Illinois

Chicago might be called the Second City, but there’s no doubt the Illinois destination gives every other metropolitan area a run for its money. Music, art, theater, dining, recreation, pro sports powerhouses — there’s not much Chicago lacks when it comes to quality of life. But where are the best places to put down roots in the Windy City? See which areas made our top 12 list now!

Offering big-city living, impressive public transit, lakefront beaches, and world-class dining and entertainment — it's no wonder if you’re considering calling Chi-town your new home. Use this guide to get acquainted with your soon-to-be hometown and learn some tips and tricks for making your long-distance move to The Windy City a breeze.

Whether you’re moving out of the city to the suburbs, moving long distance, or just relocating locally, it’s easy for your brain to get overloaded with all the details both big and small. But before you jump into googling Chicago movers, it’s important to remember that you have real choices in how you make this move. To help with deciding what’s best for your move, here’s a look at your options, how each works, and the pros and cons.