Relocating—whether it’s to the North Shore, downtown Chicago, or from another state or country—can feel overwhelming. New schools, new neighborhoods, new commutes, new everything. But with the right preparation, expert guidance, and realistic expectations, the process can actually feel organized, empowering, and even… exciting.
As a North Shore realtor who has personally moved ten times across eight states (and helps relocation clients every week), here is exactly how to make relocating easier—step-by-step, with real strategies that work.
1. Start With a Clear Relocation Timeline
The biggest relocation stressor is feeling rushed. Create a simple timeline that includes:
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When you need to start looking at homes
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When your current home needs to be listed (if applicable)
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School registration deadlines
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Moving company booking deadlines (2–3 months ahead)
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Time for utility setup, vehicle registration, license updates
Relocating tip: If you’re coming to the North Shore for the schools, check district cutoff dates early—Wilmette (District 39), Winnetka (36), and the New Trier feeder patterns can influence where and when you buy.
2. Pre-Research North Shore Neighborhoods Before Visiting
If you’re moving from out of state, it helps to understand the personality of each community before you fly in.
A quick overview for context:
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Wilmette: Walkable, family-friendly, highly ranked schools (McKenzie, Harper, Central), lakefront beaches, charming downtown.
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Winnetka: Larger lots, luxury homes, top schools, and a beautiful village feel.
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Evanston: Diverse, vibrant, urban-suburban mix, close to Chicago, restaurants, and Northwestern University.
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Glencoe: Scenic, quiet, stunning lakefront and Botanic Garden access.
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Glenview & Northbrook: Larger communities with excellent schools, newer construction, shopping, and strong park districts.
Relocating tip: If you're coming from a big city, Evanston and Wilmette often feel like a gentle transition—walkable, with easy access to trains and coffee shops. If you’re coming from a more suburban environment, Glenview, Northbrook, and Winnetka tend to feel most familiar.
3. Use a Realtor Who Truly Knows the North Shore Relocation Process
Relocation isn’t just about showing homes—it’s about project management.
A relocation-savvy agent will:
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Explain local school district boundaries and neighborhood characteristics
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Help you compare North Shore communities based on lifestyle
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Create a custom tour route for out-of-state buyers
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Coordinate virtual showings
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Provide vendor recommendations (inspectors, movers, contractors, attorneys)
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Walk you through local laws and taxes (Illinois attorney review, transfer taxes, inspection nuances)
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Help you understand seasonal market timing
Relocating tip: Chicago and the North Shore use attorneys for real estate transactions—this is different from most states. Your realtor should help you navigate this easily.
4. Understand Commute & Transit Options Early
Relocating is easier when you know exactly how your daily life will function.
Key North Shore commute notes:
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Metra UP-N line runs Evanston → Wilmette → Winnetka → Glencoe → Chicago Ogilvie.
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Express trains can be as fast as 22–28 minutes from the North Shore to downtown.
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If you’re driving, morning downtown traffic is heavier from I-94 and Lake Shore Drive.
Relocating tip: If you want a walk-to-train lifestyle, prioritize areas around downtown Wilmette, Evanston, Kenilworth, or Winnetka.
5. Budget for Illinois + Cook County + North Shore Costs
Illinois property taxes vary significantly city-to-suburb and suburb-to-suburb. A few factual notes:
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Cook County taxes are generally higher than many states people relocate from.
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Taxes can vary widely between communities even a few miles apart.
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The North Shore’s highly ranked schools and services contribute to higher expenses compared to other Chicago suburbs.
Relocating tip: Don’t let property taxes scare you—factor them into your monthly budget early so you can compare neighborhoods with full transparency.
6. Plan One Strategic House-Hunting Trip (If You're Out of State)
To make the trip efficient:
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Prioritize the top 2–4 neighborhoods you could see yourself living in.
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Have your agent pre-tour or virtually tour homes first.
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Book showings tightly to maximize your time.
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Use Google Maps to compare distances between school, work, train, parks, and downtown.
Relocating tip: I often create customized “North Shore scouting maps” for out-of-state clients—this keeps everything visual and easy.
7. Simplify Your Move Before It Starts
Making relocating easier often comes down to reducing physical and mental clutter.
Do this before movers arrive:
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Donate or sell 20–30% of your belongings
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Label boxes by room and by priority (“Open First,” “Seasonal,” etc.)
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Keep birth certificates, school records, passports, and important documents in a single binder you hand-carry
Relocating tip: If you’re moving to Illinois, school districts require proof of residency and immunization records—keep these easily accessible.
8. Set Up Essentials Before You Arrive
Schedule early:
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Electric, gas, and water
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Internet (crucial on the North Shore—book ahead!)
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Garbage + recycling
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Parking permits (Chicago)
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Vehicle stickers (Chicago)
For North Shore suburbs, utilities vary, but most use:
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ComEd (electric)
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North Shore Gas
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Village/municipal water & garbage
Relocating tip: If you’re coming from another country or using an international phone plan, set up a U.S. carrier before your move so nothing gets missed.
9. Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Every relocation involves a transition period.
When moving to the North Shore, people often notice:
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More walkability than typical suburbs
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Strong school communities (PTAs, events, after-school programs)
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Lake Michigan life—beaches, sailing, biking, running
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A slower pace than downtown Chicago but not truly “quiet suburbia”
When moving from the North Shore into Chicago:
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Expect more density, parking challenges, and nightlife
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Commute patterns change
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Entertainment, food, and culture grow tenfold
Either direction, you’re not doing it wrong—adjusting just takes time.
10. Partner With Someone Who Knows Both Sides
Relocation becomes dramatically easier when you have someone guiding you who:
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Knows the neighborhoods
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Understands school, transit, tax, and market differences
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Has personally moved many times
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Has a hyper-local client network in both the North Shore and Chicago
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Can help you avoid expensive, time-consuming mistakes
This is where personalized support makes the biggest difference.
Thinking About Relocating? I’m Here to Make It Easier.
Whether you’re moving to the North Shore, into Chicago, or leaving Illinois for a new state or country, having someone local who truly understands both sides of the relocation process makes all the difference.
As a Wilmette-based @properties Christie’s realtor, a long-time North Shore resident, and someone who has personally lived in ten states, I specialize in helping families relocate smoothly—with clear communication, organized timelines, neighborhood insights, school guidance, and calm support from the very beginning.
If you’re planning a move, I’d love to be a resource for you.
Reach out anytime—I’m here to make your relocation feel simple, supported, and successful.
