Chicago Boomers Are Moving To This Vibrant Midwest City With Iconic Craft Brews Just 3 Hours Away

Chicago is a grand metropolis that is arguably at the epicenter of the Midwest's cultural and culinary scene. Yet an increasing number of residents are leaving this Illinois city and moving elsewhere. According to U-Haul's 2026 Midyear Migration Trends report, this includes baby boomers, or those born between 1946 and 1964. But as U-Haul points out, some of these individuals are staying in the Midwest and relocating only three hours away to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Renowned for producing craft brews, this is the Great Lakes State's second-largest city.

In its Midyear Migration Trends report, U-Haul used data gathered between July 2025 and June 2026 to determine the top net-gain destinations among its customers. Demographics are grouped by generation, with the company focusing on cities with at least 1 million people. In the case of Chicago boomers, Grand Rapids came in as the top metropolitan area with the most U-Haul net gains. Plus, Michigan ranked at No. 3 for the Windy City's Top U-Haul net-gain states among this generation. 

Illinois Policy states that 35,000 residents departed the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg metropolitan area in 2025. This population decline can mainly be attributed to high tax rates, among many other reasons like safety concerns. Undoubtedly, the financial strain for retirees could be a big draw for boomers to Grand Rapids. However, these are far from the only reasons why Chicagoans are making a new home in this Michigan destination. 

Chicago boomers who have made the move to Grand Rapids have likely found parallels between the two cities, as Grand Rapids' art, beer, and Midwest charm meet big-city flair. It's not for nothing that the city is often referred to as "mini-Chicago" and "Beer City, USA." Although some boomers have transitioned into retirement, others are returning to the workforce, and previously, Grand Rapids was named the best place to find a job. In the same vein, boomers will find that their dollars go further in Grand Rapids than in Chicago. Payscale reports that the cost of living in Chicago is 18% higher than the national average, while in Grand Rapids it's only 4% higher.

The city's craft brew scene took off in the 1990s thanks to Founders Brewing Co. The iconic beer company offers eclectic varieties (think iced mocha and peach beer), along with one of the best brewery tours in the country, per USA Today10Best. Beer is the go-to libation for boomers (via Statista), and there are countless other breweries to explore in the city via its Ale Trail. This includes the award-winning Mitten Brewing Co., serving everything from German ale to hard seltzer in a 19th-century engine house. Featured as one of the best breweries in Grand Rapids by Eater Detroit, it's equally known for its Detroit-style pizza and specialty pies. 

Grand Rapids' location is another advantage for boomers. Proximity to Chicago aside (which is ideal for visiting friends or family who still live in the Windy City), residents can easily reach Lake Michigan. Saugatuck, for example, is one of many nearby cities that are just a day trip away from Grand Rapids. Put simply, the great outdoors are easily accessible. Chicago, on the other hand, was ranked as the third most nature-starved city in the country by Kühl.