Moving to Chicago Tips | What to know before you get here!

[@minxxoxo]

I’m loving this content of black women moving to Chicago alone and making it!. I look forward to seeing more of your adventures ❤

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you for that! I look forward to enjoying Chicago more and more.

[@BenjaJohnsonIII]

What does being black have anything to do with this. You racist asf

[@tamaramitchell2790]

Welcome to Chicago🎉 I’m a Chicago native and absolutely love to hear perspectives of those who relocate here. Chicago is such an amazing city! Like every large city, it has it’s problems related to crime, disinvestment in some communities, big city politics, etc. That will never change my love for Chicago ❤ The architecture is breathtaking, access to the lake is great, and it’s an overall well planned city. I truly hope you enjoy your time here and soak in what the city has to offer!

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you Tamara! I love Chicago 🫶🏾

[@rondas7772]

I love living here in Chicago, I relocated here and I think it's awesome

[@shannonmaire]

Sounds more vibrant than Dallas. I'm tired of extreme heat, corporate landscape and zero walkability. The taxes part is very good point but we pay in other ways here via sales tax, high tolls and high cost of living versus low average salary. Our crime rates are very high as well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I believe Chicago will be my next move.

[@regrich8795]

Very well said low paying jobs and they treat you like a number because it’s no structure with these companies. I’ve paid so much in tolls here in over 4yrs than I paid in Illinois in 40 plus years it’s ridiculous 😤

[@jminor318]

This is so enjoyable watching someone else outlook on Chicago. Being a chicagoan it is hard to see and experience the city with such a refreshing view. Chicago in eyes is a city that has some MANY underlined issues in so many AREAS that it is hard to see anything else.

[@crystalriley9671]

Hey Chicago Native here, love you review. As a Black north sider, Rogers Park, Evanston and Skokie has a huge Jamaican community here. Restaurants, churches etc. On Howard St by the red line the Jamaican American bakery, several jerk spots, Friday nights at Good to Go Jamaica live music bar and a few clubs too ... There's a ton of history linked to the disinvestment and segaration of the city due to the Daley Political Machine that reigned for decades......but it is getting better

[@TimewithLivi]

Omg thank you for this insight on the Jamaican spots! Literally just made my day 🎉 Thank you for the education too!

[@simonebowley9509]

Needed this comment!! Thank you!

[@EnlightenInspireAchieve]

Andersonville is an amazing area to visit!

[@Dreana876]

I’m so happy I came here today.. I’m in Nashville, looking to move to Chicago and came here for insights. Also Jamaican looking for culture great diversity and food!

[@jojodelrey]

An up North girly here🙋🏾‍♀️. And I can confirm that the north side of the city & nearby north burbs have Jamaican food spots ✨ A lot of Caribbean immigrants settled in these areas.

[@RogueHero]

Born and raised on the westside of Chicago , everything you said was pretty much spot on. Glad you enjoying yo time here , be sure to try some uncle remus Chicken and smoques bbq if you haven't already.

[@TimewithLivi]

Ohhh you a real hero with this recommendations! Thank you!

[@KaydaChante]

Would love a year update of you living in Chicago ! Congratulations btw, brave move. Thinking about moving there towards the end of 2024

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you!!!!! I will be posting an updated video asap!

[@nawlincurly]

I just relocated home to Chicago after 15 years of living in New Orleans. Chicago has ALWAYS been a segregated city. We are midwesterners, we’re sensible , not showy or flashy. I did enjoy your perspective on the city. I was so excited to move back home and to be surrounded by family. Also we’re very blunt. I noticed living in the south people were very taken aback with the way I spoke, no nonsense straight to the point where as in New Orleans and other southern cities I visited they circle around the subject, here we get right to it.

[@TimewithLivi]

I totally agree with your review! I love how not showy and flashy Chicago is. Definitely a difference from the flashy high life of Atlanta these days.

