Places to Live: Chicago

Looking to move to a city with the model combination of community and culture? With an exciting real estate scene, a diverse and vibrant population, and unique offerings in sports, culture, and more, Chicago is an ideal place to live.

Once considered the “Second City” after New York, Chicago is now actually third in the U.S. when it comes to population. But don’t tell anyone here – for residents and visitors alike, few cities rival Chicago.

The city boasts nearly 3 million people, and with the surrounding and growing suburbs, over 8 million people call Chicagoland home. Real estate in the city and surrounding areas is booming, with new condos and developments taking advantage of lakeshore views, quick and easy public transportation, and historical neighborhoods. Property values have been increasing steadily in the past few years, along with a glut of new properties for sale.

Homes in the Chicago city limits can range from $144,000 to $10 million or more, depending on location, size, and the amenities nearby. According to Trulia.com, the average listing price for October hovered near and over $490,000.

So what kind of city is Chicago? What can new residents expect?

First, it’s diverse. In the 2000 census, officials discovered that the city featured an extensive mix of racial and cultural identities. Approximately 42 percent of the population identify themselves as white, 37 percent African-American, and 26 percent Hispanic or Latino. Chicago is also home to a Polish population that rivals only Warsaw, and booming Chinese, Korean, Indian, and Italian neighborhoods.

Chicago’s architecture is lauded by both residents and visitors worldwide. The downtown skyline is a stepping stone map of unique buildings. The pinnacle is the Sears Tower, the nation’s tallest building and formerly the titleholder of world’s tallest building. Other architectural highlights include the system of bridges over the Chicago River that raise to allow tall ships to pass, as well as new additions like the Frank Gehry-designed Millenium Park Bandshell. A must for first time visitors? The architectural boat tours, which tell the story of Chicago’s tumultuous architectural past.

Chicago is made up of a series of unique and lively neighborhoods. Residents routinely refer to their homes as being in Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Bridgeport, the South Loop, Gold Coast, and a myriad of other ‘hoods. Each has their own look and feel, but all are connected by the immensely popular and useful public transportation systems. Besides busses, the city’s train system, called the “El” is half elevated and half underground. The city’s downtown section is called the Loop because it is bordered by elevated trains.

Sports offer vast opportunities for enthusiasts. The Cubs and Sox are the city’s two baseball teams, and a highlight of the summer is the Crosstown Classic, when the North and South side meet for occasionally friendly matchups. The Bears take over at Soldier Field every Sunday in the Fall, the Blackhawks take on the National Hockey League, and the Bulls boast a long history of dual three-peat championships under Michael Jordan.

The theatre and cultural scene in Chicago is a haven for aspiring playwrights, actors, musicians, and delighted viewers. Downtown has a booming theatre district, with previews of Broadway shows before they go on to success, as well as permanent productions of such winners as Wicked. The Goodman, Steppenwolf, and other theatres have launched many careers. Second City is the breeding ground for many Saturday Night Live stars and movie comedians. And the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera, and Hubbard Street Dance troupes all keep culture enthusiasts satisfied.

To learn more about what the city has to offer, visit:
Chicagoist.com
Gapersblock.com
ChicagoReader.com