Relocating to Chicago can be a daunting experience. In a city of this size, with over 2.16 million people and 77 different neighborhoods, deciding where to live is no easy task. Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and the 38th largest in the entire world. With a city of this size, you’re going to find something for everyone. There’s so much to do, so many places to work, and so many places to live; you’ll never be out of options. The restaurant scene is one of the most diverse in the nation and is a gourmet diner’s dream. The city’s proximity to Lake Michigan provides endless waterfront enjoyment. Lake Michigan is part of the Great Lakes which provides about 20% of the world’s freshwater supply. The water here isn’t just for enjoyment and leisurely boat rides. It’s a life-giving resource that sustains most of the surrounding areas.
But, as with any city of this size, it’s going to come with its problems. While there’s a very high crime rate, most of the dangerous areas are localized. Avoid these areas, and the rest of the city is relatively safe. Famous for its corrupt politicians, Chicago’s local government doesn’t always have its citizens’ best interests at heart. But many are working to change this, including the new mayor, Laurie Lightfoot. Heralded as the first African-American female mayor as well as the first openly gay head of the city, Chicago has big hopes for this diminutive new leader. So, while it has huge problems to overcome, it also has huge benefits, and anyone moving here will be able to see all that is wonderful about The Second City. Relocation is one problem you can easily overcome because of the many reliable moving companies in Chicago that can get you moved efficiently and at an affordable rate.
Living in Chicago, IL: What to Know Before Moving to Chicago
The Windy City; The Second City; The City of Big Shoulders; or The City That Works. Whatever you call it, Chicago, Illinois, is one of the nation’s best cities in which to live and work. Yes, Chicago is famous for its pizza, but the food scene is much more than that. And its Midwestern friendly vibe puts it at the top of the list for the most welcoming large cities in the country. With a population of over 2.16 million residents in the city proper alone, this city has a lit bit of everything for everyone. When you add in the entire metro area, the number jumps to over 9.5 million inhabitants. You’re guaranteed to find your tribe in a city that has something for everyone.
Pros and Cons
While there are many perks to living in Chicago, life in Windy City also has its downsides.
Pros
- Bustling job market: The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies and has employment opportunities in an array of industries.
- Diverse neighborhoods: There are dozens of neighborhoods and suburbs in which to settle down. With all the options, you’re sure to find the perfect place.
- Lake Michigan: Sitting in Chicago’s backyard, this Great Lake is a playground for beach and watersport enthusiasts.
- Getting around: Most neighborhoods in Chicago proper boast high walkability scores. The city also has excellent public transportation options for suburban commuters.
- Things to do: From the famous “Bean” sculpture in Millennium Park to architectural boat tours, you’ll never run out of things to see and do here.
Cons
- Urban sprawl: With over 9.5 million residents in the greater Chicago metro area, the urban and suburban sprawl is major.
- High tax rates: Chicago is notorious for its high tax rates across the board.
- Cost of living: High taxes and housing costs drive up the cost of living here.
- Cold, long winters: Though you might love experiencing all four seasons, you’ll need a big, warm coat to endure Chicago’s icy winters.
- High crime rates: For decades, Chicago has suffered from a crime wave. Be sure to choose your neighborhood carefully.
Is Chicago City a Good Place to Live?
Chicago is a great place to live thanks to its robust economy, excellent walkability, higher education opportunities, and unique location along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is popular with young professionals thanks to its bustling job market, while families enjoy the diversity of neighborhoods and idyllic suburbs. The Windy City has chilly winters, but gorgeous summers allow for ample recreational activities on the Lake.
Economy and the Job Market
Chicago offers a bustling job market. Home to ten Fortune 500 companies within the city limits and 26 more in the suburban areas, opportunities abound. With this total of 36 Fortune 500 companies, Illinois possesses the fourth largest concentration of the top Fortune 500 companies in the nation. There’s somewhat of a lack in the area of blue-collar jobs, however, but with a decreasing unemployment rate of 3.7%, this is becoming less and less of a problem. This historic low unemployment rate is much lower than the long-term average of 7.72%. Hence, finding a job in the Second City has never been easier.
