Moving from California to Chicago: What You Need to Know
Thinking about moving from California to Chicago? Chicago offers diverse neighborhoods, strong schools, major employers, world-class dining and culture, and often significantly more housing value than many California markets, all while maintaining the energy and amenities of a major city.
If you're considering a move from California to Chicago, you're not alone.
Over the years, we've helped many individuals, couples, families, healthcare professionals, executives, and retirees relocate to Chicago from California. As housing affordability, lifestyle priorities, career opportunities, and family needs continue to evolve, many Californians are taking a fresh look at what Chicago has to offer.
Recently, Busby Group founder Julie Busby joined The Jones Zone podcast to discuss her own experience moving from San Diego to Chicago and the insights she's gained helping clients make the same transition.
Watch the Interview
Key Takeaways
Chicago often offers significantly more housing value than many California markets.
Buyers can choose from vibrant city neighborhoods, walkable communities, luxury high-rises, and highly regarded suburban communities.
O'Hare and Midway airports provide convenient access back to California and destinations worldwide.
Chicago's four seasons create a different lifestyle experience than Southern California.
Working with a relocation-focused real estate team can simplify the transition and reduce stress.
Why Are People Moving from California to Chicago?
Every client's reasons are different, but some common themes emerge.
Many buyers are attracted to Chicago's combination of world-class amenities, diverse neighborhoods, strong job market, highly regarded schools, and housing options that often provide significantly more space and value than comparable properties in many California markets.
Chicago also offers:
A vibrant food and cultural scene
Four distinct seasons
Extensive parks and lakefront recreation
Professional sports and entertainment
Major healthcare and university systems
Convenient access to both coasts through O'Hare and Midway airports
Diverse urban, suburban, and lakefront communities
For many, Chicago offers the opportunity to maintain a sophisticated lifestyle while gaining more space, flexibility, and purchasing power.
Julie's Perspective: Having Lived in Both Markets
Before building her career in Chicago real estate, Julie lived and worked in San Diego.
That firsthand experience allows her to understand many of the questions California buyers have when considering a move to the Midwest.
In the podcast, Julie discusses:
The biggest lifestyle differences between California and Chicago
Housing expectations and pricing
Weather and seasonal living
Transportation and commuting
Schools and family considerations
Neighborhood selection
The emotional side of relocating to a new city
Having experienced both markets personally provides valuable perspective when helping clients navigate the transition.
Choosing the Right Chicago Neighborhood or Suburb
One of the biggest questions relocating buyers ask is:
"Where should I live in Chicago?"
The answer depends on your lifestyle, commute, family needs, and long-term goals.
Some buyers are drawn to vibrant city neighborhoods such as:
Lincoln Park
West Loop
Gold Coast
Bucktown
Roscoe Village
Southport Corridor
Others prefer suburban communities that offer larger homes, highly regarded schools, and easy commuting options, including:
Hinsdale
Western Springs
La Grange
Wilmette
Evanston
Lake Forest
Orland Park
Frankfort
Our team takes time to understand how you live, work, and spend your free time before recommending communities that fit your needs.
How Busby Group Helps California Buyers Relocate
Relocating across the country can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to learn a new market from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Our concierge-driven approach helps simplify the process.
We assist with:
Neighborhood and community tours
Virtual showings
School resources
Attorney and lender introductions
Movers and relocation vendors
Home inspections
Local service provider recommendations
Timing the sale of your current home and purchase in Chicago
Whether you're moving from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Sacramento, or elsewhere in California, we can help create a plan tailored to your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from California to Chicago
Is Chicago more affordable than California?
While affordability varies by market, many California buyers find they can purchase significantly more home for their budget in Chicago and many surrounding suburbs.
What are the biggest lifestyle differences between California and Chicago?
The most common differences include four-season living, public transportation options, neighborhood density, and a greater variety of housing styles and price points.
What Chicago neighborhoods are popular with relocating professionals?
Popular areas often include West Loop, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, River North, Bucktown, and several North Shore, Southwest Suburban, and western suburban communities.
Can Busby Group help with an out-of-state move?
Yes. We regularly assist clients relocating to and from Chicago and can coordinate every step of the process through our concierge team and trusted referral network.
Do you help clients sell in California and buy in Chicago?
Absolutely. Through our nationwide network of trusted real estate professionals, we can connect you with experienced agents in California while guiding your purchase or move in Chicago.
What are the best Chicago suburbs for families relocating from California?
Many relocating families explore communities such as Hinsdale, Western Springs, Wilmette, Evanston, Lake Forest, Orland Park, and La Grange due to their schools, parks, community amenities, and access to Chicago.
Is Chicago a good place for remote workers and executives?
Yes. Chicago offers a diverse housing stock, major transportation hubs, vibrant neighborhoods, strong business communities, and easy access to both coasts, making it attractive for executives, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.
Thinking About Moving from California to Chicago?
Whether you're relocating for work, family, lifestyle, affordability, or a new opportunity, our team would be happy to answer your questions and help you evaluate your options.
With firsthand experience living in both California and Chicago, deep local market knowledge, and a concierge-driven approach, Busby Group helps make the transition as seamless as possible.
Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your Chicago game plan.