Chicago, Chi-Town, The Windy City, no matter what name you call it, you’re in for a metropolitan lifestyle all its own. Chicago is a welcoming city with a rich history. Rising out of the ashes like a phoenix from the fire of 1871, Chicago is a beautiful tapestry of cultures, attractions and amenities, located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
From stunning skylines to water recreation, Chicagoans enjoy a multitude of museums, restaurants and unique experiences. Choose to spend your time shopping boutiques, finding fun food trucks, or exploring museums.
Chicago offers residents the beauty of all four seasons. With over 26 miles of shoreline along one of the Great Lakes this Midwestern city has an abundance of lakefront beaches to enjoy. Winters are cold but dress appropriately and you can enjoy ice skating, sledding and snowball fights.
The spring and summer are filled with festivals celebrating everything from ethnic gatherings to music to food. You may prefer to not have a personal vehicle in the city with public transportation, ride shares and the Pedway, many prefer to not have to deal with parking and with the mass transit system getting around is easy. Get ready to live in a friendly, urban city full of excitement and opportunity in Chicago!
Chicago Area Communities
The Loop
The Loop, as it’s known to the locals, is a downtown core of high-rises surrounded by the elevated trains. Predominantly, this is a business area with office buildings and some urban residences bounded by the Chicago River to the north and west.
Buffalo Grove
This popular suburb is northwest of Chicago offering a safe, family-friendly vibe for those wishing to be a bit removed from the urban metropolis. Excellent schools and beautiful new neighborhoods make it desirable.
Glenview
Right on the edge of Chicago, Glenview is a diverse, charming village with great entertainment and schools. Just 3 miles outside of Chicago, Glenview is an easy choice for commuters.
North Side Chicago
Made up of many distinctive neighborhoods including warehouse districts, upscale shopping, Old Town, Gold Coast and Rogers Park.
Naperville
Residents in this technology corridor community enjoy easy perks of Chicago. Living in a “Best City to Raise a Family” and a #1 “Safest Cities in America” is a dream come true, and is a great place for retirees.
Greektown
Trendy condos, fun restaurants, and old time delis all blend together beautifully in the West Loop across the Chicago River from the Loop. Bucktown/Wicker Park is a happening area located north and south of North Avenue.
Aurora
Locals call it the “City of Lights”. Fabulous architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe impress you as well as the booming technology industry in this area.
Hyde Park
Home to Hyde Park, Pilsen and South Loop, the South Side is one of the fastest-growing areas in the city.
Arlington Heights
Known for its rich history, this suburb is less than 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. This welcoming village is a great place to raise a family.
Top Chicago School Districts
Chicago has great schools, where your children can thrive!
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Chicago Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Illinois, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
- Students Served: 16,788
- School Breakdown: 14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 2 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 15
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
- Communities Served: The city of Naperville
Barrington Community Unit School District 204
- Students Served: 8,850
- School Breakdown: 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 15
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
- Communities Served: Barrington, Cuba, Parts of South Barrington
Elmhurst School District 205
- Students Served: 8,436
- School Breakdown: 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 15
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
- Communities Served: Most of Elmhurst
Community Unit School District 200
- Students Served: 12,876
- School Breakdown: 13 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 15
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
- Communities Served: Wheaton
Geneva Community Unit School District 304
- Students Served: 5,839
- School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 15
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
- Communities Served: The city of Geneva
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
- Students Served: 5,685
- School Breakdown: 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 15
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
- Communities Served: Rue Vallee, Kildeer, Old Mill Grove, Lake Zurich Highlands, Forest Green Lake Estates, Lake Zurich Heights, Hawthorn Woods, Copperfield, Lochanora, Valentine Manor, Lochanora, Bridlewoods, Lake Corner
St. Charles Community Unit School District 303
- Students Served: 12,915
- School Breakdown: 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 16
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics
- Communities Served: Campton Pines, High Point, oxfield, Brookside, Appaloosa West, Mary Meadows, Burning Tree, Hedgerow, Fair Oaks, Hastings, River Grange Lakes, Redgate Ridge, Hawkins Glen, Thornley, Wildrose Valley, Valley View, Coleman
Lisle Community Unit School District 202
- Students Served: 1,506
- School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 13
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics
- Communities Served: The city of Lisle
Huntley Community School District 158
- Students Served: 9,473
- School Breakdown: 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 16
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
- Communities Served: The city of Huntley, Coyne
Batavia Public School District 101
- Students Served: 6,022
- School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
- Students Per Teacher: 16
- Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
- Communities Served: Batavia, Spring Green, Woodland Hills
Top Employers in Chicago
Areospace and insurance bolster Chicago's booming economy.
Walgreens
Walgreens is the largest Fortune 500 Company operating in Chicago employing over 4,000 people in over 120 pharmacies.