You’ll find better than the national growth average in the fields of health care, education, trade, transportation, and utilities, according to YCharts.com. Also beating out the national average are jobs in the financial sector and government with manufacturing remaining equal. The list below, from World Business Chicago, provides information on the top industries:
- Auto Manufacturing – The third largest employment base in the US with companies such as Ford, Navistar, and Omron as major employers.
- Biotech – Chicago leads the nation with growth in the biotechnology sector. With institutions such as the Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago; advanced biotechnology research is thriving.
- Business Services – With over 60,000 business service companies, finding employment in the business service sector has never been easier. Chicago is home to over 400 major corporate headquarters and is also home to global corporations such as Deloitte, Aon Hewitt, and Mayer Brown.
- Energy – The metro area is home to more wind companies than any other major US city and is the third largest producer of ethanol. Companies like Goldwind, People’s Gas, and EN Engineering are some of the major employers.
- Fabricated Metals – The region also leads the nation in fabricated metals, its largest manufacturing sector. Major employers Kloeckner Metals, Metalex, DS Containers, and Antunes, have all expanded their operations recently, and the outlook in this sector remains positive.
- Financial Technology – Financial technology, or fintech, owes much of its local success to Chicago’s strategic Midwest location as well as being home to two of the most influential business schools in the country. The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University champion much of the industry’s growth and companies such as Braintree, Morningstar, Capital One, and Avant all have a significant presence in the area.
- Food Manufacturing – Los Angeles is the only city that beats Chicago in the food manufacturing industry. Companies like Helman’s (a Unilever brand), Ferrara Candy, Mars Inc., and many others all maintain a significant presence.
- Freight – Chicago is the perfect location for the freight industry as it has two international airports, and its Midwestern location offers easy access to railways and highways.
- Health Services & Medical Technology – You can find the headquarters of more than 40 national medical and health associations in Chicago, including the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association. With these and its many highly rated health care institutions, health care innovation is thriving in the area.
- Information Technology – Many of the nation’s largest information technology firms are located here, and it’s an entrepreneurial hub for digital startups. The non-profit, 1871, is ranked 1st in the country as a Top University-Affiliated Business Incubator.
- Plastics & Chemicals – Companies like Abbot, Abbvie, Baxter, Ecolab, and Hospira provide over 67,500 jobs in the plastics and chemicals sector.
Websites such as Built in Chi offer great advice for finding a job in the local area. You may also want to try Chicago Job Resource and Chicago Metro Jobs. Both are great local aids with information on job fairs and job search resources. If you’re moving to the area with teenagers or college-age family members, Jobs for Youth offers job resources for workers between the ages of 17 to 24.
As you can see, there is a huge amount of opportunity for employment in The City That Works. And you’re going to need a good job because next, unfortunately, we have to talk about taxes.
Tax Rates
Chicago is a great city, but there is a price to pay for the privilege of living here. Cook County’s average property tax rate of $5023.00 or 2.009% of the assessed home value is much higher than the national average of $3028.00. This rate makes it second only to New Jersey in property tax costs and is a burden of which the residents frequently complain.
And there isn’t any relief with the sales tax either. The current rate of 10.25% puts Chicago’s sales tax at the top of high sales tax areas. You can find better tax rates in surrounding counties such as Lake and McHenry. It’s become popular for citizens to make shopping trips outside of Cook County borders for this purpose alone.
The income tax rate in Illinois currently stands at 4.95%. The state legislature has proposed and passed a new graduated income tax which could become effective, with voter approval, in 2020. This higher than most income tax rate is a significant concern for Illinois residents and is possibly a factor in the lack of population growth.
