As the third largest city in the country, and the largest city in the Midwest, Chicago, Illinois is the central hub of America – home to over three million people. The Chicago World Fair or World’s Columbian Exposition in 1833 was responsible for putting the city on the map and, going forward, Chicago has continued to be one of the most popular cities in the country – a thriving center of business, culture, and tourism.
Top 10 Things To Do in the Windy City
1. Best Hotel with a View (Stay)
2. Famous Celebs in Chicago (Spot the Celebrity)
3. Environmentally Certified (Restaurants and Activities)
4. Local Tastes (Restaurants)
5. Above and Beyond Awards (Superior Service)
6. Rest and Recover (Relaxation)
7. Get Acquainted (Social Activities)
8. Reasons to Return (Things to do)
9. Thrills and Chills (Sightseeing, Activities, and Events)
10. Times to Visit (Seasonal Activities)
Today, Chicago is known as much for its weather patterns as its cultural and financial contributions to the country at large. Known as the Windy City, Chicago is vulnerable to gusty winds that sweep its streets and a general Midwest seasonal chill.
Moving to an apartment in Chicago can leave many newcomers confused about how and where to start. But armed with pertinent information, even the most uninitiated newcomers can find their way around. It is important to consider several factors when considering where to live in the Chicago area:
Where to Live in the Chicago Loop
The city of Chicago is divided into four sectors – north, south, west, and center; referred to as The Loop. When referencing the “main street” of Chicago – the area where most residents work and where the bulk of the action takes place – most people are referencing The Loop.
Those searching for an apartment may be automatically focusing their efforts in this particular area – especially if logistics are a concern. But it is important for newcomers to note that one of the selling features of the Chicago area is its efficient public transportation system – know as the El, EL, and L. The El runs the entire loop and allows residents to effectively and efficiently navigate their way around the city no matter where they live.
Affordability
Certainly those looking for studio, lofts, and upscale apartments on The Loop with a view of Lake Michigan are clearly going to pay a higher rent than those sharing a duplex apartment in the more affordable West Side of the city. Take note of what will best serve your lifestyle – one, two, or three bedroom apartments, lofts, studios, efficiency apartments, and the like – and how best your budget will serve these needs. If the area in which you are looking is too expensive for your budget – and you’re not interested in sacrificing what you want – consider moving to an apartment with roommates.
Neighborhood Safety
Of course, as with choosing an apartment in any city, choosing an apartment in Chicago necessitates keeping safety in mind. The neighborhoods of Chicago differ greatly in price depending on where they are located and, subsequently, the safety of the area. Get to know the areas in which you are looking and be sure to investigate current safety statistics. Check out the Chicago crime map to see what areas you should avoid.
Chicago Neighborhood Guide
You’ll find family-oriented neighborhoods, Chicago apartments, communities surrounded by lakes, high rises in downtown, and areas with great shopping and booming business.
Downtown Chicago Apartments - The Chicago Loop is what locals call the historical center of downtown Chicago. It is the second largest downtown business district in the United States, after Midtown Manhattan.
5 Chicago Luxury Apartments Downtown
- 3240 Lake Shore Drive Apartments
- The Bernardin Apartments
- Chestnut Tower Apartments
- 420 East Ohio Apartments
- Verandas on Harlem Avenue Apartments
Chicago Lincoln Park/Edgewater apartments are anchored by the Lincoln Park Zoo and DePaul University. The neighborhood is primarily made up of young professionals, recent college graduates, and young families.
North Shore Apartments - this neighborhood refers to the suburbs north of Chicago along the lakefront. Movies filmed in North Shore include Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Risky Business, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Ocean’s Twelve.
Chicago South/Hyde Park is a neighborhood located seven miles south of the Chicago Loop.
Chicago Near West/Oak Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois. This near-western suburb of Chicago is easily accessible to downtown Chicago (the Chicago Loop).
The Northern Suburbs lead up to Southeast Wisconsin and include Gurnee, Antioch, and Waukegan. This area is known for its lakes.
Southeast Wisconsin is home to Lake Geneva. Railroad access from Chicago made the area a popular summer resort, with many large summer homes built on the lake. The city is known as “The Hamptons of the Midwest.”
Northwest Suburbs include Mount Prospect, Arlington Park, Schaumburg, and Palatine. This region is home to O’Hare International Airport, the second busiest airport in the country.
The Far Northwest is surrounded by lakes and vineyards. This section includes cities such as Woodstock, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Fox Lake, and Rockford and is home to Northern Illinois University.
The West Suburbs are home to great shopping and booming business. Cities here include LaGrange, Downer’s Grove, Oakbrook, and Naperville, which consistently ranks as a top community in the nation to live, raise children, and retire.
In the South/Southwest Suburbs everything seems bigger than life. It’s home to a 28-square mile forest with a rock canyon and is where one of the Blues Brothers did time.
Northwest Indiana includes Lake County, Indiana’s second largest destination for visitors. Just a short trip from Chicago, northwest Indiana has miles of beaches, acres of parks, great dining, and hometown festivals.
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Charles Hoots 06.24.08 at 6:53 am
Am looking for a one bedroom apartment in the city near the Chicago Public School Board of Education offices. My approximate relocation date is July of 2009. Public transportation access is a must. At this point I am interested in price ranges and other costs i.e., parking