Thinking of Moving from Boston to Chicago – Need Advice on Areas & Job Market?

I’ve been living in Boston for a while now, but honestly, it just doesn’t feel like the right place for me anymore. The crime is getting worse, the cost of living is insane (we’re literally the most expensive city in the U.S. now), and the job market feels way too limited. It doesn’t even feel like a real city—more like a big college town with fewer opportunities for working professionals.

I visited Chicago before and absolutely loved it. The skyscrapers, the bigger job market (especially in tech/IT), the better public transportation, and just the overall city vibe—it felt like an actual metropolis. And the rent? I’m seeing rooms for $600 and one-bedroom apartments for around $1,000, which is unheard of in Boston. Here, you can barely find a studio under $3,000, even in sketchy areas and a private room in a shared house is 2000-2500 nowadays!

So, I’m seriously considering making the move and wanted to get some advice from locals or people who’ve relocated:

• What are some good areas where I can get the most for my money? I want affordability but also decent safety and convenience. Which areas are the most expensive/best?
• How’s the tech job market in Chicago? I’m in software engineering but might also pick up side work in retail/hospitality at first which I have done before.
• Anything I should keep in mind before moving? How’s the day-to-day living experience?

Would love to hear from people who’ve made the switch or just know the city well. Any advice is appreciated!