Chicagoland is a metropolitan region located in northeastern Illinois around the city of Chicago with Lake Michigan as its eastern boundary. The greater metropolitan area of Chicago, which includes the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, straddles the shores of Lake Michigan, making it the only city in the US that sits on the lake. The city offers a vibrant energy and culture unmatched by any other metropolitan city along the Great Lakes. Chicagoland is home to 7 million people, making it one of the largest urban areas in the United States.
From world-class museums and cultural sites to renowned universities and a bustling center of industry, Chicago offers its citizens an unparalleled quality of life. This is due in part to the city’s extensive waterways, which offer recreational enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The city is known for its many beaches, marinas and parks that line the shore of Lake Michigan providing plenty of activities year-round.
However, when it comes to the many benefits of living in a city that sits on Lake Michigan, the atmosphere of the various neighborhoods, especially on the north side of the city where the bulk of the metro area residents are located, can’t be understated. From the eclectic shops, chic eateries and lively nightlife of Wicker Park and Logan Square to the iconic skyline views of Lake Shore Drive, Chicagoland’s neighborhoods offer plenty for residents to explore and enjoy.
There’s no denying that the Great Lakes region offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world and Chicago sits as the crown jewel overlooking Lake Michigan. Known as the “Windy City”, Chicago is renowned for hosting some of the most spectacular views of both city and lake, including Willis Tower, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and Navy Pier, a cultural beacon on the lakefront.
Chicago’s impressive collective of art, science and history museums are highly engaging and educational, as well as being free to school field trips, making it a great spot for students of all ages. The city’s world-class selection of jazz and blues clubs are great places to enjoy a night out. Plus, the expansive network of retail stores leaves residents spoilt for choice.
The unique economic landscape of theChicago area is defined by its multitude of industries, from banking and finance to transportation, logistics and technology, making it one of the most prosperous cities in the US. The strong local economy coupled with Chicago’s high quality of education, affordable housing and cultural offerings make it a great place to live, work and study.
While many of the Great Lakes cities can boast about their respective attractions, nothing can compare to the vibrant culture and unmatched views offered by Chicago and the rest of Chicagoland. This city’s strategic location on the shores of Lake Michigan offers a combination of vibrant city attractions and stunning natural beauty that cannot be found anywhere else.
Architectural Landmarks
When it comes to noteworthy architecture, Chicagoland can proudly stand among the nation’s most impressive cities. The region is well known for it’s prominent skyline – from the towering Willis Tower to the contemporary Aqua Tower – but there are other architectural icons that have become synonymous with the city. The historic Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station, as well as the Tribune Tower and Tribune Building, are protected landmarks near the city’s bustling Michigan Avenue.
The city’s many homes and buildings are a testament to the architects and designers who have worked in the region. The architectural gems that grace this city embody the great range of styles that make Chicagoland so distinctive, from the ornate exteriors of the Wrigley Building to the Gothic spires of the University of Chicago.
No discussion of Chicago architecture would be complete without mentioning the world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright, who was known for designing innovative, modernist buildings. The iconic Robie House is one of Wright’s most famous works and is a must-see for any visitor to the city.
All of these brilliant feats of architecture combine to make Chicagoland a prime destination for tourists, residents and business people alike. With a skyline that includes Lake Michigan on the east and an array of unique architecture, this city offers something for everyone.
Local Transportation
Within Chicagoland, the options for transportation are abundant. The Metra and CTA are two of the most utilized, offering local and regional transit options to help people get around the metropolitan area. Both networks offer quick and convenient service to the majority of the city and its surrounding suburbs, providing commuters with a variety of convenient and affordable ways to get to where they need to go.
The Metra’s Electric Line, Northern Line and South West routes offer extensive coverage to both the city and the suburbs. Downtown Chicago has been graphically laid out to include parallel east-west streets, making navigating the city’s financial, cultural and entertainment centers easier than ever.
The CTA operates more than 8,000 buses and trains, along with a world-class network of subways and elevated lines. This public transportation system offers citizens quick and easy ways to reach downtown Chicago, as well as other key attractions like Millennium Park, the Field Museum and Navy Pier. The majority of the CTA buses and trains feature accessible accents for passengers with disabilities.
The city is also well known for its bike sharing program, Divvy, which has more than 1400 bikes and 175 stations throughout Chicagoland. Divvy is primarily used to get around the city’s downtown area, but also serves nearby residential neighborhoods and suburbs. Plus, the city’s option of rideshare services ensures that there’s always a way to get to any destination within the metropolitan area.
Climate
The region of Chicagoland is known for its moderate to severe weather occurring throughout the year. Lake Michigan has an effect on the climate of the region, typically providing cooler summers and milder winters. The average temperature in this area is around 41 degrees, however temperatures can reach a high of 95 degrees in summer and a low of 8 degrees in winter months.
The region is no stranger to rain either, with an annual average of about 38 inches of precipitation in the area. As for snow, the Chicago area is typically blanketed by an average of 33 inches yearly. Residents should love the spring season the most, as the average temperature during these months reach the mid-50s.
In general, Chicagoland residents should never have to worry about living in an overly hot or too cold climate. The Lake Michigan shores keep the city’s temperature in check, resulting in a climate that is ideally suited to a variety of outdoor activities and comfortable living arrangements.
Real Estate
As a major metropolitan area, Chicagoland is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. The area’s home values have grown substantially this past year, due in part to the ever-increasing demand for housing in the city.
The median list price for homes in Chicagoland is just over $400,000, while the median sale price is around $282,000, according to Zillow. Most neighborhoods have seen an increase in property values since 2019, and the greatest increase has been in areas like the West Loop and Lincoln Park, which experienced a 20% to 30% surge in median home values.
Moreover, Chicagoland is a great location to open a business with rent prices being around double the national average. It is important to note that rent prices depend on the area and the type of property. Depending on the neighborhood and property, rent prices range from around 900 dollars to over 5,000 dollars.
The vibrant job market, transport network and cultural attractions have made Chicagoland increasingly attractive to young professionals and families who are looking for a convenient and affordable place to live.
Cultural Offerings
Chicagoland is a city that offers an unparalleled array of experiences. From world-class theater and music performances to fine dining and cuisine from every corner of the world, this area has something for everyone.
Shopping is also a major attraction for visitors, with unique boutiques and designer stores found throughout the city. The Magnificent Mile is regarded as the city’s premier shopping district and one of the best places to find the perfect gift. Other districts like Bucktown and Old Town are also excellent shopping destinations.
The lakefront is essential to Chicago’s identity and is arguably the most spectacular place to be enjoyed by visitors. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll up the beach or a paddle out onto the lake, Chicagoland’s lakefront has something to offer everyone.
Chicagoland is a great place to explore your culinary palate with some of the world’s finest restaurants and food trucks. From deep-dish pizza to gourmet burgers, local eateries offer excellent dining options for all tastes. For multicultural cuisine, the city is brimming with delicious options, from Indian, Thai and Middle Eastern to Mexican, Italian and French.
This area is home to a fantastic array of attractions and experiences that make it unique. With its majestic lake, vibrant culture and diverse population, Chicagoland offers something for every visitor and local, making it one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
