If you have considered moving to a large city for better job opportunities you may be trying to decide which city. If you have never lived in a large city, or alone, then you might have reservations or concerns. Moving to Chicago is not for everyone. It is the third-largest city so people who like small-town life would likely feel out of place living in the fast-paced city.
If you are someone who wants to embrace all that the big-city has to offer, then weighing the pros and cons of the move before you commit yourself is the right thing to do.
Pros of Moving to Chicago
- The city is full of job opportunities, especially in the areas of education, manufacturing, commerce, and broadcasting.
- Getting around the city is usually easy because most places are only a short distance from where you are.
The city offers a train and bus system that is the second largest in all of the United States. It is a fast way to get around, and it is economically priced.
- Chicago has the distinction of being home to 15 sports teams. The Bulls, the Bears, and the Cubs are all a part of the windy city.
- The food is diverse and delicious. This is one of the greatest cities in the world for dining experiences.
- It is the ninth richest city in the world and a business center.
- They dye the river green for St. Patrick’s Day.
- They are home to Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is home to the only river in the world that flows backward.
- The city has 500+ parks for residents to enjoy. They also have bird sanctuaries and conservatives.
- They have multiple airports. All of those business people and sports fans have to have an airport to travel from.
- They are home to the infamous shopping mile.
- They have a tool to borrow libraries.
Cons of Moving to Chicago
- Notorious gangsters like Al Capone and John Dillinger called the city home. There are still more than 60 active street gangs in the city, and in 2018 alone there were 550 reported murders.
- The cost of living in the city is higher than the cost of living in smaller rural communities. The average cost of living in this city is 20% more than the national average.
- They are not just the third-largest city they have the third-highest amounts of traffic. Finding parking that is free is almost impossible, and driving from one location to another can take longer than walking there does.
- Summers are hot and humid and the winters are brutally cold and snow-filled
- Where you live in the city defines who you are. This is not always a con because many people are proud of their heritage and do not mind showing off that they live in the north where jazz and baseball are the favorite things, or in the west where the Mexican culture is dominant.
Final Thoughts
Living in the windy city is a great experience. The people are hard-working and they actually do everything they can to help their neighbors. The food and entertainment are delightful, and it is very hard to be bored in this city.
Before you make your mind up about living in Chicago try visiting for a few days.