[@rondas7772]

Chicago isn't that segregated believe it or not because it's still kinda mixed, STL and other Midwestern cities are really truly segregated, meaning there are no other races on certain sides of town and the police will run u back to your side of town, Chicago is truly a melting pot

[@_softandspicy]

I’m moving there by myself next year! I appreciate the honesty

[@TimewithLivi]

Absolutely! All the best in your move to Chicago 😊

[@TheBohodiva]

I love when people move to an enjoy Chicago! I hope you feel welcomed and enjoy all that the city has to offer. The summer is amazing. I literally try not to travel during the summer months. - a Chicago native who came back after 10 years

[@TimewithLivi]

I love to read great testimonies like this!!! I literally have no really travel plans because I just wanna be here too.😌

[@Walkinamaze]

I recently started researching Chicago as a potential new home for my family. Thanks for the helpful video :)

[@TimewithLivi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CCTH2221-lp2zj]

Wow you really nailed it. I lived in Chicago for 2 years and it was the greatest two years of my life. However I knew I’d probably end up moving back to Atlanta. The interesting thing was many people loved the fact that I told them I loved it there. But they couldn’t understand why and many said they’d trade places with me. Another thing that I found interesting that it was at one time the cultural capital of Black America. Ebony/ Jet, Soul Train and Afro Sheen dominated my household growing up in North Jersey. Yet I didn’t feel any pride in the history those things brought to our community. One thing that literally slapped me in the face in a good way. I truly believe Chicago is the cradle of gospel music in America. I don’t believe I could drive two blocks on the Southside or West without hearing a Hammond organ believe played as well as I’ve ever heard or some Alto blasting the windows in the sanctuary. The music in that city is bananas. I definitely wouldn’t mind moving back if the situation was right…

[@TimewithLivi]

SOO many people wonder why I did the ATL to chicago move. They are just perplexed so i get it. However, Chicago just has something I can't put my finger on quite yet. The music here is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Main reason I moved here. People just appreciate the arts more for what it is instead of it being "a vibe" like in ATL.

[@Jeschitown]

welcome to Chicago and some very good observations are spot on. you already made it thru the worst part of winter so you good to go!

[@TimewithLivi]

Yes! One winter down! Thank you☺️

[@regrich8795]

@@TimewithLiviyes it’s been mild can’t wait to move back next year my whole family is there 🩵

[@soulflyny]

This was so helpful! Especially since I’m an Atlanta native so the comparison helped.

[@TimewithLivi]

Glad it was helpful!! I’m shocked to hear so many people are moving from Atlanta to Chicago. Not usually a pipeline I hear often 😅

[@livimurray]

So crazy! We have so much in common: Both from atl, jamaican, and named Olivia 😅Thinking of moving to chicago so thanks for the video!❤

[@TimewithLivi]

OMG Look at that!! If you do come to chicago, hit me up on IG! Looking for more jamaican folks around here ! hahaha!

[@EbaniDawson]

I’m a Chicago native and I’ve lived here my whole life… if traveled a little but never moved. You were spot on with all your observations about the city.

[@regrich8795]

Moving back to my hometown Chicago from Dallas it’s so different back home and I miss it. These tolls and heat is crazy 😳

[@kate7152]

i’m 16, turning 17 in a few months and i’m really starting to think hard about where i want to move and potentially go to college at. Chicago has been in the back of my mind for a while and i think i’d enjoy living there. the main obstacle is finding a school and a place to live. i can handle cold weather bc i live in a place that gets way colder than Chicago and i used to live in a very humid state so i’m not worried about that. i’m really hoping that i will be able to move to Chicago one day.

[@DemureDarlings]

Hope all your dreams come true ❤

[@TimewithLivi]

Hoping it happens for you!

[@sSomeawesomeneSs]

my boyfriend is black but im not. he grew up on the south side by the red line, and now that hes out he tries to avoid that area / most of the south side if he is able to. hes also lived in rogers park, where it was better but he got jumped and harassed there as well, which is crazy to me bc his only "mistake" was being a black man/teen. his parents were strict and he stayed inside a lot of the time, he was never getting in trouble and never had anything expensive to even steal. when i went with him to hyde park and we were passing thru the non gentrified (?) neighborhoods nearby, we had to deal w harassment from men that was mostly directed towards my bf since hes also a black man. overall the energy was off, and whenever there was a group of men nearby he made us pass quickly and not stop even tho at one point my shoe untied lol. overall random men would yell at us and sometimes flash signs at him, and when we parked our car by the beach some guys decided to come and set a firework off 2ft from us. amazing... as for the north side, my parents were robbed in rp but that was 20 years ago lol, they broke into our tiny 1bed and stole the only jewelry my immigrant mom had left from her mom :/ lame ah mfs also in rp, my boyfriend was discriminated against by the south asian diaspora but since ur not from chicago and didnt go to hs here you prob wont have to deal with it (?). ig my parents lived in logan square when it was cheap, it was unsafe as gangs still operated there (80s). but now the entire northern blue line pass is fully gentrified and it is much more chill than before, with more to do for young people. but it can be expensive. overall on avg the north side is much safer & has more to do for young adults. the likelihood that you will be robbed, or that your car will be wired/stolen radio/stolen parts is lower. also less harassment from men. the restaurant scene is better, bc of gentrification & more immigrant communities. there are less store closures due to less shoplifting and crime, and less food deserts for similar reasons.

