Is Chicago A Good Place To Live?

Thinking about moving to Chicago? You’ve come to the right place. This guide has all the information newcomers need. 

A Brief Introduction to Chicago: Facts Every Newbie Should Know

Is Chicago a good place to live? That is the question! If you’re considering upping sticks and heading to Chicago, it’s great to have a bit of knowledge and background information about your new home. Officially the third most populous city in the US, behind New York and Los Angeles, Chicago is home to almost 3 million people. 

To get you up to speed, here are some more fun facts before we delve deeper into the pros and cons of living in the Second City:

• Chicago is the home of the skyscraper: The world’s first, the Home Insurance Building, opened here in 1885
• Gotham City, the backdrop for the Batman films, was inspired by Chicago
• The Chicago River is the only river in the world that always flows backward
• To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the river is dyed green to celebrate the city’s Irish connections
• Chicago is known for its food scene: Deep dish pizza is one of the most famous local specialties
• Despite its harsh weather conditions, Chicago’s nickname, The Windy City, is not weather-related. It dates back to the 1800s when a newspaper article used the phrase to describe the city’s politicians
• The Great Fire of Chicago destroyed large parts of the city and left more than 100,000 people homeless in 1871

Is Chicago a Good Place to Live? Top Reasons to Choose The Windy City

There are many reasons why Chicago is the third most populous city in the US. Almost 3 million people call the city home, so what’s so special about it? Here are some of the top reasons to embrace Chicago living:

• A thriving cultural scene: If you’re a fan of the arts, sports, music, literature, and theater, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with a host of impressive venues and an ever-changing schedule of events on offer. Head to hip neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Logan Square, and the Loop to get involved. 

• A diverse range of neighborhoods: Chicago is an enigmatic, multicultural hub, comprising diverse neighborhoods and communities. From the energy of Downtown Chicago and River North and the cultural uniqueness of Pilsen and Chinatown to the relative tranquillity of suburban spots like Forest Glen and Mount Greenwood, there’s something for everyone. 

• Connectivity: If you live in Chicago, you can get almost anywhere in the world with ease. Not only does the city boast a world-renowned public transport system run by the Chicago Transit Authority, but it’s also home to one of the busiest airports on the planet, O’Hare International Airport. 

• Green spaces: Chicago is a bustling metropolis, but it’s also an urban oasis. It has more than 600 parks and is a fantastic location for those who enjoy outdoor living. Grant Park, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park are the most popular green spaces. 

• Food: If you’re a foodie, you love to experiment in the kitchen, you enjoy eating out, or you’re keen to explore different cuisines, Chicago is a dream destination. In this city, you’ll find everything from street food vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants serving all kinds of edible treats. Food is an integral part of the city’s culture and heritage. 

• Opportunities: Chicago is a city that offers educational and career growth opportunities for all ages, including students, young professionals, business owners, experienced professionals, and seniors.

• Natural beauty: Not many major cities offer easy access to natural beauty spots on the scale of Chicago. Here, you can enjoy everything from river and lakeside walks and water sports to lazy days in urban parks and gardens and days at the beach. North Avenue Beach is a favorite summer haunt among locals. 

This list provides a snapshot of why people choose to live in Chicago. Now, we’ll discuss these advantages in detail. 

Cultural Activities: What’s Going on in Chicago?

If you’re interested in art, music, or sport, or you’re a fan of museums, pop-up exhibitions, or festivals, it’s tough to beat Chicago. Chicago living affords year-round access to events and cultural attractions that entice visitors from all corners of the globe. 

Sports

There is a noticeable sports culture in Chicago, with sports running through the veins of locals. This is one of the best cities for sports fans to catch games and immerse themselves in the excitement and tension of live action. Chicago is home to many famous sports teams, including:

• Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago White Sox (MLB)
• Chicago Cubs (MLB)
• Chicago Bears (NFL)
• Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

Art, theater, and music

Chicago is a hive of activity for those who enjoy playing or listening to music, visiting galleries, participating in creative activities, and watching or acting in musicals, shows, and plays. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the city’s leading cultural attractions. As an Illinois resident, you can take advantage of discounts and special free days. Check the website for information. The Windy City also boasts world-class architecture and a thriving theater scene. It’s a fantastic location to enjoy live music concerts, shows, and events. The music scene is diverse, reflecting the rich diversity of the city’s population. The Chicago Jazz Festival is a highlight in many locals’ diaries. 

