Moving to a Big City? Consider These Exciting Cities to Call Home
June 9, 2023 | Moving
Are you ready to leave the suburbs for a more exciting lifestyle? Moving to a big city can feel overwhelming whether you live in a small town or a rural community. There are so many things to consider, and narrowing down your choices may take a lot of work.
So start with your top three priorities: things like the cost of living, weather, and job opportunities are good places to start. If you’re bringing a car, be prepared to add parking fees to your budget. But you won’t need one in big cities like Chicago, New York, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, thanks to their extensive public transportation systems.
Rent and housing costs are higher in large cities, but there are also more jobs with higher salaries. While there are endless opportunities to attend sporting events and concerts, to shop and dine out, these also contribute to the higher cost of living in a big city.
However, you can find plenty of free opportunities to experience entertainment, art, and culture! So if you’re ready to say goodbye to small-town charm and hello to the big city lights, check out these cities to call home.
Chicago, Illinois
Population: 2,742,119
City Size: 231 square miles
Cost of Living: 7.4% higher than the U.S. average.
Average Commute Time: Average Commute time is 34 minutes, while the National Average is 26 minutes.
Average Home Values: $281,259
Chicago, often called the “Windy City,” offers several reasons why it is a dynamic and exciting place to call home. First, there is a vibrant arts scene, including the renowned Chicago Theatre and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company attract top-notch performances and Broadway shows. The Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artwork, including masterpieces from renowned artists.
Chicago host’s an endless variety of music festivals to attend, with the most famous being Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival. Chicago also has exciting sports teams, including the Bears, the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks. And Chicago’s reputation for being a food lover’s paradise is well-deserved. It’s famous for its diverse ethnic cuisines, like Chicago-style hot dogs, deep-dish pizza, and Italian beef sandwiches.
If you choose to move to Chicago, be prepared for non-stop action thanks to the city’s constant buzz, but you can also find serenity in the city’s public parks. The city’s motto, “City in a Garden,” was adopted in the 1830s paying tribute to its unique and historic park system that residents still enjoy today.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Population: 435,091
City Size: 58 square miles
Cost of Living: 5% higher than the U.S. average.
Average Commute Time: Average Commute time is 23 minutes, while the National Average is 26.4 minutes.
Average Home Values: $322,461
Minneapolis, often called the “Twin Cities,” along with its neighboring city St. Paul, is the largest city in Minnesota and offers several reasons why it’s an exciting place to call home. First, however, you must love winters. Minneapolis experiences freezing temperatures during winter, with average lows below freezing.
Minneapolis is home to numerous startups encouraging innovation in technology, healthcare, and clean energy. And it’s at the forefront of urban sustainability, focusing on renewable energy and bike-friendly infrastructure. Minneapolis is the first place to consider green jobs in the tech, nonprofit, or corporate sectors.
Earning its right to be known as an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise, Minneapolis is also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Nearby towns like Orono are easy to reach from anywhere in the city and offer a great weekend getaway from the hubbub of the city.
If you’re looking for opportunities for growth, creativity, and positive change, this city tops our list. Minneapolis’s vibrant arts scene, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and progressive environment contribute to a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Population: 578,198
City Size: 96 square miles
Cost of Living: 15.3% lower than the U.S. average.
Average Commute Time: Average Commute time is 22.4 minutes, while the National Average is 26.4 minutes.
Average Home Values: $189,467
Located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is one of the smallest cities on our list. As such, it’s known for its friendly and welcoming community. But don’t let the size fool you. Once known as the Brew Capital of the world, Milwaukee enjoys a rich cultural heritage, a thriving arts scene, and famous festivals held during the summer months.
The most famous among them is Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, attracting renowned musicians and artists from around the globe. The city also hosts other exciting events like the Milwaukee Film Festival, PrideFest, the Wisconsin State Fair, and many more.
Milwaukee’s vibrant culinary scene won’t disappoint if you’re a foodie. According to restaurant reviews, there are more than 1,700 eateries in Milwaukee. From cozy neighborhood cafes and food trucks to fine dining establishments, there are always plenty of places to eat. The Crossroads Collective features nine micro-restaurants to give budding restaurateurs a place to make their dreams come true
Milwaukee’s vibrant culinary scene won’t disappoint if you’re a foodie. According to restaurant reviews, there are more than 1,700 eateries in Milwaukee. From cozy neighborhood cafes and food trucks to fine dining establishments, there are always plenty of places to eat. The Crossroads Collective features nine micro-restaurants to give budding restaurateurs an opportunity to make their dreams come true.
New York City, New York
Population: 8,804,190
City Size: 300 square miles
Cost of Living: 68.6% higher than the U.S. average.
Average Commute Time: Average Commute time is 40.8 minutes, while the National Average is 26.4 minutes.
Average Home Values: $648,402
With more than 8 million people, the “Big Apple” is the largest city in the United States. It features five boroughs: Staten Island, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. New York City is one of the world’s most diverse cities, partly because there are as many as 800 languages spoken here.
Regarding nightlife, there are a million reasons New York is known as the “City that Never Sleeps.” It is the place for world-class theaters, museums, galleries, and music venues. From Broadway shows to classical symphonies and underground music scenes, there’s a never-ending array of things to experience.
New York City has numerous well-known landmarks. But if you like to go off the beaten path, there are also lesser-known sites worth exploring. These include the Cloisters- located in Upper Manhattan-houses a fascinating collection of medieval art and architecture and offers a peaceful retreat with stunning gardens and artifacts from the Middle Ages.
Federal Hall, situated on Wall Street, is a historic building where George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States. The Hispanic Society of America, also located in Upper Manhattan, is the home to an extensive collection of Hispanic art and artifacts, including works by renowned artists like Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
If you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the Big City, head over to the Elevated Acre tucked away in the Financial District. This hidden oasis offers a park-like setting with a lawn, trees, and seating areas, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
The Big Apple is a global business, finance, fashion, media, technology, and more center! You’ll have numerous job opportunities to explore, from multinational corporations to startups across all industries.
No matter your interests, you’ll find countless opportunities to explore and enjoy the city’s vibrant energy.
There are pros and cons to living in a big city. They’re vibrant and buzzing with activity, making them noisy and sometimes crowded.
Make Your Big City Move with Metro Self Storage
Moving to a big city comes with enough stress, so let Metro’s expert and knowledgeable storage teams make your transition more manageable. Our storage facilities feature all the amenities to keep your move on track and within budget.
Enjoy the convenience of online rentals or tour the facility during business hours, and we’ll help you find the right-sized unit. From climate-controlled units and drive-up access to large interior loading bays, keypad gate entry, and more, our storage facilities are designed with your convenience in mind.
Since opening our first storage facility in 1973, Metro Self Storage has become one of the country’s most respected storage providers. Visit Metro Self Storage to learn more about your big city storage options.
