MOVING TO CHICAGO? Your Questions Answered!

I answer all of your Chicago moving questions!!
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IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN APARTMENT
Email: [e-mail]
COOKING WITH CAI - Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00pm CST
/ cairabutton
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ENTER MY GIVEAWAY
INSTAGRAM- / cairabutton
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#Chicago #chicagoapartments
Hi my name is Caira Button and I am a 26 year old who makes videos about tips, tricks, and organization for small space living. I love the minimalist, feminine, clean vibe. I have kept the decor pretty neutral adding a bit of mid century modern & LOTS of plants. I hope my advice is able to help you in your journey!

[@NeraBooyah]

I’ve lived in Chicago my whole life, and there’s still so much I didn’t know about moving. I’m grateful to have found Caira because she made my apartment hunting experience seem like a walk in the park. She listens to your wants and needs then sends you the best options. During my tours, I was confused most of the time, but Caira made sure to clarify everything. She keeps it honest, and I felt supported throughout the entire process. Honestly, I wish we were besties. 🙃 Thank you, again. Looking to make a move? Definitely reach out to her!

[@olbird7647]

Can't ask for a better testimonial than that 😊

[@CairaButton]

SHANERA YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ME CRY!!!!!!!!! I loveddddd working with you and am so excited for you! We can be bestirs girlfriend!! Thank you so much for this 🤍🤍

[@selenat.4982]

This is one of the best cities in the world. People need to remember the violence they hear about are in specific neighborhood. It's not throughout the city. I love Chicago. I wished I would have just moved back there a few years ago. The suburbs are nice too. Hickory hills, oak lawn, Palos hills...nice area not far from the city and great prices.

[@CairaButton]

Yesss👏🏼👏🏼

[@devinthedude3736]

Literally the video I needed! I will be moving to Chicago next year (mostly because I love the city) for a new job opportunity and have been doing extensive research. I have followed you Instagram and subscribed here on KZbin. You have been so helpful!

[@CairaButton]

Yay so glad this helped!!

[@Talking_With_Gabrielle]

What areas are you looking in for living?

[@PlantHeaux]

I’m moving for a new jobs , what areas do u recommend for a salary of $53K

[@meekssyy]

this is so helpful! im planning on moving to Chicago eventually so your channel has been the most amazing help!

[@CairaButton]

Yay so glad this helped!

[@midnitekezia234]

Thank you so much for doing this set (series?) of videos! I can't get enough of them!

[@CairaButton]

It will be a series!! Thank you!

[@babydollkincaid4584]

I love just everything you do! 😁 love watching you I've used a lot of your wonderful ideas!

[@CairaButton]

Thank you so much!!!

[@madisonkuhl9708]

Thank you so much for making these videos! Its helping ease my anxiety about moving so much even though im not moving for a few more months😂❤️

[@CairaButton]

Yay glad this helped!

[@emilylenora1045]

I’m strongly considering moving to Chicago next Spring/Summer (I would love to in winter but with my job I have to be able to go on a work trip in February that is already booked). I grew up going there visiting family and I know a few people who live there now, it’s my absolute favorite city! There is something magical about Chicago!

[@KelseyWillaby]

All of your videos about renting and living there makes me want to move to Chicago 😅

[@CairaButton]

Do ittttttt

[@rsaya3048]

Thank you for these great videos. You answered a lot of questions for me. I wonder if you can do one on best winter jackets and winter gear for Chicago for men and women!

[@CairaButton]

I'm so happy to have helped 😊 I recently did this video on some of my winter essentials! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5zcd5ulhdmBeZo

[@angelkoshiway4883]

Yay I seen my comment lol buut I am hoping everything works out for me and i can live there. Watching your videos always help me and I always take notes on what you say.

[@CairaButton]

Aw yay! Thank you for submitting the questions!

[@elizabeththecity9674]

I love Chicago so much :)!!

[@CairaButton]

Same☺️🥰

[@Veronica-fc9td]

Caira! I'm moving to Chicago next year (from ARKANSAS) and you are helping me already so much and am 100% going to be emailing you!!

[@db1520]

hey did you move here there yet how is it

[@oluyomiajayi9462]

Loved this!