[@sSomeawesomeneSs]

i think most chocagoans grow up accepting CPS is broken, the politicians are corrupt, etc. when you said they should open nice schools in the south side i laughed, since CPS has only 3 "nice" schools overall (the are magnets) and even they are underfunded. like i said, its a mess

[@RawestHuniVisualDiaries]

Oh I love hearing about the transportation this because I will be moving out there from DTX this spring tho am workin on gettin my car before😩

[@TimewithLivi]

I hope the move goes well!

[@BentleyandJaxon]

I’m also in DTX and ready to go like yesterday. 😂

[@regrich8795]

Same here Texas is bland I so miss the lakefront you can barely find a body of water here 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Kevfrmdave]

I relocated in December of 2024 and it honestly felt so good relocating there

[@ChrisBonnett119]

Great video! I did a similar move as you too; left Atlanta in 2021 after 20 years. Now I’m in the Lakeview area of Chicago.

[@TimewithLivi]

Nice! I hope you are liking the lakeview area! I want to love that neighborhood sooo bad but since I drive, the parking is awful there.

[@lynwill9946]

Welcome to Chicago. So many cool neighborhoods. Check out the Hyde Park community. Diverse ethnic groups. Access to lakefront. Be prepared for cold winters and beautiful summers.

[@TimewithLivi]

I really enjoy Hyde Park. I was considering moving there but I heard about how bad the rats are there sadly. 😭

[@lynwill9946]

@@TimewithLivi oh well. I never experienced rats 🐀

[@lovesmitten34]

That painting goes soooo hard! I’m from the southside I love the chi!

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you!! I made it 🥰

[@lovesmitten34]

@@TimewithLivi welcome to the Chi♥️

[@kimberlyholley]

Welcome to Chicago! I can't wait to see your future vlogs/videos navigating through the city! We have similar roots (southern belles).

[@TimewithLivi]

Hey!!!! Thank you for the warm welcome😊. Which southern region are you coming from?

[@kimberlyholley]

@@TimewithLivi I used to reside in GA

[@EnsivilizeJean]

Very informative. Thank you! I can visualize everything you were saying. And you're beautiful. You look and sound like me. Im originally from Boston. I lived in ATL for some time as well. I've become acustom to the southern life (having a vehicle). And now I'm planning on moving out of West Palm Beach, Fl to Chicago, IL.

[@geniusflytrap3773]

Omg I’m a Jamaican-American black girl moving to chi from atl! Whaaaat -I needed this video. Thx

[@TimewithLivi]

I’m glad this came your way then!!! All the best to you in your move!

[@Myalove23970]

Even though I’m 19 I’m looking forward to moving there one day most likely the suburbs with my dog . Also part Jamaican and live in atl but wanna move so bad

[@sincerelytasha__]

Such a informative video for those deciding to move out there . Great video!

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@Barackocellus]

All of the Jamaican restaurants are on the south side of Chicago pretty much on every other block you’d have to go deeper into the south side it’s a lot on the west side too.

[@TimewithLivi]

Oh! That’s great to know. Any spot you recommend?

[@koskism9181]

Hopefully south side reinvestment is coming soon!! Our new mayor looks to be committed to it

[@TimewithLivi]

Crossing my fingers and toes!

[@dcundeniable7804]

Awesome video. The percentage of an ethnicity or nationality in the city of Chicago is often revealed by the amount of restaurants, festivals, and museums. Extremely diversified yet segregated city. The financial situation of each neighborhood might be quantified by the amount of an ethnicity or nationality of the neighborhood. I love your energy, enthusiasm, and honesty. I definitely appreciate the comparison of southern life in contrast with Chicago. Very nice.🥰

[@rondas7772]

Chicago isn't that segregated believe it or not because it's still kinda mixed, STL and other Midwestern cities are really truly segregated, meaning there are no other races on certain sides of town and the police will run u back to your side of town, Chicago is truly a melting pot

[@besverjin5130]

O I think Chicago is the city for me.❤❤ I’m in Savannah

[@besverjin5130]

And then you mentioned taxes😂. I’m from Florida and I’m already crying about GA o lord 😅

[@TimewithLivi]

Yess! It’s definitely going to be a shock!

