Is it Better to Live in Chicago or Outside the City?
Is it Better to Live in Chicago or Outside the City?
Chicago is an extremely polarizing city. People who live here either love it or hate it and wish they lived outside of city limits. If you’re on the fence and unsure about which came you’ll end up in: you’re not alone. Many who move to the area struggle with this decision for an incredibly long time.
These are the top things to consider to help you make a choice!
Chicago Is Expensive Overall
Chicago is pricey. With the cost of living in Chicago sitting at 23% higher than the national average, this means that you have to give up a lot of money to enjoy the things in life that would generally be more affordable outside of the city. It’s not just Chicago apartments that are pricey; it’s the food, the entertainment, and dozens of other tiny expenses that pop up throughout the day and create an incredibly expensive living situation.
The Transit To Get Into The City Is Overwhelming
Whether you want to drive to get into the city, or you’d rather take the blue line and bus routes, it’s time-consuming. Chicago is infamous for being stuck with gridlock traffic, and many who live outside of the city say that they lose several hours a week just getting to and from their job.
This is time that could be better spent on hobbies, enjoying relaxing, or sleeping in: but is instead spent trying to get into the city. This problem is made worse if you have to start or end work during the common rush hours. Of course, many choose to avoid this entirely and live in the city, but it’s up to personal preference! Some don’t mind the transit and like it as a chance to stop and enjoy a podcast or some music.
Parking And Insurance In The City Is Rough
If you’re driving into the city, you might not like the cost of parking. If your job doesn’t offer to park, the parking in Chicago can cost between $30 to $50 a day. This is an extreme amount to pay and a big reason so many people turn to public transit.
Although this can be worth it if you have a high enough paying job, most good jobs offer free parking: it’s, unfortunately, the lower-paying jobs that don’t offer a perk like parking and leave their workers on the hook.
Which Is The Better Option?
Whether Chicago is the right place for you depends entirely on what type of job you have, how often you’ll need to go into the city, and what your budget is like. Chicago is a pricey city, and to enjoy that, you have to pay a lot of money for more affordable items outside of the town.
Unfortunately, driving into the city to afford these perks can be a pain and take hours away from you every week that could be spent doing other things you want to do. Step back and consider which suits your lifestyle more, and then move forward with that decision! Over time you can change your mind if you realize you’ve made a poor decision, so don’t fear making a choice.
