Considering a move to Chicago? Nestled on the edge of Lake Michigan, Chi-Town offers affordable living, amazing sports, world-class public transportation, and plenty of fun things to do. Check out these 15 things to know about living in Chicago!
Chicago at a Glance
- Chicago has a population of nearly 2.7 million, making it the largest city in the Midwest!
- Located along the banks of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois, the Windy City is about a two-hour drive from Milwaukee and three-hour drive from Indianapolis.
- Chicago has a relatively young median age of about 35, reflecting the city’s energetic, fast-paced atmosphere. With a healthy, diverse job market, reliable public transit, and countless entertainment opportunities to explore, Chi-Town is a great place to live for families and young professionals alike.
- Chicago’s legendary deep-dish pizza—invented in the 1940s—continues to be a defining part of the city’s food culture.
- The Windy City is home to more than 60 museums, including The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Chicago History Museum—showcasing everything from world-class art to natural history and local heritage.
Find Affordable Living in the Windy City
If you’re trying to decide which bustling city is right for your budget, Chicago could be the perfect fit! Though Chicago’s cost of living is higher than the state average, living in Chicago can be more affordable than large cities like San Francisco or New York City, where the cost of living is 105% and 61% more expensive than the national average, respectively. If you’re planning to rent an apartment, the average rental rate is around $2,000, and those looking to purchase a home in Chicago can find a relatively-low median purchase price. To save even more money in the Windy City, Chicagoans can expect to pay less for utilities, public transportation, and dining compared to major U.S. cities.
Q: Is Chicago an expensive city to live in?
A: While Chicago’s cost of living is higher than both the national and state averages—due largely to the price of housing—Chi-Town is still relatively affordable, depending on your lifestyle preferences, household needs, and where you choose to buy or rent in Chicago. Though the median home purchase price is a little higher than the national rate, buying a home may be more economical than renting—which is twice the national rate. Fortunately, Chicago’s median household income is also higher than the national average, helping offset the city’s higher costs.
Grow Your Career in Chicago
There are plenty of job opportunities in Chicago in industries like business, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and transportation. Work at Fortune 500 companies like energy giant Exelon or commercial real estate expert Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Or make history with industry leaders like Motorola Solutions, Boeing, or United. Need to work from home? Chicago has a flourishing coworking scene, with facilities in several Chicago neighborhoods! Whether downtown or uptown, Chicagoans can comfortably work remotely from spaces like Rent24, WeWork, or Human Citizen Workplace.
Q: What is a livable salary in Chicago?
A: In Chicago, the living wage for a single adult with no kids is $24.88 per hour or $51,752 per year. A family with two children and one working adult needs to earn at least $43.39 per hour or $90,262 per year to live comfortably.
Enroll in Quality Higher Education
With 54 colleges and universities in Chicago, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your mind and advance your career. Enroll at University of Illinois Chicago for popular programs like healthcare, education, library science, and more. Choose DePaul University, the largest Catholic university in the U.S., for programs like business, communication, and journalism. Prepare for a career in the tech industry at Illinois Institute of Technology. Be part of the legacy of Jesuits encouraging community change at Loyola University Chicago, where the top programs include nursing and biology. Or transform your education in finance, business, accounting, and more at the University of Chicago.
Q: What are the biggest colleges and universities in Chicago?
A: Chicago’s largest colleges are the University of Illinois Chicago, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Chicago.
Get Around Chicago with Convenient Transportation Options
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Chicago’s transportation is known for being the second-largest public transit system in the U.S., as well as one of the best. For residents with longer commutes, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) conveniently operates eight “L” train lines. Your personal vehicle can serve you well, too, as there are plenty of public parking facilities. Or residents of Northeast Chicago can use the Metra, which starts and ends at Chicago Union Station. For shorter commutes, the Second City is extremely walkable and pedestrian-friendly! The active metro has over 300 miles of protected bike lanes and a city-led bike-share program, making it one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in the United States. But if you need to go outside the city, you can travel across the country by train with Amtrak, by plane from Midway International Airport, or fly overseas via O’Hare International Airport.
