Whether you love the dining scene, can’t wait to get caught up on Chicago arts, or plan to move here for some other salient reason, this city welcomes everyone who moves here. However, a move to a big city can feel daunting, but especially so if you make the transition alone. So, we created a guide on how to make the best of your solo experience in Chicago, covering topics from how to meet people to the best transportation methods.
Read on for all of our local tips for moving to Chicago alone.
If you’re interested in relocating to Chicago, don’t add more stress to the move by spending hours of your precious time apartment hunting. Contact AptAmigo, and we’ll set you up with your own personal apartment expert who will provide local insight, insider knowledge, and accurate information on all the best apartments in Chicago. Even if you plan to move alone, you don’t have to perform your apartment search alone.
Tips for Moving to Chicago
Tons of New Activities
When moving to Chicago alone, you’ll want to set aside time to visit all of Chicago’s main attractions. Don’t sweat looking like a tourist; this city begs to be explored, and locals take advantage of its brilliant offerings as much as tourists do.
Plan frequent walks through Millennium Park — it’s beautiful any time of the year. While there, take a selfie in the reflection of Cloud Gate (more commonly known as the Bean), and soak in all the wonder of the city. You’ll officially count as a local the moment you catch yourself complaining about all the downtown tourists. Plus, as a resident, you can finally join the citywide debate over who serves the best deep-dish pizza: Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s?
When you’re in the mood to treat yourself, you can explore some of the city’s world-renowned dining options. Enjoy Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse’s melt-in-your-mouth lobster bisque while gazing at the Chicago River. Or, maybe devour the roasted rack of lamb at the Signature Room at the 95th, located 95 floors above the city. Imagine the perfection of sipping a sparkling glass of champagne and nibbling on Michelin-star food while watching the sun set over Chicago’s skyline.
When the proclivity to wander strikes, check out our top picks for the best street art in Chicago. Then, for even more activities, see our guide on how to plan your first visit or tour Chicago like a local.
Related: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Lots of New Faces
While we know that moving to a new city can feel intimidating, you don’t need to worry about feeling alone once you move to Chicago. With over 2.7 million smiling faces and plenty of Midwestern friendliness, you will encounter so many opportunities to expand your interests and make new friends along the way.
Whether you fit in as a beginner curious about kickboxing, or as a distinguished karaoke master, a space exists for folks of every interest. You can join jogging groups, weekly trivia nights, axe-throwing classes, dance clubs, female-only self defense classes, or cross fit.
If volunteering suits your style better, there are plenty of opportunities to give back to this amazing community. Help out mankind’s best friend at One Tail At A Time Dog Rescue, or show off your gardening skills at the Global Garden Refugee Farm. Chicago is a city of active and social people, and you can get involved in hundreds of ways.
Related to Moving to Chicago Alone: The Ultimate Chicago Shopping Tour
How to Get Around
Once you move to Chicago, you won’t need a car. In many neighborhoods, parking poses a real challenge and gets expensive fast. But don’t worry, public transportation is consistent and easy to access. Between the trains and the buses, you will always find a way to get where you want to go.
If you prefer a more physically engaging mode of transportation, you’ll discover that Chicago is a bike-friendly city. Aside from the lakefront bike path that stretches 19 miles north to south, most major streets have bike lanes to accommodate cyclers. If you don’t want to purchase and store a bike of your own, Divvy bikes provide a quick and affordable hourly rental option. With docking stations located all over the city, you can easily locate a bike, then just as easily park it and dash without worrying about locking it up. Lime electric scooters also litter city streets and give locals a quick ride once located with the company’s app.
Spectacular Views of the City
Between Lake Michigan to the east and striking high-rises throughout downtown, Chicago’s vistas capture the attention of any onlooker. In order to absorb the spectacular views on offer, take a trip up to the Skydeck at Willis Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of downtown. Or, if you want the sights plus a refreshing cocktail, check out one of the many rooftop bars. Look out over Millennium Park in the open-air terrace at Cindy’s while sipping an old fashioned, and then hop down to the Z Bar and watch the buzzing Michigan Avenue with a whiskey sour in hand.
Pretty soon, you’ll wish you could see these views all the time. And, actually, you can. Many of Chicago’s luxury apartments come with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook this amazing city and give you the chance to bask in the fabulous outcome of your decision to move here solo.
Moving to Chicago Alone? Don’t Apartment Hunt Alone.
Of course, moving to Chicago will require an adjustment period. But, you don’t need to add the stress of apartment hunting to your list. Reach out to AptAmigo and connect with your own personal apartment expert who will make your move completely stress-free. Brief your agent on your preferences, and our team of local experts will do the searching for you and schedule a full day of tours.
* The original version of this article was first published on May 11, 2020.
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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.
