Filed under Chicago Living on February 8th, 2008:
How To Survive The Cold Weather Climate In Chicago
If you’re a Southerner looking at the prospect of moving to the cooler climate found in Chicago, chances are you’re in for a bit of a shock. Don’t worry though, as you look for Chicago apartments you can rest assured you will get used to it.
Chicago Winter
There are some things that can help you acclimate a little better to the colder temperatures. If you plan on looking at apartments in Chicago in the winter, packing the essentials is a must. Some of the items you are going to need include:
Warm jacket – If you’re coming from Florida, for example, you might have to order one of these online. Thin winter jackets sold in the South will not do here. You want big and cushy with plenty of lining.
5 Warm Jackets for Cold Weather
- The North Face: Nuptse Down Jacket (North Face)
- Cabela’s GORE-TEX XPG Jacket (Cabela’s)
- Spyder Zermatt Jacket (Spyder)
- Marker Claudia Insulated Ski Jacket (Marker Claudia)
- Marmot Thunder Ridge Jacket (Marmot)
Gloves – As you look at Chicago apartments, chances are you will find these are an absolute must – especially if you are driving. Go for gloves with fingers. Make sure they have insulation.
5 Gloves for Cold Weather
- 686 Irwin Leather Gloves (Irwin)
- Dakine Men’s Rover Glove (Dakine)
- The North Face Patrol Glove (North Face)
- Koven Glove (Koven)
- Dolce & Gabbana Black Logoed Cuff Knit Gloves (Dolce & Gabbana)
Hat and scarf– Not everyone swears by these, but if you’re a first-timer, they can make the winter woes a little more bearable.
So, what can you really expect from a cold weather climate?
When you look at different Chicago apartments, residents and rental agents might tell you Chicago’s winters are nothing to worry about. They might also tell you they’re pretty rough. The truth is there is no set winter pattern in Chicago. It can vary a great deal. One thing for certain is you will see snow. The Windy City is known to have an average of about 38 inches of the stuff a year! Temperatures here can rise and fall at the drop of a hat, but below freezing is not at all uncommon during the coldest of winter months – January and February.
Moving to Chicago is an adventure. If you’re looking for Chicago apartments, but have never experienced a “real” winter, prepare and you will acclimate just fine. After a winter or two, you’ll navigate like a native in the coldest of temperatures.
Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Chicago (Even when it’s cold outside!)
- The Shedd Aquarium (Recreation)
- The Magnificent Mile (Shopping)
- Twin Anchors Tavern (Restaurant)
- Cook County Forest Preserve (Recreation)
- Designer Toy Store & Gallery (Shopping)
- Lino’s (Restaurant)
- McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink in Millenium Park (Recreation)
- Record Mart (Shopping)
- Charlie Trotter’s Restaurant (Restaurant)
- Garfield Park Conservatory (Recreation)