Moving to Chicago? Dibs, Divvy, Chicago Dogs
Last Modified: January 10, 2026
Are you tired of reading Chicago moving guides that lack first-hand experience and are full of census stats and zero soul? Life in Chicago can't be summarized by only looking at February vs. July average temperatures (insider tip: it only feels so cold when it's windy) or stats about which spot has the best Italian Beef (a distinction I won't be so bold to make, either). If you love bike rides on the lakefront, neighborhoods that each have their own charm, and a food scene that may even have you adding on a few pounds for the winter (we joke), the Windy City might be calling you home. Our moving guide will prepare you for the good (beaches you'll forget border a lake and jaw-dropping architecture) and the bad (a February that overstays its welcome), so you'll actually know what it's REALLY like to live, work, and play in Chicago.
Snappy Summary: Chicago delivers culture, a food scene that can't be beat, music for all, career opportunities, the lakefront, and real neighborhood character. This is balanced, however, by brutal winters, higher taxes, rent prices that fluctuate, and plenty of traffic and parking stress. People still flock to find big city opportunities with living costs lower than the coasts, an easy-to-join social scene, and daily access to parks, beaches, and that stunning skyline.
Still deciding whether Illinois is your speed overall? Our moving to Illinois guide breaks down the bigger picture beyond Chicago.
Hey, I'm Anna
I landed in Chicago after a string of moves that included San Diego (goodbye sunshine and beach days), London, Santiago, and a ship at sea. I live in the Loop for strategic reasons, not just the vibes. I quickly discovered that Midwest nice is a real thing and I'm adapting. I’ve even given up being a vegetarian... the constant temptation of Chicago dogs was just too strong. And pepperoni on the tavern style pizza (no, not the deep-dish kind) is a game changer. At Snappy Scout, I bring local insight, travel perspective, and a very real understanding of why Illinois surprises people who think they already know it.
Anna ShoultzIllinois Local Expert
Most Likely Personalities to Love (or Hate) Chicago
Is Chicago right for me? If you're a Run Club Lover, Wine Bar Regular, or Sports Fan, you'll thrive in the adult playground that is the Second City. If you're a Surfer, Cowboy, or need the mountains to survive, you'll miss some things that might just make this not your place. Find out who Chicago is and is NOT for in the list below.
- Adventure Junkie – 95% Lakefront Trail Bike Rides, Sunset Runs on the 606 Trail, Free Outdoor Pilates and Yoga.
- Foodie – 94% Cafe Ba Ba Reeba Patatas Bravas, Little Victories Chicken Caesar Wrap.
- Craft Beer Fan – 92% Goose Island Brewing Co., Dovetail Brewery, Picnics on Montrose Harbor with Daisy Cutter.
- Coffee Snob – 89% Intelligentsia Black Cat, Cafetón Pop-Ups, Dark Matter A Love Supreme, Connie's Coffee.
- Hipster – 86% Mom's Place Karaoke, Wednesdays at The Hideout, Zine Fests.
- College Student – 85% UIC Blue Line Hops, Late-Night Pequod's, Quad Hammocks.
- Vintage Thrifter – 83% Pilsen Stoop Sales, Village Discount Finds, Wicker Vintage House Hauls.
- Farmer's Market Regular – 82% Green City Peaches, Printer's Row Produce, Reusable Bag Flexing.
- Dog Momma – 81% Montrose Dog Beach, Pup Social, Parson's Pup Cups.
- Tech Bro – 78% 1871 demos, Divvying Between Standups, West Loop Sushi.
- Yoga Instructor – 72% Maggie Daley Sunrise Flows, Chill Chai at Chiya, Outdoor Flows at Namastate of Mind.
- CrossFit Regular – 68% Boystown Boxes, Rowers, and WODs Before Brunch.
- Creative Community Builder – 66% CA Film Lab Pop-Ups, The Market Shop Event, Ladies Who Lit Book CLub.
- PTA President – 62% Block Party Permits, CPS Forums, Sweet Mandy B's Bribes.
- Stay at Home Mom – 60% Oz Park Swings, Peggy Notebaert Butterflies, Weekdays at the Field Museum.
- Gamer – 64% I/O Arcade Tournaments, Emporium Quarters, Winter Nights at Kibbitznest.
- Binge Shopper – 74% Nordstrom Scores, Fashion Outlets Hauls, Bag Tax Penance.
- Beach Bum – 56% North Avenue Summers, Followed by Months of Parka Penance.
- DIYer – 58% Home Depot Ashland Runs, Rebuilding Exchange Treasure Hunts.
- Garden Club Lifetime Member – 54% Lurie Garden Workshops, Garfield Conservatory Palm Reprieves.
- Wall Street Exec – 49% CME Pits Nostalgia, RPM Steakhouse Dinners, Smaller Bonuses.
- Retired Military – 46% VA Lakeside, Regimented Metra, VFW Fish Fry Nights.
- Retired Snowbird – 28% Lake Michigan Winds That Mock your Arizona Lease.
- Surfer Dude – 5% Waves? Try Windsurfing Montrose, then Cry all of February.
- Cowboy – 8% Lincoln Park Farm, Cowboy Boots... but Only at Lottie's.
- Homesteader – 12% Backyard Chickens? Good Luck Getting Your Landlord to Approve THAT.
Real Estate
A Local's Guide to Chicago, IL Real Estate
You've gotta live somewhere... right? From Bucktown hidden gems to South Loop lofts, a Logan Square walk-up to Gold Coast limestones, and even Lakefront Penthouses, Chicago has a variety of ways to make a home. We're going to help you find the right spot for YOU.
Home Prices: Fluctuate block-by-block, but go down as you migrate further from downtown.
Homes in Chicago are Typically: Solid Brick, Radiator Heated, Creaky Floored, with More Stairs than your Fitbit Bargains for.
The Dream House Is: A Lakefront Greystone with a Rooftop Deck, Personal Garage, and on the Chicago Marathon Cubs Route.
The Reality is That it Will Most Likely Be: A Sunny Victorian with Vintage Radiators, Street Parking, and Proximity to Costco Making Up for Chipped Ceiling Paint..
I'll Live Anywhere Except: Next to the 'L' Curve Squeal or Directly Under an O'Hare Flight Path.
As Long As I'm Close To: The Lakefront Trail, a CTA Stop, and Italian Beef Within Stumbling Distance.
Stereotypical Architecture Is: Chicago Bungalow, Stoic Greystone, Streeterville Glass Box, Courtyard Walk-up with Gossiping Pigeons.
Sought After Views: Lake Michigan Lights, Twinkly Skyline Seen from Lincoln Park, or Wrigley Fireworks from your Miracle Rooftop.
HOAs Around Here Are: Condo Boards with Potluck Energy and Surprise Assessments that arrive like Lake Effect Snow.
Compared to Where I'm Moving From, Housing Costs Are: Cheaper than Brooklyn, Pricier than Iowa, Property Taxes Rising Like Our Hope for A Bears Playoff Game.
Commonly Overlooked or Misunderstood Housing-Related Cost: Special Assessments, Winter Heating, City Vehicle Sticker, Permit Parking, and Heroic Gutter Cleaning.
Before Buying a House, I Wish I'd Known: Tuckpointing Matters, Sump Pumps Save Basements, and Alley Snow Dibs Are to be Respected.
Renting vs Buying: Rent for Skyline and Spontaneity, Buy for Bungalows, Block Parties, and Mailbox Keys of Your Own.
Chicago, IL Neighborhoods From Local Hidden Gems To Bustling Streets
Find the Chicago neighborhood that truly feels like home — start with our Chicago neighborhood guide to compare the neighborhood level quirks and perks. Not sure which neighborhood fits you best? Take our Chicago neighborhood quiz to narrow it down.
The Loop
The Loop, perfect for: skyscraper selfies and business lunches
Bordered by: Chicago River to the North and West, Ida B. Wells Drive to the South, Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan on the East, and surrounded by none other than the central loop of the CTA trains
Best known for: Willis Tower (Sears, but we'll be official here...), Millennium Park, Art Institute exploring, theater hopping, and hidden rooftops galore
The neighborhood stereotype is: going into the office, happy hours that go late, and business bros
Locals live here because: no commute on weekdays, up-and-coming new housing, the easiest access to other neighborhoods
Don't say we didn't warn you about: tourist stampedes, pricy parking, trash trucks at 3 am
TLDR;: corporate glam meets lakefront playground
Read more: Compare The Loop to other areas in our Chicago neighborhood guide.
River North
River North is perfect for: foodies, speakeasy afficionados, and cocktail collectors
Bordered by: The Chicago River's Main Branch to the South, North Branch to the West, Chicago Avenue North, Michigan Avenue East, with Merchandise Mart commanding the elbow
Widely recognized as the place for: Sunday brunching, steak dinners, hotel rooftops
You can spot a River North local by: black boots, light blue jeans, blowout at 7am, tiny Pomeranian under arm
Locals live here because: nice buildings, walkable everything, and instant after-work plans
The downside to River North is: tourist herds and 2 am karaoke echoes
The overall feel is: flashy, buzzy, art-splattered nightlife
Read more: Compare River North to other areas in our Chicago neighborhood guide.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park, perfect for: stroller-clad shopping marathons and rooftop Aperol spritzes
Geographically defined by: Diversey Parkway to the North, North Avenue to the South, Lake Michigan and North Avenue Beach on the East, and the North Branch of the Chicago River and Clybourn Avenue corridor to the West
Widely recognized as the place for: free zoo mornings and patios flexing their hydrangeas
You can spot a Lincoln Park local by: monogrammed vests, stroller pros, and metaphorical black belts in Whole Foods efficiency
Move here for: lakefront runs, brownstones, worryingly perfect hedges
Don't say we didn't warn you about: parking purgatory, stroller traffic, brunch waitlists
The general vibe is: preppy, leafy, breezy, and very family-friendly
Read more: Compare Lincoln Park to other areas in our Chicago neighborhood guide.
Wicker Park
Wicker Park, perfect for: Thrifting connoisseurs, Third wave coffee snobs, and Brü baddies
Bordered by: North Avenue is North, Division Street to the South, Western Avenue is, well... West, and Ashland Avenue is East. The heart of Wicker is centered on Milwaukee, North Ave., and Damen's six-corner street, lovingly referred to as 'The Crotch.'
Well known for: Murals, late-night patios, and Six Corners name debates
You'll fit in if: You thrift, bike, and discuss espresso like politics
Move here for: Blue Line zips, indie shops, tacos at midnight
The downside to Wicker Park is: Weekend crowds auditioning for viral street style
The overall feel is: Artsy hustle, unapologetic style, and lots of 'the best' lattes
Read more: Compare Wicker Park to other areas in our Chicago neighborhood guide.
West Loop
West Loop is perfect for: Tech paychecks, nightly truffle fries, and a 'quick stop' to Good Night John Boy
Generally defined as the area: Grand Avenue to the North, Kennedy Expressway and Chicago River East, Eisenhower Expressway South, Ashland Avenue West, includes Randolph Restaurant Row and Fulton Market
Best known for: Warehouse chic vibes and James Beard accolades
You can spot a West Loop local sporting: Brunch sneakers and dog strollers
Locals live here because: Commutes are short, dinners are long
Be prepared for: Eye-watering rents and endless reservation warfare
The vibe around West Loop is: Industrial gloss, countless calories to consume, clout
Read more: Compare West Loop to other areas in our Chicago neighborhood guide.
Lakeview
Lakeview is perfect for: Cubs caps and iconic breakfast spots
Bordered by: Irving Park Road to the North, Diversey Parkway is South, Ravenswood Avenue on the West, Lake Michigan, and the Lakefront Trail to the East
Well known for: Wrigley Field rainbow crosswalks and calm walks
The neighborhood stereotype is: Sports fans meet the 'gayborhood' and lakefront joggers, too
Move here for: baseball buzz, lake breezes, comedy nights
Don't say we didn't warn you about: traffic after games and rent that likes to spike
The vibe around Lakeview is: sporty, rainbowy, brunchy, buzzing
Read more: Compare Lakeview to other areas in our Chicago neighborhood guide.
Wrigleyville
Wrigleyville is perfect for: Bleacher creatures and postgame karaoke heroes
Bordered by: Irving Park Road, Halsted Street, Belmont Avenue, and Racine Avenue, this neighborhood wraps around Wrigley Field and is bisected by Clark Street
Well known for: Cubs pilgrimages and Clark Street revelry
You'll fit in if: Tailgate energy is your ideal way to enjoy the day
Move here for: Summer rooftops, walkable chaos, and buses that go every which way
The downsides are: Drunk college kids, parking that looks easy but isn't, souvenir hawkers
The general vibe is: Perpetual pregames with Midwestern smiles and a side of Small Cheval
Read more: Compare Wrigleyville to other areas in our Chicago neighborhood guide.
Things To Do
Fun Things to Do Around Chicago, IL
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Chicago? If you like the idea of hopping along the Riverwalk, seeing shows in converted warehouses, and are daring enough to try kayaking under skyscraper canyons, Chicago is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from beach sunrises to rooftop sunsets and give you a vivid sampling of Chicago's culinary scene and cultural depth.
- On a Saturday with Perfect Weather: Rent Divvy Bikes, Coast from the Museum Campus to Montrose Harbor, People Watch for Hours.
- When the Gals Come to Town for the Weekend: Saturday Green City Farmers Market to Bottomless at Gemini and a Nap before Hitting West Loop Speakeasies.
- Rainy Dreary Day: Hours at the Art Institute, then Garfield Park Conservatory Rainforest Therapy.
- Intellectually Stimulating: Architecture River Tour or Speaking Events at University Club.
- Artsy Activities: Wander Pilsen Murals, then Thalia Hall for a Moody Show
- Something Inside and Free: Chicago Cultural Center's Tiffany Dome
- Outdoorsy: Kayak the Chicago River, Summer Pilates At the Lake
- If You're a Shopaholic: Andersonville Boutiques, Swedish Candy Bribes for your Patient Companion
- With Your Dog: Montrose Dog Beach, River Shannon, Mott St. Patio
- In Need of A Good Selfie: Snapshots at the Bean, Millennium Park Skyline Views, Hair Blowing at North Avenue Beach.
- You Have to See This: Art Institute Lions, Chagall Windows, Wrigley Field from Nearby Rooftops.
- For Sports Fans: Day Game at Wrigley before Bar Crawling, Courtside Cheering on the Blackhawks and Bulls, Crossing Fingers for a Bears Win.
- After 2am: Cheese Fries at The Wiener's Circle, Banter Spicier than Giardiniera, Cheap Pizza Slices at RiNo Bar.
- If You Want Excitement: Tilt at 360 Chicago, Lean over Michigan Avenue like Superheroes
Weather
Chicago, IL Weather: All the Facts, Without the Boring Stats
Is it going to rain, will we have lake effect snow, or maybe something worse? The summers are Lakeshore breezes, patios, and street fests, but the winters are not for the weak. Here's what else is going on around Chicago that will impact the time you spend outside.
- Summer Temps Feel Like: Patio Sizzle, Festival Season, Rooftop Chilling (upper 80s to 90s)
- Winter Lows Are: Face Freezing, Talk Later, Fingers Tingling (Single Digits, Subzero Wind Chills)
- The humidity makes me: feel like a wrung out towel
- Unique Weather Patterns: Lake Effect Snow that Forgets When to Stop, Weeks that Feel like 3 Different Seasons
- Local Weather Fashion Tip: Umbrellas Die Downtown, Buy a Hooded Raincoat and Waterproof Boots, Stash Spare Gloves at the Office, Layers are Key.
- You Know Its Time to Get Out of Town When: The Third Gray Saturday Arrives and the Lake looks like Soup, Everyone Sprints to New Buffalo or Lake Geneva
- Bugs Are Like: Alley mosquitos with PhDs, Lakefront Gnats in Cloud Formation, Cicadas Screaming like L Train Brakes
- You're Stuck Indoors Again Today Because: Black Ice turned the Sidewalk into Curling Practice or a Summer Thunderstorm Coming from Iowa Parked on your Block
- Green Thumb Enthusiasts Love: Tomatoes that Explode with Flavor on South-facing Porches, Community Gardens that Hand you Basil by the Armful
- Your Friend with Allergies is Always Complaining About: Tree Pollen in April, Grass in June, Ragweed in August, also why is it Snowing Cotton in June
Traffic
Traffic, The Daily Grind, & Parking in Chicago, IL
The Time I Spend Getting To/From Work Every Day is: Two Podcasts or One CTA Delay
Traffic Congestion Areas to Avoid: Kennedy at the Jane Byrne, 7 to 10 a.m.
Ability to Get Around Without a Car: In the City, Yes. CTA, Divvy, Metra Galore. Ikea Runs Need Wheels, So Grab A Friend with a Car!
Locals Dream of Driving Around in A: Train with No Delays, Vintage Cadillac Cruising Lake Shore Drive.
The Reality is that Most Locals Drive: Salt-crusted Sedans with a Dented Bumper and City Sticker
Quirky Local Driving Habit: Pretending to be Shocked that Lakeshore Drive is Backed Up Once Again.
The Likelihood of Finding Parking: In River North, Mythical. In Hyde Park, Maybe on Tuesdays. Go out to Naperville if You Want Parking to Be a Breeze.
#1 Driving Tip: Respect Dibs After Snow. Those Patio Chairs are Sacred to Chicagoans New and Old.
Fun Facts
Fun Facts You Might Not Have Known About Chicago, IL
Think you really know Chicago? It's a city with a reversed river that could confuse a compass, the infamous Bean, and a Chicago Handshake that combines Malört shots and Old Style Beer...a rite of passage at best and a punishment at worst. Who knows, the wind might just blow you into Chicago itself and, after that, good luck leaving this gorgeous city!
- Common Nicknames for Chicago: The Windy City, Second City, City of Big Shoulders, Chi-Town, Chi
- Local Reality Check: You May Think of Constant Blizzards. Reality: Humid Summers, Packed Lake Michigan Beaches, World Class Patios.
- You're Most Likely Moving From: Big Ten Grads from The OSU, Champaign, Madison, and Ann Arbor... plus those who bounce between NYC or LA.
- Strangely large Concentration of: Improv Theaters and Aspiring Comedians... Thanks Second City.
- Music Scene: The Birthplace of House and Modern Electric Blues.
- You'll have to see it to believe it: The Chicago River Dyed Neon Green on St. Patrick's Day.
- Unique Geography: We Have A River Engineered to Flow Away From Lake Michigan.
- Chicago is home to: Cloud Gate, AKA The Bean.
- Well Known For Its: No Ketchup Rule on Chicago Dogs.
- Fun History Fact: Chicago has odd second-story stairs (AKA Sunken Front Doors) that exist mainly because the city was raised to combat flooding and improve sanitation in the late 1800s.
- Celebrity Sightings: Bill Murray at Wrigley, Chance the Rapper on South Side, Vince Vaughn in River North.
- Noteworthy Census Stat: Third Most Populous U.S. City, 2,721,308 residents in 2024.
- Most Interesting Sub-Culture Within Chicago: A House Music that Rivals Miami or Berlin.
- Population: 1st Largest City in IL, 3rd Largest Nationwide.
- Chicago is Roughly the Same Geographic Size as: Columbus, Ohio.
Ready to cruise Lakefront Trail, soak in rooftop sunsets, and see the greystone charm as you make Chicago home? Still not sure if you're ready to take on windy chaos, parking purgatory, and Lower Lower Wacker? Keep on reading to settle this deep dish. We've just barely skimmed the surface and still have heaps more to share. From our ridiculously thorough neighborhood guides to our cleverly concise moving guides and our deliciously deep dives on the Chicago food scene, there is plenty more to learn about the Windy City and its intricacies.