Lincoln Park
Explore lakefront green space, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the shops around Armitage and Halsted, alongside historic homes and newer residences.
A new city. A considered beginning.
Moving to Chicago
Your Complete Relocation Guide
A remarkable home is only one part of the move. Find your neighborhood, plan your arrival, and begin your next chapter with local insight from Carrie McCormick.
01 / Begin with your priorities
Build your search around your life.
Start with the week you want to live: your work destinations, travel habits, preferred home style, outdoor space, parking, and the places you visit most. Test your regular journey and explore shortlisted areas at different times of day.
Whether you are arriving from across the country or moving from the suburbs, Carrie can help translate those priorities into a focused home search. Discuss your timing early, including any sale, lease, or temporary housing arrangements that need to align.
Explore Carrie’s approach for buyers →02 / Find your Chicago
A city of distinct neighborhoods.
Architecture, lakefront access, dining, and the rhythm of everyday streets change from one neighborhood to the next. Use these places as a starting point, then compare the details that matter to you.
Gold Coast
Discover historic streets, distinctive architecture, designer shopping, and proximity to Lake Michigan.
Streeterville
Explore a downtown setting with lakefront access, Navy Pier, and a range of condominium buildings.
River North
Spend time around the galleries, restaurants, Chicago Riverwalk, and the neighborhood’s mix of lofts and high-rise living.
West Loop
Discover Fulton Market, destination dining, converted industrial spaces, and newer residential development.
Wicker Park & Bucktown
Explore independent shops, music venues, neighborhood streets, and access to The 606 trail.
03 / Choose with perspective
Understand the home. And the full picture.
Compare the complete ownership budget: property taxes, association assessments, insurance, parking, utilities, and any planned work. A full-service condominium, townhome, and single-family residence come with different day-to-day responsibilities.
For a condominium, review association documents with your attorney and other appropriate professionals. Ask about reserves, special assessments, upcoming projects, rental policies, pet rules, parking ownership, and move-in requirements.
If you are searching from out of town, discuss virtual tours and an efficient in-person visit with Carrie. Coordinate financing, inspections, document review, and closing arrangements early.
Read the step-by-step Buyer Guide →Explore available properties →04 / Make everyday life work
Your commute. Your school research.
Plan the whole journey.
CTA buses and trains serve the city; Metra connects Chicago with communities across the region. Compare the walk to the station, transfers, and your actual travel times. The CTA Blue Line connects with O’Hare; the Orange Line connects with Midway. Check current schedules and service alerts before traveling.
CTA trip planner ↗Airport connections ↗Metra routes & schedules ↗Research by exact address.
Use the CPS School Locator for each Chicago property. Neighborhood attendance boundaries depend on the address; choice programs, selective enrollment, and preschool have separate processes. Verify eligibility, documents, and current timelines directly with the school. For suburban homes, confirm the relevant school district separately.
CPS School Locator ↗CPS enrollment information ↗05 / Your relocation checklist
A thoughtful move, step by step.
Use this suggested timeline to organize the practical details, then adjust it to your purchase, lease, and building requirements.
6–8 weeks before
Clarify your budget and priorities, compare neighborhoods, align your housing dates, and research moving companies. For an Illinois move, use the state’s mover resources to check authority.
3–4 weeks before
Reserve movers and ask building management about elevator bookings, permitted moving hours, insurance certificates, loading access, deposits, and fees.
1–2 weeks before
Arrange electricity, gas where applicable, internet, mail forwarding, and address updates. Confirm what the building or association already includes before opening accounts.
Moving week
Reconfirm keys, access, loading arrangements, and the mover’s arrival. Keep essential documents, medications, chargers, and a first-night bag with you.
After arrival
Complete address and vehicle updates, finalize school registration if applicable, and establish your everyday services. Make time to explore your new neighborhood.
06 / Settle in with confidence
The Chicago essentials.
Utilities & home services
Check the service arrangement for your address. ComEd offers electricity account services; Peoples Gas handles gas service in Chicago where applicable. Ask your building about water, heat, internet providers, and any services included in assessments or rent.
ComEd account services ↗Peoples Gas move services ↗Vehicles, parking & winter
Illinois license and registration requirements are separate from Chicago’s City Vehicle Sticker and residential parking rules. Review the City Clerk’s new-resident guidance promptly. Check posted signs for zone permits, street cleaning, overnight winter restrictions, and snow routes.
Illinois new-resident services ↗Chicago City Sticker guidance ↗Residential parking permits ↗A few common questions
Before you make your move.
Can I begin my Chicago home search remotely?
Yes. Start by discussing your priorities, timeline, and financing with Carrie. Ask about virtual tours and a focused visit, then coordinate inspections and closing details with your transaction team.
How do I choose a neighborhood?
Compare your commute, preferred home type, parking, outdoor space, and everyday destinations. Visit at different times and verify property-specific details before deciding.
What should I confirm before booking movers?
Ask about building access, elevator reservations, insurance certificates, permitted hours, loading arrangements, and fees. Get the mover’s scope and estimate in writing.
Where can I find help after closing?
Explore Carrie’s Little Black Book for introductions related to design, organizing, moving, and home care.
Discover The Little Black Book →Your next chapter starts here
Let’s plan your move to Chicago.
Tell Carrie where you are moving from, your ideal timing, and what matters most in your next home.