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!

[@parivaiphei8919]

Hallo sis, Nice video and good information!!

[@dinagrant8454]

Love your videos! Awesome giveaway!

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!!

[@SamGeiger]

Just found my apartment in Streeterville and am moving soon! Thanks for the great Chicago content!

[@CairaButton]

Yay so exciting!!

[@SamGeiger]

@@CairaButton Watching your part 2 now! 😅

[@kirafarooqui145]

Off topic but your brows and hair look so amazing and healthy!

[@CairaButton]

Thank you so much!!!

[@sharondennis3337]

LOVED your video! Left you a message on Instagram (which I don't check much but will try to do better!) Thank you for the information!

[@alexowings8510]

i could listen to u talk abt leases and apartment in Chicago for hours. make 10000 parts ill watch em all

[@CairaButton]

Hahahah thank you!!!! I really appreciate that!

[@kaligyrl05]

Love your videos! Also, thank you for this Q&A. It came in at the perfect time! Curious about moving in the winter. When you say moving in the winter is ideal, is that through March?

[@CairaButton]

Yes! I would say that’s the end!

[@3506Dodge]

I got a 15% reduction in rent by paying the entire year's rent at signing. That meant coming up with $15,000 but it avoided issues of verifying income etc.

[@andersonviolin]

Hello, it would be interesting if you made a video explaining where to live not so far from downtown to save money and give yourself a life without restrictions at the same time. Live well and save money. Your content is very good, greetings 👏🏻

[@shytowngrl]

We have always had issues with timing for looking. We have always lived in places that require 60 days' notice but then find we usually can't find inventory until about 30 days' before we need the lease to start. It has caused lots of uncertainty about where we are going to live until right before we are about to move.

[@CairaButton]

I totally get that, but there are always always places available so rest assured it will work out.

[@MfWhtTv]

Lol place’s to avoid umm eastside southside westside and northside just stay downtown or in the suburbs 😂🤣😅 i love my city

[@Vrtxlove]

I’ve been considering moving to Chicago at the end of this year and you’re channel has been so helpful!

[@soojoe]

This is very helpful. Hard to find videos on Chicago from a non realtor perspective

[@CairaButton]

Yay I’m glad this helped!

[@TSwiftLUVER916]

Thank you for this video, so informative! Planning to move to Chicago once I pay off my student loans 😊 I want you to be my leasing agent hahaha

[@CairaButton]

Of course! I would love to help!

[@alexisslaughter1216]

HEY MY QUESTION IS THERE !

[@CairaButton]

Yay thank you for submitting it!

[@joezernolasco367]

Recently been watching your videos! Great stuff!! I’ve been accepted to a graduate program there in Chicago and just been researching on the area and such. The only thing is that I live in California, so how will be the process be like if I live in California and I talk to a leasing agent? Do I have to fly there to check out the place that was recommended?

[@CairaButton]

No you can do everything virtually!! Email me! [e-mail]

[@rsullivan1]

Avoid Englewood and the West Side. She won’t say it but I will. There is crime everywhere but some neighborhoods track way higher than others. I’ve lived in all the following throughout my life (born and raised in Chi) Uptown is coming around but there is also a lot of crime and a huge homeless population. If you stay closer to Montrose it’s not that bad and close to the lake! Wrigleyville and Lakeview are a bit overpriced in my opinion and parking is very difficult. This includes boys town. Big 🏳️‍🌈 ... community if that’s your jam. Fun bars/restaurants as well... Roscoe Village/North Center/Bucktown/Avondale/Ravenswood/Portage Park are great if you have children. (Lots of parks, good schools) Logan Square/Humboldt Park = gentrified (not that I have a problem with that...just has had MAJOR changes in the last 15 years since I lived there) Wicker Park is pricey but really trendy, lots of bars, shops etc. I enjoyed partying there in my 20s quite a lot. 😉 Lincoln Park, great mix of college, families, young professionals, walk to the beach, Lincoln Park Zoo is there... Same with West Loop/Fulton Market...a gang of new development going on in that area. It’s pricey but very nice, lots of restaurants, shops, gyms... Loop/River West (0 sense of community) you’ll be surrounded by tourists in the summer and a lot of people that travel downtown for work. Everything is walking distance. Views are unreal. (Personally My favorite apartment was in the loop, down the street from Millennium Park when I was single and not a mom.) UIC/Little Italy...haven’t lived here since I was a kid and it’s changed a LOT since the 90s but definitely a big college community. Not overpriced. Decent restaurants. Not bad. There are a million others and great suburbs that are a Metra ride into the city. For those that don’t have a car, there is a train or bus that will get you just about anywhere in the city so it’s very easy to get around. Also you can’t blink and not find a new place to eat so bring your pants with the elastic waistband! 😁

