Chicago is one of the most exciting cities in the world. From its one-of-a-kind sports culture to its incredible food and iconic skyline, there are plenty of things to love about the Windy City. Combine all of these amenities with a growing tech scene, a hot job market, and easy transportation and it’s no wonder Chicago has become a popular destination for college graduates. Packed with trendy neighborhoods and loads of first-class entertainment, Chicago is the perfect place for young professionals looking to soak up the excitement of big city life. While this can definitely be an exciting journey, moving to Chicago requires thoughtful planning and research. Here are some helpful tips and insights for those recent grads considering a move to Chicago.

The Job Market is Booming

One of the biggest draws for recent grads is the hot job market in Chicago. There are abundant job opportunities across a variety of industries and almost every sector of the economy recorded higher employment growth last year compared to the previous year. One reason for this continued growth is the fact that Chicago is home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies  including big names like Walgreens, Boeing, State Farm Insurance, Archer Daniels Midland, Caterpillar, Allstate, Abbott Laboratories and more. Whether you are pursuing a career in technology, education, healthcare, or professional services, Chicago’s economy encompasses just about every industry.

There are Unique and Charming Neighborhoods

Whether you prefer an urban apartment in the heart of downtown, the funky vibe and artsy scene of the West side, or the boutique shops and hopping nightclubs in the North, there is a neighborhood for every personality. Among the most popular neighborhoods are Wrigleyville, Wicker Park, Lakeview, Old Town, and Gold Coast. Each neighborhood boasts its own unique features such as great restaurants, a thriving nightlife, excellent shopping, beautiful parks, or close proximity to sports.

It’s More Affordable Than You Think

It’s not exactly cheap to live in Chicago, but compared to other major cities like New Yok, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Boston, Chicago actually becomes much more affordable. You get the same allure and amenities of a big city but at a price that is more attractive to young professionals just beginning their career. The rent for a Chicago apartment or condo is definitely cheaper than other major cities, and you will also find that Chicago is the second largest supplier of starter homes. Chicago homeowners and residents enjoy the benefits of affordability, availability, and rising median incomes.

There is No Shortage of Things to Do

Young professionals desire more than just a promising career path. They also love to get out and enjoy all the recreational activities that a city has to offer. Luckily for them, Chicago will not disappoint. For starters, Chicago boasts one the best restaurant scenes in the country, featuring everything from incredible food trucks and local hot spots to Michelin-starred restaurants. Chicago is also known as one of the premiere shopping destinations in the country and is home to the famed Michigan Avenue, affectionately known as the Magnificent Mile. Chicago is also well known for its insane sports culture and love for its hometown teams. Chicago also offers a plethora of cultural activities including museums, live theater, and plenty of comedy clubs. In addition, there are plenty of outdoor activities including biking on the lakefront, kayaking the river, relaxing on the beach during the summer, or joining a local sports league.

Getting Ready for Your Move

Once you have an idea of where you will be living in Chicago, you can start the packing process. You will need to decide what to pack based on how much space you will have in your new place. However, if there are items that you really want to take but do not have room for, you can always consider renting a portable storage container or placing your items in long-term storage once you arrive. Since you are just starting out, chances are you are not going to have too many items to move so you save some money by choosing a more economical moving option. Rather than hiring a moving company, you can save time and money by renting a portable storage container and having it transported directly to your new home in Chicago.