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Are you wondering what it’s like living in Chicago?
With a population of 2.7 million, Chicago is ideal for those seeking a world-class metropolis. It’s full of culture, Michelin-worthy restaurants, and a world-class Central Business District.
Despite its lack of proximity to the sea, the Chicago lakefront is a staple part of city life. It provides a welcome respite from the summer heat with a plethora of leisure activities.
Do you want to know what is Chicago like for newcomers? Read on and learn more about what it’s actually like by checking out this guide.
Neighborhoods in Chicago
The 77 neighborhoods that comprise Chicago’s nine districts form the city’s backbone. Each has its unique blend of personality, attractions, culture, and history. Thus, your neighborhood in Chicago is what defines you.
North
Northern Chicago’s neighborhoods are hip and trendy. There’s always a concert, street festival, or baseball games to entertain you. You can watch Cubs games in Wrigleyville, go shopping in Lincoln Park, and hang with live jazz in Uptown.
West
The West Side neighborhood has a more eclectic feel to it. It’s the city’s gastronomic attraction, thanks to Randolph Street and Fulton Market. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful murals, monuments, and churches of Wicker Park.
South
The South Side of Chicago has a diverse cultural and social scene. From Bronzeville’s monuments to the Museum Campus to Chinatown’s unique cuisine. The neighborhood is a melting pot for diversity.
The Loop
The loop homes the top tourist attractions of Chicago. It includes Buckingham Fountain, the Historic Theatre District, and Millennium Park. It also has various art galleries, cocktail lounges, and a plaza on Michigan Avenue.
Renting or Buying a House in Chicago
Whether you’re looking for a temporary flat or a permanent home for your family, do so now. Now is a perfect opportunity to rent and buy a house in Chicago.
Home sales in Chicago show a strong market even amid a health crisis. Whether renting or buying a house, Chicago boasts a wide range of housing options.
The city’s massive downtown area offers hundreds of apartments and condos. Most of them are along Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue. There are also some offers in the Loop and the neighboring North Side.
Home economic fundamentals remained robust. Selling a house is also a breeze in this city. If you’re looking for Chicago homes for sale, visit this website.
Transportation in Chicago
Chicago is a challenging city for commuters, with some daunting long rush hours. Don’t fret because Chicago Transit Authority can help you. CTA can bring you to almost any part of the city, including surrounding suburbs.
You can try out all their options for transportation:
The “L”
The CTA’s “L” system consists of buses and elevated trains. Each train ride costs $2.50 and $2.25 for bus rides.
Most Chicago residents get a Ventra card for complete convenience. They tap the card on the turnstile entrance to pay the fare – no cash needed.
Pedway
Pedway is a network of underground tunnels and overhead bridges. They connect roughly 40 blocks in the Central Business District.
Thousands of commuters use the pedway every day since it’s safe and quick. It’s an easy method to move around downtown, particularly in the winter.
Bike
Biking throughout town gives you more options, and it beats walking. Bicycling has grown in popularity in Chicago, and you can now find rental stations.
Cabs and Rideshares
Cabs are available in Chicago, and the majority accept credit and debit cards. Booking an Uber or Lyft ride from your phone is an alternative. Most residents think it’s a more convenient option.
Parking in Chicago
For city life in Chicago, having a car isn’t a necessity. If you have one and your house doesn’t have a parking spot, woe is you. Expect tow zones, no parking signs, and challenging parallel parking operations.
The parking in the city is expensive, and you also need a parking permit. People rely on parking in their neighborhoods with minimal space.
The city also receives over 40 inches of snow each year.
Residents believe they have the right to a public parking place if they shovel it. They save the space with lawn best fabric chairs, cones, and whatever backyard furniture they can find. It’s a long-running Chicago custom, and they call it “dibs.”
Weather in Chicago
Nothing compares to the bone-chilling wind in Chicago. No joke, it becomes very chilly in the city. Here are some tips for surviving the harsh winters of Chicago:
Dress in Layers
A bulky coat and a winter hat do not prepare you for the lake effect snow. Make sure you’re dressed in layers and wear waterproof footwear. During Chicago winters, roads and sidewalks get icy, so be cautious of the black ice.
Have On-Hand Essentials
If you have a car, make sure you’re always ready for whatever crisis the weather can bring. Always bring the following:
- jumper cables
- snow brushes
- gloves
- shovels
- drink
- food
Don’t forget to bring also your wind-resistant umbrella. This device will come in handy more often than not.
Also, Check – New Trends in Kitchen Renovation for 2022
Traditions in Chicago
Chicago’s traditions are the city’s and citizens’ lifeblood. Some of Chicago’s most cherished traditions include:
St. Patrick’s Day
Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the Chicago River’s banks every year on March 17. St. Patrick’s is an established custom of dyeing the Chicago River in 1962. It’s become a massive draw for both tourists and locals in Chicago.
The Musical History of Chicago
Music has a long-standing history in Chicago. Chicago has its legacy of blues music, which is still celebrated today by the Chicago Blues Fest.
The Aragon Ballroom and The Vic Theater are two of Chicago’s most well-known live music venues. Among its cultural attractions are the Civic Opera House and the Symphony Center. Furthermore, Ravinia is an outdoor concert facility that hosts live concerts.
Dance Music Festivals
Chicago has the biggest dance music festivals in the country. These include outdoor dancing series and the free outdoor cuisine festival.
Given their music, they host the world’s largest free blues festival.
Say Yes to Living in Chicago Now
Whether you’re moving for business or searching for adventure in a new city, you’ll fall in love with the place. Living in Chicago means immersing yourself in the culture and diversity. You’ll have countless favorite spots in no time.
We hope this article guided you well. If you want more content, check out the rest of our articles.
