Moving from Miami, FL to Chicago, IL
Popularly known as the “Windy City,” moving to Chicago means you'll be living in the third largest city in the country and the fourth most important business center in the world. While Chicago has several other nicknames, there is more to this “City that Works” than its skyscrapers. Its vast parklands and 26 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan attract visitors and new residents to this prosperous city. While Chicago's 33 lakeshore beaches may not be able to compare to Miami's extensive coastline, but the freshwater is cool in summer and you don't have to put away your stash of bathing suits. Plus, if you enjoy bike riding, there is a 19-mile bike path along the lake guaranteed to be a gorgeous ride.

The weather in Chicago
The climate in Chicago will definitely be cooler compared to Miami. Summer temperatures typically stay in the low 80s, although there may be a few weeks where it warms above 90 degrees. Expect winter temperatures to hang out in the mid-30s from December through February, and snowfall averages about 37 inches annually. January is usually the snowiest month. Since the weather is a bit cooler, you may have to do some shopping to update your wardrobe with more jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves, and boots.

Getting Around in Chicago
Getting around the city won't be a problem, since the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs the second largest public transportation system in the country with both bus and rail options. Several bus routes offer “Owl Service” (for those night owls, no doubt), which means it runs 24-hours. The rail system, commonly known as “The 'L'”, connects to neighboring communities around the city. Regional transits that connect to the CTA extend rail and bus service to the surrounding suburbs for those who choose to live a bit further from the city's center.

Getting an education in Chicago
Chicago's public school system is even bigger than Miami's, with over 400,000 students in more than 600 schools. If AP courses are important to you, that's not a problem. Chicago public schools also use a Full School Day schedule, where kids get extra time in the classroom that allows for an additional class period in math, reading, or science – or an enrichment period in fine arts, health, and wellness, or an AP class. This kind of schedule is geared toward ensuring quality instruction, creative learning, and college preparedness.

Speaking of college, there are more than 20 colleges and universities directly in the city, with a good handful of nationally recognized top universities. The University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Loyola University are among that elite group.

Fun Times in Chicago
Chicago is known for great food, so why not get to know the city through its variety of awesome eateries?! There are several things unique to Chicago that you just have to try. Everybody has heard of Chicago-style pizza, and now you will have the chance to try the authentic version of deep dish, chunky-sauce pies. Chicago-style hot dogs won't be hard to find, and are easily recognizable for the poppy-seed bun and pile of garden toppings. In the summer, you could just take it all in at once at the Taste of Chicago outdoor food festival.

For locally grown flavor, check out the Chicago French Market that is open year round, held indoors, and located on the lower level of the Metra Train Station, making the trip there and back even easier.

Chicago is also known as a major sports town and was even recognized as the “Best Sports City” by Sporting News three separate times. With two Major League Baseball teams, it’s no surprise that baseball is a local favorite. Catch a game with the Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox, or the Chicago Bears for some football.

Between Miami and Chicago:
As you plan to relocate from sunny Florida to middle-America, there are plenty of interesting things to see along the road between Miami and Chicago. With a 20-hour drive ahead, why not explore some of these stops along the way?

• If you're a fan of Coca-Cola, stop by the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, which is basically a giant Coke museum right near the Georgia Aquarium.
• In Nashville, stop by the Hermitage mansion of President Andrew Jackson for a dose of history.
• Louisville is a pretty cool place! Besides the expected Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a must-see for baseball fans. For those with a taste for bourbon, make time for the Bourbon Trail tour.

Whatever has you moving from Miami to Chicago, you’re going to love it here!
 

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