[@javonamari]

Im born here if u want that ATL type of park u hv a car go to the forest out south or even in orlAnd going to the mall you'll see so many trails and things 7:34

[@sSomeawesomeneSs]

btw no paring signs often apply to the entire strip that they are on

[@nwatson416]

Welcome to Chicago!

[@TimewithLivi]

Why thank you!!😊

[@yvonnetruthz5410]

I moving to Chicago soon!

[@TimewithLivi]

Yay!! All the best to you in Chicago!

[@basicallymid]

Omg, this video spoke to my heart lol. I moved drom DC. I always judged the quality of Carribean cuisine...but what I would give for a Negril...and peruvian chicken lol.

[@TimewithLivi]

Ohhhhh yessss! So much relateability! What’s your IG?

[@Deeleeshush]

It’s crazy I moved to Macon Georgia and I noticed the same thing here with the segregation. There is a clear separation between the north side and the south side

[@TimewithLivi]

Yeah Macon is like that as well but Chicago is such a big city for it to be so divided

[@nawlincurly]

Chicago has always been segregated. Dr. King said he’d never seen as many hateful (yt) people.

[@rondas7772]

Chicago isn't that segregated believe it or not because it's still kinda mixed, STL and other Midwestern cities are really truly segregated, meaning there are no other races on certain sides of town and the police will run u back to your side of town, Chicago is truly a melting pot

[@Sassysosoxoxo]

Thank you for this video I’m deciding between Chicago, DMV and Dallas.

[@TimewithLivi]

Great choices!! Good luck!

[@rondas7772]

I lived in the DMV, no way if you're a laid back friendly person who loves God. Chicago is way better. Dallas I'm not sure, I visited and I really liked the food. I live in Chicago and I use to live in the DMV

[@nextaggin]

I’m currently in Atlanta, considering Chicago for my next move. Atlanta has spoiled me so much. I feel like I’m trying to leave Wakanda 😂😂.

[@TimewithLivi]

Hahaha! It’s definitely a big difference but I would embrace it if you do ultimately move. Nowhere in America is going to have the black experience for all walks of life quite like ATL.

[@nextaggin]

@@TimewithLivi 100% agree! Thanks for replying!

[@crystalriley9671]

Chicago native here, your review is on point. Thank you for being open to share and compare the difference you see here. Rogers Park, Skokie and Evanston has a huge Jamaican community and a festival (lol). I live in Rogers Park because it is so diverse with folks from all walks of life. The South and West sides are changing due to gentrification, so it will happen, but it takes time.

[@roydmundongo5283]

How did you find your apartment especially as a black American? I wanna live in a diverse neighborhood where my skin won't be an issue

[@TimewithLivi]

I found my apartment thru a leasing agent since it is free to work with one here in Chicago!

[@yoyo41210]

@@TimewithLividid you have a black leasing agent?

[@MC19902009]

Thank you for this video! How did your dog do with transitioning to Chicago winters? Did you do anything additional to keep her/him warm?

[@TimewithLivi]

It was definitely a transition going from a green state to a city landscape. Had to adjust walking on sidewalks and tons of people and other dogs passing him. As for the winters, he grows ton of hair since he is a goldendoodle and I bought dog shoes along with paw butter so he was fine.

[@MC19902009]

@@TimewithLivi thank you!!

[@djlodidodi_]

I appreciate this review as someone from Atlanta who is thinking of moving to Chicago. I do have a question tho, is there any like young black parties/events around Chicago. Like we do in on like Peter Street or like Edgewood, etc.

[@TimewithLivi]

great question!! (sorry for the late reply). Atlanta spoils us with black events EVERYWHERE. We literally run the culture in ATL. Here.... not so much. Chicago is all about neighborhoods so it really depends on where you live or spend time in. I would say Hyde park/Bronzeville is where a lot of black folks like to have a good time and live. I live in north chicago and have come to terms that the places I frequent will be filled with tons of people but people are really friendly here. I went to GSU and Edgewood was fun until it wasn't because of the violence hahaah! I do miss peter street though.

[@LoneWolftravel1]

I’m currently living in Atlanta and considering moving there in a few months. My biggest concern is the Chicago winters. I’ve never experienced it and wonder should I let that stop me from moving there. Also I have a pit bull and wonder if he will be accepted

[@TimewithLivi]

No I wouldn’t let it deter you. Just buy a good North Face parka and carry on. Do research of course on other ways to be warm. Like long johns, thermals etc

[@AnnaLicata-ml7nr]

The pit bull will be fine, there's a lot of buildings without breed restrictions. I have a pit too, I worried about it at first but it turned out to not be an issue.

