Well connected, multicultural, and business oriented, Chicago is a great place for expats. It is home to many international organizations and a thriving business district. Chicago is the third largest U.S. city and is famed for its architecture and skyline. Surprisingly, it also boasts more than 500 parks and a gorgeous lakefront. However, expats should take special care when choosing a place to live, as crime and substandard public schools make some Chicago neighborhoods less desirable than others.
For general advice on searching for a home and signing a lease in the United States, see the article Accommodation in the USA.
Neighborhoods
Chicago is a big city divided into 77 different neighborhoods. While this can sound intimidating, the good news is that there is something for every lifestyle and budget. With so many distinct areas, a good strategy is to choose your neighborhood and then begin looking for accommodation. To help narrow down your search, consider your lifestyle and things that will impact your quality of life such as proximity to public transit, parking availability, noise level, and outdoor space. The city's visitor page has more information on local communities. Chicago's five major zones are described below.
Like many metropolitan areas, Chicago's Downtown area appeals to young professionals and couples. The South Loop is convenient to the business district and Lake Michigan, as well as popular shopping and eating areas.
Two popular North Side neighborhoods Lincoln Square and Roscoe Village, which remain close to downtown but offer more spacious housing. Roscoe Village offers lots of charm, with brick town houses and streets lined with small restaurants and shops. Lincoln Square has more single-family homes, is near three parks, and has easy access to the Chicago riverfront.
Lincoln Park and Lakeview are two popular Northwest Side neighborhoods that draw young families due to the excellent public schools in the area, as well as low crime rates. These areas are highly walkable and offer all kinds of shopping, pubs, and a variety of restaurants.
Chicago's South Side is home to Hyde Park, which offers a mix of lakefront high rises and luxurious homes. Its proximity to the prestigious University of Chicago makes it popular among students and faculty members.
The West Side includes neighborhoods like Logan Square, which is surrounded by many parks. Moderately-priced housing in this neighborhood makes it a popular area for students, artists, and working-class habitants.
Important: Expats with children should take special care when searching for housing as your home address determines which local public schools your children may attend. Unfortunately, Chicago's public school system varies in quality and some of the most highly ranked schools are in the north and western parts of the city. If you choose to send your children to a private or international school (there are many), your address will not be an issue. However, you should still consider the daily commute between school and home.
Good to know: Chicago, while not dangerous, does have a fair share of crime. Areas with common thefts and muggings can change every few blocks. The city has a crime map which allows users to search by address to see the most recent statistics in a given area.
Accommodation and cost of living
Chicago's rental market offers a range of accommodation types, from luxurious single-family homes to apartments of all sizes. As with most big cities, accommodation size shrinks and prices increase in desirable areas or closer to downtown. The majority of people living in urban Chicago live in apartments, lofts, or condos. For an 85 m² (900 ft²) apartment, expect to pay an average monthly rent of USD $1400 to USD $1850. A 45 m² (480 ft²) studio apartment averages between USD $1000 and USD $1500 per month.
Generally, an apartment lease in Chicago includes charges such as water, trash service, and building maintenance. Accommodations will have major appliances like a stove/oven and refrigerator. There are usually some type of heating system but amenities like air conditioning, laundry, and elevators are not guaranteed. Parking is generally not included in a lease but may be available for an additional fee. That being said, be sure to carefully read what is and what is not included in your monthly rent before signing your lease.
Life in Chicago
Whether it's shopping, sports, culture, or food, Chicago has something for everyone. Shoppers will want to visit the famed Michigan Mile, a kilometer and a half of luxury and boutique shops. It is home to two major league baseball teams as well as professional football and basketball teams. Art lovers will marvel at the architecture, outdoor displays, and two world-class art museums. Lastly, Chicago boasts 25 Michelin-starred restaurants as well as local specialties like deep dish pizza, the Chicago-style hot dog, and the Italian Beef sandwich.
Chicago's continental climate offers the city mild spring and fall weather with hot, humid summers and long, windy, harsh winters. Snow is a regular occurrence and averages about one metre (about 3 feet/39 inches) total each winter. While this is generally a slow and steady accumulation, every few years Chicagoans expect a storm to dump up to 25cm (about 10 inches) at once. The coldest month is January which has an average high temperature of â0.6 °C (about 31° Fahrenheit).
Useful Links:
Chicago Tribune housing ads
Craigslist Chicago housing ads
apartments.com
Chicago cost of living calculator
Chicago crime map
Free and almost-free things to do in Chicago
Chicago Neighborhoods
Explore Chicago
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