Chicago is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, and with good reason: it's steeped in history and home to some absolutely incredible food, music, theater, museums, and schools.
Today, I’ll discuss one of the most serious concerns of homebuyers and renters in Illinois real estate - What is the real truth about Chicago? Is it ugly, as people and the news say?
Don’t worry, I am here to guide you through all things Chicago. I will show you the many different facets of Chicago life, both the good and the bad.
Now let’s get down to business.
Common Misconceptions about Living in Chicago
Chicago is a land that many non-residents often think about in stereotypes. Let me start showing you the truth by dispelling the three most common misconceptions about living in Chicago.
Deep dish pizza is not the food favored by Chicagoans. According to Chicago Magazine, ost Chicagoans prefer thin crust, tavern-style pizza, which has its own Chicago origin story: here pizza was served mostly in taverns, often as an enticement to drink alcohol.
The South Side Is the Most Dangerous Part of Chicago: Contrary to Jim Croce’s “Bad Bad Leroy Brown,” West Garfield Park, on the West Side, often holds the title of Chicago’s most violent neighborhood.
Hunting and fishing are the main pastimes. While Lake Michigan and other rivers form the core of the natural landscape of Chicago, these are not the only venues of recreation here. There’s the active, diverse arts and music scene, historical sites and hiking and biking trails galore.
But What is it Really Like to Live in Chicago?
Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, is suitable for individuals seeking a world-class metropolis with Midwest values. Despite its lack of proximity to the sea, the Chicago lakefront remains an important aspect of city life. The lakefront provides a welcome respite from the summer heat, with various beaches, waterfront eateries, and a plethora of leisure activities.
It's easy to fall in love with the Windy City, with its towering buildings and diverse cultural environment. But the truth about Chicago is it is multi-faceted. It has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s dig deeper into the great and the ugly truth about Chicago!
Pros
a. Infinite Recreational Possibilities
Chicago isn’t Chicago without its fun. You’ll lose count in all places your family can visit and get entertained. Each community area (77 as of the moment!) has parks, galleries, bars, shops and historical attractions. And the Chicagoans also love to party and celebrate - festivals go year-round! So when I say, infinite recreation, I mean it!
b. Food Paradise
If you want to take some time off to refresh and dig in with delicious foods, Chicago also has that to offer. Drive in to Superdawg Drive-in and get a taste of their best selling hot dogs.If you’re up for some hot buns and cakes,Lost Larson is ready to serve you. And if by chance you are craving for some baby back ribs St. Louis style, Smoque BBQ is waving. And there are so much more than the mentioned food stops. Then there's the deep-dish pizza, Polish sausage dishes, Italian meat, gyros, butter-crust pizza, Jibarito, Chicago-style popcorn, and amazing Italian eateries strewn about.
If you are looking for fine dining, Chicago also has several Michelin-starred restaurants for you to patronize!
c. Diverse neighborhoods
Chicago is a large state renowned for its diversity. It’s a melting pot of cultures of peoples all around the world. White people make up 52 percent of the population, while black people make up 29 percent. You’ll definitely have fun meeting different kinds of neighbors.
d. Sports culture
Considered as one of the homes for sports, Chicago has so many sports complexes. Any sports you play and can think of? Don’t worry because Chicago got you covered. From Chicago Indoor Sports to Bradley Sports Center, take a tour around the city and make a list of all sports complexes you can find.
The Sporting News has rated Chicago the Best Sports City in the United States three times in total. The Chicago Bears are the NFL franchise, and their 1985 Super Bowl victory is still talked about in the city's taverns. You can also watch MLS soccer by heading to Bridgeview to watch the Chicago Fire or the Red Stars play women's soccer.
e. Strong job market
Finance, publishing, manufacturing, and food processing are just a few of the industries where you might find work in Chicago.
