How do you deal with winters in Chicago? (condo, home)

[AAVC]

I love the city and planning to move there soon, looking to buy a condo in a high rise. However, one little bit of hesitation I have is around the frigid winters. Don't get me wrong, I love winter and cold weather. However, those extremely low temperatures are not to be taken lightly, and was wondering how are people dealing during the winter. What is life like?

[flamadiddle]

The weather isn't a big deal unless you are forced to spend time outside. Get a good Winter coat and you'll be fine.

[Rusty Nailz]

Down winter coat, wool socks, merino wool long johns, gloves and hat and your'e all good.

[CBOTfan]

Originally Posted by AAVC

. . . . I love winter and cold weather. However, those extremely low temperatures are not to be taken lightly, and was wondering how are people dealing during the winter. What is life like?

What is happening right now is not a frequent event, nor is winter in Chicago months and months of cold, snow, ice, wind, and cloudy skies - those people who claim that are wimps and liars. If you look at weather.com today, the last 7 days of the long-range January forecast for Chicago has highs in the mid to upper 30's, and even flirts with 40 on one of those days. If you already love winter and cold weather, you know how to handle "typical" Chicago winters.

[AAVC]

Sounds good to me!! I am sold!

[Hiruko]

One major consideration will be how your dwelling is heated. High-rises can come with a variety of different HVAC systems. I am not a fan of two pipe systems common in Chicago high-rises constructed in the '90s and '00s.

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by AAVC

I love the city and planning to move there soon, looking to buy a condo in a high rise. However, one little bit of hesitation I have is around the frigid winters. Don't get me wrong, I love winter and cold weather. However, those extremely low temperatures are not to be taken lightly, and was wondering how are people dealing during the winter. What is life like?

Down winter coat. Get boots with plenty of traction. Check on your HVAC system & have it regularly serviced. Many may use gas heat. For high rise condo windows may be insulated so you keep warm.

Agree these very low temps not to be taken lightly. If you need to be outside may have heavy garments. If you drive a car will need snow shovel to dig out of street parking. Best to have a garage to keep it in. In the city CTA elevated generally reliable. Bus system has to deal with snow.

Chicago does have an emergency snow removal plan. Heed any instructions. You will have to investigate how it applies to you. Most important is to heed snow route parking signs. If you park on the street could be towed away.

[thefallensrvnge]

Also the advent of remote/hybrid work has helped. My office has granted us an additional work-from-home day to stay in from the cold. You can load up at the grocery store before the cold hits, and ride it out by the fireplace and/or heater.

[flamadiddle]

^ work from home is a huge bonus. Most of my bad memories of winter weather were due to commuting to and from work. Now that I work from home I don't care what the weather is outside

[Zenstyle]

Parka! Parka! PARKA!
I spent a winter in Chicago. Your insulated winter coat should reach to your knees; none of this ridiculous stops-at-the-waist business.
Here is an example of what I mean:
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1024_.jpg