Considering an out-of-state move? You’re not alone. In recent years, an increasing number of Americans have taken the plunge and relocated across state lines. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new opportunities and challenges, fueling this trend, which is expected to continue rising in 2023. Below, we’ll examine the data regarding people leaving Illinois and specifically Chicago.
In 2022, Illinois witnessed a population decline of 104,000 residents, ranking third in the country behind California and New York. Cook County, encompassing Chicago, saw a significant exodus of 68,000 people. When surveyed, former Chicagoans and Illinoisans cited financial strains and work-related issues as primary reasons for their departure. This is unsurprising given Illinois’s high cost of living, including the nation’s highest tax rates, second-highest property and gas taxes, and escalating housing expenses such as rent. In Chicago, rents soared by 8.6% from November 2021 to November 2022, surpassing those of all other major Midwest cities.
Many departing Chicagoans are opting to settle down south, attracted by warmer climates, lower housing costs, and suburban amenities like home offices, yard space, and gyms. Remote work options have also played a significant role in migration patterns, with over 4.9 million Americans relocating for this reason, favoring cities like Tucson, Jacksonville, and San Antonio for their remote work opportunities in 2023.
Additionally, retirement has contributed to the migration trend, with a nearly 5% increase in retiree moves since 2015. As the number of individuals reaching age 65 continues to rise, retirement relocations have become more prevalent.
For further insights into 2023 moving trends and the reasons behind Chicagoans’ departure, consult the accompanying resource from New City Moving.
Graphic created by New City Moving, short distance movers in Evanston.
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