Moving to Chicago

Chicago from Canal

If you’re planning on moving to Chicago, you’ve been scoping out apartments and figuring out where the best places to live, work, play, and eat are. There are great Chicago apartments all over the city, but choosing the right one can be a challenge without a good idea of what living in Chicago is really like. To help you get started, here is a guide that can help you choose the best apartment for you. Whether you call it the “Windy City,” the “Second City,” “Chicagoland,” or “Chi-Town,” these moving tips will make it easier for you to call Chicago “home.”

The Best Apartments in Chicago

Chicago has more than 200 unique neighborhoods, with 77 distinct community areas. The types of housing in these areas range in character from upscale brownstones to small studio apartments, and are spread throughout the city of Chicago proper as well as its suburbs. Lots of these areas are accessible by foot or public transit. Because of this, Chicago renters can choose from, for example central Chicago apartments in the Loop (downtown), the Gold Coast, or Printer’s Row; or neighborhoods like Oak Park, or Lake View East just outside the city and still be able to commute to the city or get around on foot with ease.

Chicago Statistics – Crime, Schools, Salary, and More

With a population of more than 2 million, a wide variety of employment opportunities, and a diverse population, Chicago has a lot to offer future residents. In addition to the Chicago Public Schools—of which there are over 600—Chicago has more than 20 universities and colleges, including Northwestern University, DePaul University, The University of Chicago, and the Chicago Art Institute. To get a full idea of the city’s statistics including types of schools, crime rate, and average salary, use an online community information tool.

Getting Around Chicago

The majority of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are friendly to residents without a car. Chicago earns a Walk Score of 75, meaning that it is very easy to travel the city by foot. The city earns a Transit Score of 65 thanks to a myriad of public transportation options run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), including the “L”, Chicago’s elevated train system; the Metra commuter rail system; and Pace, a city-wide bus and paratransit system. Residents seeking other mass transit options can also take advantage of Greyhound buses, Megabus buses, and trains running out of the Amtrak hub at Union Station. Those wishing to bike around Chicago will find it relatively easy; Chicago earns a Bike Score of 62.

What to Do in Chicago

Residents of Chicago will find that the city has lots to offer in terms of entertainment, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and cultural institutions. Want to spend some time outdoors? The Chicago Park District is an area that is home to more than 500 parks. Some of the city’s most prominent parks are located along the waterfront, including Lincoln Park, Grant Park, and Jackson Park. If you would prefer a trip to a museum, Chicago has hundreds of cultural institutions. The city is well-known for its assortment of art museums and science museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. For live entertainment, check out Chicago’s myriad of performance venues, which feature all kinds of comedy, theatre, opera, and dance. Notable choices include the Second City comedy troupe, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, and Steppenwolf Theatre.

Additional Resources

15 Tips for Apartment Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricanes can be devastating for you and your apartment. Here are 15 tips for apartment hurricane preparedness to help you stay safe, with ApartmentSearch.
4 Apartment Mold Symptoms That Should Worry You
Your apartment should be the place that refreshes your body and mind after a long day, not a place that makes you cough, sneeze, and wish you were somewhere else. Follow along as we outline the top apartment mold symptoms and the steps to take if you believe you're dealing with a mold problem.
Apartment Fire Safety 101: What to Do Before & After
Don't find yourself without the right information in an emergency like an apartment fire. Learn how to prepare, prevent, and act after an apartment fire.
Apartment Parking Safety & Etiquette Tips
Don’t let apartment parking ruin your day! Read these quick tips and tricks from ApartmentSearch to stay safe and stay respectful in the parking lot.
Apartment Rental Application Process
Don’t sweat the apartment rental application process. Follow these pointers and get the apartment of your dreams, with ApartmentSearch.
Apartment Safety and Security
Feel safe in your own apartment by following these tips on apartment safety and security from ApartmentSearch.
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Apartment Staging Tips
Staging a model apartment for renters to tour? Use our quick and easy guide to home staging for potential new tenants.
Student Furniture Rental
Want to outfit your new ApartmentSearch apartment with stylish, affordable furniture? Learn more about CORT’s rental furniture options.
The Benefits of CORT Furniture Rental for Military Members
Are you a military service member moving to a new home? CORT Furniture Rental is easy & convenient. Learn more!
What Is the CORT Personal Service Guarantee?
Renting furniture for your apartment? Choose a company that respects its clients. CORT Furniture Rental is dedicated to upholding its Personal Service Guarantee.
Why Rent Furniture Instead of Buying New?
"What's the advantage of furniture rental vs. buying new? Here are some situations in which renting furniture may make more sense for you.
5 Tips for Moving Apartments with Kids
Moving apartments can be hectic and exhausting. Add kids to the process and you’ve officially got a zoo on your hands. Make your big move as painless as possible with these FIVE tips for moving with kids, from ApartmentSearch!
A Guide to Apartment Lease Types
Don't know what type of apartment lease you need? ApartmentSearch goes over the different types of apartment leases to help you decide.
Apartment vs House: Which Should I Rent?
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of apartments vs. houses, ApartmentSearch can help! We'll walk you through the pros and cons of renting a house or apartment when it comes to cost, maintenance, flexibility, amenities, and lifestyle so that you can make the best choice for you.
Checklist for Moving to Another Country
Moving internationally? From figuring out furniture to getting health insurance, here's what you need to know to make your move as simple as possible.
Choose the Best Movers
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving for the first time or hopefully the last; if you don’t plan accordingly, relocation can be a logistical nightmare.
For Renters: Tenant Rights & Natural Disasters
What rights do tenants have after a natural disaster like a hurricane or flood? Find out if you're still responsible for paying rent, how renters insurance comes into play, and how you can make your next best move (aka find an apartment) with help from ApartmentSearch.
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