Housing Market
Home ownership is about equal to rentals in Chicago proper, with rentals being slightly higher. In the suburban areas, however, homeownership is much more popular. The median home price, according to BestPlaces.net, is $223,000, and the median rent for a two bedroom apartment is around $1300 per month. Home appreciation is up 1.7% over the last year. It’s likely a good time to buy in the city as home prices are expected to rise. The cost of home ownership or home rentals vary greatly by neighborhood. While violent crime in some areas paints a scary picture, most areas are safe and thriving. There are many options for families and singles alike, and the ethnic and diverse neighborhoods make Chicago one of the most interesting cities in which to live. Homeownership is still less expensive than some other major cities such as New York or Los Angeles.
Cost of Living
After reading about tax rates and home prices, you may have guessed that Chicago has a higher cost of living than most cities. You’re right. Cost of living ranks 17.8% higher than the national average, and taxes are a large part of this. Housing, however, is what pushes the cost of living as high as it is. While this is high, there is a lot of value in Chicagoland. Access to employment makes it a desirable place to live, and comparative wages rank higher here than in other locations with a lower cost of living. So, you face a tradeoff. You can make more money in The Windy City, but you will also spend more of it to live here. With all that Chicago has to offer, it just might be worth the trade.
Weather and Natural Disasters
When moving to Chicago, be prepared for all types of weather. In summer, you can experience heat waves that seem to bog the city down with high temperatures and high humidity. And even though its moniker of The Windy City refers to the hot air bellowing from corrupt politicians and not the weather, Chicago certainly lives up to the name. Winds frequently are strong coming off Lake Michigan, and the high-rise buildings serve to channel that wind with an even greater force. So, while it may seem pretty windy in the downtown areas, once you leave that area, you will find it is no windier than other parts of the Midwest. The winter wind chills can become unbearable, though, and are frequently the main reason for school closures.
At its best, Chicago offers wonderful weather and a plethora of outdoor activities. The 28-mile lakefront, lined with 24 public beaches, is a huge source of enjoyment in the area. You’ll find popular marinas offering private and charter boat rental spaces. Viewing Chicago from out on the lake is highly recommended. In the summertime, the beaches are packed, but not overcrowded, and offer just about every beach activity that comes to mind. High summer average temperatures are in the mid 80°F range, and after the long, cold winters, this perfect weather is well deserved. But be sure to count on a summer heat wave or two. Don’t be caught outside without your sunscreen as 90-degree days are frequent during July and August.
Fall offers wonderful mild temperatures and is perfect for walking the various neighborhoods and experiencing all that Chicago has to offer. But make sure to get your outdoor fix in because starting in November and lasting through February, the winters can be brutal. January’s average high, for example, is 31 degrees with an average low of 17 degrees. You’ll have brief respites from the harshest of weather here and there but be prepared with all your winter wear when you move to Chicago — you’ll need it.
As far as natural disasters go, you’re pretty safe in the city. Tornados are a threat in the outlying areas but are very rare inside the city limits. Climate change is contributing to greater threats such as increased flooding, drought, heat waves, and extreme cold. If you can survive these, then you’re pretty much home free. And with its location next to the Great Lakes, one of the world’s largest freshwater resources, the chances of harm from drought are minimal. This lack of danger can certainly make up for Chicago’s wide weather variations and, again, when moving to Chicago, be prepared for anything.
Traffic and Transportation
A brief look at walkscore.com will give you a good idea of getting around the city and suburban areas. With a walk score of 78, a transit score of 65, and a bike score of 72, it’s easy to get around Chicago on foot, bike, and by public transit. This site also breaks down these scores by neighborhoods, so if public transportation or walkability is important to you, be sure to take a look when choosing where to live.
Public transportation consists of metro trains connecting the suburbs to the city, the famous “L” trains (short for elevated), and buses. The Chicago Transit Authority operates the country’s second largest transportation system and offers easy to follow directions and other resources. With all it has to offer, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting where you need to go with public transportation.
