Reasons Why Chicago is An Amazing Place to Live

Let’s face it: Chicago is cleaner than New York City and nicer than Los Angeles. I’ve lived in Chicago for more than 15 years and I still swoon over our museum campuses, with art, sea life and T-Rex bones among the attractions. I always say that no city can beat Chicago in the summer. You can catch a concert in the Frank Gehry-designed pavilion at Millennium Park or take a stroll through our famous Magnificent Mile.

Why Chicago?

Well, the answer is easy. Not only did I meet my husband here but I’ve always loved the fact that it’s so easy to get in and get around. Chicago is a great place to live for those who want a bustling urban hub without the cost or stress of a bigger city. There is ample public transportation, good jobs and plenty of diversity.

Chicago’s got art

If you love art like I do than I can guarantee you that you will fall in love with our Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Both feature world-class collections. But frankly, art is everywhere in our beloved city, from The Cultural Center and sculptures in the parks like the “bean” in Millennium Park.

Chicago’s Cost of Living

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment apartment in Chicago, IL is currently $1,475. This is a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Granted it is still higher than other cities across the States but yet it’s still cheaper compared to NYC or San Francisco!

Chicago’s got smarts

Did you know that the Chicago area is home to two world-class universities? We are proud to call Northwestern University in neighboring Evanston and the University of Chicago in the Hyde Park neighborhood in the southern portion of the city our Chicago universities! In addition, there are numerous colleges and universities centered in the downtown itself, making it one of the largest college towns-within-a-town.

Seasons

Okay, okay…I am the first to admit that Chicago winters are brutal, but the summers, springs and falls make up for it. Trust me. As it warms up, it’s amazing how fast the mood of the city changes: The shorts and sandals come out, giving way to the light jackets in fall as folks transition into pumpkin picking and cider drinking.

Food for everyone

Chicago is home to some of the highest-rated restaurants in the world and celebrity chefs like Rick Bayless and Grant Achatz. Did you know that the exploding foodie culture helped lure the James Beard Foundation award ceremony away from its traditional home in New York? Pretty amazing, if you ask me!

Are you ready to make your move?

If you are check Chicago’s rent prices out here and get ready to submerse yourself in Chicago culture while exploring the diversity our city has to offer.

Photos: The Bean via | Chicago Skyline via