While the population in some areas of Illinois shifted during the pandemic, places like Chicago’s Loop are more popular than ever, with approximately 3,700 new residents moving there between 2020 and 2022.
What’s more, over 8,000 new residents are predicted over the next five years, and for good reason. The restaurants, cultural institutions, and history set Chicago apart. It’s also why moving to Chicago is much more than just moving your things; it’s about adapting to the Chicago lifestyle.
Moving is always overwhelming at first, but learning new ways to embrace living the Chicago life will help you settle in quickly.
Keep reading to learn five helpful tips for embracing the Chicago lifestyle and becoming a part of Chicago culture!
1. Explore the Different Neighborhoods
If you’re planning on moving to Chicago soon, and haven’t yet explored the neighborhoods, now is the time to visit. Even if you’re already living in Chicago, getting to know the neighborhoods is key to getting more comfortable with the city.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for young professionals include River North, which is an upbeat area in the Near North Side of Chicago. It’s got bars, dance clubs, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment to keep you at the center of all the action.
You also don’t want to miss out on some of the safest Chicago neighborhoods, like the Loop. The Loop consists of high-rises, iconic sites like Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago. it’s a beautiful combination that allows an urban lifestyle in a safe environment.
Even if you’ve already rented in a specific area, checking out other neighborhoods can help you decide on future moves when you’re ready for an upgrade.
2. Go on a Nature Walk
You might think of Chicago living as mostly city life, but there is plenty of nature to explore. And the best part is you won’t have to venture far outside the city to find it.
The Lincoln Park Trail should be your first stop. It’s easy to navigate and fairly flat, which makes it very accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility equipment.
The trail is a loop that’s approximately five miles long and usually takes around two hours to complete. It’s popular for walking, biking, and running and is available year-round.
It makes for a great family-friendly adventure you won’t forget. Getting outside on this trail is a great way to meet new people, especially when you’re new to the city.
You also don’t want to miss the Chicago Riverwalk. It’s a 1.25-mile path covering four districts including the:
- Confluence
- Civic
- Esplanade
- Arcade
It’s right next to the waterway and allows for a continuous path from Lake Street all the way to the lakefront. It’s a fabulous way to explore the city and learn about its architecture by visiting the Chicago Architecture Center. You can also take a tour on one of the many cruises for some scenic views and history education.
3. Try Iconic Chicago Foods
A huge part of adapting to a Chicago lifestyle is getting to know the foods the city is famous for.
The great thing about Chicago is it’s a true melting pot of cultures and cuisines. This diversity means you’ll definitely find something you love and you’ll learn more about the history along the way.
Why not start with a deep-dish pizza, an Italian beef sandwich, or a Chicago-style hot dog? Take the time to find the most iconic restaurants like Lou Malnati’s for the best deep-dish pizza around.
Don’t be afraid to dive in, do some research, and find out where the locals eat. Even better, attend the Taste of Chicago Festival to see the city’s finest foods on display for an entire weekend.
4. Get Involved in Local Traditions and Events
You’ll never run out of things to do in Chicago, which makes it much easier to adjust to the lifestyle.
One of the best ways to adjust is by getting involved in various traditions and events. They’re easy enough to find and you can start with holiday festivals like the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
There’s also a Blues Festival in June where you can enjoy three days of wonderful performances throughout the entire city. You’ll also find plenty of annual festivals and celebrations that include:
- Chicago Marathon
- Lollapalooza Music Festival
- Chicago Air and Water Show
- Celtic Fest
- Lebanese Food Festival
- American Spanish Dance and Music Festival
Keep a running schedule of the various events taking place and get involved. Most festivals are looking for volunteers to help things run smoothly. This is a wonderful way to get involved in the community and get to know other people.
5. Get Unpacked and Start Decorating
Finally, if you’ve just moved to Chicago, you’ll need to start decorating and organizing your new home. Otherwise, it will make it very difficult to adapt to your new lifestyle.
Start by decorating your home with furniture and trinkets straight from the local community. Explore different areas of the city including local markets and festivals, You’ll be able to find decor you love from local artists and support your community at the same time.
If you’re too busy and overwhelmed to unpack all your belongings, don’t hesitate to look into professional unpacking services from reputable companies like Moovers Chicago.
Unpacking is one of the most tedious parts of moving and many people have unpacked boxes months after moving. Getting this part done and out of the way will allow you to focus on your new life in Chicago and not your unpacked boxes.
Prepare for Your Chicago Lifestyle Today
Following these tips will help you embrace the Chicago lifestyle and pave your own way in this fantastic city.
If you’re planning to move to the Chicago area soon, you’ll need to find a moving service in Chicago you can trust. Luckily, Moovers Chicago has you covered. We’re trusted and affordable movers in Chicago and are fully licensed and insured. We’re also a member of the Illinois Movers and Warehousemen’s Association and are a top-rated company on Yelp, Google, Angi, and more.
Our Chicago moving services include unpacking and packing services, local moves, long-distance moves, residential and commercial moves, storage services, and more.
Make sure to contact us today for a free estimate and hire a Chicago moving company you can depend on.