Traffic can be a hassle, especially during rush hours. While there used to be a “reverse commute” rule in that it’s easier to go out of the city in the morning and into the city in the evening, this is no longer true. With both the suburbs and the city offering vast job opportunities, both directions seem to be quite congested during the busiest times of the day. Check out this article from Time Out Chicago that discusses the horrors of traffic in the area. You’ll soon realize that public transportation can be a very desirable option. I-90, I-190, I-80, I-55, I-290, I-294, I-355, I-57, and I-88 are all major highways that service the area. One hint to sounding like a native is to know the names of the expressways such as the Kennedy, the Eisenhower, and the Stevenson. City dwellers will know you’re from the suburbs if you say you take the I-90 in from the Northwest suburbs to work (It’s the Kennedy), for example.
Things to Do
Probably the best thing about living in the Chicagoland area is the absolute plethora of things to do. You’ll find countless outdoor activities during all sorts of weather. The thriving theater scene brings in top Broadway productions as well as a great number of smaller, local shows. And for foodies, Chicago has one of the best restaurant cultures in the country. You’ll find cuisines from all ethnicities and prices in all ranges readily available. You could eat out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the year and still wouldn’t come close to hitting them all. With the centralized location of O’Hare International Airport, you’ll be surprised to learn that Chicago restaurants can offer some of the freshest and most diverse seafood selections available. And don’t forget about steak. Famous for its steakhouses, both traditional and trendy, you’ll never be short of dining options. Which brings us to pizza. Yes, Chicago is famous for its deep dish, and it’s truly loved by many. But on a regular daily basis, locals love the tavern style thin crust, cut in squares.
Famous attractions such as Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry are popular attractions for tourists and locals alike. Just don’t ever call the Sears Tower anything but the Sears Tower when speaking of that attraction. Despite the name change in recent times, for native Chicagoans, the name will never change. Besides the bigger museums listed above, you’ll find many smaller ones throughout the area. These come highly recommended as you’ll find fewer tourists, lower entry fees, and some of the most diverse collections around. The Second City is also home to a vibrant arts scene which includes many fine institutions, the most well-known being the highly rated Art Institute of Chicago.
And now, let’s talk sports. If you’re a sports fan, this is where you want to be. It’s home to two major league baseball teams, The Cubs of the National League and The White Sox of the American League. These two teams create a fun rivalry between the north and south sides. One of the summer’s best highlights is The Crosstown Classic when they play each other, one series at each park, every year. The Blackhawks, the city’s National Hockey League team, has a very strong following with truly dedicated fans. The National Basketball Association team is The Bulls which, along with the Blackhawks, play at the United Center. Finally, the Chicago Bears are the beloved National Football League team and play at Soldier Field. Besides the four main sports of the area, you can also find many other choices including a major soccer team, The Fire; ladies’ softball, the Bandits; minor league hockey, the Wolves; and minor league baseball teams. And if you want to be more than a spectator, the options for every type of sports league are endless.
Schools and Universities
Chicago Public Schools operates almost 650 schools in the city. Most of those are traditional schools, but there is also a healthy offering of charter and contract schools. We recommend looking at each school individually when moving here as there’s a wide variation among their ratings. Also, check out GreatSchools.org. Here, you can find accurate ratings on each school. The Archdiocese of Chicago also has a strong presence, and the option of Catholic education has traditionally been a popular choice.
As far as post-secondary education, you can’t go wrong in this city. The list of junior colleges, colleges offering bachelor’s degrees, universities, and trade schools is way too long to list here. You’ll want to go to Niche.com to read about each one. With top-notch universities like Northwestern and The University of Chicago, you’ll find world-class higher education opportunities.
Crime
You may have heard about the high crime rate in Chicago, and it’s true, there is a huge problem with crime in this city. Neighborhoodscout.com lists the crime rate, per 1000 residents, at 10.96% for violent crimes and 32.87% for property crimes. With an extremely low crime index of eight, 100 being the safest, you may be questioning your move. Most of this, however, is localized to very few locations and much of the city is perfectly safe. Be sure to check out some of the neighborhoods outlined below, and also research each neighborhood before you decide where to live.
Utility Providers
ComEd is the primary provider of electricity and gas service is provided by People’s Gas. You can contact these companies directly to set up service, and both links will provide more information. The City of Chicago provides water. Click here for information on how to set up your water service. The city also does the garbage collection through the sanitation department. For internet service, HighSpeedInternet.com will give you an idea of the service that is right for you.
