Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to do your research and understand the pros and cons of living in the city you choose. Chicago, Illinois is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, but there are some drawbacks that should be considered before making the decision to move there. Here are 19 reasons not to move to Chicago, Illinois.
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Chicago is high, especially for housing. According to Zillow, the median home value in Chicago is $273,500, which is significantly higher than the national median of $196,500. Additionally, the median rent in Chicago is $1,750, which is higher than the national median of $1,400. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation are also more expensive in Chicago than the national average.
2. Weather
Chicago is known for its cold winters and hot, humid summers. The city experiences an average of 44 inches of snow annually, and temperatures often dip below freezing in the winter months. Summers can be uncomfortably hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s. Severe weather, including tornadoes, is also common in the area.
3. Crime Rate
Chicago has a higher crime rate than the national average. According to the FBI’s 2019 Crime Report, Chicago’s violent crime rate is higher than the national average, and its property crime rate is also higher than the national average. Additionally, Chicago has one of the highest homicide rates in the United States.
4. High Taxes
Chicago is known for its high taxes. The city has a sales tax of 10.25%, which is higher than the national average of 7.3%. Additionally, Chicago has an income tax of 4.95%, which is higher than the national average of 3.7%. Property taxes in Chicago are also higher than the national average.
5. Traffic Congestion
Chicago is known for its traffic congestion. The city has some of the worst traffic in the country, with rush hour often lasting for hours. Additionally, the city has some of the longest commute times in the United States, with the average commute time being 33 minutes.
6. Lack of Nature
Chicago is a large, urban city, and it doesn’t have much in the way of nature. There are some parks and nature areas in the city, but they are few and far between. Additionally, the city is located on Lake Michigan, but the lake is polluted and not suitable for swimming.
7. Pollution
Chicago has some of the worst air quality in the United States. The city has high levels of air pollution due to the number of cars on the road and the large number of factories in the area. Additionally, the city has high levels of water pollution due to runoff from the city’s many factories.
8. Expensive Restaurants
Dining out in Chicago can be expensive. The city is known for its high-end restaurants, and the prices can be steep. Additionally, many of the city’s restaurants are clustered in tourist-heavy areas, so it can be difficult to find a good, affordable meal.
9. Lack of Public Transportation
Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, but it can be unreliable and overcrowded. Additionally, the city’s bus and train lines don’t reach all areas of the city, making it difficult for those without cars to get around.
10. Unsafe Neighborhoods
Chicago is a large city, and it has some dangerous neighborhoods. Certain areas of the city are known for their high crime rates, and these areas should be avoided. Additionally, certain neighborhoods have a high rate of homelessness, and these areas should also be avoided.
11. Poor School System
Chicago’s public school system is one of the worst in the country. The city’s schools are overcrowded, and they have a high dropout rate. Additionally, the schools lack adequate resources, and the quality of education is often poor.
12. Lack of Jobs
Chicago has a high unemployment rate, and the job market is competitive. Additionally, the city has a high cost of living, which makes it difficult for those without a high-paying job to make ends meet.
13. High Cost of Healthcare
Healthcare in Chicago is expensive. The city’s hospitals and doctors charge high prices for services, and the cost of health insurance is also high. Additionally, the city has a shortage of doctors, so it can be difficult to find a doctor that accepts your insurance.
14. Poor Infrastructure
Chicago has some of the worst infrastructure in the country. The city’s roads are often in disrepair, and the public transportation system is unreliable. Additionally, the city’s sewer and water systems are outdated, and they often cause flooding in the city.
15. High Cost of Utilities
Utilities in Chicago are more expensive than the national average. The city has a high cost of electricity, and water and sewage rates are also higher than the national average. Additionally, the city has some of the highest natural gas rates in the country.
16. Pothole Problem
Chicago is known for its potholes. The city’s roads are often in disrepair, and the potholes can be a hazard to drivers. Additionally, the city has a large number of speed bumps, which can make driving in the city a slow and tedious process.
17. Unpredictable Weather
Chicago’s weather is often unpredictable. The city experiences extreme temperature swings, and the weather can change quickly. Additionally, the city often experiences severe storms, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzards.
18. Unfriendly Locals
Chicagoans are often viewed as unfriendly. The city has a reputation for being cold and unwelcoming, and it can be difficult to make friends in the city. Additionally, many of the city’s residents are transient, which can make it difficult to form long-lasting relationships.
19. High Cost of Entertainment
Chicago has some of the most expensive entertainment options in the country. Movie tickets, concerts, and sporting events are all expensive in the city, and it can be difficult to find affordable entertainment options. Additionally, many of the city’s bars and clubs are expensive and crowded.
Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to do your research and understand the pros and cons of living in the city you choose. Chicago, Illinois is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, but there are some drawbacks that should be considered before making the decision to move there. The 19 reasons outlined above should be considered when deciding whether or not to move to Chicago.