you need to know about Chicago before moving to the city.
Let’s get started.
1. Neighborhood Diversity
You’ll find a wide variety of living experiences in Chicago, because the city offers 77 unique neighborhoods, each offering its own character, history, and vibe. Whether you want something trendy, historical, artsy, or anything else in between, Chicago surely has an area that’s perfect for you.
Here are some notable areas you can check out to start learning about Chicago:
- Wicker Park
- Bucktown
- Lincoln Park
- Beverly
- Hyde Park
- Pilsen
- River North
It also means that you really need to do your research before buying, so having a realtor that is knowledgeable on the entire city is so important.
2. Dibs On Winter Parking
Remember calling dibs on things you saw you first when you were a kid?
Well, it’s still kind of a thing in Chicago when it comes to parking spots in the winter. If someone shovels out a spot in the winter and then puts a chair or some other item there to mark it, it’s generally considered claimed.
Is this something that is actually enforceable by law?
Nope, but it’s part of Chicago culture and it still works to this day.
3. Weather Extremes
If there is one thing that most Chicagoans can agree upon, it’s that the weather is highly unpredictable and winters can get downright nasty. Part of this is due to the ‘lake effect’ that can cause sudden snowstorms.
Winters in Chicago can get brutally cold with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow, while summers can become scorching hot.
Be prepared for all four seasons and don’t skimp on buying some high quality winter gear. Don’t say we didn’t warn you first.
4. Cost Of Living
Being a big city, Chicago’s cost of living is higher than the national average. However, it’s much more affordable than cities like New York or San Francisco.
One of the benefits of buying real estate in Chicago is that housing prices can vary dramatically depending on the neighborhood, so there is a price point for every buyer.
If you know your budget, an experienced Chicago realtor will be able to find you something quite easily.
5. Public Transportation
If you’re a fan of public transportation, you’ll find Chicago’s transportation system robust and easy to navigate. The Chicago Transit Authority’s trains and buses give access to every part of the city, giving you reliable connectivity to wherever you need to go.
This means that if you plan on commuting to work without using a car, it’s possible. In fact, it’ll allow you to escape Chicago’s traffic and high parking costs.
6. Winter Parking Bans
Due to the frequent snow storms in the winter, it’s a priority for the city to make sure the roads are cleared as quickly as possible.
From December 1 to April 1, Chicago enforces overnight winter parking bans on some streets for the purpose of snow removal. These bans are in effect even if there is no snow.
If you’re not a fan of parking tickets or getting your car towed away in the night, we highly suggest you check all signs and understand the rules carefully where you park.
7. Architectural Legacy
One of the defining features of Chicago is its skyline. The city is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the U.S., such as the Willis Tower (which used to be known as the Sears Tower), and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower.
If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll appreciate that notable architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan shaped the city’s architectural landscape.
Beyond the famous high-rises, you’ll also see Chicago Bungalows, Greystones, and classic Brownstones around the city, contributing to the overall architectural diversity of the city.
8. Lakefront & Green Spaces
The Chicago shoreline is one of the city’s more beloved features, and runs 26 miles along the scenic shoreline of Lake Michigan. Here you will find stretches of parks, beaches, and bike paths that are extremely popular for outdoor enthusiasts in the summer months.
One of the highlights of the lakefront is an 18 mile multi-use path that runs along the water known as the Lakefront Trail. Aside from being an ideal area to enjoy jogging, cycling, or rollerblading, it also connects many of Chicago’s best parks and beaches.
And if you’re into picnicking, outdoor concerts, or cultural events, you’ll enjoy popular green spaces like Grant Park, Lincoln Park, and Millenium Park.
9. Culinary Scene
The culinary scene in Chicago is legendary, and you’ll find iconic local foods and diverse international cuisine that reflect the city’s rich cultural network.
Of course, you can’t come to Chicago and not indulge in the city’s deep dish pizza, a true Chicago original. You’ll find city residents don’t all agree on who makes the best deep dish pizza. Thankfully, there are a number of spots that are considered world class when it comes to making the best slice.
Hot dogs are also a big deal in Chicago. The classic Chicago-style hot dog comes “dragged through the garden” with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
But a word of warning first.
Never ask for ketchup on your hotdog in Chicago.
10. The Pedway System
This is the large 5 mile underground network of pedestrian walkways that connects more than 50 buildings, transit stations, and retail shops in the downtown Loop area.
When the weather above-ground is being pounded by rain or snow, this is the perfect way to travel through the downtown core and stay sheltered from the elements.
Popular entry points include the Daley Center, City Hall, and the Chicago Cultural Center, and you’ll find a variety of shops, small businesses, cafes all along the network.
11. Chicago Bungalow Belt
Between 1910 and 1940, Chicago built sturdy, brick homes that became an iconic part of Chicago’s housing landscape. They’re single-storey, typically with a sloping roof, large front windows, spacious basements, and decorative touches like limestone accents. These affectionately become known as the Chicago Bungalow.
These charming homes can be found in a crescent shaped area on the northwest and southwest sides of the city, and is known as the Bungalow Belt.
Today, the Chicago Bungalow Association helps homeowners preserve the historical integrity of these homes while offering grants and advice for modernizing them. These homes are a popular and affordable option for first-time homebuyers.
12. Local Festivals & Events
Chicago offers a year-round calendar of events and festivals that reflects its diverse cultures, music, and culinary traditions.
Every summer in Grant Park, you can enjoy the Taste Of Chicago, a massive food festival that features local and international cuisine, from food trucks to high-end restaurants.
If you’re a music buff, then you won’t want to miss the Chicago Blues Festival which is held annually at Millenium Park. The festival attracts top musicians from around the world. Best of all, it’s free!
Other notable events?
And there you have it!
We hope you’ve picked up a thing or two that you didn’t know about Chicago. It truly is a unique and culturally-rich city, and if you’re thinking about making it your home, give our team a shout and we’ll be happy to show you everything this wonderful city has to offer!