Venues to check out across the city include:

• The Chicago Theatre
• Harris Theatre for Music and Dance
• Thalia Hall
• The Riviera Theatre
• Auditorium Theatre
• Bramble Arts Loft
• Athenaeum Theater
• United Center

Museums to visit include:

• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Chicago History Museum
• Chicago Architecture Center
• Smart Museum of Art

A Diverse City

Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Often referred to as a melting pot, it has benefited from immigration from countries all over the world over decades. The 2020 census highlights the diverse population. Around 90% of residents identify as either white, black, or Hispanic/Latino (roughly 30% each), and there’s a growing Asian community. Chicago is renowned for its diverse neighborhoods, which boast a strong cultural identity. Examples include Greektown, Little Italy, Bridgeport, and Pilsen. More than 30% of the city’s inhabitants don’t use English as their primary language at home. 

Getting Around: The World is Your Oyster

The world is your oyster when you’re living in Chicago. Whether you’re visiting friends in another part of town, or you’re planning a long-haul adventure, you’re well-placed to explore. Chicago has reliable public transportation, with a great bus network and frequent trains, including L-trains that run between Downtown and the Loop, the airports, and local neighborhoods. The public transit system is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority and provides quick and easy access to world-class amenities. 

If overseas trips are on your bucket list, you travel inter-state for work, or you’re eager to explore the many wonders of the US, you can reach almost any destination from O’Hare International Airport. Over 80 million people use this transport hub every year. The city’s other major airport is Midway International Airport. 

Outdoor Living: Lincoln Park and Beyond

Outdoor living is at the heart of Chicago life. Although it’s a big city with a skyline dominated by skyscrapers, this city is one of the greenest in America. Known for its urban parks and gardens, river walks, and beaches, you’re never far from green spaces and natural surroundings. 

Chicago is the ultimate base for those who enjoy active hobbies and spending time in the great outdoors. Living here, you can take part in all kinds of activities, including:

• Cycling
• Walking
• Running
• Outdoor yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates
• Kayaking
• Climbing
• Rollerskating
• Skateboarding
• Beach volleyball
• Ice skating

Lincoln Park is one of the best spots to embrace and enjoy al fresco living. A popular neighborhood known for its friendly feel, properties with curb appeal, access to good schools and transport links, and its proximity to the sprawling verdant landscapes that give the suburb its name, it’s an ideal location for families, seniors, and young professionals. Lincoln Park is famous for the Lakefront Trail, which stretches 18 kilometers, and connects the area’s main attractions. Examples include North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. 

Other havens to enjoy include:

• Grant Park
• Millennium Park
• Maggie Daley Park
• Washington Park
• Jackson Park
• Humboldt Park

Downtown Chicago: The Heart of the City

There are few places that embody the energy, diversity, personality, and charm of the heart of a big city like Downtown Chicago. This unique nucleus is the heartbeat of the city, and the place to go if you’re looking for museums, top tourist attractions, a thriving food scene, urban parks, shops, and restaurants. It’s also home to major businesses and financial organizations. 

Highlights include:

• Millennium Park: Millennium Park is the jewel in the crown for many who call Chi Town home. This vast expanse enjoys an enviable location on the shores of Lake Michigan, boasting stunning views and offering fabulous walks and cycling trails. The park is home to Cloud Gate, the famous statue affectionately nicknamed ‘The Bean.’ 

• Willis Tower Skydeck: If you have a head for heights, make for the Willis Tower Skydeck to enjoy unrivaled views of the city. The highest viewing deck in the US, it lies over 1,300 feet in the air. 

