The dream of living and working from just about anywhere has become a reality for many during the pandemic, which is why so many young Americans are choosing to live in Chicago. Chicago, Illinois, is a great place to live. It’s got natural beauty, great food, and diverse people.
There are many great large cities in America, but Chicago is, without a doubt, the best. Here are five reasons why:
1. Affordability
The city is affordable compared to other large cities like New York or Los Angeles.
Chicago is the third largest city in the united states, but it is a clear winner in the best bang for the buck category. Chicago is one of the most budget-friendly cities to live in, making it easier for people to start a career or family.
To maintain a comparable lifestyle in New York as someone who earns $75,000/year in Chicago, you would need to earn an annual salary of $117,000 in New York City.
In Los Angeles, you would have an annual salary of $201,000 to maintain a similar living standard as someone earning $123K a year in Chicago.
Overall, New York is 57% more expensive than Chicago, and Los Angeles is 64% more expensive than Chicago.
A recent surge in remote workers has made the cost of living in Chicago even more attractive. Few cities have so much to offer at relatively low prices. If you’re looking for an urban environment with a jaw-dropping skyline but don’t want to break the bank, Chicago is the perfect place.
2. Diverse Cultures and Activities
There is something for everyone in Chicago. Whether you’re a foodie, sports fan, or culture lover, you will find plenty to do in this city!
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. Still, the city also offers an amazing variety of culinary options that range from classic American to immigrant-influenced delicacies. The city’s craft beer scene has been growing rapidly in recent years, with dozens of local breweries and taprooms offering a wide variety of beers.
Chicago is also home to some of the best sports teams in the country, including the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Games are often filled with passionate fans who cheer their teams on through every inning or buzzer. Chicago has a team for every professional sports league, no matter what you love to watch.
Art & culture are also celebrated in Chicago, with dozens of museums and cultural hubs across the city. The Art Institute and Field Museum are just two of the many options that bring history to life. There’s also a variety of public artworks, live music venues, theater productions, and more throughout the city.
Along with sports and food, Chicago has one of the most diverse populations in the country. Offering many diverse festivals and neighborhoods to explore. Chicago has a large Chinatown, Greek Town, Little Italy, and Little India, also including Polish Communities, Mexican communities, and Puerto Rican communities, to name a few.
If you are foody or love to explore different cultures, it will be hard to find a similar city with so much to offer in the US.
3. History and Architechture
I’ve had the chance to explore many other major U.S. cities, and I can confidently say that none have a skyline as impressive as Chicago’s. It looks like it belongs in a movie–which is why so many big-budget films and TV shows are filmed here. Gotham City has been portrayed on screen multiple times, but no other city can do it quite as Chicago can.
Chicago is known as the second city, and it was designed to correct the mistakes made in New York. In 1871, a devastating fire dispersed over 3 square miles of damage and killed over 300 people… but instead of discouraging growth, it only pushed the citizens to rebuild and make their Chicago stronger than ever before.
City planning has made Chicago one of the most livable cities in the US. The city is designed with a grid system, making it easy to navigate your way around. From its public transportation to its infrastructure and walkability, Chicago has what everyone needs for city life.
The city also has numerous bike lanes for cyclists and miles of parks, beaches, and waterfront trails for outdoor lovers. If you love to enjoy an urban landscape with tasteful public places and parks, Chicago has some of the best in the world.
The architecture in Chicago is also world-class, from the historic buildings on Michigan Avenue to The Willis Tower, or Sears Tower as we locals call it.
Willis tower is the second of the tallest buildings in the western hemisphere and North America but it is only one of many impressive buildings in Chicago. Chicago has a jaw-dropping lakefront, a river walk, and a magnificent mile with lots of lively activities and stores.
Nightlife in Chicago is one of the best in America! There’s something for everyone, from rooftop bars to brewery tours, jazz clubs, and more. As a major city with a nightlife that caters to all sorts of tastes and budgets, you don’t have to look far.
4. Transportation Options
Chicago has been long known as the connection to the west and the transportation hub of the United States.
It was originally settled because of the advantages of location connecting the great lakes to the Mississippi river. Still, it quickly transformed into a railroad hub, with extensive road systems and also home to the fourth largest international airport in the world.
It’s the starting point of Route 66, America’s first cross-country route before the modern Interstate Highways System and currently the largest rail hub in North America. The Chicagoland area developed many modern transportation options, offering travelers and commuters endless options.
The Chicago Public transportation or CTA system is also one of the best in the country. An extensive network of buses, trains, and public transportation also serves the city. Making it easy to get around the city or fly anywhere in the world without connecting flights.
If you want to be centrally located, Chicago is the best of the midwest!
5. Higher Education and Employment Options
Chicago is home to some of the best universities and colleges in the United States, including the University of Chicago, Loyola, Depaul, Northwestern, and Illinois Institute of Technology, to name a few.
With such a vast selection of higher education options, it’s no surprise that Chicago has become an educational hub. Chicago is a blue-collar hard-working demographic, but Chicago was also recently recognized as one of the best places to find a tech position.
Illinois is one of the top producers of computer science degrees in the United States, making Chicago a hotspot for talented and tech-savvy employees. Illinois has the third most tech career opportunities in the country. It is quickly becoming part of the conversation of the best cities for Tech workers.
Conclusion
Chicago offers all the amenities of a large city combined with a Midwestern sensibility and affordability that is unmatched. If you’re looking for a place to call home, Chicago should be on your list. Check out some of these amazing places in the city, or explore our website for more information on neighborhoods, things to do, and much more.
If you are looking to buy rent or sell a home in the Chicagoland area, make sure to give us a call. We would love you help you make a move.
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