Moving from Madison to the Windy City

Life in Madison is busy. As Wisconsin’s capital city and the home of the University of Wisconsin, you’ve had ample social and cultural opportunities. But be prepared for even more things to do in Chicago. It’s one of the largest cities in the entire country, and it has the look and energy of big city life, where Madison could feel more like a smaller town at times. With a lot of employment options and entertainment and dining choices galore, the City of Big Shoulders has a lot to offer. Learn more about what to expect from your move from Madison to Chicago below. 

What’s the weather like in Chicago? 

Both Madison and Chicago are known to have cold, frigid winters and hot summers. The “lake-effect” snow is a real thing in Chicago (it often causes brutal wind chills and large amounts of snowfall blanket the city in winter). In winter, Chicagoans are known to bundle up, but summers, though hot, can be much more pleasant than in Madison. 

What are some job opportunities in Chicago?

Employment opportunities in the city are abundant. Chicago is home to 21 Fortune 500 companies, and it’s considered a global financial center with the second largest business district in America. 

How are schools there?

Have school-aged children and are curious about the city’s schools? Chicago Public Schools serves more than 361,000 students in more than 600 schools and other facilities. The school district is the country’s third largest and, in recent years, has led the nation in test score improvement. Chicago Public Schools holds a 74 percent graduation rate, as well.  

What are some fun things to do in Chicago? 

Whether you’re in the mood for sports, sightseeing, theater and concerts, or education, Chicago has no shortage of things to do. 

Sports: See the Bears play football at Soldier Field. Take in a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field or a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field. See the Blackhawks play hockey or the Bulls play basketball at the United Center. If you’re a sports fan, Chicago has at least one team in each of America’s five major professional sports leagues, so there is plenty of opportunity to catch a game year-round. 

Sightseeing: Take the city’s architectural boat tour on the Chicago River to see some of the cities storied landmark buildings and sculptures. Visit Millennium Park and see Cloud Gate (sometimes referred to as “the Bean”), explore Navy Pier, or visit a number of retail shops along Chicago’s historic Miracle Mile on Michigan Avenue.

Theater and concerts: See concerts, local musicians or Broadway performances at any number of historic venues in Chicago.

Education: Experience one of the city’s many historical sites, museums or libraries. Science, geology and anthropology enthusiasts will enjoy the Field Museum, which features many exhibits, including Sue the T-Rex, which is the largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton in the world. Also check out Shedd Aquarium, which is one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums. It features more than 5 million gallons of water and houses more than 32,000 animals and exhibitions of sea life.

Getting around in the Windy City 

Chicago is home to the nation’s second largest public transit system. Either by rail or bus, residents and visitors of the city and its 40 neighboring communities can navigate the area at any time of the day or night with ease. The city also has more than 100 miles of bike paths and plenty of other public service options like ridesharing options and taxis. 

Need help with your move? 

If need help moving your things, let U-Pack^® help! U-Pack provides service to both Madison and Chicago, so we can help you move! Utilize our transportation solutions to find the best fit for your move. Even though we do the driving, prices often compare to a rental truck, but you don’t have to drive. Get a free moving quote online, or call us at 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for more information about our services.