Thinking about moving from CA to Chicago? We delve into the key information you need before leaving LA, covering topics like lifestyle, housing, and the current job market. Find out below whether the Windy City is right for you.
When you feel ready to start looking for your dream apartment in Chicago, reach out to AptAmigo for your own personal apartment assistant. Tell us about your lifestyle and preferences, and we’ll formulate a list of apartments you’ll love. We’ll even schedule a whole day of tours so that you can make a confident decision. If you have special requirements like a pet-friendly apartment, or a unit with skyline views, we can help with that, too.
Related: What to Expect When Moving to Chicago Alone
Moving from CA to Chicago? Here’s the Inside Scoop on What to Know
Lifestyle in California Vs. Chicago
It’s hard not to love Los Angeles with the sun glinting off the ocean, the dazzling Hollywood sign, the thrilling theme parks, and the luxury lifestyle. But, California isn’t the only destination for someone trying to put their name on the map. Chicago serves as a major business hub, and connections made here can propel you to the next stage of your career.
Whether you call yourself an industry worker, a creative, or a go-getter at large, you can fully expect Chicago to match the same grinding energy as LA. Chicagoans work hard and treat themselves by playing hard afterwards.
With so many different opportunities, everyone in Chicago keeps their hands in a couple of different skills. The constant stream of new start-ups, initiatives, and perspectives make it easy to grow and learn in this city. This self-enrichment includes what you do for fun once the workday ends. From dropping into a magic show, to ordering a libation at a 1920s-style speakeasy, your palate for adventure will never cease to grow in Chicago.
Housing Situation
LA offers a variety of home styles, from the historical Victorian or mission-style house, to the modern luxury low-, mid-, or high-rise apartment. But, the cost of living in a space like that will put you out, on average, several hundred dollars more a month, compared to Chicago. That said, Chicago’s more limited selection of mid-rise and high-rise apartments will ultimately benefit you. The views of the skyline and lake coming from a high elevation will take your breath away every morning.
Because everyone takes public transportation in Chicago, any amenities not included in your apartment will await just a short walk or train ride away. But don’t worry; if you don’t feel like leaving your amazing new home, Instacart or some other delivery service can bring whatever you need right to your door. In LA, proximity to amenities is not guaranteed and will likely require a drive, so if you prefer walking and easy access to your daily destinations, Chicago will work better for you.
If you feel reluctant to give up your sizable California yard for a home near the Chicago Loop, houses with lawns are available in residential neighborhoods outside of the city center and in the surrounding suburbs. Even in the suburbs, a home will give you a shorter commute than what many Californians undertake daily.
Temperature
While it might be called the Golden State for other reasons, we understand that the golden temperatures create an added bonus to living in Southern California. Although average temperatures can fluctuate in different regions of the state, the temperature in LA County generally stays above freezing, even in the winter.
With that in mind, the biggest adjustment to living in Chicago will be the winter weather. The winter months typically dip into the 20-degree range, and negative numbers appear from time to time, especially in January.
However, between the floor-length puffy coats and city officials lighting train tracks ablaze, you’ll always get from point A to point B in comfort and in style. The chilly winters make spring and summer that much sweeter, and they provide a break from the nonstop influx of tourists, resulting in less crowded museums. Then, fluttering between low 70s and low 90s in June, July, and August, the city springs to life with beaches, outdoor markets, and festivals. It’s well worth the wait.
Traffic
Californians maintain a love and mostly hate relationship with driving. On the one hand, they love to hit the open road and cruise along the coast with wind in hair for weekend getaways. But, on the other hand, most LA adventures begin and end parked on the freeway. Either way, you need a car to get most anywhere, despite the traffic. While LA operates a public transportation system, it still needs a ton of work and is not the preferred method of getting around for those who live and work in the city.
Good news: when you move to Chicago, those traffic problems will become a thing of the past! While Chicago does rank as one of the worst cities for traffic in the US (usually 2nd behind NYC and 5th globally), you should never, or at least rarely, need to drive to places within the city. If the need does arise, an Uber or Lyft will take care of odd instance. Otherwise, The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs the El trains and buses with a much better infrastructure and longer history than any public transportation offerings in LA. Many Chicago residents don’t even own cars due to the expensive upkeep and even more expensive parking costs.
The CTA runs through almost every neighborhood in Chicago and can get you from one side of the city to the other 24 hours a day. The buses go a little bit slower, but the Metra express trains rocket you from top to bottom with only a stop or two in between. While it takes some getting used to, you’ll be riding the CTA like a pro in no time.
Job Market
Los Angeles is known as the place to “make it or break it,” especially in the film industry, but it can be incredibly difficult to get your foot in the door. Many people who move to LA quickly find out that “making it” doesn’t look as glamorous in reality as it does in the movies. Chicago, however, can give you the opportunity you seek.
The Chicago job market, despite all of the post-pandemic ups and downs, continues to grow. In 2024, Chicago saw a 1.8% growth in jobs, and this trend is expected to continue year-over-year. Many businesses call Chicago home, from Fortune 500 headquarters, to startups, and even tech companies relocating from San Francisco. Chicago provides an abundance of excellent job opportunities.
Advice for Moving From CA to Chicago
If you’re ready for a change of scenery and an opportunity for growth in your life, give AptAmigo a call to find the perfect luxury apartment in this bustling city. Don’t spend your precious time apartment hunting when you can let the apartment experts do the legwork for you. Our team of apartment experts will help you relocate with zero stress. The best part? It’s absolutely free!
Moving from CA to Chicago? To make your transition to the Windy City even smoother, read our advice on reasons to avoid Chicago rental brokers.
* The original version of this article was first published on June 1, 2020.
Rebecca is a freelance writer over a decade of journalism experience. She graduated with a BA in Communications and a minor in journalism. She currently bartends in downtown Chicago and spends her free time exploring the city and making connections.
