Moving to any place as an ex-pat is not easy. Ex-pats are people moving from their native country to another part of the world. The USA is a popular destination for people like this because of the numerous benefits of living here. Chicago is famous for being one of the most expat-friendly cities in Illinois and generally in America. Our professional movers Chicago residents rely on only make the transition easier. But before hiring movers, you need to choose where you will live in Chicago. Below we will describe the most expat friendly neighborhoods in Chicago.
What are the most expat friendly neighborhoods in Chicago?
Chicago has 2.697 million residents, divided into 77 distinct communities or neighborhoods. If you are not a local familiar with the area, it can be confusing to pick the right area to move to. Chicago is famous for its diverse population, so every neighborhood is unique. To make choosing easier for you, we narrowed the list to three of the best ones our residential movers Chicago has can take you to.
- Rogers Park
- West Ridge
Rogers Park
Located in the far North of Chicago, Rogers Park is a neighborhood in Cook County on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is home to nearly 55,000 residents and is one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. More than 60 languages are spoken in the streets of Rogers Park, and you can see people from around the world living here. The living costs are also affordable by US standards, as rent is around the national average of $1,100. This encourages many ex-pats that move with long distance movers Chicago residents trust to rent, which results in 72% of the population renting their homes. It is also a liberal area, home to many young professionals, where people accept each other’s lifestyles.
West Ridge
If you are moving as an ex-pat family with the help of our international movers Chicago boasts of, you might be looking for a more family-oriented neighborhood in Chicago. West Ridge is perfect for ex-pat families, considering that 33% of the population here are families. The public school system is highly ranked, with Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and Lane Tech College Prep High School being some of the best in the city. Crime and affordable housing prices are also minor concerns in West Ridge. It might be a bit more expensive than the previously listed neighborhood, but both renting and buying will cost close to the national average cost. The cost difference between buying and renting is more balanced, resulting in somewhat equal parts of the population renting and buying.
Final thoughts on expat friendly neighborhoods in Chicago
Chicago is a highly diverse city, with people from around the world calling it home. But as a newcomer, it can be difficult to feel like part of the community. These two expat friendly neighborhoods in Chicago we listed are inhabited mainly by foreigners. This will help you feel at home in no time. If you are moving for work, though, be informed of all the legal requirements before making the transition. That way, you can start your new life in Chicago worry-free!
