Chicago is one of the best cities in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why many people move to Chicago from Los Angeles. The city has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and unique culture, making it one of the most interesting places to live

chicago bean

Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to live or want a better chance at finding a job, these 10 reasons will help convince you that moving from Los Angeles to Chicago can be beneficial for your life.

  1. Chicago is more affordable than Los Angeles

The cost of living in Chicago is much lower than in Los Angeles by about 18%. According to Nerdwallet, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Chicago is $2,210 a month — 32% less than what you’d pay in LA. You can easily get beautiful houses and apartments in Chicago for far less than what you’d normally pay in Los Angeles.

You’ll also get a much better quality of life with a lower cost of living. Food and healthcare costs are 10% cheaper in Chicago than in LA. The difference between the two cities is even more pronounced if you consider that Chicago has a lot more going for it than LA: better public transportation, more parks, and recreational facilities, lower property taxes, and much more.

  1. Chicago has better public transportation

While LA has a great public transportation system, the city itself is so spread out that it can be hard to get around without driving. In Chicago, many metro lines link the city together via trains and buses. This is why Chicago has a far better public transportation system than Chicago.

The Chicago area has one of the country’s most extensive public transportation systems. It’s a commuters dream, with great transit options from buses to trains to subways. Because of this, most people who live in the city can easily get around without having a car.

chicago nightlife

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers a variety of bus routes to get you around the city, including the number one bus line (the Blue Line) that runs from downtown to O’Hare Airport, Union Station, and downtown. 

You can also ride on the Metra commuter rail or the Pace bus if you want to be more flexible with your travel time. Both are good options if you want to get out of town without renting a car or taking a long Uber ride home at night after work. 

  1. Chicago offers plenty of things to do

Chicago has plenty to keep you busy, whether you’re looking for culture, sports, or nightlife. From sports events like Bulls games or Cubs games to musical performances by famous artists, there’s always something happening in Chicago. The city also has plenty of parks, museums, festivals, and other attractions you’ll want to check out while living here.

chicago culture

Chicago also has lots of cultural activities available for all ages, such as concerts at Millennium Park or plays at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater Company. Other big events include the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, the world’s largest food festival, and Lollapalooza, which is one of the most popular summertime festivals in America.

  1. Chicago experiences four seasons

Chicago’s climate is classified as humid continental. This means it falls into the middle of the spectrum when compared to cities in other parts of the country. A humid continental climate like Chicago’s has four distinct seasons: cold winter temperatures; mild spring and fall temperatures; hot summer days with warm nights; and cool winter nights. 

The average temperature in Chicago ranges from 22°F to 83°F over the course of the year, according to WeatherSpark. You can experience partly cloudy weather in Chicago year-round. If you’re looking forward to outdoor activities, the best time to do them is around mid-June to mid-September.

Los Angeles is known for its warm weather and lack of rain. The average temperature in Los Angeles ranges from around 48°F to 85°F over the year, and the city receives only about 3.3 inches of rainfall each year.

  1. Chicago offers many job opportunities

Chicago’s economy is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and this is reflected in the job market. According to U.S. News & World Report in 2020, Chicago was one of the 10 best-paying metro areas in the US. 

The city of Chicago has a diverse economy with many interesting sectors. The city is home to many large corporations like Walgreens and Boeing. In fact, Chicago currently hosts 12 Fortune Global 500 companies, as well as 17 Financial Times 500 companies. There are also thousands of smaller businesses located throughout the city which offer great jobs for residents.

chicago skyline

While Los Angeles has long been known as a film industry hub, Chicago is best known for tech and finance. Chicago is a major world financial center and the second-biggest central business district in the US. Chicago and the city’s surrounding metropolitan area currently have the 3rd largest labor pool in the US with 4.63 million workers.

  1. Chicago has world-class museums

Chicago is home to world-class museums, making it a great place for curious people. Among these is the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum of Natural History. All the museums in Chicago are all worth exploring.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) is one of the most prestigious art institutions in the world. It was founded in 1879 by a group of wealthy businessmen who wanted to create an institution where they could display their collections of artwork. Today, it has grown into one of the largest museums in America with more than 82,000 pieces of art on display in its galleries.

The Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum is one of the world’s greatest natural history museums and a revered institution in Chicago. It’s a great museum for families looking for something educational for their kids. This museum has over 24 million specimens from all over the world including dinosaur bones, fossils, and minerals as well as collections from the latest scientific discoveries.

