Moving to a new city is both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it's as big and diverse as Chicago. I recently made the move from New York to Chicago, and one of the biggest challenges I faced was figuring out which neighborhood would be the right fit for me. Chicago has so much to offer, and each area has its own unique vibe. So, if you're in the same boat and trying to find your perfect Chicago neighborhood, here's how I managed to do it in just 7 days.
Day 1: Research
The first step is to gather as much information as possible. I spent my first day diving into Chicago's neighborhoods online. Sites like Yelp, Reddit, and local blogs were incredibly helpful in getting a sense of what each area is like. I looked up crime rates, school districts (even though I don’t have kids, it still matters), and amenities like grocery stores, parks, and gyms.
But beyond statistics, I wanted to know what living in each neighborhood felt like. I watched YouTube videos, read articles, and scrolled through Instagram geotags to see what locals were sharing. It gave me a better idea of the community vibe, which numbers alone can’t capture.
Day 2: Make a List of Must-Haves
Once I had a general idea of what Chicago had to offer, I sat down and made a list of my priorities. For me, being close to public transportation was non-negotiable. I don’t own a car and didn’t plan on getting one, so proximity to the L train was crucial. I also wanted to be near green spaces and in a neighborhood with a mix of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Your must-haves might be different. Maybe you need a family-friendly area with good schools, or you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene. Whatever it is, write it down. This list will help you narrow down your options.
Day 3: Explore in Person
On the third day, I started visiting neighborhoods in person. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and each has its own distinct personality. I spent a few hours in each area, walking around, grabbing a coffee, and trying to imagine what it would be like to live there.
Some areas I thought I’d love didn’t click with me once I saw them in person, while others that weren’t initially on my radar surprised me. For example, I didn’t think I’d like Logan Square because I heard it was too hipster, but I ended up really loving the laid-back vibe and the local farmers' market.
Day 4: Check Out the Commute
One of the things that can make or break your experience in a new city is the commute. On day four, I tested out the commute from the neighborhoods I liked the most to where I would be working. I tried both rush hour and non-rush hour times to see how long it would actually take.
This was an eye-opener for me. What looked like a quick 20-minute ride on Google Maps turned out to be nearly 45 minutes during rush hour from some neighborhoods. That’s a significant chunk of your day, so it’s worth checking out.
Day 5: Talk to Locals
After narrowing down my list, I spent day five talking to people who already lived in the neighborhoods I was considering. I struck up conversations in coffee shops, parks, and bars. People in Chicago are generally friendly and more than happy to share their experiences and insights.
I learned a lot about the day-to-day life in these neighborhoods that you can’t find online. For example, a local told me about a great hidden gem of a bakery in Ravenswood, which I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. These little details can really help you make a decision.
Day 6: Consider the Costs
On day six, I focused on the practical side of things: cost of living. Chicago can be surprisingly affordable compared to New York, but there’s still a wide range in rental prices depending on the neighborhood.
I did some calculations to see how much I could comfortably spend on rent without stretching my budget too thin. I looked up rental listings in the areas I liked and compared them with my budget. This helped me eliminate a few options that were just too expensive.
Day 7: Make Your Decision
By the seventh day, I had all the information I needed to make a decision. I weighed the pros and cons of each neighborhood I visited and thought about how each one matched up with my list of must-haves.
In the end, I chose Ravenswood. It had a good mix of everything I was looking for: a quieter, more residential feel with enough local businesses to keep things interesting, and a reasonable commute to work. Plus, it was within my budget, which sealed the deal.
Bonus Tip: Moving Day
Once I made my decision, it was time to plan the move. I had a few friends recommend Movers Not Shakers, and they made the whole process a lot easier. I liked that they were upfront about costs and didn’t spring any hidden fees on me, which can be a big concern when moving from New York to Chicago. The move itself went smoothly, and it was one less thing to stress about.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect neighborhood in Chicago isn’t easy, but it’s definitely doable with a little planning and a lot of exploring. By the end of my 7-day quest, I felt confident that I’d made the right choice. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and each one has something special to offer. With a bit of effort, you’ll find the one that’s perfect for you, too.