A quick relocation guide when moving to the Chicago metro area

From its iconic architecture to its world-renowned schools and robust public transportation system, the Windy City will blow you away.

We’ve prepared this handy relocation guide to help you make a seamless move to the metro Chicago area.

Your neighborhood options in Chicago

There are 77 neighborhoods in Chicago. That’s a lot! Narrow down your real estate options based on your needs and lifestyle, and you’re sure to find a place that you’ll love.

Snapshot of the some of the most sought out Chicago neighborhoods

Lake View: If you’re after scenic views of stunning Lake Michigan, Lake View should be on your list. Inner communities like Wrigleyville and Southport brim with activity and lively sporting events. The expansive Lincoln Park is a great place to bask in the outdoors.

Logan Square: Up-and-coming Logan Square is a vibrant, leafy neighborhood in the North Side with elegant 19th and early 20th century mansions as well as spacious bungalows. A portion of it, the Logan Square Boulevards Historic District, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Jefferson Park: Nicknamed the "Gateway to Chicago", dynamic Jefferson Park is a transportation hub that plays host to various cultural events and festivals. It's home to the Copernicus Civic and Cultural Center.

Check out current Chicago real estate for sale here.

The North Shore, North, and Northwest Suburbs

Chicago’s northern suburbs are where you’ll find some of the most sought-after homes in the region. Lakefront North Shore has some of the best views around and includes the communities of Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Northbrook.

The northern suburbs also include the villages of Barrington, Skokie, Vernon Hills, and Lake Bluff, some of which have a semi-rural feel. Head northwest and you’ll find the laidback, leafy communities of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Mundelein, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling

Prepare for the weather

Chicago isn’t called the Windy City for nothing. Winter temperatures have been known to drop to well below 0°F. Make sure to bundle up and get your home fitted out with the most efficient home heating system possible.

Aside from the cold, be prepared to experience fairly hot and humid summers. During the hotter months, residents love to cool off in Chicago’s many beaches like North Avenue Beach and Foster Beach. It’s also worth noting that the suburbs usually enjoy cooler temperatures in the summer.

Plenty of educational options

For families who are thinking of relocating to Chicagoland, there’s an array of schools to choose from.

Snapshot of Chicago area schools

University of Chicago: Placing 9th on the QS World University Rankings, the University of Chicago excels nationally and globally. Notable alumni include Roger Ebert, Milton Friedman, and Katharine Graham.

Northwestern University: Ranked 24th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Northwestern is a prestigious, globally renowned research university whose alumni include Nobel Prize winners Saul Bellow and George Stigler.

Loyola University Chicago: One of the largest Jesuit universities in the United States, Loyola has been ranked among the country's best value schools by U.S. News & World Report. Prominent alumni include Bob Newhart, Sandra Cisneros, and Ian Brennan.

Check out more schools in Chicago and the suburbs here.

You don’t need a car for your daily commute

With Chicago’s transportation system – the second largest in the country – you have the option to go carless in the city. Chicago has eight train lines and 129 bus routes, with reliable schedules that won’t leave you in the lurch.

You can take the Metra commuter train to zip out of downtown to surrounding suburban areas and vice versa. In addition to taxis (water taxis included) and ride-sharing services, you can opt to pedal your way down 200-plus miles of protected bike lanes. The city also has a bike share system, Divvy, that's popular among locals and tourists alike.

Do you like what you’re seeing so far? Consult our agents from United Realty Group to learn more about the real estate opportunities Chicagoland has to offer.