Boeing
While most of Boeing's business occurs outside of Chicago, the aerospace giant has its corporate headquarters in the Windy City.
Archer Daniels Midland
Archer Daniels Midland headquarters its international agricultural processing company in Chicago.
United Continental Holdings
Chciago's O'Hare International Airport makes it a major hub for jobs in the airline industry. United Continental Holdings (aka, United Airlines). Of the airlines operating here, United Airlines employs the most people in Chicago.
Allstate
The insurance giant Allstate has its corporate headquarters in North Chicago in Northfield township, making it a great place of employment for people looking to live in the suburbs.
Chicago Area Museums
The Museum of Science and Industry
Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits including an actual replica of a 1910 Chicago Street complete with cobblestones, a mirror maze and a U-505 German submarine. Experience these fascinating exhibits and more.
Field Museum
This enchanting Chicago museum focuses on natural history with Egyptian mummy, dinosaur and rare gems displays. See what goes on behind the scenes in preparing exhibits with an actual “Fossil Prep Lab” where scientists are jackhammering and sawing the fossils from prehistoric rock.
International Museum of Surgical Science
This quirky museum focused solely on surgery through the years. Not for the faint of heart but filled with oddities like velvet-covered white porcelain dental chairs to Peruvian skulls this museum is four floors full of enlightenment on surgical breakthroughs, advances and failures.
Adler Planetarium
Imagine seeing the universe on a top-of-the-line domed Sky Theater. Celebrate with the love of your life and have an out of this world wedding venue in the oldest planetarium in the United States.
The Art Institute of Chicago
With bronze lion flanked steps to an enormous collection of artwork, this beloved art museum will keep you engaged for hours on end. Illinois residents enjoy free admission on Thursdays nights. From Vincent Van Gogh to Andy Warhol there is quite an array of amazing art.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Devoted to interactive exhibits for children, this museum inspires the wonder in all of us. Learn how a butterfly gets its colors, how birds know where to migrate and how turtles hibernate. This engaging museum makes all of this come to life for the child in all of us!
Money Museum
Located inside the Federal Reserve Bank, this specialty museum lets you try your hand at managing inflation and take a picture with a million bucks. What do you get for your free admission? A bag of shredded, out of circulation money.
Great Parks in the Chicago Area
Reconnect with nature in Chicago's fantastic parks.
Lincoln Park
In the largest Chicago park, you’ll find the enchanting Lincoln Park Zoo. This free zoo keeps its admission at exactly zero cost to you 365 days a year. From sledding to mini golf, theater and conservatory, this park has something for everyone.
Millennium Park
If you want to be where it’s happening, Millennium Park is a popular tourist attraction. Home to Cloud Gate, the iconic metal bean-shaped sculpture this spot is a great place to enjoy music festivals, ice skating, and playing in the Crown Fountain.
Humboldt Park
This charming park features a lagoon and boathouse. Popular food trucks offer a variety of Puerto Rican food.
Grant Park
Grant Park is a welcoming park to downtown Chicago with the stunning Buckingham Fountain. Relax at a jazz festival, ice skate in the winter or enjoy a serene yoga session. The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute are located in Grant Park.
Indian Boundary Park
As one of the 570 parks in Chicago, Indian Boundary Park pays homage to a territorial boundary between the Pottawatomie tribe and the United States. Feed the ducks or let the little ones play in the sandbox.
Garfield Park
Ready for a day taking in the beauty of the flora of this region? Garfield Park has a beautiful formal garden and lagoon. Most people enjoy visiting the conservatory here with its wide array palm trees and cacti.
Chicago Sports Teams
You've got to root on the Cubs in Chicago!
If you love professional sports, you’re in Iuck! The Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox and Cubs will have you at the stadiums or watching at sports bars.
Tailgate parties complete with grills in parking lots are quite common at White Sox games. Cubs fans are still celebrating a World Series championship in 2016 after a long awaited 108 years. It’s not unusual to see loads of navy and orange during football season as Bears fans are devout no matter the weather.
The United Center is home to Bulls and Blackhawk games. For fun fan experiences the five story atrium features a statue of a famous Bulls player, Michael Jordan. Try recording your own play by play of a game clip in the Madhouse Team Store. With green screens you can be right next to your favorite player for the perfect photo op!
Living in Chicago
Live a life you love in Chicago!
Living in one of the largest cities in the Midwest comes at a lower cost than its counterparts like New York and Los Angeles, especially for retirees.
Chicago’s cost of living is nearly 20% lower than that of New York City. With many residents choosing to take mass transit there is substantial savings for foregoing the expenses and insurance on a vehicle.
World-class healthcare is available at a lower cost than the national average. Housing prices are primarily on par with the nation. Chicago’s draw is its diversity in population, activities and job market.
