Choosing the right city to launch your career as a young professional is an important decision. When considering moving to a new city, you’re likely thinking about job opportunities, cost of living, the social scene, and overall quality of life.
Keeping all of that in mind, let’s dive into why Chicago should be at the top of your list:
Great Bars and Restaurants
As we learned from watching the TV series ‘The Bear,’ Chicago takes food VERY seriously! If you’re a foodie, this is a great city to be in. Many know Chicago for its deep dish pizza, but it’s also known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. Chicago has several Michelin-star restaurants, including Alinea and Smyth, which notably boast three stars each.
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state of Illinois had 286,000 job openings as of February 2025.
If you work in tech, Chicago offers tons of career opportunities with large companies as well as smaller startups. Chicago is home to America’s first Quantum Campus on the South Side, which is expected to generate “over $20 billion for the region over the next decade,” according to career site NuCamp.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CareerOneStop.org, software developers living in Chicago earned a median salary of $129,180, data scientists earned a median salary of $108,580, and computer and information systems managers earned $166,430.
If you don’t work in tech, there is a range of other job opportunities available. Several major companies are headquartered in Chicago, including United Airlines, Kraft Heinz, US Foods, and Caterpillar.
Ideal Hub for Those Who Travel for Work or Fun
If you travel for work or if you work remotely and travel often, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) offers over 1,000 domestic flight options per day.
Chicago is also in a great geographic location: only a two hour flight from New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C., and only a four and a half hour flight from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
If you travel internationally for work or enjoy traveling often while working remotely, there are over 120 international flights departing from O’Hare every day. O’Hare Airport is also a major hub for United Airlines, so there are a lot of flight options through that airline.
Lower Cost of Living Than Other U.S. Cities
Chicago has a considerably lower cost of living when compared to other major urban centers such as New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Rent, groceries, gas, and going out to eat are significantly cheaper.
According to NerdWallet’s cost of living calculator, here’s how Chicago compares to these major U.S. cities:
- The cost of living is 31% higher in Boston than in Chicago
- The cost of living is 28% higher in Washington, D.C, vs. Chicago
- The cost of living is 101% higher in Manhattan than in Chicago
- The cost of living is 49% higher in San Francisco than in Chicago
- The cost of living is 28% higher in Seattle than in Chicago
- The cost of living is 30% higher in Los Angeles than in Chicago
Lake Michigan crashes against the shore as Chicago’s iconic skyline rises in the background—a perfect blend of nature, energy, and opportunity.
Various Coworking Options
Coffee shops are lovely to work from, but they can get noisy and crowded. If you prefer a coworking space, Chicago has over 60 coworking options to choose from.
All Four Seasons
We’ve all heard about Chicago’s winters. But the spring, summer, and fall make it so worth it! Chicago offers all four seasons, which is something that can’t be found in southern cities and on the West Coast.
Ideal Time Zone
If your company has offices throughout the U.S., working from the central time zone makes it far easier to collaborate with colleagues on the East Coast, which is only one hour ahead, and the West Coast, which is two hours behind.
Vibrant Neighborhoods
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River North: Known for its art galleries, upscale dining, and vibrant nightlife.
- Wicker Park: Offers a mix of indie boutiques, live music venues, and a strong sense of community. It’s ideal for those who appreciate an eclectic and artistic atmosphere.
- Logan Square: Perfect for those who like green space, local eateries, and a relaxed pace.
- West Loop: Once an industrial area, the West Loop has transformed into a culinary hotspot with trendy restaurants and chic lofts.
Access to Education and Professional Development
For those considering continuing their education, Chicago is home to several excellent schools, including Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. These universities not only offer degree options but also provide networking opportunities, workshops, and seminars.
Dating Options
Navigating the dating scene is an important factor to consider when thinking about moving to a new city. The sheer size and diversity of the city offer a wide range of individuals with different interests and backgrounds.
There’s a Beach!
Believe it or not, Chicago has a beach! The shores of Lake Michigan offer swimming, sunbathing, biking, and strolling along the lakefront path.
No Car Needed
The city’s transit system makes living without a car doable. The transit systems include the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace.
Final Thoughts
If you’re contemplating a move, we invite you to explore Draper and Kramer’s luxury properties below. Contact us to schedule a tour and learn more about moving to Chicago!
- Wrigleyville Lofts: Boasts a gorgeous roof deck and views of Lake Michigan/Wrigley Field as well as a dog spa, private parking garage, washer/dryers in-unit, and more.
- 61 Banks Street: Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, 61 Banks Street is an ultra-luxury boutique residence with Lake Michigan views.
- Eleven Thirty: Located in a prime location on South Michigan Avenue, the studio, one-, and two-bedroom residences at Eleven Thirty offer a suite of amenities.
- 1350 Lake Shore Drive: Offering a mix of studios, one- and two-bedrooms with a beautiful roof deck, pet spa, 24-hour valet parking, guest suites, and more.
- Burnham Pointe: Located in the sought-after Printers Row neighborhood, offering a walkable lifestyle and easy access to the financial district.
