The bright lights and bustling pace of Chicago can be exciting, but also exhausting. If you’re dreaming of a quieter lifestyle away from the urban hustle, relocating to a charming small town in Illinois may be appealing. However, transitioning from a major metropolitan area to a rural community requires adjustments. Before hiring intrastate moving companies to transport your life, reflect on aspects of small-town living to determine if it’s the right fit.
Pace of Life
Life in rural Illinois offers a drastically slower pace compared to the non-stop energy of Chicago. Gaining an appreciation for life in the slow lane is essential for contentment. Businesses often close earlier, traffic is minimal, and you’ll quickly get to know your neighbors. Plan to spend more time outdoors connecting with nature. Leave the rush of city life behind and embrace a calmer, more simple daily flow.
Job Opportunities
When moving away from a global city like Chicago, career prospects may feel more limited. Major corporations and career diversity can be scarcer in small towns. Research job availability for your profession ahead of time and prepare to potentially commute further distances for work. On the positive side, rural areas tend to have lower costs of living which could make a difference in your budget.
Community Engagement
You’ll likely notice a greater sense of community connection in a close-knit small town. Resident pride runs deep with strong engagement in local schools, charities, and events. Getting involved creates meaningful social ties but also comes with added responsibilities toward community growth. Your actions and values become a representation of the town itself. Embrace opportunities to be a contributing community member.
Access to Amenities
One-stop shopping for amenities like Chicago’s renowned restaurants, nightlife, cultural attractions, and healthcare services will no longer be steps away. While some small towns offer decent options, expect to have fewer choices or travel further for basics like shopping, entertainment, and medical care. Make sure essentials for your family’s needs are locally accessible before relocating.
Home Options and Pricing
Homes in small towns often come at lower price points compared to Chicago’s housing market. However, available inventory may be more limited if looking for newly constructed residences or homes with very specific criteria. When touring properties, pay close attention to potential project needs like replacing older appliances, roofing, and HVAC systems not common in modern city dwellings.
School Systems
Class sizes, enrichment offerings, diversity, and funding can fluctuate between rural and city schools. Research academic performance and engage with local parents for nuanced insights into the quality of education available in different districts. Family needs for advanced programs, special education services and extracurricular activities must be prioritized appropriately.
Reliability of Utilities
Equipment failures and disruptions to utilities like power, internet, and cable can take longer to resolve outside major metros. Residential services operate on smaller localized scales that may have backup limitations during outages. If uninterrupted supply is essential for you, explore the most reliable providers in any small town you’re considering.
Making the Transition
Once you’re ready to trade skyscrapers for open prairies or farmlands, begin preparing for your move. Obtain quotes from reputable intrastate moving companies experienced in relocating households between cities and rural areas across Illinois. Rates and delivery schedules often differ for long-distance intrastate moves compared to local Chicago transportation.
When packing, be judicious about what clothing, furnishings, and equipment make sense to keep for rural lifestyles. Holding scattered moving sales can help lighten your load. And notify companies about service transfers or new provider setups for household memberships and subscriptions based on your new location.
Embrace a Fresh Perspective
Moving to a small town means reframing your outlook and adjusting expectations versus city living. Approach the transition with an open mind, stay positive, and surround yourself with reminders of why you’ve chosen this major life change. Wake up to quiet mornings, brilliant starry skies at night, and a calmer environment perfect for enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Small communities offer wonderful enrichment through strengthening human connections with neighbors and being more in tune with nature’s beauty. For some, trading Chicago’s world-class amenities for a quaint tight-knit town brings unbeatable rewards for wellness and quality of life. Just be sure potential tradeoffs and adjustments won’t be overwhelming if opting to relocate away from the city’s convenience.