Best Movers in Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Best Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and each one has its special feel. We’re going to talk about just eight of them here, but this link will give you a list of all 77 of The Windy City’s diverse and unique neighborhoods.
Albany Park
Albany Park, on the city’s northwest side, has traditionally been one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Chicago and even one of the most diverse in the nation. This diversity is celebrated with a vibrant and lively restaurant scene, a youth theater project, shops, and more. You will find native Koreans, Mexicans, Middle Easterners, and those of Yugoslavian descent all making their home in one of the most multicultural areas in the city. Boasting just over 52,000 residents, this community offers a safe and friendly place to live and work.
The north branch of the Chicago River forms the neighborhood’s north and east borders. Along its Lawrence Avenue corridor, you’ll find independently owned grocery stores, delicious Korean cuisine, as well as some wonderful Mexican and Middle Eastern restaurants. All of the different cultures represented in Albany Park businesses help to create respect for others and has led to a highly regarded example of what a culturally diverse community can be. The locals here are extremely proud of this diversity and work to make it one of Chicago’s most loved neighborhoods.
You’ll find reasonable housing costs in Albany Park. It offers a wonderful collection of the classic Chicago-style bungalows, two flats, three flats, and multi-unit brick courtyard buildings. Most multi-unit buildings are near the Kimball and Lawrence “EL” stop. The elegant two and three flats can be found mostly on the outskirts of the neighborhood. The western side of Albany Park is where you will find those little Chicago bungalows that just exude vintage charm.
Another factor that makes Albany Park a great place to live is its ease of getting around. It has one of the most walkable scores in the entire city of Chicago, and many residents don’t even own a car. Everything one needs is within a short walk, and with the neighborhood’s many restaurants and shops, one doesn’t need to go very far. It’s also easily accessed by public transportation.
Albany Park Facts and Figures:
- Median home price: $239,900
- Median two-bedroom rental: $1395
- Population: 52, 079
- Schools
- Elementary: Haugan, Bateman, Henry, Hibbard, Volta, Albany Park Multicultural, and North River are some serving the area
- High School: Roosevelt High School
Hyde Park
The neighborhood of Hyde Park is between two of Chicago’s most celebrated cultural institutions. On the west end, you will find the University of Chicago campus and on the east, the Museum of Science and Industry. This neighborhood is another culturally diverse community and is renowned for being home to President Barack Obama. The storied and significant history of the University gives this location a special kind of vibe. It truly feels like a neighborhood that is as rich in history and tradition as any other in Chicago. In fact, it was the home of the infamous 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Its southside location along Lake Michigan has residents making their way to 57th Street Beach in the summertime. Hyde Park is also home to the Robie House, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. The DuSable Museum of African American History is the largest of its kind in the United States.
According to Zillow, the median home price is currently at $239,000, and home values have been falling. This market has created a hot market, and sellers are taking advantage of it. To rent, you will pay around $1400. This historic area offers some fine examples of Chicago architecture, including mansions, workers’ cottages, row houses, and villas. Solid brick apartment buildings offer more affordable living.
Hyde Park Facts and Figures:
- Median home price: $239,000
- Median rental: $1404
- Population: 26,893
- Schools
- Elementary: Murray, Ray, Shoesmith, Harte, Reavis Math & Science, Kozminski, U of C Lab School, St. Thomas the Apostle, and U of C Charter make up some of the offerings.
- High School: You will find, among others, Hyde Park Academy, Hales Franciscan, Kenwood Academy, and King College Prep.
River West
River West is a somewhat newer neighborhood in the city of Chicago. It used to be part of River North, but with a recent influx of housing and nightlife, River West is now a thriving and vibrant community in its own right. Residents who wanted to be out of the noisy and bustling downtown, but still didn’t want to be too far away, have made this a wonderful place to live and play. Its restaurant scene is thriving, and it isn’t just because of the local River West residents. Many Chicagoans come to experience the hot new venues and reservations are recommended.