The price of groceries and utilities trend a bit lower putting more money back in your pocket. You’ll have a great quality of life in Chicago with its variety of neighborhoods and amenities making it a great place to live.
Chicago Housing Trends
Living in an urban area on the precipice of Lake Michigan comes at a higher cost than some areas, but living in Chicago makes it worth every penny. Homes here run the gamut in price with everything from condominiums to large upscale family homes.
Median Home Price: $278,600
With several growing neighborhoods and many suburbs continuing to blossom, Chicago continues to offer varied housing options for young professionals, families, empty nesters and more. New housing communities in outlying suburbs feature great amenities escaping the hustle and bustle of the big city and often at a lower price point.
Growing Communities in Central Chicago
Live a life you love on the lake, nestled in the heart of Chicago's urban hub. You can invest in yourself when you buy a new construction home that puts you in the thick of Chicago's urban heart, so you'll never feel like you're missing out on the best that life has to offer.
New home communities, like Three Sixty West and West Loop Collection, in Central Chicago give you the best of all possible worlds: your dream home and an exciting cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Growing Communities in West Chicago
Aurora and Naperville are two of the largest satellite cities in West Chicago. These great towns have become a wonderful place for growing families looking to build a spacious and serene new home in neighborhoods, like Prairie Commons and Seven Bridges, zoned to some of the best rated schools in the area.
Growing Communities in South Chicago
If you want to build a new home in a peaceful and private community, then you should start your journey to homeownership in South Chicago. Commuter cities like Oak Lawn and Orland Park offer easy access to Downtown Chicago, while still providing growing families with comfortable neighborhoods.
Marquette Village and Goodings Grove are just two of the many new home communities in South Chicago. Make your dream home a reality here, and start living a life you love.
Growing Communities in North Chicago
People looking to live in a fun commuter city should start their house hunting in North Chicago. Commuter cities like Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove have numerous new home communities, like Buckingham Place and Sigwalt 16, where you can build the home you always wanted and live a life you love.
Amazing Chicago Restaurants
Nothing says Chicago more than a slice of deep dish Chicago-style pizza in a city famous for said pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef, and fine dining. Check out some of the amazing restaurants sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Hopefully you like Chicago style pizza!
Superdawg Drive-In
Enjoy an old school experience where friendly carhops will deliver delicious “dawgs” served with mustard, chopped Spanish onion, and pickled green tomato on top of some crinkle fries.
Band of Bohemia
Imagine delicious craft beer brews paired with delicious gourmet tasting menus. This North Side restaurant offers dining sure to impress on a tight budget!
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Comfort food at its finest! One taste of the decadent dipping sauce of honey butter will have you hooked. This counter-service spot is hopping at lunch and dinner.
Pequod's Pizza
The spin on the traditional Chicago deep dish here makes the locals come back for more.The cheese is caramelized, offering a crunch that’s hard to pass up at this Lincoln Park restaurant.
Pizzeria Bebu
This restaurant goes out on a limb with its own style creating magnificent gourmet thin-crust pizzas. With everything from vodka sauce to Calabrian honey, these pizzas appeal to every pallet.
Acadia
For a South Side outstanding burger, creative desserts, or fabulous cocktails, Acadia is a true winner for a night out.
Smoque BBQ
You don’t have to be in Texas or Kansas City to find delicious barbecue. Northwest Chicago has Smoque smoking St. Louis style ribs, pulled pork and brisket with all the fixings.
Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen
For over half a century, this establishment has served up giant sized pastrami sandwiches and hot dishes in the South Loop. Satisfy a craving with some delicious sweets to go!
Monteverde
Expect upscale dining with impressive chef-inspired pasta dishes from former Top Chef and Spiaggia Chef, Sarah Grueneberg. Get your reservation today!
Smyth + The Loyalist
Another fabulous West Loop restaurant with a rural-inspired menu with upscale dining upstairs at the Smyth and delicious burgers and bar food downstairs at The Loyalist.
Mi Tocaya Antojeria
Risky and edgy Mexican dishes are all the rage in this restaurant with Chef Diana Davila at the helm. The steak burrito is an absolute must!
Imperial Lamian
Downtown dining along River North offers the city’s best soup dumplings and Chinese fare. End the meal with a decadent dessert, the lunar blossom dessert.
Chicago Pizza Boss
Foodies will love the wood-fired pizza from the Italian flag painted food truck, Chicago Pizza Boss. Peek through the windows to see your pie baking!
Chicago Lunchbox
You might find this food truck in one of the museum parking lots serving a wide variety of Asian explosion flavors with Filipino, Thai, Korean and Vietnamese offerings.
Fat Rice
A unique twist on Asian fare with a fusion of Chinese and Portuguese flavors. From the pork chops to the piri piri chicken, share a meal with others at communal tables.
