Best 7 things about living in Chicago

What is it about the Windy City that makes it such a stand-out place to stay? It’s not only the world-class museums, renowned food scene, and impressive architecture. There are also more events than you’ll have time for. There are a total of 77 neighborhoods, all unique in identity, with plenty of hidden gems to discover. Chicago has many employment opportunities, easy transportation, and of course, that warm Midwestern friendliness even during the coldest season. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with a few essential phrases if you really want to fit in! We’ve rounded up the top things about living in Chicago. So, if you’re on the fence about making the move, this will surely help you make the right choice. 

It’s easy to get around

With its conveniently central location, Chicago is ideally situated for fast internal flights around the country. The city’s two main airports – O’Hare International and Midway – are easily accessible too, as both are within an hour of the downtown area. Public transport is another big perk for people living in Chicago. Parking and traffic can be problematic here, so it is often much easier to just get around without a car. Chicago is very walkable,  and there are L trains, the Metra train, and CTA buses operating across the city. Many who aren’t traveling by car or public transport choose to bike since most streets have bike lanes and rental bike stations.  

Diverse neighborhoods

Housing here can be much more affordable than in Los Angeles or New York City, with just as many public parks, cool cafes, and ethnic enclaves nearby. Each neighborhood has a unique identity and selling point for city-dwellers to explore. Whether you’re looking for luxurious urban living in the Loop, a family-friendly area like Lincoln Park, or a trendsetting environment typical of Wicker Park. Pilsen, Andersonville, and Boystown are home to many colorful LGBT communities.

Waterside location

Living in Chicago means living lakeside. Along Lake Michigan, there are 26 miles of sandy beaches and biking paths to get out and enjoy in the good-weather months. Or during winter you can just get wrapped up in warm clothes and go for a romantic river walk down Navy Pier to take in the stunning sea views. There’s also public parkland that converges by the water including Millennium Park and River Park, which both offer many outdoor amenities and natural habitats to explore.

If you love the idea of living near the water and waking up to a uniquely Chicago view, make it a reality. Blueground offers fully-furnished, equipped and move-in ready apartments all over the city. Browse the available listings online and find your dream home in a flash.  Look in Lincoln Park and Streeterville which provide a view of the lake as well as excellent jogging trail options. Best of all, Blueground tenants have the luxury of flexible lease terms. Meaning, changing apartments or areas until you find the right fit is an option.

Museums and art galleries

In Chicago, the museums and art galleries range from cultural heavyweights with world-class collections to thriving artist-run spaces and communities. Must-sees include The Art Institute of Chicago, along with contemporary spaces like Gallery 400 and Atlas Galleries. A museum membership is a great way to really get to know the city’s creative side. Living in Chicago you’ll also be surrounded by tons of free and public art. Notable landmarks include The Bean in Millennium Park, The Picasso sculpture, and The Four Seasons mosaic, both located in the Chicago Loop.

Eating and drinking

Living in Chicago, you can drink and eat at some of the most exciting and innovative culinary spots in the country. You can find everything from Michelin-starred fine dining and a creative brewing scene to classic comfort foods and speakeasy-style cocktail bars. Aside from the quintessential Chicago staples like hot dogs, deep-dish pizzas, and doughnuts, you can also dine internationally. Thanks to the diverse inhabitants of this city, there’s a wide variety of culinary treasures to discover (think Polish pierogi, Mexican, authentic ramen and so much more).

Performing arts

Chicago is a culturally rich city and can be truly experienced through year-round festivals from Chicago Pride Fest to Oktoberfest. In the summer there’s the annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival and for country music lovers there is the Country LakeShake Festival. As well as the city’s musical roots in house music, blues, and jazz, there’s also a very active stand-up comedy scene. Living in Chicago, you’re bound to come across comedy clubs and open mics showcasing the country’s best and newest emerging comedians.  

Superstar sports

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll definitely feel at home in Chicago. It has one of the nation’s most vibrant professional sporting scenes. The local stadiums here are as treasured as the national landmarks. Whether it’s the Bulls, the Cubs, the White Sox, or the Chicago Bears, the city is buzzing whenever there’s a game of any kind on.

Work opportunities

Chicago offers an abundance of professional opportunities in areas such as finance, publishing, and tech. With a strong economy and low unemployment rates, many early-stage tech companies and large, well-established companies are based here. The city hosts networking groups for entrepreneurs and has a thriving co-workers scene that fosters a community for freelancers. When looking for a job in Chicago, the wages generally provide a comfortable standard of living.