Why are Professionals from Coastal Cities Moving to Chicago
Chicago has a long history of people coming from other parts of the country to find better opportunities. In recent years, we’ve noticed a trend of professionals from coastal cities moving to Chicago. But what makes our city so attractive to these urban professionals from the coasts? This post will explore the factors driving this trend.
Chicago Real Estate Market Watch
As of this writing, the current sale-to-list price ratio for homes in Chicago is just short of 99%. It is also up 0.4% from last year. However, Chicago real estate trends are always changing. Contact the MG Group for help buying and selling homes in the Chicago area.
What Makes Moving to Chicago Attractive to Professionals From Coastal Cities?
Chicago’s Diverse Job Market
Chicago boasts one of the most dynamic job markets in the country. With the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the city is a financial hub. Its central location makes it ideal for logistics and transportation professionals. Chicago also has great opportunities in education and healthcare. The city is also home to major corporations like McDonald’s, Kraft Heinz, and Conagra Brands. Add in the strong tech scene in Chicago, and you have one of the most diverse professional employment markets in the nation.
The City’s Rich Culture
Chicago’s rich cultural landscape rivals that of any coastal city. It includes the city’s iconic Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, and more. The city also has many theaters and performing arts venues for live entertainment. Chicago has many culturally distinct neighborhoods, such as Andersonville, Chinatown, Humboldt Park, Pilsen, and more. With its deep history, it also features some of the greatest architectural works in the world.
A Neighborhood for Every Lifestyle
The city’s diverse neighborhoods ensure there’s a good fit for every person relocating to Chicago. We already mentioned the cultural enclaves in Chicago, but there is so much more. You have everything from the urban energy of West Loop to the more suburban Norwood Park. The best part is that many neighborhoods are well-connected with public transportation. You can also find great walkable neighborhoods with convenient restaurants and shopping.
Great Quality of Life
Residents in Chicago can enjoy a quality of life that matches any city in the world. The city has world-class healthcare, excellent public transportation, and rich cultural experiences. The city offers outdoor enjoyment with spaces like Lincoln Park, Millenium Park, and Jackson Park. You also have the Lakefront Trail and Lake Michigan. Chicago’s excellent schools are attractive to professionals with children or those planning to start a family.
Lower Cost of Living
Some might point out that Chicago’s cost of living is higher than the national average. However, it is much more affordable than many coastal cities. The overall cost of living is about 14% higher than the national average. However, cities like Seattle (47%), Los Angeles (50%), and San Francisco (70%) are all higher. If you look at New York, the cost of living is 130% higher than the national average. The costs are generally lower for everything from housing and utilities to groceries and dining out.
Are you a professional interested in moving to Chicago? The MG Group knows the local market and Chicago’s neighborhoods. We’d be happy to help you learn more about the city. Reach out now for help navigating Chicago real estate.