• Chicago Riverwalk: Nestled on the south bank of the river, the Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrianized area packed with bijou cafés, bars, museums, and stands offering boat trips and kayak hire. 

• Top attractions: You’ll find a host of top attractions for locals and tourists in Downtown Chicago, including Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and the Art Institute of Chicago. 

Popular locations to rent close to Downtown include River North, The Loop, and Streeterville. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, you can check the latest Chicago rentals online. 

A Vibrant Food Scene

There’s no risk of going hungry in Chicago thanks to its vibrant, thriving food scene. This is a foodie’s paradise where a love of food runs deep and gastronomy is at the heart of local culture, family life, and socializing with friends and neighbors. Classics you won’t want to miss in Chicago include deep dish pizza, the Chicago-style hot dog, and Italian beef sandwiches. 

You can snap up tasty morsels from street food vendors, visit cafés, restaurants, and markets, or book a table at one of the hundreds of restaurants scattered across the city. For fine dining experiences, there are currently 21 restaurants with Michelin stars, according to the 2026 Michelin Guide. West Loop and Fulton Market are the places to be for high-end eateries.

Diversity is key to Chicago’s culinary offerings. If you’re a fan of trying new things, or you’re eager to feel at home and enjoy dishes linked to your roots, certain neighborhoods stand out. Examples include Chinatown, Little Italy, Uptown, Andersonville, and Pilsen. 

Education and Employment

Chicago is a city that affords opportunities for all ages. Home to some of the biggest businesses and best educational institutions in the US, many people gravitate towards Chicago to work, study, further their careers, set up companies, or learn new skills. 

City life in Chicago is a major draw for students, combined with the reputation and prestige of colleges and universities, including the University of Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, Lewis University, and Columbia College Chicago. Easy access to transport links, a vibrant social and cultural scene, and career opportunities make the Second City a popular choice for young people. The main student areas include Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, the South Loop, Pilsen, Rogers Park, Lakeview, and Wrigleyville. 

Chicago offers a varied employment scene. Major industries include finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and life sciences. The unemployment rate is consistent with the national average. The average monthly wage was around $5,200 in 2025. San Francisco has the highest rates in the US, with Boston and New York listed in the top 10 cities in the world alongside Chicago, Geneva, Zurich, and Luxembourg. 

A Haven of Natural Beauty

Chicago itself is among the most aesthetically pleasing cities in the world, but it’s also well-placed for residents to enjoy spectacular scenery in the surrounding area. 

In the heart of the city, you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of numerous parks and gardens and take in stunning vistas of the river and Lake Michigan. If you have spare time, or you’re looking for things to do at the weekends, there are also some incredible locations within easy reach. Popular day and weekend trips include:

• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Starved Rock State Park
• Rock Cut State Park
• Lake Delaven
• Kettle Moraine State Park

The Drawbacks: Nowhere is Perfect, Right?

For all the many advantages of choosing Chicago as your new base, there are drawbacks. No city is perfect, and it’s always beneficial to be aware of the pros and cons. Factors that may steer you toward other major cities like San Diego, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Houston, or Philadelphia include:

Harsh Winters: Be Prepared for Sub-Zero Temperatures

If you’re not a fan of cold weather, you may want to think twice about relocating to Chicago. The winters here are harsh. Expect prolonged spells of sub-zero temperatures, plenty of snow, ice, and hail, and strong winds. The conditions are particularly challenging near Lake Michigan, where you may have to endure temperatures as low as -18 or up to -25 with the wind chill factored in. 

Freezing temperatures, high winds, and snow aren’t for everyone, but if you’re prepared for cold conditions and willing to embrace the arrival of wintry weather, Chicago can be a magical place. For all the challenges heavy snow and extreme cold present, they also open doors. Activities to enjoy in the winter include:

• Ice skating
• Sledding
• Snowshoe hikes
• Curling

If you’d rather stay inside and get warm, winter is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s museums, galleries, restaurants, libraries, shops, bars, theaters, and live music venues. 