Q: What’s the best way to get around Chicago?
A: Chicago offers reliable public transit options that make it easy to travel throughout the city—including eight “L” train lines and numerous bus lines provided by the Chicago Transit Authority. The city is also highly walkable and bikeable! Or if you prefer to travel by car but don’t want to drive your own, there are plenty of taxi and rideshare options available.
Explore Chicago’s Outdoor Attractions
Chicagoans don’t let the weather stop them, so the Windy City offers plenty of year-round outdoor activities! In winter, go ice skating at Millennium Park, slide down the Soldier Field sledding hill, trek through snow at Northerly Island, or call “dibs” on your parking spot after a blizzard. Take advantage of free spring and summer events in Chicago like outdoor movies, concerts, yoga, and sports at Night Out in the Parks. Race dragon boats at Ping Tom Memorial Park. Get away from the bustle of city life at Garfield Park Conservatory. Bike, jog, or stroll on the Lakefront Trail. Admire public art along the 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk. Visit the first-ever floating eco-park, Wild Mile Chicago. Or pedal across the North branch of the Chicago River using the 312RiverRun.
Q: Does Chicago get a lot of snow?
A: Yes, Chicago typically receives around 35 inches of snow a year, which is higher than the U.S. average of 28 inches per year.
Live in Trendy Chicago Neighborhoods
With 77 diverse community areas, plenty of great neighborhoods to buy or rent houses, and hidden gems scattered throughout the city, there are endless opportunities to explore while living in Chicago! Andersonville is known for its Swedish roots and is one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the city. Lincoln Square offers Old World heritage mixed with modern charm. Chinatown transports you to East Asia with authentic cuisine, beautiful architecture, and locally-owned specialty shops. Across the city, you’ll find a variety of residential architectural styles, including castle-like Chicago Greystones, preserved Workers Cottages, Chicago Bungalows, Art Deco homes, American Foursquares, Prairie-style houses, and Victorian-era mansions.
Q: What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago for young adults?
A: The most popular neighborhoods for singles and young professionals living in Chicago include Lake View, Lincoln Park, The Loop, River North, and Ukrainian Village. These neighborhoods are all located in or near the city center, providing easy access to job opportunities, cultural attractions, nightlife, and more.
Support Chicago Sports Teams
Wrigleyville is a top sports city, and fans from all over the world flock to Chicago to support their favorite teams or compete on their own. Cross the annual Chicago marathon off your bucket list. Fly the “W” for the Chicago Cubs (MLB) at Wrigley Field, or see the Chicago White Sox (MLB) in action at Guaranteed Rate Field. Watch the legendary Chicago Bulls (NBA) dunk on the competition at the United Center. Support women in the game, too, by cheering on the Chicago Sky (WNBA) at the Wintrust Arena, or go to SeatGeek Stadium for the Chicago Red Stars (NWSL). Tailgate games for the Chicago Bears (NFL), or attend a Chicago Fire FC (MLS) match at Soldier Field! Cheer on one of the “Original Six” Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) at the United Center—or root for International Hockey League Franchise champion Chicago Wolves at the Allstate Arena.
Q: Why does Chicago have two professional baseball teams?
A: Chicago has two major league baseball teams thanks to its longstanding passion for the sport and large enough population to support both. The city’s layout also helps foster a unique rivalry between the North Side’s Chicago Cubs and the South Side’s Chicago White Sox.
Experience a City with Pride
However you identify, you’ll feel at home in Chicago! The city embraces and celebrates diversity and inclusion all day, every day. Party at one of the largest annual gay pride festivals in the country, Chicago Pride Fest, with a jam-packed lineup of musical artists, vendors, drag shows, and more. Attend Chicago Pride, which features a slew of events, vendors, and a giant parade—attracting over one million spectators, you might even see your favorite drag superstar! Head over to Northalsted—previously known as Boystown—to feel even more welcome. Northalsted is one of the country’s most inclusive LGBTQ communities, not to mention being one of the nation’s oldest officially-recognized gay neighborhoods.
