Moving to the Chicago suburbs presents a unique fusion of urban amenities and suburban serenity. With top-tier schools, secure neighborhoods, diverse job prospects, and a reasonable cost of living, there's ample motivation to transition from city life to suburban bliss in Chicago. Whether you're a family seeking an ideal environment to nurture your children or a young career enthusiast in pursuit of a more budget-friendly urban alternative, the Chicago suburbs cater to a wide spectrum of needs. Ultimately, the desire for optimal living conditions for oneself and loved ones often finds its fulfillment in the suburbs. Here are 20 compelling reasons to embrace the move to the Chicago suburbs.
18 Reasons to Move From Chicago to Suburbs
1. The affordability of living expenses
Living in the Chicago suburbs won't break the bank! Compared to downtown, you'll find real estate prices and rent are more wallet-friendly out here. It's all thanks to the stable housing market and the variety of housing options like single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. Plus, you'll often score lower property taxes and cheaper utility and transportation costs. So, relocating to a Chicago suburb? Smart move for your wallet!
What’s the average cost of rent in the Chicago Suburbs? The average cost of rent in the Chicago Suburbs fluctuates based on numerous factors such as location, amenities, and square footage. In more affordable areas, monthly rent can start as low as $400, while upscale neighborhoods may command rents upwards of $3,000 per month.
2. Access to the Outdoors
Living in the Chicago suburbs means easy access to nature and the great outdoors – a crucial ingredient for a healthy lifestyle. With plenty of parks, nature preserves, and recreational areas boasting walking trails, bike paths, and playgrounds, there's no shortage of outdoor fun. Plus, the extensive hiking trail system lets you immerse yourself in nature right in your backyard. And if water activities are your thing, lakes and rivers are just a stone's throw away for fishing, boating, and swimming. So, if staying active and enjoying nature is your jam, moving to the Chicago suburbs is a no-brainer!
Navigating through a crowded city, whether by car or on foot, can be a source of frustration and stress, especially considering the challenges of public transportation. Accessing places within the city can feel like a daunting task due to traffic congestion and delays in public transit. On the other hand, suburban areas offer a smoother commuting experience with fewer obstacles to impede your daily travels. With less traffic congestion and fewer public transportation delays, getting around in the suburbs is generally more convenient. Plus, when you do need to visit the city, downtown areas are just a short drive or Metra ride away, providing easy access to urban amenities when desired.
3. New Career Opportunities
In the Chicago suburbs, job opportunities abound. Many suburbs host major organizations, offering a diverse array of employment options. Take Oak Brook, for instance, where big names like Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ace Hardware, and Federal Signal Corporation call home. Plus, there's a thriving scene of small and medium-sized businesses across various sectors like healthcare, education, and technology. Whether you're eyeing a corporate gig or seeking something more entrepreneurial, the Chicago suburbs have something for everyone in the job market.
4. Good Quality of Education
Raising a family in the Chicago suburbs comes with a perk: excellent public schools. Whether it's elementary, middle, or high school, suburban schools boast adequate funding, maintenance, and staffing, ensuring a quality education for your kids. What's more, the community's families share educational goals, fostering a tight-knit environment of engaged parents, teachers, and students across both public and private schools.
Take Hinsdale, for instance, known for its top-ranking public schools in Illinois. In contrast, urban school districts, such as the Chicago Public School System, often face issues like overcrowding. Suburban schools typically maintain a more reasonable ratio of teachers to students, offering individual attention and a greater chance of academic success for your children.
5. Friendly Community
Moving from Chicago to the suburbs isn't just about finding a new place to live; it's about joining a vibrant community. Here, you'll discover a close-knit, welcoming environment where neighbors support one another and engage actively in community life. Many suburbs boast lively community organizations, like neighborhood associations and volunteer groups, dedicated to enhancing the area, building connections, and nurturing a strong sense of community spirit. You'll also find locally-owned businesses run by your fellow residents, from charming cafes to boutique shops, adding to the neighborhood's unique charm and character.
6. Say Bye to Hustle and Bustle
Getting around in the Chicago suburbs is a breeze compared to the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. Dodging through congested city streets and weaving through throngs of pedestrians can be daunting, especially when you've got little ones in tow. Fortunately, the suburbs offer a welcome respite from the urban chaos. With fewer people and less foot traffic, sidewalks are more spacious, making strolls with the kids much more enjoyable.