The Museum of Science and Industry 

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is one of the biggest science museums in the world.

The MSI has over 100 exhibits that cover subjects such as transportation and transportation technology, manufacturing techniques, and science experiments from around the world. There are also many hands-on activities for visitors to participate in.

  1. Chicago has great sports teams

If you’re moving from Los Angeles to Chicago, you’ll want to make sure that your new home has a solid sports scene. The good news is that Chicago is a great city for sports fans, and that’s what makes it such an exciting place to live. Currently, Chicago has a total of six major championship teams to cheer for. 

chicago cubs hat

The city is home to the Chicago Cubs, which is one of baseball’s oldest teams. The Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears all call Chicago home as well. The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox play baseball, the Chicago Bears play football, the Chicago Bulls play basketball and the Blackhawks play hockey. 

There are plenty of competitive sports teams for people in Chicago watch, and the tickets aren’t outrageously priced either.

  1. Chicago has diverse neighborhoods

Chicago has hundreds of neighborhoods with different housing options, ranging from luxury apartments to tiny studios in downtown neighborhoods near bars and restaurants. Whether you want to live in a lively downtown neighborhood or enjoy the quiet appeal of a secluded suburb, Chicago has it all.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and the Chicago Loop. These neighborhoods are all great places to live and have tons of things to do on any given day or night. 

Lake View

Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood is one of the city’s most beautiful and historic areas. It remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Known as one of Chicago’s most walkable neighborhoods, Lake View is home to some of the city’s most famous attractions including Wrigley Field, The Mercury Theater, Belmont Harbor, and Hamlin Park.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods and home to many world-class cultural attractions. The neighborhood is situated along Lake Michigan, making it a central point for harbors with boating facilities and public beaches. Here You can also walk to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and North Avenue Beach.

Chicago Loop

The Loop is Chicago’s central business district, which includes the area around State Street and Lake Michigan. The Loop is bounded on the north by the Chicago River, on the south by Roosevelt Road, and on the east by Lake Michigan. It’s home to most of the city’s major tourist attractions and hotels, as well as department stores, movie theaters, and shopping malls.

Old Town

Old Town is a historic neighborhood located on the south side of the city, and it’s a great place to live if you enjoy being close to downtown but also want to be in an area that’s still considered safe. It also has a lot of cool shops and restaurants for anyone who wants to spend their days hanging out with friends or family.

River North

River North is located on the city’s north side, where most of Chicago’s art galleries are located. It’s a good place for art enthusiasts because there are many galleries and showrooms. The neighborhood also has many dance clubs, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues.

  1. Chicago has great food

While Los Angeles can be considered a food mecca, the food scene in Chicago is still second to none. The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, with a variety of cuisines to choose from. From Italian to Mexican, from Indian to Chinese, and from Polish to Ethiopian, Chicago is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.

chicago pizza

The Windy City is home to some of the country’s best chefs, and its top restaurants are often ranked among the best in the world. Food plays an important role in Chicago life, which can be seen in the many festivals dedicated to local foods and cuisines.

The Windy City also has a reputation as one of America’s best places to eat out, with many restaurants serving up traditional American fare at affordable prices. You can get everything from burgers and pizza to sushi and steak here without breaking the bank. Aside from deep-dish pizzas, Chicago is also known for its Chicago-style hot dogs.

  1. Chicago has beautiful beaches

Chicago is known for its excellent beaches, which are some of the best in the country. The beaches include North Avenue Beach, Leone Beach Park, Foster Beach, and Oak Street Beach

North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Illinois because of its wide expanse of sand and shallow waters that allow kids to play in the water without getting caught in riptides or strong currents. Leone Beach Park is another beach area perfect for when you just want to lounge around and soak up the sun. 

Indeed, Chicago beaches are a great spot to take advantage of the city’s natural beauty. They’re also very close to Chicago’s downtown area, so you can easily enjoy all the city has to offer. The city’s beaches are also not just for tourists. They are also excellent places for locals to relax and enjoy nature with their families or friends.

Conclusion

Chicago has a lot of things going for it: beautiful beaches, world-class museums, and cultural institutions, excellent public transportation, and an impressive food scene. Compared to Los Angeles, Chicago has a lower cost of living while still being vibrant and alive with culture, art, and music.

These reasons make moving from Los Angeles to Chicago a compelling idea.

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