Q: When is the Pride Parade in Chicago?
A: The Chicago Pride Parade is held on the last Sunday in June and typically starts in the Northalsted neighborhood. Chicago residents can also celebrate at Pride Fest the weekend before the parade.
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Enjoy Kid-Friendly Activities in the Windy City
Looking for something to do that will keep the whole family busy? Chicago has interactive, kid-friendly activities all over the city to keep everyone entertained! Get free admission and let your children experience farm life in the city with the Farm-in-the-Zoo exhibit at Lincoln Park Zoo. Feed the giraffes, interact with penguins, or clap at the Seven Seas dolphin show in Brookfield Zoo. Ice skate, scale the climbing wall, play a round of mini golf, or explore the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Play Garden at Maggie Daley Park. See tiger rays, beluga whales, dolphins, and sea otters at the Shedd Aquarium, located on the shore of Lake Michigan. Gain knowledge while having fun with 15 permanent exhibits like Pet Vet, Water Works, or Turtle Rock at Kohl Children’s Museum. Or take the kids to exhibits like Dinosaur Expedition, or Kids Town at Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier.
Q: Is Chicago family-friendly?
A: Yes, Chicago offers plenty of great schools and a variety of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the zoo and the aquarium to city parks and lake beaches. Chicago is also home to many family-friendly neighborhoods, including Edgewater, Forest Glen, and Hyde Park.
Visit Chicago’s Top Museums & Art Galleries
Looking for history and fine arts in Chicago? Check out Chi-Town’s amazing museums! The city offers free admission days at its award-winning museums. Experience the beauty and power of artworks from across the world at the Art Institute of Chicago. Discover the richness of Mexican culture at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Visit the nation’s first independent museum dedicated to preserving the history of Africans and Americans of African descent, DuSable Museum of African American History. Get hands-on lab experience at the Griffin Museum of Science + Industry Chicago. Or stargaze Chicago’s Night Sky in any season at Adler Planetarium.
Q: What is the top museum in Chicago?
A: Chicago is home to a number of outstanding museums, with some of the most notable including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum.
Party It Up at Events & Festivals in Chicago
Chicago has world-class events and festivals that celebrate diverse food, music, culture, and art. On St. Patrick’s Day, attend the celebration parade downtown and snap a picture of the Chicago River after it’s dyed green. Thirsty? Stop by the Chicago Beer Fest for some of the best beer from Chicago breweries. Fill up on cuisine from top restaurants during the 17-day Chicago Restaurant Week. Witness the Lightscape event at Chicago Botanic Garden. Listen to lineups chock-full of indie, rock, hip-hop, pop, and more acts at world-famous Lollapalooza. Or take part in Chicago’s other amazing summer music festivals, including Pitchfork, Riotfest, Chicago Jazz Festival!
Q: What is the most well-known festival in Chicago?
A: Chicago’s most well-known festival is Lollapalooza, a multi-day and multi-genre musical festival held every year in Grant Park. There are also a number of other Chicago music festivals, featuring jazz, blues, country, gospel, EDM, and more.
Devour Genuine Deep-Dish Pizza
Chi-Town’s known for its hot restaurant scene, but one thing stands out—the Chicago deep-dish pizza! With tall, flaky crusts, chunky tomato sauce, thick layers of mozzarella cheese, and a variety of toppings to choose from, a deep-dish pizza will make you fall in love with Chicago even more. Savor caramelized crusts and crispy toppings from Pequod’s. Head to Magnificent Mile to enjoy the Meaty Legend or Italian Beef deep dish pizza at Gino’s East. Find family tradition in a friendly atmosphere at Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company, where they’ve been perfecting the craft of deep-dish for 15 years. Stop by Burt’s Pizza—a classic deep-dish joint approved by Anthony Bourdain. Grab a slice from The Art of Pizza. Looking for vegan pizza options in Chicago? Check out My Pi for a full vegan pizza menu!
