Whether it’s the diverse neighborhoods, the scenic landscape, or the booming economy, there are more than a million reasons to move to Chicago. The Windy City is home to more than 2.7 million people. So if you’re worried about finding your way in this massive city, worry no more, because we’ve got you covered.
A Place for People from All Walks of Life
Chicago’s culturally diverse neighborhoods guarantee that you can find your niche in no time. A total of 77 neighborhoods, each with their own unique cocktail of culture, history, and personality, await you.
If you seek an authentic cultural experience, then it’s off to the West Side for you. Ethnic restaurants are scattered along the parks and the Little Village, along with monuments, churches, and stunning examples of timeless architecture. The rent in the West Side is also relatively low.
If you go Downtown, you’ll find yourself in the midst of all the top attractions that the best neighborhoods in Chicago have to offer. There’s the Buckingham Fountain, the popular “Bean” sculpture at Millennium Park, as well as multiple art galleries and shopping districts.
The Northside offers an upbeat atmosphere and a wide array of activities like boutique shopping and live jazz bands.
Chicago’s South Side boasts monuments like the sculpture in Bronzeville and the Museum Campus in South Loop, with housing options ranging from small studio apartments to mid-sized mansions.
A More Affordable City
Renting or buying a house in Chicago is a lot easier than you think. Compared to New York City or Los Angeles, the properties and cost of living in Chicago are way more affordable. As of March 2019, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago is $1,076, as opposed to Los Angeles’ $1,364 and New York’s $2,098. That’s significantly cheaper, and yet you still get to live in the heart of a big, vibrant city.
Additionally, Chicago offers a major supply of starter single-family homes and other types of entry-level housing. Whether you’re looking for a two-bedroom duplex or a studio apartment, living in Chicago comes with plenty of options for you that won’t hurt your wallet.
Public Transport is Key
Thanks to a lively commuter system, there’s no need for you to own a car in Chicago. Granted, rush hours can be hairy, but there are plenty of easy and convenient options for you to get from point A to B. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has buses all over the place that take people to every corner of the city – for $2.25 or less.
If you’re more of a walker, the downtown pedestrian walkway system, or the Pedway, might be the option for you. This system of bridges and underground tunnels has access to more than 40 blocks in the Central Banking District and is used by thousands of commuters every day. You can also bike, hail a cab (Chicago cabs accept credit and debit cards), or try online ride apps like Uber or Lyft.
There are Countless Reasons to Celebrate
With more than 400 neighborhood festivals held every year, celebrations are definitely among the top things to do in Chicago. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the city every year to attend the festivities, enjoy the traditions, and experience the cuisines.
Chicago’s ethnically and culturally diverse crowd ensures that there’s something for everyone. Some of the more famous festivals include: Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Summerdance, and the World Music Festival Chicago. All city-funded festivals are also free to attend.
A Sight to Behold
Chicago is home to a lot of beautiful attractions and breathtaking landscapes.
- Millennium Park, one of Chicago’s most popular destinations, is a 24.5- acre green space with an outdoor theatre
- Willis Tower is an iconic 110-story skyscraper featuring majestic, expansive views of the city from its 103rd story Skydeck
- Navy Pier is a former Navy training center that now serves as a crowd magnet with its carnival rides, restaurants, shops, and evening fireworks
- If you’re interested in marine life, Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is a state-of-the-art indoor aquarium, famous for its diverse specimens and picturesque views of Lake Michigan
There’s more to Chicago than we can ever encapsulate in one blog post. Move to this amazingly vibrant city and go on a thrilling voyage of discovery. The friendly neighborhoods, music festivals, and diversity are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
It’s also hard not to fall in love with a city that offers suburban prices on a good chunk of its homes. And whether you’re relocating your family, moving for business, or just trying to seek your own adventure, Chicago has a spot just for you.
Thinking of moving to Chicago? Talk to us at 606 Brokers. We are ready to assist you with all your real estate needs. Call 773.870.5101 today.