All roads lead to Chicago: how the Midwest will become a haven for climigrants
Chicago just topped Condé Nast’s list of the country’s best big cities yet again, noted for its “impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs … and some of the most pleasant people you'll find anywhere.” The City of the Big Shoulders certainly has a lot going for it — including its climate.
As the impacts of climate change continue to ravage the coasts — increased wildfires in California and the Pacific Northwest, longer-lasting droughts in Arizona and the Southwest, and more powerful hurricanes in Florida — many Americans are reconsidering where they call home. Chicago and the Great Lakes region are an attractive option for these people, leading to the emergence of a new kind of migrant to the Upper Midwest: climate migrants, or climigrants. In fact, a 2022 study by moving service HireAHelper ranked Cook County as the seventh most desirable destination for climate-related moves since 2010.
And while Chicago isn’t immune to the effects of climate change, such as fluctuating Lake Michigan water levels and more extreme temperatures, Chicago and the Great Lakes region have a competitive edge as people seek a more habitable place to put down roots.
Freshwater for all
The Great Lakes not only provide ample freshwater for drinking and industry, but they are where we live, work and play. For some climigrants — especially those experiencing water shortages in the Southwest — Chicago’s 22 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline is a big attraction. Plus, as the nation's breadbasket, the Midwest still has a temperate climate and sufficient water to support waves of crops, which provides Chicagoland better access to food.
No extreme weather events
Chicago gets its fair share of snow during the winter months and a few sizzling days in the summer, but the city is generally safe from disastrous weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires and extreme heat waves. That security of place and peace of mind is a draw for many as unpredictable weather ramps up across the country.
Housing & infrastructure advantages
While the cost of living is rising for all Americans, housing costs in Chicago are still lower than in other major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C. And compared to these dense metropolitan areas, Chicago has more available land to build out new housing to support an influx of people. The city is also undergoing a multibillion-dollar infrastructure plan to get an historic overhaul.
As climigrants across the country consider what the future holds and reevaluate their priorities — before they get displaced by a natural disaster — Chicago is uniquely positioned to become a safe harbor from the realities of climate change.