Moving from New York City to Chicago
New York City is the city where dreams are made and certainly has plenty of great things to offer, but if you have decided to move to Chicago you won’t be disappointed. There are many similarities between these two metropolises but there are also some differences that really make Chicago stand out. Aside from its delicious pizza and fantastic pro sports teams, Chicago residents enjoy a great quality of life thanks to the many amenities offered by this large city. If you are trading in the Big Apple for the Windy City, read on to discover the many benefits that await in the great city of Chicago and tips to help with your relocation.
Benefits of Moving from New York to Chicago
Moving from NYC to the Midwest is a big step and will definitely require a change of lifestyle but there are plenty of reasons to love Chicago. Residents get to enjoy big city living at a much more affordable price and they don’t have to deal with bustling New Yorkers and crowded streets everywhere they go. There are tons of benefits to living in Chicago and here’s everything you need to know.
Lower Cost of Living
The first thing New Yorkers will notice when they arrive in Illinois is how affordable it is. It’s no secret that New York City is one of the most expensive places to live, so the rental prices in Chicago will be a pleasant surprise. The median gross rent in NYC is $1086 while it is only $886 in Chicago. In addition to the lower price tag, many Chicago condos come with fabulous amenities such as pools, tennis courts, and gyms...a far cry from what you can expect in New York. Real estate prices are also much cheaper in Chicago. Some of the nicest condos in the heart of the city are priced around $600/square foot whereas this same style condo in NYC would cost you a staggering $6000/square foot. Aside from real estate costs, you can expect cheaper groceries, utilities, and healthcare costs in Chicago as well.
Transportation
Chicago’s Public Transit Authority is the second largest in the country and consists of eight “L” trains that run above the city. This makes for a smooth commute to and from work for residents. In addition to public transit, the city also has a bus system that runs through all regions of the city. Unlike NYC where residents solely depend on public transportation, most Chicago residents also own their own vehicle and prefer to drive themselves. Walking and biking are also options when the weather allows.
Strong Job Market
Thanks to its location in the Midwest, Chicago has developed a strong transportation industry. Railroad, shipping, warehousing, and truck lines are major employers in this area. The city also has the second largest printing and publishing industry next to New York. Furthermore, the city is a major hub for banking, finance, insurance, and commodities trading. This means that Chicago has a strong job market across a range of industries for qualified professionals.
Beautiful Scenery
NYC has an incredible skyline but for those looking for a bit more green space and open-air views Chicago is definitely the place. While Chicago still has an impressive skyline of its own, the city also has a gorgeous lakefront along Lake Michigan. There are over 20 miles of parks and beaches located right in the heart of the city which provides a stunning backdrop to the city skyline. Residents can take a break from their work and easily enjoy a stroll along the water.
Excellent Higher Education
Chicago is home to a number of outstanding colleges and universities giving its residents easy access to some of the most prestigious schools. Among these schools are the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois, Loyola University, and Illinois Institute of Technology.
Great Entertainment
If you are moving from “the city that never sleeps” than you will certainly have high expectations when it comes to entertainment. Chicago is ready to rival NYC with loads of things to do and access to outdoor recreation that is not available in New York. The Windy City is famous for its world-class restaurants, cafes, bars, and exciting nightlife. The city also boasts impressive museums, art galleries, and parks. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on one of the many professional sports teams in the city including the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Blackhawks. The gorgeous coastline also gives residents a unique opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation such as boating, sailing, biking, jet-skiing, jogging, and kayaking.
Cost of Moving from New York to Chicago
The average cost to move from New York to Chicago is around $2500-$4000. The average cost to move with Allied is $2190.49 Of course there are many variables that determine the exact cost such as the number of items being moved, exact distance of the move, additional packing and unpacking services, and special shipping and handling requirements. In order to get the most accurate quote start by using our Instaquote listed above.
How to Move from New York to Chicago
These two cities are roughly 800 miles apart so it will definitely take some planning and organization to carry out a smooth and successful move. Moving such a long distance can be challenging and stressful and that’s why it is helpful to hire a professional mover to assist you with your relocation. Allied has more than 90 years of experience and is among the most trusted names in the moving industry. We know exactly what it takes to accomplish a long distance move and we are ready to help you every step of the way. From our full-service packing and unpacking options to our professional transportation services, we are prepared to work hard so you can focus on beginning your new life in Chicago.
Call today to learn more about how Allied can help customize your move or start by getting a free quote with our Instaquote.