Q: Which Chicago restaurant was the first to serve deep-dish pizza?
A: Pizzeria Uno served the first deep-dish pizza in Chicago in 1943. Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo are typically credited as the inventors of this popular Chicago staple.
Explore Chicago’s Best Restaurants
With so many cultures coming together to offer different dishes, you’ll always be able to find something yummy to eat in Chicago! Start your morning with Scandinavian-influenced pastries like Almond Croissants, Tebirkes, and Cardamom Buns at Lost Larson. Head to a modern Filipino bakery and restaurant for fusion dishes like Mushroom Adobo, Lumpia Shanghai, or a Kasama Combo Sandwich at Kasama. Savor tender meats and homemade rubs at Smoque BBQ. Order Southern comfort food like Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Gumbo, and Buttermilk Biscuits at Luella’s Southern Kitchen. Taste authentic and innovative Korean cuisines in an upscale restaurant and bar perfect for date night at Jeong. Warm up with Pho Kobe or Pho Do Bien at Pho Nam Lua in Little Vietnam. Share some sizzling Korean BBQ like Bulgogi or Spicy Stir Fried Squid at Daebak in Chinatown. Sample tacos and margaritas at La Vaca Margarita Bar in Pilsen. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with Mango Burfi, Pistachio Ghari, or Milk Cake from Sukhadia Sweets and Snacks.
Q: When is Chicago Restaurant Week?
A: Chicago Restaurant Week is an annual event that runs from late January through early February. Over 500 restaurants throughout the city participate in this 17-day event.
Get Hop-Happy at Chicago Breweries
Among the top cities in the U.S. for beer, Chicago is home to the third-most breweries in the country. Play arcade games while sipping on experimental brews like Pineapple Sorbaze or Double Jungle Boogie at Marz Community Brewing Co. Fill up on salads, sandwiches, and flights of beer at Corridor Brewery & Provisions. In the mood for rustic beers with a little age to them? Cheers with a Hefeweizen or a Czech Dark Lager at Dovetail Brewery. Sample botanical brews made with stems, flowers, herbs, and spices like the Sparkling Rosé Ale at Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery. Plus, all profits on their non-consumable merchandise go to charity! Or check out one of the state’s biggest independent craft breweries, Revolution Brewing—which was also featured in the movie Drinking Buddies with Jake Johnson and Olivia Wilde!
Q: How many breweries are in Chicago?
A: Chicago is home to over 160 breweries, ranging from large-scale craft operations to small neighborhood taprooms.
Revel in Chicago’s Nightlife
Chicago is always bustling, even late into the night—which is part of what makes it one of the best cities for singles! Look for hidden doors that lead to classic speakeasies like The Drifter, The Green Door Tavern, or The Violet Hour. Grab a nightcap while sitting in Al Capone’s favorite booth at Green Mill. Dance your socks off to live music inside 100-year-old balloon-house-turned-bar, The Hideout. See why Rolling Stone called Spybar Chicago the “River North party paradise.” Listen to DJs spin contemporary disco, deep-cuts, and classic party hits while sweating on the wall-to-wall LED dance floor at DISCO. Enjoy bottle service during concerts from Grammy-nominated Bauuer, SayMyName, or VNSSA in the multi-level, upscale nightclub, Sound-Bar. Crack open oysters and bubbly at Dusek’s Tavern, watch piano players and Latin jazz trios perform in the Tack Room, then move to the basement for punchbowl cocktails from Punch House—all without leaving Thalia Hall. Or laugh until you cry at some of Chicago’s top comedy clubs, including The Second City and The Comedy Bar.
Q: What are the best neighborhoods for nightlife in Chicago?
A: The best Chicago nightlife neighborhoods include Uptown, River North, Wicker Park, the West Loop, and Logan Square—offering a variety of bars, clubs, and live music.
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