[@truthteller313]

How's. It going...nurse thinking about moving to the Chicago area... what the pay range for RN .

[@TimewithLivi]

It really depends on your speciality. I would say as low as mid 60s (some outpatient clinics or med spas) - early 100k. Of course hospital jobs may be more(especially if you consider shift differentials) but I haven’t worked at a hospital in years.

[@ThePumpin1]

Chicago wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the extremely long, cold winters. Also, all the unnecessary taxes and fees.

[@TimewithLivi]

felt! i just put on a jacket and im good to go but i understand!

[@rondas7772]

The winters aren't always bad, but the taxes and fees are crazy

[@ThePumpin1]

@@rondas7772 The Winters there are bad enough. They actually hurt my joints because it is so cold.

[@rondas7772]

@@ThePumpin1 I live in Chicago they've been mild over the last couple of yrs in my opinion

[@ThePumpin1]

@@rondas7772 They weren't mild when I lived there from 2005 to 2010. If you are a native of the area, it probably doesn't faze you. But if you aren't, the hawk is real.

[@808central6]

I was under the impression that Atlanta was far more segregated than Chicago, but I definitely see it in both cities

[@TimewithLivi]

Oh definitely not close to the segregation that occurs in Chicago unfortunately.

[@Chesca99]

I hope I hope I hope

[@TimewithLivi]

*cross fingers*

[@A-M4]

A lot of white immigrants moved to Chicago in the late 1800s early 1900s. They weren’t considered white but assimilated into whiteness via politics and the police force. Part of why the politics here are so fucked up here. (The Daley political machine did a lot of damage to the Black community.) Also your comment about the fashion, I feel like that’s because you live on the north side and it’s mostly white. 🤷🏾‍♀️ most white peoples in Chicago dress plain but I don’t think you can apply that to the Black population of Chicago. Also, most black people here are AA but there is a Jamaican community in Chicago. I saw a precious comment that mentioned the Jamaican heavy areas!

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you for the back story of Chicago! Now that it’s been about a year since I made this video, I have to agree with you on the topic of fashion. Thank you😃

[@A-M4]

@@TimewithLivi of course!! I’m glad you’re enjoying the wonderful city and I hoped you were able to check out some Jamaican restaurants! Ofc it won’t be the east coast level but there’s still some decent spots. Dirty Tiffs on 47th is really good and it’s soulfood-Jamaican fusion restaurant. Definitely recommend!

[@icandyi564]

Dallas it might be

[@TimewithLivi]

Hahaha understood! Glad it gave you clarity on what’s best for you 👍🏾

[@sevenstarsofthedipper1047]

I love Chicago. I moved here more than 40 years ago after law school originally being from Cleveland and have lived almost all of my adult life here. I had a chance to move to Atlanta in the mid 80s. I am so glad I declined and decided to stay here. I met my late wife, a native Chicagoan, bought a home in Southwest Morgan Park on the Southside, raised our son here, my grandkids are here. Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, are the same. We are not Southerners even though our roots are in the South. We have a different mentality. There is no lack of Black Culture here. There are a million of us here. And that is just Black Americans. I am not talking about Africans, Afro Latinos, and Afro Caribbeans. I have no desire to to live in a MAGA controlled State like Georgia or Texas.

[@sSomeawesomeneSs]

overall it seems like your view of chi mostly comes from interacting with gentrified areas, where im from its mostly immigrant families and not really the way u describe

[@TimewithLivi]

Okay, thank you for sharing your experience.

[@chismprism]

Great point about the dogs! They are everywhere lol. You're right on the diversity feeling. This city is segregated. I also love ATL

[@TimewithLivi]

Thanks for watching!

[@rondas7772]

Chicago isn't that segregated believe it or not because it's still kinda mixed, STL and other Midwestern cities are really truly segregated, meaning there are no other races on certain sides of town and the police will run u back to your side of town, Chicago is truly a melting pot

[@esaicarcamo]

Really really great video. As a Chicago native… born and raised, from the North side, I can definitely agree with the disparity aspect and ESPECIALLY the segregation part. Chicago is known for heavy racism. I always love hearing people from NY talking about being around so many people and cultures without having to seek it. In Chicago you have to make the effort to be around another culture or groups of people. Chicago’s default is WHITE.

[@brunoelisabetsky]

youre gorgeous!

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you Bruno ☺️