High Costs

There’s no getting away from the fact that Chicago is an expensive city. Living costs are high and real estate is relatively expensive to buy and rent. The key to coping with high prices and housing costs lies in being realistic about living in a major city. Chicago may be more costly than many US cities, but it compares favorably to a lot of the bigger cities, including New York and Los Angeles. The median house sale price in Chicago was around $330,000 in 2025, according to data from Zillow. In comparison, the figure was over $990,000 in Los Angeles. 

Research suggests you’d need an average annual salary of around $93,000 to live in Chicago comfortably. This is significantly higher than the median household income of $72,000. 

Crime Figures

‘Is Chicago safe?’ is a question many people may pose before relocating. It’s understandable to have concerns about headlines and data, especially when talking about violent crime. The truth is that crime rates are higher than the national average in Chicago, but trends are moving in the right direction. 

In 2025, there were significant reductions in homicides, carjackings, robberies, and shootings. Homicide levels are lower than in St.Louis, Detroit, and Baltimore. The most common types of crimes in Chicago include property and vehicle theft, shoplifting, domestic battery, driving under the influence, and drug offenses. 

2026: A Great Year to Move to Chicago

2026 marks an exciting time to move to Chicago. There’s a lot to look forward to in the months ahead. Highlights for newcomers and city residents include:

1. The grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center: The Obama Presidential Center is due to open in summer 2026. Offering a modern take on a presidential library, the site will boast a new public library, a basketball court, a recording studio, and beautiful gardens.

2. 100 years of Route 66: Americans, travelers, and road trip aficionados across the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Illinois will host a year-long celebration that recognizes its importance as the start line for this iconic stretch. 

3. July 4 celebrations: July 4 2026 marks the 250-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Chicago is planning a huge range of events, including a new exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden and themed events at International Jazz Day. 

Finding the Perfect Place in Chicago

If you’re ready to move to Chicago, you can search rental listings at Rentler. From studios in the heart of the city to family-friendly homes in sought-after suburbs, we can help you find the perfect pad. 

Final Thoughts: Is Chicago a Good Place to Live?

Chicago is a unique city that genuinely offers something for everyone. An exciting, thriving city that boasts a diverse population and flourishing cultural scene, it offers the best of both worlds for students, families, young professionals, and seniors. You have access to world-famous attractions, all the amenities you could wish for in a big city, top employers and educational institutions, but you’re also only a hop, skip, and a jump away from riverside and lakefront walks, urban parks and gardens, and suburban neighborhoods that deliver peace and a slower pace of life. 

There are many reasons to move to Chicago, including beautiful scenery, an energetic, dynamic center, career growth and education opportunities, diverse neighborhoods, ease of access to other cities and countries, a reliable public transportation system, and a great selection of residential properties to buy and rent. 

Living in Chicago FAQs

• What are the best things about living in Chicago?

The best things about living in Chicago include enjoying access to amenities and reliable public transportation, being part of a diverse, thriving community, being close to parks and natural beauty spots, enjoying outdoor living, and choosing from communities that offer different lifestyles and cultures. The food is also a massive draw for keen chefs and those who like to dine out and explore different cuisines. 

• Is Chicago an expensive city?

Yes, Chicago is a relatively expensive city. House prices and living costs are higher than in many other US cities, but they’re not the most expensive in the US. Costs are generally higher in New York and Los Angeles. 

• Is it safe to live in Chicago?

Crime rates are higher than the national average in Chicago, but figures show that violent crime rates are falling. The vast majority of people live very safely in the city and surrounding areas. 

• What are the top things to see and do in Chicago?

Chicago is a city packed with things to see and do. Highlights include live sport and music, eating out at restaurants, exploring the city’s green spaces, such as Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, and Grant Park, strolling along the shores of Lake Michigan, enjoying water sports on the river, and visiting the many museums and galleries. Examples include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Shedd Aquarium. 

• What are the best ways to get around in Chicago?

Chicago has a world-leading public transportation system that comprises bus, L-train, and commuter train lines. You can also walk and cycle short distances, with plenty of cycle and pedestrian trails available.