You’ll find a lot of converted warehouse buildings turned into loft-style condos as well as trendy newer high and mid-rise condos and townhomes. It’s going to cost you a bit more to live in this trendy area bordered by the Chicago River on its east side and Interstate 90 to the west. The median home price is $433,900, and the median rent is $2250. River West is one of the smaller neighborhoods in terms of population, but with all the recent construction, the number is sure to rise.
River West Facts and Figures:
- Median home price: $433,900
- Median Rental: $2250
- Population: 3,035
- Schools: Chicago Academy for the Arts, Bennett Day School, and Ogden International School
Wicker Park
North Milwaukee Avenue, in the Wicker Park neighborhood, is known for its bustling nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s home to some of the trendiest musical venues in the city. Head to North Damen Avenue, and you’ll see hipsters enjoying the quirky shops, cafés, specialty grocery stores, and hip urban clothing stores. Walk on over to the Flat Iron Arts Building if you’d like to enjoy some awesome art galleries. This building is one of the creative epicenters of the city and is located just outside of downtown. It has a prominent restaurant scene, and some of its venues are the hardest tables to get in the city. Because of the preponderance of nightlife venues, millennials and Gen-Xers alike have flocked to this area in droves.
Living here is fun, and getting around is super easy as it is a very walkable area. It suffered decline into the 1970s and 1980s and then became quite a hip place to live. Then after it became hip, it became trendy, and that continues today. There are some pockets of expensive housing, but you can find some affordable apartments. With its proximity to downtown, Wicker Park has become a very desirable place to live, and the prices reflect that. Crime rates fall somewhere in the middle of all neighborhoods. This neighborhood has some great schools and an active community involved in making it a great place to live and work.
Wicker Park Facts and Figures:
- Median home price: $543,900
- Median rental: $2483
- Population: 23,459
- Schools
- Elementary: St. John’s Lutheran, A N Pritzker, Johnathan Burr, Jose de Diego, Sabin Dual Language Magnet, Scuola Italiana, Frederic Chopin, and James Russell Lowell, among a few others.
- High schools: Roberto Clemente, Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart, Chicago High School for the Arts, William H. Wells and Westinghouse College Prep all serve this area.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is one of the most popular neighborhoods to live in, and it’s easy to see why. Its sprawling namesake park offers some great outdoor areas and is home to the free Lincoln Park Zoo. On Clark Street, you’ll find just about every business you can imagine, and it’s perfect for casual dining. Armitage Avenue is a shopper’s dream with independent boutiques and high-end retailers. The college crowd from DePaul University loves to hang out along the bars and nightclubs along Lincoln Avenue, and that area is hopping well into the early hours of the morning.
As far as housing goes, you’ll find lovely tree-lined streets with handsome brownstones and greystones. Vintage apartment buildings also provide much of the area’s housing and offer great apartments for somewhat reasonable prices. But this is a happening area so you will pay to live here. It trends toward younger apartment dwellers, but the beautiful and historic homes are a little too pricey for that demographic. It’s a highly walkable area and offers every amenity one might need. Head over to the beach for a little summer fun or stroll through the zoo and check out the animals. You’ll find the famous Steppenwolf Theater here along Halsted Street, and the Chicago History Museum is here as well. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Lincoln Park.
Lincoln Park Facts and Figures:
- Median home price: $636,750
- Median rental: $2000
- Population: 67,250
- Schools
- Elementary: Abraham Lincoln, Francis W. Parker, William H. Prescott, British International, St. Josephat, Oscar F. Mayer, Walter Newberry Math and Science, and St. James Lutheran are some.
- High School: Lincoln Park High School and Alcott College Prep both serve this area.
South Loop
On the east of the South Loop neighborhood, you’ll find Chicago’s museum campus. Home to the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium, this campus offers some of the finest cultural institutions in the city. You’ll also notice the 319-acre Grant Park with green space and recreational fields. This park is a vibrant outdoor area that hosts all kinds of events throughout the warmer months. The South Loop is the proud location of the famous Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears or, “Da Bears.”
