Planning a move to a big city like Chicago can feel like a stressful endeavor, but knowledge and proper preparation are powerful tools. Luckily, Chicago’s thriving rental market and bevy of eclectic neighborhoods to choose from make it an exciting undertaking. But, to minimize the stress and amp up the excitement before moving to Chicago, you’ll want to check off some important items on your to do list. 

Related: Is It Expensive to Live in Chicago?

Checklist for Moving to Chicago

1. Get a feel for the rental industry before moving to Chicago.

Our market, a unique one, full of competition for renters and agents alike, sees new apartments come online at an astonishingly rapid pace, thousands each year, in fact. Nevertheless, the supply can’t keep up with the demand as more and more people turn to renting for longer stretches of their lives, whether because of struggles with student debt, a desire to remain more geographically mobile, or a preference for the convenience that comes with city life. New generations of renters choose to delay marriage, children, and home buying, opting instead for Chicago’s high quality and low cost of living compared to other large cities in the U.S. 

2. See how your budget stacks up.

Chicago boasts one of the strongest rental markets and some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the nation. It can be affordable, if you know where to look and when to sign a lease. Do your research and learn about the seasonality of prices before you decide to sign in the summer. You could save up to $1,000 a month just by signing in the winter, or by signing at a new building in its “lease-up” period.

3. Research what it’s like to live in Chicago.

Chicago’s combination of a rich history, growing economy, and cultural diversity create an appealing destination for newcomers. But, it’s hard to get a feel for a city without actually seeing it firsthand, so we polled our team of locals to find out what it’s really like to live in Chicago. The good, the bad, and everything in-between.

For more information on this topic, learn what things to consider when renting in Chicago.

4. Pick a neighborhood.

Narrow down your list of preferred neighborhoods to two or three before you proceed any further with your planning. You can read through our Chicago neighborhood guide to get a feel for each location’s proximity to public transportation, green space, minimum budget, and nightlife. You can also explore these more in depth overviews of popular areas to live in the city.

When you begin to search for actual apartment buildings, limiting your choices will drastically reduce the number of buildings you need to sift through, from hundreds to dozens. Plus, a short list of favorite neighborhoods will help you plan out the next step on this list.

5. Plan a visit, and tour like a local.

Hands down, the best way to determine whether a place will fit your lifestyle is firsthand experience. If you can visit Chicago in person to preview your new home, you’ll gain a much better feel for the place. In addition to roaming the neighborhoods you chose in the previous step on this list, we recommend that you really dive into the culture and Tour Chicago Like a Local. You might as well find out where the locals celebrate their after work happy hours too.

6. Call AptAmigo.

AptAmigo’s agents are experts on Chicago and its rental market. After you contact us, we’ll help you pick your favorite buildings and schedule all your tours. When you plan your visit here, let us know. If you can’t make it in person, we will happily schedule “sight unseen” tours in your place and can even take videos for you, call you on Zoom during tours, and act as your eyes and ears during the remote search process.

7. Decide what you want in your luxury apartment building.

Oh — that view. Lake Michigan is a dream, especially from a high-rise, and Chicago contains some of the most amenity-rich apartments and luxurious, sweeping views in the nation. And, we’ll never forget about your best friend at AptAmigo. From the ground floor to the penthouse, dog lovers can choose from green space, dog runs, dog spas, and even dog playgrounds. Tell us what you want, and we’ll know how to find it.

In the meantime, see our top-picks for luxury apartments with pet-friendly policies, a rooftop pool, or a view.

8. Sign a lease and unpack.

We’re down to the best part — coming home! The next chapter of your life in Chicago begins once you sign on the dotted line. Now’s the time to move in, unpack your life, and begin anew. It’s an exciting time, and we’re equally as thrilled to welcome you to one of the best cities in the world. So, dust off the welcome home mat, find the wine glasses, and enjoy the view. Cheers!

Sweet Home Chicago

The number of people moving to Chicago continues to grow each year. If you want to move to a city that offers both excitement and affordability, contact AptAmigo to begin your search. We pride ourselves in making the process as stress-free and seamless as possible. We’re your apartment dream team!

Read More: Best New Apartment Buildings in Chicago

* The original version of this article was first published on August 26, 2019.