Job seekers should look at Fortune magazine's list of the 50 best companies to work for in Chicago, as well as Built in Chicago (a great resource for tech and start-up companies), Zippia.com, and The Muse, which takes you inside the offices of companies like The Oprah Winfrey Network, Trunk Club, Pabst Brewing Company, and Crate & Barrel.
f. Topnotch Healthcare system
According to Healthgrades' 2019 National Health Index, Chicago is the 54th best city in the US for healthcare. Moreover, in 2018, according to the most recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report, two Chicago hospitals are among the top 20 in the country. According to U.S. News & World Report. Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center were ranked 10th and 17th on the list, respectively.These hospitals are consistent with their performance in providing good healthcare services to Chicagoans and residents of nearby communities.
g. Easy to use city grid
It's easy to get lost in Chicago, especially if you're in a new neighborhood. But you'll be able to find your way back home with relative ease if you know how the city ranks its streets. In the city, there are eight city blocks per mile, each with 100 address numbers. This translates to almost 800 numbers per mile. Madison Street is the north/south street grid's center, whereas State Street is the east/west street grid's core. You can always know how far you are from the center of town by keeping track of the numbers and your street position.
And now for the ugliness within Chicago. I gotta get real with you, it’s my fiduciary duty to show you the different disadvantages of moving to Chicago.
Cons
a. High crime rates
Yeah, even non-Chicagoans know this from all the news coverage and movies. The total crime rate in Chicago is greater than the national average, according to the Chicago Police Department's Bureau of Records. In recent years, the city's high murder rates have dominated the news cycle. The city's crime rate was responsible for over half of the national increase in homicides in 2016. Not all that glitters is gold, so keep an eye out for illegal activity if you're working late in the city. And if you're going to move in with your family, you should definitely check local records of criminal activity and safety measures.
b. Harsh weather
The Windy City is named for its challenging location. With close proximity to lakes and rivers, this is the place where you can experience up to four seasons in one day. Prepare yourself for heavy rains, storms, and even heavy snowfall. Winter is the longest of the four seasons, so don't be shocked if you feel frigid winds sweeping past your head.
Summers can be worse than winters, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
c. High living costs (Housing, taxes, etc)
If the facilities and lifestyle appeal to you, consider paying a premium on food as well. Chicago is one of the cities where grocery taxes must be paid. Chicago's overall cost of living is 20% more than the national average.
d. Terrible traffic
Only seven major motorways and four auxiliary highways pass through the city. During rush hour, driving on the Dan Ryan or the Kennedy can result in a significant amount of time spent stuck in traffic. When getting to a certain location in the city, allow an extra hour (or two) because navigating the side streets can take time when the roads are congested.
e. Not enough green spaces
Many people in Chicago do not have access to green space. Only 10% of the city's population lives more than a half mile from a park, which is the recommended national distance for good park access. Residents who live in regions with limited or no access to green spaces are more likely to suffer from health problems, encounter violence, and be unable to form meaningful community relationships with their neighbors, all of which have financial ramifications.
f. Pollution
According to the American Lung Association's 2019 "State of the Air" report, Chicago is the 18th most polluted city in the country for ozone pollution. The 20th annual report stated that between 2015 and 2017, Chicago had a weighted average of 14 harmful ozone days.
Why is Chicago still worthy as a place to move into?
It's a lot of fun to live in Chicago because it's such a vibrant and international city. It has its own distinct culture, traditions, and atmosphere. Apart from the crime rate, there is a lot that may be changed when living in Chicago. Neighborhoods that are welcoming, historic architecture, 24-hour services, and independence must offset the city's constraints.
People here adore their neighborhoods, and if you're prepared to contribute to and support the local culture, you'll be welcomed with open arms. It's one of the few cities in the world where you can truly say there's something for everyone.
It is, nonetheless, a metropolis with a sinister underbelly. Those migrating to Chicago should be informed of the city's many drawbacks, but if you think those drawbacks are acceptable to you, you'll be greeted by a city full of opportunities.
