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USA
Chicago
dfirst, document.form.counter_intro_standfirst, 255);">dfirst, document.form.counter_intro_standfirst, 255);">Relocating to Chicago? Find all the information you need in ExpatInfoDesk Chicago expat guide.
- Edition: 1st
- Last updated: 7th February 2010
- Author: Veronique Martin-Place
Located in the Midwest plains of the US, Chicago stands in northeastern Illinois on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. With a population of almost 3 millions people, Chicago is the third largest city in the US. Less trendy than New York and less expanded than LA, Chicago is one of the most enjoyable US cities in which to live. It offers numerous parks and playgrounds, endless cultural activities, and countless restaurants. The city of Chicago is characterized by its numerous and various communities and it is a place where people from all over the world live side by side in a cosmopolitan metropolis.
1) Living legally in Chicago
The Expat Info Desk guide to Chicago contains everything you need to know about living legally in Chicago and it leads you step-by-step through the complicated processes and procedures you will need to follow in order to meet US immigration requirements. In addition to this, it contains invaluable information about tax and social security obligations and provides you with everything you need to know to meet all legal requirements.
2) Setting up home in Chicago
One of the main decisions you will have to make before you relocate is where you want to live. With so many districts in Chicago, each with their own advantages, disadvantages and charms, it can be overwhelming. The Chicago expatriate guide will give you the insider information to make the correct decision for you and your family.
3) Navigating the infrastructure
The EID guide to Chicago contains comprehensive contact listings for all the goods and services you will need to progress from being someone who is visiting Chicago to someone who actually lives there. From utilities and pet care providers through to shopping, transport and television services, the guide contains full details and instructions for everything you need to organize your day-to day-life.
4) Having fun in Chicago
Being a foreigner in Chicago need not be a lonely business. The EID guide to Chicago aims to help expats ‘find their own Chicago’, providing an overview of the top shopping, dining and leisure locations as well as additional indispensable advice about enjoying and acclimating to life in this exciting and vibrant American city.
5) Staying safe and healthy in Chicago
Like every large city, some parts of Chicago are safer than others. The EID guide to Chicago contains an insider’s view of which areas should be avoided as well as information about some of the common scams you may encounter. The guide also provides information about how you can assess health and medical services, which type of insurance you will need and how much you can expect to pay for all types of treatment.
6) Blending in
The Expat Info Desk guide to Chicago provides you with thorough insights into the people you will find living here, what behaviors you can expect and how best to integrate with the locals. This inside knowledge will assist you to avoid embarrassing situations and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.
7) Reality bites
There is a wide range of information available on that can tell you a little about life in Chicago but what you really need is the view of a local, someone who knows the city thoroughly from their own first hand experience. We have just the person to help you. Our guide to Chicago is written by an expatriate who is able to tells you exactly what it is like to live here and it contains full and comprehensive details about what you can really expect when you relocate here.
About the guide author
Veronique Martin-Place Although being a native from Lyon (France), Veronique Martin-Place defines herself as a world citizen and an experienced expatriate woman. Indeed, she has been relocated four times around the globe in less than ten years. She has been living in Chicago since July 2008. Veronique really enjoys Chicago because of its location on the shore of Lake Michigan that allows a lot of outdoor activities. She also appreciates the fact that Chicago has an extensive public transport system, numerous parks and playgrounds scattered all around the city, and a lot of activities and events targeting families and children.
In 2009, Veronique decided to launch her portable career in the writing and editing industry. She specializes on topics such as expatriation, travel, France and French culture. Through her website http://www.writerforever.com Veronique provides freelance writing services such as article and guide writing, editing and book reviews for online magazines, medium and small publishing companies as well as individuals.
Features
Sample guide
If you'd like to read 4 sample chapters from this guide please enter your email address in the form below. You'll then be emailed a link to view the sample guide.
five top tips
- 01Before choosing somewhere to live in Chicago thoroughly research all areas. This decision will have a direct impact on your way of life in this city.
- 02Choose your children’s school first and then look for an accommodation as the area you live in may determine the school your child can attend.
- 03The US Social Security administration also advises you wait 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a Social Security number.
- 04Chicago can be extremely hot in summer but very cold in winter. Bear this in mind when searching for accommodation; you'll need good AC and heating!
- 05Subscribe to a local Newspaper. We advise the Chicago Tribune. It is a good way to get familiar with both the city and what is going on.
Useful links
- http://www.chicago.everyblock.com/crime
Website that provides full crime statistics for popular residential areas in Chicago - http://www.greatschools.net/city/Chicago/IL
A website that provides an overview of schools in Chicago - http://www.transitchicago.com/
This the web site of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) that will keep you up to date with travel information, CTA fares and timetables. - http://www.expatmum.blogspot.com/
Blog of an expatriate Brit in Chicago.
Interesting fact
Chicago is home to North America’s tallest building “Sears Tower”, which has 110 floors. From its Sky-deck at 103rd floor you can see all the way to neighboring states of Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin… 40 to 50 miles away.
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