Parachute
Getting to sample delicious Korean-American food at this desirable mom-and-pop restaurant means being rewarded with a former Top Chef owner creation, bing bread, and an outstanding mung bean pancake.
Cellar Door Provisions
For a true farm to table experience this eatery is on top of their game with fresh ingredients in their breads and pastries.
Alinea
For a luxurious, upscale experience Alinea is the epitome of Chicago dining. From exquisite food to exceptional service the ambiance of Alinea leaves you wanting for nothing!
Great Attractions for Chicago Stay-cations
Navy Pier
This iconic Chicago landmark is the perfect place to enjoy the city. Take a boat tour and get a glimpse of Chicago and its stunning skyline from a different angle. This 3,300 foot long pier boasts a 150-foot Ferris wheel featuring beautiful views as well.
Second City
How can you go wrong catching a performance at this comedy club? So many famous comedians got their start at this improve troupe including Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and Mike Myers. Current comedians will have you in stiches!
Broadway in Chicago
Living in a big city comes with perks and that is true of the cultural experiences in Chicago. Enjoy one of the many touring productions for fabulous Broadway musicals and shows.
Get Active on the 606
Locals love the ability to jog, walk, and run this beautiful elevated trail through Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and Bucktown. Rent a bike and make a day of it!
Cruise the River
Choose to navigate yourself in a kayak or take the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. Either option allows you to see a different side of Chicago from architecture to gangsters.
Chicago Skydeck
You can’t be in Chicago without taking a step out on the glass-floored boxes on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. Truly, an adrenaline rising experience you won’t forget.
The Peninsula Chicago
For a decadent and different night out, head to the beautiful Peninsula Chicago Hotel lobby on Friday or Saturday night. Spend three hours sampling a multitude of chocolate confections and drinks at the all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet!
Shopping
From warehouses to upscale boutiques, Chicago has it all for the shopper! The L makes it easy to get around town to those special spots for all the retail therapy.
The Magnificent Mile
This is Chicago’s version of Rodeo Drive. Shop this premier commercial district with clothing outlets, high-end retailers and luxe boutiques. This area is full of Chicago landmarks including the rooftop observation deck at the John Hancock Center and the Chicago Water Tower. The cool vibe found at the restaurants only matches the shopping. This luxurious area is home to posh hotels and cool spots to hang out.
Wrigleyville
It goes without saying, sports fans can find the perfect fan gear to support the favorite teams. Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls and Bears fans can pick up a jersey, hats or other gear.
After shopping you can head to one of the hot sports bars or pubs to watch a game with friends. From baseball-themed gift shops to indie and alternative bands at the Metro, this is a happening area.
Oak Street
Decadence awaits you at the luxurious boutiques and high-end designers. Known as the “Gold Coast” be sure to bring your credit card for exclusive buys. Converted townhouses feature beautiful offerings of clothing, jewelry and more. Close to Oak Street Beach, this area has a lakefront trail, restaurant and beach to enjoy.
Wicker Park
When you’re looking for one of a kind or vintage finds, Wicker Park is the place to go for thrift stores and independent labels. Spend hours window shopping and stopping into one of Chicago’s trendiest local brands, Akira.
Places of Worship
Find the right place of worship for you and your family in Chicago.
Chicago is a very diverse city , and has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
City Church Chicago
The City Church Chicago is a welcoming and open community that seeks to bring everyone into a loving, warm church family.
Downtown Islamic Center
The Downtown Islamic Center offers a peaceful space for Muslims in the Loop Area to attend Friday prayers, educational classes, daily prayers, and programs for children.
Chicago Loop Synagogue
The Chicago Loop Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Downtown Chicago Area, and serves Jews from a diverse set of backgrounds.
Zen Buddhist Temple
The Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago offers public services and meditation classes, a seminary school, monistary, and training center.
Shivalya Hindu Temple & Cultural Center
The Shivalay Hindu Temple seeks to grow a community that connects Hindus with cultural, spiritual, and religious practices in a open and welcoming environment.
Chicago Sinai Congregation
The Chicago Sinai Congregation is a Reform congregation, dedicated to inclusiveness, spiritual development, and learning.
Masjid Al-Faatir
Masjid Al-Faatir is a beautiful place of worship in Chicago. This peaceful place of prayer is a fantastic place for daily and Friday prayer.
Shree Ganesh Temple of Chicago
This beautiful temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. It has numerous outreach programs and volunteer opportunities for people who wish to help improve life for local communities.
The Buddhist Temple of Chicago
The Buddhist Temple of Chicago serves the historic Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and a diverse range of Buddhist adherents.
Saint John Cantius Church
The Saint John Cantius Church is a Catholic in downtown Chicago. This stunning historic church offers solemn liturgies and devotions, and has a collections of sacred art.
Other Illinois Resources
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.
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