When you are considering moving to Chicago, you probably want to know what is it like to live here. It is a wonderful city that provides all the convenience of a small town and the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. Residents of Chicago are proud of their neighborhoods and will welcome newcomers warmly. With a range of entertainment, food, and cultural options, there is something for everyone. Although Chicago has a reputation for crime, it is not nearly as bad as it appears from the outside. Click this link to know what to expect from living in Chicago, you'll be able to set up your life for success.
Pros
The Pros of Living in Chicago, Illinois: Its large size, public transportation system, and dramatic features make it a great place to live. There are plenty of things to do, including a variety of good foods, great music, and wonderful architecture. In addition, the state of Illinois has a thriving economy, trailing only California, Texas, New York, and Florida in size. It has one of the most diverse economies in the world.
The City: Chicago is home to some of the world's best parks and an exciting urban lifestyle. It has one of the largest populations in the Midwest, and has more people than any other city. Its population is almost two million, and there are more than 9.5 million people living in the surrounding metropolitan areas. Pros of Living in Chicago: While living in Chicago is not cheap, the cost of living is reasonable. Groceries are taxed 2.25% and restaurant sales are taxed 0.25%. There are good public transportation options, an extensive cultural scene, and a wide range of sports and entertainment venues. But, it is also known for its horrendous traffic.
The Weather: The climate of Chicago is temperate. Though the location near the Great Lakes causes unpredictable weather, the city sees a balanced amount of sun and rain. It is a great place for a family to live, but living in Chicago isn't without its cons. Depending on what type of climate you're used to, it can be difficult to adjust to the weather. In addition to the extremes of weather, the traffic can be stressful and limiting, but it's well worth it.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Chicago is higher than in other large cities around the country, but it is not as expensive as some people think. While housing and transportation are the biggest expenses, other costs include utilities, groceries, and entertainment. In addition to housing costs, residents are also responsible for taxes and other expenses. To help you plan your budget, here are the top expenses in Chicago. You'll need to factor in these costs in order to have an accurate idea of how much it will cost to live in the city.
The cost of living in Chicago is approximately 16% lower than in New York, with monthly expenses averaging $929 for a single person and $3,372 for a family of four. The median salary in Chicago is $5520 after taxes, which covers living expenses for 2.3 months. This makes Chicago one of the most affordable large cities in the US. However, if you are a single professional, be sure to take this into consideration when calculating your budget.
The average rent in Chicago is $76,860 per year, and a 30% monthly income is recommended. Despite this high rent, the city is home to a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities. You can reduce your monthly expenses by looking for a higher-paying job in Chicago. Another way to lower your rent is to find roommates. With the strong job market in Chicago, it's not uncommon to find someone willing to share a room with you.
Weather
The climate in Chicago is very varied. The cold season lasts for 3.2 months, with an average high temperature of 33degF and a low temperature of 22degF. However, the coldest month is January, when the average temperature is only 22degF. In fact, the coldest day in Chicago is December 21, when the low temperature is just 22degF. The figure below shows average temperatures by hour. The dotted lines indicate perceived temperatures.
Rainy days are relatively common. Rainy days occur around 12% of the time. There are seven days of the year with total snowfall over 1.5 inches. In addition, there are fog days on average every month, with the likelihood of fog peaks during the winter months. Wind speeds vary by location, but the prevailing direction is south-southwest. Wind speed can reach nine knots on average. The windiest month is winter. November's temperature drops to 13degC.
Winter in Chicago IL is cold and snowy. The average winter temperature is 38.5cm (13in). Although Chicago rarely experiences more than one or two snowfalls, winters in Chicago can be exceptionally cold. In fact, the coldest months in Chicago are February and March, with temperatures averaging -3.2 degrees Celsius during the day and a high of 22degC during winter. The city is often called the "Snow City" for good reason.