Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Chicago, IL

Trading the Gateway to the West for the Windy City

St. Louis, Missouri, is known as the “Gateway to the West” due to its central location in the U.S. during the pioneer days when much of the population moved west. Leaving a city with 301,578 people (according to the 2020 U.S. Census) for the “Windy City” of Chicago, IL, with an estimated 2.7 million residents, can take some getting used to.

These two cities may be in neighboring states just over 300 miles apart, but you’ll find many differences from climate to culture to job opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about your new home.

Is there a chill in the air?

Chicago winters are typically colder than you’d experience in St. Louis, with twice the annual average snowfall (37 inches compared to 18). If you don’t already have it, you’ll want to get some appropriate winter gear to stay warm during the season. Even the warmer seasons are a bit cooler in Chicago. In the summer, you’ll find wet, warm conditions and typical highs in the low 80s in Chicago, with rainfall averaging just under 40 inches per year.

Embrace public transportation

Getting around is a breeze with Chicago's robust and reliable public transportation system, operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Grab yourself a single-ride ticket or purchase daily or monthly passes for savings on unlimited rides. The buses and train lines (known as the "L") work together to make it easy to explore the whole city so you can enjoy all that Chicago has to offer!

Enjoy outdoor adventure and more in Chicago

Chicago’s lakefront areas have 31 sand beaches and 570 parks covering over 8,000 acres, offering a variety of activities for people who love being outside. Take a walking or biking tour of the city, and check out “The Bean” Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park, the most-visited park in the Midwest.

If you're looking for some great outdoor spaces to visit in Chicago, you're in luck! Here are the top 5 outdoor places to visit in the city:

• Lincoln Park Zoo: Home to over 200 species, this zoo is open year-round, and admission is always free.
• Navy Pier: Enjoy various outdoor activities like boat tours, a Ferris wheel, and mini-golf. Also, enjoy the many shops and restaurants.
• Grant Park: Home to famous landmarks, Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago, with several walking paths to explore.
• The 606: Created from an abandoned train line, this elevated trail cuts through the city's northwest side and has spectacular views of Chicago's skyline.

U-Pack can move you to Chicago

With service centers near St. Louis and Chicago, U-Pack® is well-equipped to handle your long-distance move. We’re a DIY moving service, so you take care of packing, loading and unloading, and then we transport your things.

Get a free online quote today or call us at 844-362-5303844-594-3077. We’re here to help!