[@optimuskong160]

I moved from Alabama to Hyde Park 3 months ago i love it over here

[@CairaButton]

OK THIS 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 this is amazing and so so so helpful!!!! I love this!!

[@theresaduffy8222]

Edgewater/ Rogers Park are also affordable and close to the lake. Lots of parks and strong communities.

[@rsullivan1]

@@theresaduffy8222 yes!! Definitely. I was only listing the neighborhoods I’ve lived in and totally forgot I lived in Edgewater briefly. Really Nice neighborhood (terrible parking 🙁)

[@debraaltizer374]

Thanks for this info, I have visited Chicago (I love Chicago and would live there in a heartbeat!) I have lived in many big cities, when she said all areas of the city are great, that is terribly misleading. Chicago is still very segregated in some ways and people should be careful, some neighborhoods are experiencing gentrification but some areas areas are still dicey.

[@nootpengu]

5:53 south of 50 and west of 90 are no go’s

[@infinitexps]

Thanks for the video. I don't think you mentioned anything about this in the video or might have missed it but would having large savings help with getting approved for an apartment? I have 3-4 years' worth of rent money in savings but won't have a job during the transition back to Chicago.

[@CairaButton]

Yes! You can show the amount of a full lease in savings instead of proof of income!

[@geminitheproducer8455]

I have a question so I live in Houston my lease ends here in February should I wait til April to move to Chicago?

[@deviidoo03]

this was very helpful!! also @damdevv cause i want some plants lol

[@CairaButton]

Yay glad it helped!

[@melissafernandez9939]

Typically, how much do leasing agents charge for their services?

[@luitoro8995]

Thank you so much for your video amazing you are very good at what you do. How can I get in touch with you I am relocating to. Chicago from Florida

[@CairaButton]

You can schedule a time to chat with me here! calendly.com/cairabutton/rental

[@KevinJohnson-bg1dc]

Will different leasing agents have access to different apartments? Is it beneficial to reach to more than one agent?

[@annesmlr]

What if you’re coming from another country? My company wants me to move to Chicago from Germany for about 3 years but flights are expensive and take around 12 hours i guess so that’s a problem

[@ciaraputnam129]

I moved to the city in August and would’ve loved to have you as my leasing agent 😂 but regardless, always learning something new from you! (@ciaraputnam for the giveaway!)

[@CairaButton]

Well when you need a new apartment let me know!! Got your extra entries!

[@enyab.6939]

Is Chicago good for disabled people, 50+, what about quality of life, rental rates, etc? Thanks.

[@brookewilson1523]

does rent go up every year? I know it is different because of covid, and I'm sure that rent will for sure go up when covid is over. I am just curious if I get a 3,000 a month apartment, will it go up every year? My townhouse I rent now goes up anywhere between 15-50 a year and I am only in a small town about an hour away from chicago, so I can only imagine how much it goes up in the city.

[@TheAbenunez]

this!!

[@CairaButton]

Totally depends. It’s not rent locked so chances are yes, however this year rent has gone down so much because of demand.

[@MsGorteck]

While you are a bit hyper, I really like the apartment videos you make. You do a good job of explaining what you do and how it works in Chicago. Too bad people in other cities can't do this. You do a good job of answering questions and then explaining what your answer means. Is it possible that you could show apartments so people have an idea what costs what. (What one can expect at different price points.) Also could you put a map of the city up and talk about the different areas, transit, what you are near, etc?

