Welcome to Chicago! From the Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park, the Willis Tower and the stunning Lake Michigan, this city has something for everyone. Chicago is a fantastic place to call home, offering the perks of big-city living without the overwhelming stress and high costs of some other cities. As the Midwest’s largest city, it boasts excellent public transportation, great job opportunities a rich mix of cultures and, of course, its famous hot dogs!
Whether you’re drawn to its impressive skyline or its diverse neighborhoods, Chicago is a top choice for young professionals eager to grow their careers or families ready to settle down. So, as you bid farewell to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, get ready to embrace the welcoming charm of the Windy City!
Benefits of Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago
More Affordable Living
One of the biggest perks of living in Chicago is enjoying all the advantages of a major city without the steep costs of places like Los Angeles or New York. Life in Chicago is about 35% cheaper than in L.A. For example, while rent in L.A. averages around $600 more per month than in Chicago, the real difference lies in home prices. In Los Angeles, the median home price is a whopping $830,000, but in Chicago, it’s much more reasonable at $513,000. This means owning a home isn’t just a dream here—it’s actually achievable!
Employment Opportunities
Chicago isn’t just for aspiring actors or actresses—it’s a city with opportunities for people in almost any profession. As one of the largest cities in the U.S. it’s home to major companies like Boeing, United Airlines, Walgreens, State Farm and Archer Daniels Midland. Chicago also thrives in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, IT and healthcare. Additionally, with its many colleges and universities, it’s an excellent place for those in education and research fields to grow their careers.
Beautiful Lake Michigan
While Chicago may not have the white sandy beaches of Los Angeles, it does offer stunning views of Lake Michigan. This massive lake provides not only breathtaking scenery but also plenty of fun water activities. In the summer, you can walk along the 30 miles of lakefront or spend the day boating, fishing or jet skiing. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of Chicago’s waterfront!
Easy to Navigate
Chicago is much easier to get around compared to the sprawling layout of Los Angeles. The city’s streets follow a simple grid system with numbered patterns, making it easy to figure out where you are and how far you are from downtown. Transportation is also more convenient in Chicago. While there’s some traffic during rush hour, it’s nothing like the gridlock on L.A. freeways. You can drive your own car or take advantage of the city’s reliable network of trains and buses.
Excellent Education
Chicago offers fantastic educational opportunities for all ages. The city has 335 public elementary, middle and high schools, along with over 1,100 private schools. For higher education, Chicago is home to 54 colleges and universities. Many of these institutions are nationally recognized including top-ranked high schools and prestigious colleges like the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois and Loyola University. There’s no shortage of quality education options in Chicago!
World-Class Sports
If you’re moving from Los Angeles, you already know what it’s like to live in a sports town. But Chicago takes it to the next level and is often called the Best Sports City in the U.S. The city is home to two MLB teams (the Cubs and White Sox), the NBA’s Bulls, the NFL’s Bears and the NHL’s Blackhawks. Chicagoans have a deep love for their teams and you’ll still see plenty of Michael Jordan tributes throughout the city. No matter the season, you’ll always find a bar or restaurant where you can enjoy a local game with fellow fans.
Great Food & Shopping
Chicago is famous for its food especially its world-renowned hot dogs. These tasty treats, loaded with unique toppings, are a must-try for both visitors and locals. Other favorites include deep-dish pizza, Polish sausage, gyros and a variety of authentic Italian dishes.
Beyond the food, Chicago is also a shopper’s paradise. Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile, is packed with retail stores, malls and specialty boutiques. For high-end designer shopping, head to Oak Street or check out State Street for discount stores and casual dining options. There’s something for everyone in Chicago’s food and shopping scene!
Cost of Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago
When planning a long-distance move, it’s important to understand how it will affect your budget. On average, moving from Los Angeles to Chicago costs around $3,248.40. However, the final cost depends on several factors, like the exact distance between your current and new home, the number of items you’re moving, any extra shipping needs and optional services like packing and unpacking. To get a clear idea of your costs, you can request a free quote tailored to your move.
How to Move from Los Angeles to Chicago
Long-distance moves can feel overwhelming but working with a reliable moving company can make the process much easier. Professional movers have the experience and tools needed to handle every aspect of your move efficiently. They can guide you through each step, so you can focus on settling into your new life in Chicago. To ensure a smooth move, it’s important to stay organized and choose a moving company you trust to handle the job right.
Contact Chicago Movers Near Me today and let us assist you in planning every detail of your move from start to finish. Get started now by requesting a free quote using our Instaquote tool!