What To Know When Moving From San Francisco To Chicago

If you’re moving from San Francisco to Chicago, know this: You’re moving from a great city to a great, big city.

San Francisco has not quite 900,000 people jammed into not quite 47 square yet hilly miles. Chicago is home to nearly 2.7 million, over 228 square and largely flat miles. Both are steeped in the things great cities have — culture, history, diversity, noteworthy architecture and amazing dining and entertainment. But Chicago’s brand of urban sophistication is characterized by a decidedly Midwestern neighborliness, and you will fall in love with it.

The Move Itself

Yes, you’ll love Chicago. But you have to get there first. When moving more than halfway across the country, here are some things to remember:

• Research your landing spot. Our neighborhood guide and map of luxury listings are instrumental tools for finding the perfect Chicago location. Yelp, Google Street View and the like can provide insight as well.
• Move any time other than the summer if you can. Competition for apartments is tougher in the summer. Moving costs are higher.
• Sell off as much of your stuff as you can. Smaller moving trucks cost less. And new starts should be accompanied by new stuff.
• Get a good calendar app or day planner. You will need to make, and keep, many appointments to make things go smoothly.

Bay, Lake, What’s the Difference?

Unemployment is a bit higher in Chicago. Housing costs are a lot higher (some 500 percent) in San Francisco. The cost of living in Chicago is slightly more than the national average, while San Francisco’s is nearly triple. The average commute is a little over a half-hour in either city.

But numbers don’t tell the real story. Chicago life is characterized by many things, among them:

Wilder Weather

In San Francisco, there’s a stability to the weather many find comforting. The average high temperatures, by month, range between 55 and 73 degrees, while the average lows go from 45 to 59. You can expect around 67 rainy days per year.

Chicago will require an adjustment and a more adaptable wardrobe. The average highs range from 30 to 84 degrees and the average lows from 12 to 63. Days with precipitation should number around 140. But think of the possibilities that weather diversity brings: Sunning in the summer, sledding in the winter and brilliant bursts of fall color are built into the Chicago calendar.

Housing Variety

Certainly, no one Chicago neighborhood is exclusive to any one housing style. But Loop residences are largely high-rise luxury. Streeterville, the South Loop and Lakeshore East have a stunning array of newer residential skyscrapers. Loft conversions are plentiful in River North and the West Loop. Historic manors can be found along the Gold Coast, and chic brownstones and funky flats can be had in Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Wicker Park.

Neighborhood Culture

Many Chicago neighborhoods sprang from specific cultures and retain that character to this day. To live in Chicago’s Loop is to be within six miles of Chinatown, Greek Town, Little Italy, Ukrainian Village and Boystown — not to mention Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, the United Center, Guaranteed Rate Field, the theater district, the museum campus, the opera, the symphony, the Magnificent Mile’s incredible shopping and the tourist mecca that is Navy Pier.

It’s Your Move

Finding your Chicago home is incredibly easy with Downtown Apartment Collective. Learn about the city’s neighborhoods — including housing, shopping, dining, transportation and more — with our guide to the most desirable areas. Find your perfect place by scanning our list of available properties today.