People Leaving Chicago Are Looking to Move to These 10 Cities

Chicago, IL, is a bustling city that 3 million people call home. There’s plenty to do and see in Chicago and the surrounding area, whether you enjoy exploring the outdoors or checking out new restaurants. Chicago offers a wide range of entertainment options, plenty of parks to explore, and a plethora of both fine and casual dining.

Although 85% of Chicago homebuyers searched to stay within the Chicago metropolitan area, many are still looking to leave the city. Let’s dive into the 10 most popular destinations that people leaving Chicago are considering calling home.

1) Milwaukee, WI

For Chicago residents, the number one destination locals are considering moving to is Milwaukee, WI. 3,128 Chicago homebuyers searched to relocate to this city, where the median home sale price is $190,000.

Milwaukee is a city with a lot to offer, from its scenic river walk and beautiful lakefront access to its historic buildings and nightlife options, not to mention its professional sports teams. And, of course, let’s not forget the city’s signature cheese curds and legendary beer brewing culture. With a current population of 593,000, it’s no surprise that more people are considering living in Milwaukee.

Homes for sale in Milwaukee, WI
Apartments for rent in Milwaukee, WI

2) Los Angeles, CA

The second city that homebuyers looking to move out of Chicago are considering relocating to is Los Angeles, CA. The median home sale price here is $975,000, and there are 2,898 Chicago-area residents looking to move to Los Angeles.

Home to 4 million people, LA is the entertainment capital of the world, with acclaimed dining and diverse, vibrant neighborhoods. From world-class museums and sports stadiums to stunning beaches and hundreds of miles of bike and hiking trails, Los Angeles checks many boxes for those considering moving to the area.

Homes for sale in Los Angeles, CA
Apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA

3) Cape Coral, FL

Those leaving Chicago are looking to move to Cape Coral, FL, where the median sale price is $415,000. This is a popular destination, as 2,181 Chicago-area residents are considering moving to this warm and sunny city.

Cape Coral is a charming, friendly community located near Fort Myers and 190,000 residents currently call this city home. The city boasts more than 400 miles of canals, boating and fishing opportunities, tennis courts, and nature preserves.

Homes for sale in Cape Coral, FL
Apartments for rent in Cape Coral, FL

4) Miami, FL

People moving out of Chicago are also searching to relocate to Miami, FL, which has a median home sale price of $510,000. This city has caught the eye of 2,149 Chicago area residents, making it one of the top destinations they’re considering calling home.

“The Magic City” is one of the most vibrant metro areas in the U.S. and is also a cultural, economic, and financial center. The streets of Miami are full of Art Deco architecture, the fashion scene is trendy, celebrations of diversity are common, and the weather is great. Plus, there are plenty of job opportunities, and the art scene is booming. Home to 461,000, the city also boasts a diverse landscape with the third-tallest skyline in the U.S. (with more than 300 high-rises) and more than 800 parks.

Homes for sale in Miami, FL
Apartments for rent in Miami, FL

5) South Bend, IN

South Bend, IN was the fifth most searched-for destination by people looking to move out of Chicago, with 1,346 residents considering relocating here. Homebuyers will find that the median sale price in South Bend is $159,000, compared to $325,000 in Chicago.

Home to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend is a midsize city in northern Indiana with 103,000 residents. It has a low cost of living, an array of parks, diverse neighborhoods, and four-season weather.

Homes for sale in South Bend, IN
Apartments for rent in South Bend, IN

6) Phoenix, AZ

People are also considering moving out of Chicago for Phoenix, AZ, which has a median home sale price of $430,000. With 1,980 people searching to move here from Chicago, you definitely aren’t alone if this area has also caught your eye.

Known for its retirees, professional sports teams, and unique landscape, Phoenix is a beautiful city in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. Home to 1.7 million people, Phoenix has one of the largest municipal parks in North America. South Mountain Park and Preserve covers more than 16,000 acres and has more than 50 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The greater Phoenix area is also home to more than 160 golf clubs that offer more than 185 different golf courses.

Homes for sale in Phoenix, AZ
Apartments for rent in Phoenix, AZ

7) Tampa, FL

Tampa, FL is another popular destination for Chicago area residents looking to relocate. With a median sale price of $380,000, 1,678 people are considering moving to sunny Tampa from Chicago.

Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay region with 396,000 residents, has experienced significant redevelopment over the past five to ten years. With its tall skyscrapers and buildings along the Gulf Coast, Tampa has become a hub of activity, with new restaurants, shops, and attractions popping up all over.

Homes for sale in Tampa, FL
Apartments for rent in Tampa, FL

8) Dallas, TX

If you’ve considered calling Dallas, TX home, you’re not the only one. 1,560 Chicago residents have recently searched to move to the Dallas area as well, where the median home sale price is $405,000.

The city of Dallas covers nearly 400 square miles and is home to 1.34 million residents. The city’s prominence arose from its historical importance as a center for the oil and cotton industries and its position along numerous railroad lines. Dallas boasts ultramodern skyscrapers, the largest arts district in the United States, world-class museums, and thriving nightlife.

Homes for sale in Dallas, TX
Apartments for rent in Dallas, TX

9) Seattle, WA

Coming in at number 9 is Seattle, WA. With a median sale price of $840,000, 1,364 people moving out of Chicago are looking to relocate to this vibrant coastal city.

Home to 741,500 residents, there is no place quite like Seattle. It boasts both the advantages of a big city, like ample amenities, and the beauty of its natural surroundings of mountains, water, and forests. Moreover, Seattle is home to renowned corporations, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, which bolsters the local job market.

Homes for sale in Seattle, WA
Apartments for rent in Seattle, WA

10) North Port, FL

The 10th and final city that those looking to move out of Chicago are considering relocating to is North Port, FL. The median home sale price in North Port is $380,000, and 1,346 Chicagoans are searching to move here.

North Port is a beautiful city located on the Gulf Coast of Florida in Sarasota County. It’s one of the largest cities in Florida (by area size), stretching across 103 square miles. North Port is known for its relaxed, suburban lifestyle, fantastic climate, and tropical beaches – all of which are enjoyed by the 69,000 residents living in North Port.

Homes for sale in North Port, FL
Apartments for rent in North Port, FL

Methodology: Median home sale price from Redfin Housing Market data and migration figures from Chicago Migration & Relocation Trends, October 2022.

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