Take Naperville, for example — a suburb in the Chicagoland area known for its lower population density compared to the city. This means fewer people per square mile, resulting in a noticeable difference in your day-to-day life. Say goodbye to gridlocked traffic jams; running simple errands like grocery shopping or dropping the kids off at school becomes a breeze in the suburbs, where getting around is faster and more efficient.
7. No Problems with Parking
Parking headaches are a common annoyance for city residents, leading many to opt for public transportation over owning a car. Scoring a parking spot in a bustling city can be a hassle, costing you time, money, and plenty of frustration. Even if you manage to secure a spot, it might be a considerable distance from your home, leaving your vehicle vulnerable to potential risks.
Fortunately, life in the Chicago suburbs offers a welcome relief from these parking woes. Many suburban homes come equipped with garages and driveways, providing ample parking space right on your property. Say goodbye to circling the block endlessly or shelling out cash for pricey parking meters. With your own parking space, you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is safely parked, even when friends come to visit.
8. Enriching Environment For the Kids
Providing an enriching environment for your children to grow socially and make lasting friendships is essential. However, achieving this in a city setting can be challenging. With a constant influx of new neighbors and limited opportunities to get to know them, you might hesitate to let your kids interact with others without supervision. In contrast, the suburbs offer a sense of stability and community. Long-term homeownership means you have the opportunity to build deeper connections with your neighbors over time, fostering the trust necessary for your children to develop lasting friendships. In suburban neighborhoods, kids can freely explore, play with friends, and flourish both socially and academically in a supportive environment both at school and at home.
9. All You Need for Family Life
In the Chicago suburbs, family living takes center stage when it comes to infrastructure. Unlike cramped city apartments, suburban homes are designed with families in mind, offering plenty of room to spread out and make memories. You won't find tiny kitchens barely big enough to turn around in — instead, spacious kitchens beckon families to cook together, tackle chores as a team, and gather for movie nights on generously-sized couches. With ample space for everyone to live, play, and relax, suburban living truly caters to the needs of families.
10. Better for Your Mental Health
Living in the suburbs often comes with mental health benefits compared to urban areas. With more access to outdoor spaces, less congestion, reduced pollution, and a heightened sense of safety, suburban living can positively impact mental wellbeing. Studies suggest that the risk of mental illness is often higher among urban residents than those in suburban areas.
While it's essential to recognize that location isn't always the sole factor contributing to mental health issues, the environment can play a significant role. In a cleaner, quieter, and less stressful suburban setting, you have the opportunity to prioritize the wellbeing of yourself and your loved ones.
11. Opportunities for Gardening
City living often lacks the space needed for gardening, especially with the growing trend of plant parenthood. While balconies are a luxury in urban settings, they may not provide sufficient space for gardening. In contrast, the Chicago suburbs offer ample room to cultivate your garden dreams. With expansive yards, you can create your own kitchen garden for herbs and vegetables, or adorn your surroundings with flower pots and beds. Unlike the city environment, suburban gardens enjoy cleaner air and abundant sunlight, providing the perfect conditions for flourishing plants.
12. The Comfort of Your Own Yard
It may sound like stating the obvious, but having a yard can truly transform your living experience. Unlike urban areas where outdoor space is scarce, suburban yards provide ample room for activities right at home. Whether you're feeling too tired to venture out or simply prefer the comfort of your own space, a yard offers endless possibilities. You can enjoy quality time with family, play games, bond with your pets, or even set up a pool for the kids on hot days. Hosting barbecues and dinners with loved ones becomes a breeze when you have the privacy and space of your own yard.
13. Safety is a Key
Safety is a top priority for families, and the suburbs offer a sense of security that's hard to beat. While urban areas have seen improvements in safety, concerns about crime still linger. Issues like muggings, break-ins, and armed violence are more prevalent in densely populated cities like Chicago. Data often reflects higher crime rates in such areas, raising concerns for families, especially those with young children.
Opting for suburban life means residing in areas with lower crime rates, providing peace of mind for families. Towns like Western Springs, La Grange Park, Naperville, and Clarendon Hills are among the safest suburbs in Illinois, offering a secure environment for raising a family.
14. Better Environment for Your Pets
Pets are cherished members of the family, deserving of a nurturing environment that supports their well-being and happiness. Particularly among millennials, who are increasingly opting for companionship with pets over having children, ensuring the happiness of furry friends is a top priority for many young families relocating to the suburbs.
