Relocating to Chicago: My Experience and Tips for Newcomers

Well, hello! It’s been quite some time since I’ve sat down to write a real blog post. If I try to come up with a reason why, well, it won’t be anything more than a clever excuse, so let’s not even go there. A lot of life has happened; so much good, so much growth, and so much LIVIN’. And speaking of livin’, your girl (me) is now proud to be a Chicago local! That’s right baby, the Windy City is now where I lay my head and am setting roots.

There are so many reasons this city was calling me. Ever since I took my first trip here July 2023, it never really left my heart. I’ve lived in and visited so many great places and feel very lucky to say that, but the feeling Chicago gave me was just unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. If not for forever, I knew I needed to call this place home for a bit.

Now lets be real, Chicago isn’t for everyone. And making the most of this city truly comes down to finding the neighborhood that meets your needs. Chicago has 77 unique neighborhoods, each holding their own vibe and culture. I am living in River West, and in my opinion its as close to “The City” as I could want to be. There are more walkups and town homes than high-rises, but all of the convenience a girl could want. I have the Blue Line practically right outside of my door, a beautiful yoga studio, The Lab, just a 10 minute walk away, and within 15 minutes by car, foot, or train - every other humanly desire is within reach. Yes, this even means World Market. My dream. Chicago is a city that has so much history, the perfect amount of hustle and bustle, and truly, all walks of life. But, if you’re not keen on walking every damn day, and tend to value quiet, space, and easy parking, this city may not be for you. And yes, those winters are as cold and long as they say.

From a more practical note, Chicago made sense because it’s one of the few cities that have everything I love and need where buying a home was possible without over-stretching the bank account and becoming “house poor” as us jaded Millennials say. As someone who works remote, has quite a bit of free time, and had lived in Southern California my whole life, where its impossible to thrive without a car, I was craving a walkable city like non-other. If you’re here, you know I’m a big electronic music gal, and Chicago just cannot be beat there. So many festivals, clubs, and events within reach that it can honestly get overwhelming. And if you’re like me, always wanting to be on the move, that overwhelm is ideal. Wink wink.

It’s somehow already been 7 months living here, and yet I’m still as grateful as the first day. There’s so much opportunity here and I’m only really beginning to sink my teeth into it, honestly. I’ll have a follow up post here soon with some of my favorite spots my boyfriend and I have discovered this year, but for now, I want to leave you with a few tips and points of consideration if you are looking to make a move to my beloved city.

1. Research Chicago Neighborhoods Before You Move

Like I said earlier, there are so many rich and beautiful neighborhoods here, but they are all different. If you value lake-front views and park runs, you may want something different than someone who values bar crawls and vintage shopping. Definitely consult with a realtor or a close friend at the beginning of your journey to see what they think may be a good fit. Shoutout to my girl, Kir, who put me on to West Town. I’m forever grateful!

2. Prepare for Chicago Winters

They are the real deal. And from what I noticed in my first experience of winter here, people almost become shut-ins during the winter months, only to thaw out and start living life again in the spring months. Get a hobby, get a coat, and save some cash so you can treat yourself to a Winter escape or two when it gets too much to bear. On the flip side of this, make sure to live it up during the Summer months because that’s really going to fill your cup during the slower times of the year.

3. Budget for City Living Costs

Spending money in Chicago can happen really quickly, even if you are the most budget conscious freak there is. Free parking? Forget about it. Know that having a car will cost you, but the good news is they aren’t really necessary here unless you love a good shopping day. There are so many good places to grab a slice of pizza, or a delicious latte, and sometimes you’ve just got to do it. Give yourself a budget, or don’t - but make sure you don’t make it a habit to spend unconsciously because it can be very easy to do.

4. Get Out Of The House

it goes without saying, but the magic of Chicago can only really be felt when you’re putting yourself in the places to experience it. There are an almost endless supply of events here, many of them being free. Keep your finger on the pulse of the city by visiting event pages, connecting to your local Chamber of Commerce, and looking for the event creators and influencers in your city that make it all happen. If you’re into arts and culture, Creative Mornings and Chicago Cultural Affairs and Events put on some really great and thought-provoking gatherings in the city. If you’re an electronic music buff, Auris Presents basically runs this city and are constantly bringing the crème de la crème of DJs and producers to the city.

5. Find Your Third Space

In a city with so much to offer, it can often be hard to stay grounded in routine. So, really put in the effort to find the places, besides home, that give you safety and familiarity. I’ve already mentioned The Lab, which has become my favorite yoga studio in the city, but Barre3 West Loop is also a cherished part of my routine. Having a reliable coffee shop or bar where you can always count on good drinks and a welcoming staff makes it feel like home that much more.

So, if you ever find yourself wanting to visit, or move, to Chicago - hit me up. I’ve got a long list of recommendations that grows even longer by the day, and I would love to share them with you. Moving to Chicago from the West Coast was not a decision I ever expected to make, but sometimes the soul just needs a good shake up and some true city livin’ - and that’s exactly what I’m getting.

Much love!

Mia