[@DivyangRameshbhaiPanchal-ru4ui]

Hi I see all videos

[@kbklasss789]

hi mrs.caira button, your video is such a great help however I'm moving to chicago in about a month and I hope if your not to busy you can you be my agent

[@mckenzieryin3340]

I was so shocked about how easy it was to apply. Also for the giveaway @mckenzieryin

[@CairaButton]

Yay so glad it worked out for you guys! And got your entries!

[@indiehippie]

Im moving to Chicago short term - do you have any recommendations on finding short term leases, also leading agencies since I live in CA.

[@CairaButton]

Short term is hard because most places won’t pay us on a short term lease. Subleasing is usually a good option!

[@tateg5692]

Do your clients pay you or does the apartment complex pay you? Thank you for this video! Very helpful!

[@CairaButton]

Clients do NOT pay me!! Basically whatever apartment you pick (and it could literally be any apartment, doesn’t matter to me!) is who pays me!

[@frrus7327]

is compas hiring, if i may ask, looking to work part time as a leasing agent

[@jaywilliams1994]

Hey, I’m looking to live closer to the airport. Can you help me with that or are you primarily downtown?

[@CairaButton]

I specialize in the downtown area!

[@diorkennedy745]

Hello! I’m planning to move to Chicago as soon as my job give me a start date. When I get an address, Can you provide me some info on good places to stay?

[@CairaButton]

Of course!

[@alexandrahuertas2542]

Hi, Caira! I’m looking to move to Chicago in January next year. Do you think we can get in contact?

[@CairaButton]

Yes! Shoot me a dm @cairabutton

[@richardstephan4337]

Any recommendations for moving companies in Chicago?

[@CairaButton]

Clutter!!! They are amazing. If you use the code CAIRA you get $50 off

[@MirIsForTheChildren]

Does Chicago have a gayborhood like we do in SF (The Castro) or a sort of alternative neighborhood like The Haight?

[@CairaButton]

The pride parade takes place in northalsted, I would check it out!

[@daringplanet2907]

Thanks. I am trying too move in the early summer. Can we work together?

[@CairaButton]

Absolutely! Shoot me an email. [e-mail]

[@meriahmakes6870]

Bonus entry here 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m @meriahmakes on IG too 🌱

[@CairaButton]

Woot woot got it!

[@kimberlythomas1819]

Thank you for answering my question! This video was super helpful. Instagram extra entry: kimberlyjeant

[@CairaButton]

Yay thank you for submitting your questions! Got your extra entries!

[@shortstackishere]

I'm moving to Chicago in a couple weeks for college n your videos have helped me so much! So grateful I found your channel. Hoping I can decorate my place with plants though so @shortstaxishere is my Instagram handle for that extra entry 😭

[@CairaButton]

Got your entry! Good luck with your move!

[@mandyhuang2572]

lol ur making me feel sm better ab living in chicago this summer :") insta: mandyyhuang

[@CairaButton]

It’s the best place ever! And got your extra entries!

[@JaJaJaguar97]

super helpful video! Can’t wait to move to Chicago soon :) IG: @janweathergirl

[@CairaButton]

Yay! Got your extra entries too!

[@catmama54]

I would love city life but not gonna happen at this stage of my life.

[@CairaButton]

I don’t know if it will be forever but I love it for now.

[@Sherrie561]

I am 60 this year and my daughter and I go every single year and if I didn’t have a granddaughter and family I would live in River North or Streeterville in a heartbeat

[@ally_ann21]

Thank you so much for making these videos, as they’re SO HELPFUL for us out-of-state people looking to move. I do have another question: Is it possible to move before I have a job if I have enough savings to cover rent for entire lease term? IG handle for bonus entry: ally_ann21

[@CairaButton]

Yes! Most of the time that works! Got your bonus entries too!

[@emilytoppen4181]

Thanks for making such great content!! Also, if I’m lucky enough to receive some plant babies, my IG is @emily_toppen✨💚

[@CairaButton]

Got it!! Thank you!!

[@medbae]

My Instagram is @jojosmojostoreofficial 😇

[@CairaButton]

Got it!!

[@randalf119]

everything u say sounds like an ad