Unlike urban areas, where space for pets to play is often limited, suburban living offers ample room for pets to roam and thrive. Dogs, in particular, benefit from the opportunity to explore the outdoors and discover new scents and sights, while cats appreciate the expanded indoor territory. With more space available, suburban homes allow pet owners to create a more enriching environment for their beloved animals.
15. Enjoy The Silence
Tired of the incessant noise that accompanies city living, from blaring sirens to late-night disturbances? The hustle and bustle of urban life can take a toll on your peace of mind and even your health, with constant exposure to loud noises contributing to stress and other negative effects. Fortunately, by making the move to the Chicago suburbs, you can escape the cacophony of city life and enjoy blissful silence instead. With quieter surroundings and less noise pollution, suburban living offers a reprieve from the incessant sounds that plague city dwellers, allowing you to prioritize your well-being and enjoy a more serene environment.
16. Advantages of Own Laundry Room
While your home in the Chicago suburbs may not boast the largest floor plan, you can still enjoy the convenience of having a dedicated laundry room. Say goodbye to the days of cluttering your bedroom with piles of laundry or trekking to the nearest Laundromat for shared machines. In the suburbs, having your own laundry room means you can tackle small loads daily or dedicate an entire day to sorting and washing clothes—all within the comfort and privacy of your own home.
17. The New Beginnings
Moving to a new home offers a chance for a fresh start and new beginnings. Transitioning from the city to the suburbs allows you to forge new friendships, build a new life for your family, and explore new career prospects. It's an opportunity to leave behind old environments that may evoke unwanted memories and focus on crafting a new lifestyle. In the suburbs, where neighbors are unfamiliar, you have the freedom to redefine your social circle and cultivate healthy relationships. Whether you're seeking a complete transformation or simply aiming to surround yourself with new companions, the suburbs provide an ideal setting for a fresh start.
18. Enjoy the Smell of Fresh Grass
City life can bombard your senses with an array of less-than-pleasant smells, from garbage odors to vehicle exhaust. Public transportation hubs often emit a mix of odors that can be less than enjoyable. However, in the suburbs, whether you're in a bustling suburb or a quaint town, the air tends to be fresher and cleaner. Instead of waking up to the scent of bus fumes, you can breathe in the refreshing aroma of freshly cut grass.
Are Chicago Suburbs Cheaper Than LA?
Living in Chicago is significantly cheaper than Los Angeles. You can expect to pay around 18.5% more for the cost of living in LA. However, salaries in Chicago tend to be lower compared to those in Los Angeles, California.
Which District to Choose?
Chicago North Suburbs
The Chicago North Suburbs offer a variety of attractive options for residents. Buffalo Grove stands out as a popular choice, known for its excellent schools, burgeoning community, and manageable traffic. For those seeking proximity to the city without the hustle and bustle, Glenview is an appealing option. Considered a village, it boasts charm and character, along with top-notch public schools, ample entertainment choices, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Other notable Chicago North Suburbs worth considering include Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Long Grove, and Evanston. Each offers its own unique appeal and amenities, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Chicago West Suburbs
Exploring the Chicago West Suburbs opens up a range of enticing options for prospective residents. Aurora emerges as a standout choice, earning its moniker as the City of Lights. Boasting commendable schools, striking architecture, and a robust job market in manufacturing and technology, it presents a compelling living environment just outside the metro area. Naperville represents another appealing destination to the west of the city.
Positioned within the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, it's a magnet for professionals in engineering and technology. Renowned as one of the nation's top suburbs, Naperville delivers a rich tapestry of events and activities, complemented by top-tier public schools. Other notable Chicago West Suburbs worth exploring include Clarendon Hills, Wheaton, Addison, and Batavia. Each offers its own distinct character and amenities, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Chicago South Suburbs
The southern outskirts of Chicago host a plethora of appealing suburbs worth considering. Chicago Heights stands out as a prime destination, boasting a sizable industrial hub alongside its scenic historic homes and esteemed educational institutions, offering abundant job prospects. For those with a penchant for heritage, Crete emerges as a compelling choice, exuding charm and character while benefiting from robust transportation options facilitating easy access to the city center. Other noteworthy Chicago South Suburbs worth exploring encompass Hazel Crest, Homewood, Park Forest, and University Park. Each enclave boasts its own unique allure and amenities, promising an enriching living experience.
No matter your chosen Chicago suburb, Move4U team is here to assist you with all your relocation needs, from packing and transportation to unpacking. With our professional movers serving a vast array of suburbs, you can rest assured of a seamless moving experience. Explore our comprehensive list of serviced Chicago suburbs for residential moving assistance.
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