Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL

Moving from Pittsburgh to Chicago

Saying goodbye to your home is hard. You’ve called Pittsburgh home for a while and have become accustomed to the way of life in the Steel City. But while moving to Chicago will be bittersweet, it means new opportunities and a chance to fall in love with a new place. See what life is like in the Windy City and learn how a “you pack, we drive” company like U-Pack can help you with your move. 

How does the Chicago weather compare to Pittsburgh’s?

You’ll notice a lot of similarities with the weather in the two cities. Both cities have hot and humid summers, with temperatures hovering around the upper- to mid-90s (though it can get much hotter), but you’ll see the sun a lot more in Chicago! In the summer, you can keep cool at the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park, check out a craft fair or street festival in a number of local neighborhoods across the city, or enjoy some family-friendly activities on the Navy Pier. No matter what you’re looking for, Chicagoans have fun in the summer. Winters in Chicago are about the same as in Pittsburgh, with lows typically averaging around 20 degrees. Be aware of the “lake-effect snow” that tends to bring frigid winds and lots of snow. Chicago usually gets about 36 inches of snow a year. 

How is traffic?

While the weather may be similar, you will notice a pretty big change in traffic patterns in your move from Pittsburgh to Chicago. Thanks in large part to a population of more than 2.7 million people, Chicago is the 23rd most congested city in the world, according to the INRIX National Traffic Scorecard. It’s because of this that many Chicagoans take public transportation to get around. The Chicago Transit Authority operates the second largest public transit system in the country — serving the city of Chicago and surrounding areas by rail and bus. Other public transportation options include ride-sharing programs and taxicab service. 

Fun things to do in Chicago

Whether you’re looking for good food, shopping or family fun, Chicago offers plenty of options. Here’s a sample of some of the best things to do in the Windy City: 

Food options:

Sure, you’ll miss the sandwiches from Primanti Bros. or the cheeseburger from Tessaro’s, but if you’re a foodie, you’ll find plenty to rave about in Chicago. In the Windy City, food isn’t just food — it’s an experience. To really eat like a native, you’ll want to experience the deep-dish pizza with caramelized crust from Pequod’s, a hot Italian beef sandwich (try it with the sweet or hot peppers!) from Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park and a Chicago-style hot dog (just don’t ask for ketchup — sorry, Heinz!) from pretty much anywhere. Also make sure to try some corn-husked tamales or grab some cheese and caramel popcorn (dubbed the “Chicago mix”) from Garrett Popcorn!

Shopping:

Chicago offers a great shopping experience, as well. If you’re in the mood for walking, try out walking the length of Michigan Avenue and spending some time in the retail shops on the “Magnificent Mile.” It’s also worth your time to pay a visit to the high-end shops and designer clothing boutiques along Oak Street. Many of the shops are located in cottage-like townhouses, providing for a shopping experience with a comfortable, homey feel. Another popular shopping destination is on State Street, which features more affordable boutiques and popular lunch locations.  

Family-friendly activities:

If you’re moving with a family, the kids will love the 50-acre playground at the Navy Pier, which features a 150-foot tall Ferris wheel. Another huge hit with the kids is seeing “Sue the T. Rex” at the Field Museum. “Sue” is the nickname given to the collection of dinosaur bones that comprise largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered. Another fun activity is exploring the grounds of the 25-acre Millennium Park and seeing the Skydeck at Willis Tower.

Need help moving?

If you need help with your move, consider U-Pack®! We have a nationwide network of service centers and can easily move you from Pittsburgh to Chicago. With our self-move “you pack, we drive” service, you just handle the packing, loading and unloading, and we’ll drive. Get a free online quote or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to see what your move will cost.