Moving To And Living In Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, Illinois — the “Windy City,” “Chi-Town,” and home of deep-dish pizza arguments that have ruined friendships since 1943. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago blends world-class architecture, historic neighborhoods, incredible food, and one of the most dynamic economies in the United States.
Known for its iconic skyline, championship sports teams, legendary blues and jazz history, and neighborhoods that each feel like their own small city, Chicago remains one of the most exciting places to live in America.
From the towering skyscrapers of The Loop to the tree-lined streets of Lincoln Park and the artsy vibe of Wicker Park, Chicago offers a lifestyle that mixes big-city opportunity with strong neighborhood identity.
Today, Chicago continues to attract professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and families drawn to its diverse economy, cultural energy, lakefront lifestyle, and incredible food scene.
2026 Demographics & Population
Chicago remains one of the largest and most influential cities in the United States.
Population (2020 Census): ~2.7 million residents
Estimated 2026 population: ~2.75 million residents
Chicago Metro Population: ~9.5 million residents
Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the country, with a population mix of:
• ~33% White
• ~29% Hispanic / Latino
• ~29% Black
• ~7% Asian
• ~2% Other
Chicago is also one of the most common relocation origin cities for people moving to:
• Charlotte
• Nashville
• Tampa
• Austin
• Raleigh
Many relocation guides mention that Chicago residents frequently move south for warmer weather and lower taxes.
Learn more about relocating from Chicago to the Southeast:
https://www.census.gov
Weather & Climate
Chicago has a continental climate, which locals lovingly describe as:
“Beautiful for four months… and a character-building experience the rest of the year.”
Summers in Chicago are warm and lively, with temperatures typically in the 70s–80s°F. The lakefront becomes the center of the city during this time with beaches, festivals, and outdoor events nearly every weekend.
Winters, however, are famously cold. Temperatures often fall into the 20s–30s°F, with occasional snowstorms and strong winds coming off Lake Michigan.
Spring and fall are stunning seasons with colorful foliage, comfortable temperatures, and perfect walking weather.
Despite the cold winters, Chicago’s lakefront parks and beaches provide nearly 20 miles of waterfront recreation throughout the year.
Weather resource:
https://www.weather.gov
Jobs & Economy
Chicago has one of the most diverse economies in the United States, with major industries including:
• finance
• logistics
• healthcare
• manufacturing
• technology
• food production
• transportation
The city is home to major global corporations such as:
Boeing
https://www.boeing.com
United Airlines
https://www.united.com
McDonald's
https://www.mcdonalds.com
Walgreens Boots Alliance
https://www.walgreensbootsalliance.com
Chicago is also a major financial hub thanks to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and Chicago Board of Trade.
Economic development resource:
https://www.worldbusinesschicago.com
Schools & Education
Chicago is served by Chicago Public Schools (CPS), one of the largest school districts in the United States.
The city offers:
• neighborhood public schools
• magnet schools
• charter programs
• selective enrollment schools
Highly regarded schools include:
Walter Payton College Prep
Whitney Young Magnet High School
Northside College Prep
Chicago is also home to several universities including:
University of Chicago
https://www.uchicago.edu
Northwestern University
https://www.northwestern.edu
DePaul University
https://www.depaul.edu
University of Illinois Chicago
https://www.uic.edu
These universities bring a strong academic and research presence to the city.
Utilities & Government Services
City services are managed by the City of Chicago municipal government.
City Hall
121 N LaSalle St
Chicago, IL 60602
City services website:
https://www.chicago.gov
Electric utilities are typically provided by:
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)
https://www.comed.com
Natural gas services:
Peoples Gas
https://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com
Water services are provided by the Chicago Department of Water Management.
Safety & Emergency Contacts
Emergency services: 911
Chicago Police Department
https://home.chicagopolice.org
Chicago Fire Department
https://www.chicago.gov/cfd
Chicago is divided into multiple police districts covering the city’s neighborhoods.
DMV & Driving
Driver licensing and vehicle registration services are handled through the Illinois Secretary of State.
Illinois DMV services:
https://www.ilsos.gov
Chicago traffic can be busy during rush hours, but the city also offers one of the best public transportation systems in the country.
Transportation
Chicago’s public transit system includes:
CTA trains (“The L”)
https://www.transitchicago.com
Metra commuter rail
https://metra.com
City bus network
Many residents rely on public transit to commute to downtown offices.
Chicago is also one of the most walkable major cities in the United States.
Recreation & Things to Do
Chicago has an incredible list of attractions and activities.
Millennium Park
https://www.chicago.gov/millenniumpark
Home of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (“The Bean”).
Navy Pier
https://navypier.org
Popular for lake views, restaurants, and events.
Chicago Riverwalk
https://www.chicagoriverwalk.us
A scenic waterfront promenade filled with cafes and bars.
Lake Michigan Beaches
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Residents can enjoy sandy beaches right in the city.
Historic Neighborhoods & Culture
Chicago is famous for neighborhoods that feel like their own cities.
Popular areas include:
Lincoln Park
Wicker Park
Lakeview
Logan Square
River North
West Loop
Each neighborhood offers its own mix of restaurants, nightlife, architecture, and local culture.
Chicago is also the birthplace of:
• deep dish pizza
• Chicago blues
• house music
Food resources:
https://www.choosechicago.com
Top Apartment Buildings in Chicago
Here are ten popular apartment buildings and communities in Chicago.
One Chicago
https://www.onechicago.com
Wolf Point East
https://www.wolfpointeast.com
NEMA Chicago
https://www.nemachicago.com
The Hudson
https://www.thehudsonchicago.com
Marina City Apartments
https://www.marinacityonline.com
The Parker Fulton Market
https://www.theparkerchicago.com
The Streeter
https://www.thestreeterchicago.com
The Sinclair
https://www.sinclairchicago.com
The Gallery on Wells
https://www.galleryonwells.com
Arkadia West Loop
https://arkadiawestloop.com
These apartment communities are located in popular downtown neighborhoods like River North, the Loop, West Loop, and Streeterville.
Festivals & Community Events
Chicago hosts some of the largest festivals in the country.
Lollapalooza
https://www.lollapalooza.com
Chicago Air & Water Show
https://www.chicago.gov/airandwater
Taste of Chicago
https://www.tasteofchicago.us
Chicago Blues Festival
https://www.chicago.gov/bluesfest
During summer, it feels like there is a festival somewhere in Chicago every weekend.
Local Highlights
Chicago is famous for:
• deep dish pizza
• Chicago-style hot dogs (no ketchup allowed)
• world-class architecture
• lakefront beaches
• passionate sports fans
Residents enjoy cheering for:
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Chicago Bears
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Blackhawks
Sports are practically a city religion in Chicago.
Helpful Quick Links
City of Chicago
https://www.chicago.gov
Chicago tourism and relocation guide
https://www.choosechicago.com
Illinois DMV services
https://www.ilsos.gov
Chicago Public Schools
https://www.cps.edu
Chicago Park District
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Final Tips for New Residents
✔ Try both deep dish and tavern-style pizza before picking sides.
✔ Walk the Chicago Riverwalk at sunset — it’s one of the best skyline views in America.
✔ Explore the neighborhoods — every area has its own personality.
✔ Don’t complain about winter unless you’ve survived at least one Chicago February windstorm.
Welcome to Chicago — a city that locals proudly call “The City of Big Shoulders.”
Moving to Chicago? Find the best movers in Chicago here. Popular places people are moving to and from Chicago:
