Friday, January 10th, 2020
Chicago is a big city. New York is a big city. How different could living in one be from living in the other?
In the broad strokes, maybe not much. Both offer tons of culture, entertainment, posh living and professional possibility. If you’re moving to Chicago from New York, however, you’re going to have to get used to a few things.
For instance:
More space — Chicago’s 2.7 million residents are spread over 227 square miles — a population density of 11,777 per square mile. New York (total population 8.7 million) crams 27,476 people in each of its 300 square miles.
Easier transportation — Owning a car is easier in Chicago. Average commutes are shorter (by about 12 minutes). Chicago is notably bike friendly, with more than 200 miles of on-street bike lanes, plus off-street paths and more than 13,000 bike racks and sheltered bike parking at public transit stations.
More fun — OK, this is highly subjective, but with wages that are comparable to New York City and a cost of living that is substantially less, Chicagoans should have a bit more cash to throw around — which means more fun to be had.
We can’t deny, however, Chicago is colder than New York.
No one says they move to either New York or Chicago for the climate, but both cities give you true tastes of all four seasons (though you get a bigger bite of winter in Chicago). Basically, the weather difference between New York and Chicago is more sweater weather in the latter.
On average:
In many ways, Chicago and New York are remarkably similar. For instance, Chicago and New York both have world-famous dining scenes (of course, in Chicago there’s roughly 10,000 fewer diners, per capita, fighting you for reservations at restaurants with at least a Bib Gourmand rating in the current Michelin Guide).
New Yorkers and Chicagoans alike appreciate the vibrant and distinct culture of each neighborhood in their cities. If you like the elegant brownstones of The Village, Chicago’s Gold Coast and Lincoln Park will make you feel at home. Or if SoHo is your vibe, check out the chic brick and timber lofts, galleries and world-renowned restaurants of Fulton Market. Brooklyn’s mix of hipster artist hangouts, leafy residential streets, boutique shopping and farmers markets is echoed in Logan Square, Wicker Park and West Town.
As the birthplace of the skyscraper (the Home Insurance Building, erected in 1885), Chicago embraces architecture like no other American city. Few locales take better advantage of warm weather, as Chicago makes festivals of art fairs, garden walks, musical and food events and more from April through October.
Especially grand is Chicago’s devotion to its lakefront. Moving to Chicago from NYC will help anyone appreciate how great the Great Lakes can truly be. Chicago embraces Lake Michigan with 26 miles of open and free lakefront to enjoy.
Included there in are:
Moving from New York to Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to guide you in your search and answer your questions. We are also offering both virtual and in-person apartment tours. Be sure to ask about move in specials including free rent concessions!