One great thing about this neighborhood is its proximity to the amenities mentioned above, and so much more. It has recently experienced a revival, and new or renovated buildings are going up one after the other. In the 19th century, it was the home of “Millionaires Row,” now Prairie Avenue, the wealthiest in the city. It was in decline during the first half of the 20th century, but the recent revival makes this a very desirable neighborhood. With an excellent walkability score, you could live here and never need a car as you will have everything you need right out your front door.
A popular home choice in this location is hip, urban, loft-style condos. Many of these are in converted warehouses and office buildings. There are some small enclaves of single-family homes as well, but most likely, you’ll be in a multi-unit building. Prices are still relatively affordable in comparison to other neighborhoods. Be on the lookout for prices to rise, however, as buyers snap up inventory quickly.
South Loop Facts and Figures:
- Median Home Price: $375,000
- Median Rental: $1960
- Population: 33,442
- Schools: South Loop Elementary, British International-South Loop, Daystar, Old St. Mary’s, South Loop Branch School, and GEMS Academy
Logan Square
This neighborhood features beautiful tree-lined streets that are home to traditional Chicago bungalows and elegant Greystones. It is one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods and boasts a wonderful mix of family-friendly amenities and a thriving nightlife scene. Hip coffee houses and breweries are found by the dozen, and you’ll never run out of excellent restaurant choices. Logan Square has something for everyone.
A walk along North Milwaukee Avenue will give you a good feel of all it has to offer. It’s a great mix of quirky, trendy, and old school that is loved by its residents. While some might think it’s a hipster haven, there’s a good mix of working class that keeps it grounded and gives it a family feel. Kimball Avenue borders the neighborhood to the west, California Avenue to the east, Diversey Parkway on the north and Fullerton Avenue on the south end. The cost of living in Logan Square is on the rise, and this is a worry for long-time residents who want to keep Logan Square just like it is.
Logan Square Facts and Figures:
- Median home price: $369,900
- Median rental: $1850
- Population: 73,702
- Schools
- Elementary: Goethe, Charles Darwin, Brentano Math & Science, James Monroe, Salmon P. Chase, Mozart, Funston, Pulaski International, and St. Sylvestors are some
- High School: Marine Leadership, Kelvin Park, North Grand, and Carl Schurz and more
Roscoe Village
Roscoe Village is a wonderful family area on Chicago’s north side, between North Center and Lakeview. This community is a lovely neighborhood with a laid-back vibe. It feels like it is its own little town. In fact, its motto is “village with a city,” and we can see why. You can shop in some interesting independent shops, dine in some comfy restaurants with a homestyle vibe, and grab a drink in trendy breweries or friendly neighborhood taverns.
You’ll notice a lot of incredibly charming single-family homes in Roscoe Village, but they don’t come cheap. You can also find apartment living in either three flats, repurposed former single-family homes, or converted factories like the neighborhood’s favorite pencil factory lofts. You’ll see families at play and all kinds of people walking their dogs. This friendly area is perfect for the young city-dwelling family who wants a smaller, hometown feel.
Roscoe Village Facts and Figures:
- Median home price: $502,500
- Median rental: $1640
- Population: 17,194
- Schools
- Elementary: John James Audubon, Friedrich Jahn, Hamilton, Augustus Burley, Alexander Graham Bell, and John C. Coonley are a few
- High School: Lane Tech College Prep, DePaul College Prep, Amundsen, Northside College Prep, and Nicholas Senn are a few serving the area.
As you can see, you will find a lot of diversity and a vast amount of choices of where to live when relocating to the Chicago area. You may be overwhelmed with the choices. There are so many neighborhoods, schools, restaurants, cultural institutions, and so much more that deciding where to live can be daunting.
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With all the things you have to worry about when moving, finding the perfect moving company shouldn’t be one of them. And that’s exactly the reason why Great Guys Moving have compiled a list of moving companies that will handle your move with the care and professionalism you desire. We only work with licensed and insured movers and have vetted each one, so you know, when finding your mover through us, you’ll have the best possible relocation service available.
