Chicago is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, stunning views of Lake Michigan, and, sadly, its crime rates.
The city indeed has a reputation when it comes to safety, but painting the entire town with one broad brush doesn’t do justice to what it does offer.
Beyond the headlines, Chicago is a diverse and deeply livable city with a personality bigger than the Willis Tower. The Windy City has layers, stretching from world-class museums to an enviable food scene.
…there are also big-league sports!
But is Chicago a good place to live? Let’s look at the pros and cons of living in the Windy City.
Despite the crime headlines and common perception of Chicago, like many other major cities in the United States, living in the Windy City offers some advantages.
They include:
Living in a major U.S. city is not cheap, but compared to New York, San Francisco, or even Los Angeles, Chicago offers a more affordable option.
Even though it costs about 16% more than the national average, compared to these other cities, living expenses are almost a bargain.
You can snag a decent apartment without giving up a fortune, especially if you venture a bit beyond downtown. Neighborhoods like Logan Square, Avondale, and Bridgeport offer relatively affordable rents.
…plus, groceries and transportation won’t bleed you dry.
The caveat, though, is that property taxes in Illinois are among the highest in the nation. If you are aiming for a downtown condo with skyline views? Prepare to cough up top dollars.
As the third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago is a hub for finance, education, healthcare, and retail. Companies like Boeing and United Airlines all have roots here. Plus, the remote work scene is growing.
Although the median household income is lower than the national average, some industries are highly competitive.
Depending on your field, it may not take a lot of time to break in, as job availability can vary significantly by neighborhood and experience level, similar to many cities.
Is Chicago a good place to live and work? Yes, it's great, primarily if it's in healthcare or the tech space.
Median Household Income: $75,134
Unemployment Rate: 9.0%
Poverty Rate: 16.8%
You don’t need to fly to another state or call the Chicago moving company for your temporary relocation somewhere else for world-class medical care.
Chicago is home to some of the best hospitals in the country. Hospitals like Northwestern Memorial and Rush University Medical Center prioritize quality care. In this way, your health is in good hands, even though it’s slightly more expensive than many cities in the U.S.
Just like it is in much of the U.S., quality doesn’t always mean affordable. Without good insurance, costs can rack up quickly, even with top facilities nearby.
Whether you are raising future scholars or heading back to grad school, Chicago has an institution that will meet your needs.
The city is home to renowned institutions such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and DePaul. For K-12, there are standout public magnets and top-tier private schools.
However, the city’s public schools vary in quality across neighborhoods. On average, the City of Chicago SD 299 school district rates better than only 25.4% of all Illinois schools and 36.3% of all U.S. schools.
Note:
Getting into the best schools here often requires navigating lengthy lotteries or paying a significant amount for housing in better districts.
You will never hear “there’s nothing to do here” in Chicago!
Lake Michigan adds a beachy twist to city life, and the food will gain you five happy pounds just from hot dogs and tacos.
If variety is the spice of life, Chicago’s weather is a jalapeño.
Spring and fall are pure magic. The golden leaves on historic streets and lake breezes that make the skyline shine are unique moments that will be etched in your memory.
Summers are electric, with rooftop bars, kayaking on the river, and endless outdoor events. However, winter doesn’t play. There's biting wind with temperature dips as low as 20°F in February and snow mountains on street corners.
…if you survive February, you have earned your Midwestern stripes right here in the Windy City.
Average Seasonal Temperature in Chicago:
Winter — 31°F
Fall — 55°F
Spring — 48°F
Summer — 73°F
There are certain disadvantages to living in Chicago. These cons are some of the biggest reasons why people ask, ‘Is Chicago a good place to live?’
Let’s look at some of these cons:
Chicago’s crime rate is the headline everyone sees first, but it’s not as dangerous here as it is often portrayed.
Sure, the Windy City’s crime rate is no joke, especially in certain South and West Side areas where gun violence and theft are more prevalent. But, the upside is that many neighborhoods are also exceptionally safe.
Crime is more localized than widespread.
Some of the safest neighborhoods are Forest Glen West, Norwood Park, and Garfield Ridge North.
Another situation that will make you ask, ‘Is Chicago a good place to live?’ is the tax rate.
If you love Chicago, you just have to pay the price. Property taxes are sky-high, and Illinois has one of the highest combined state and local tax burdens in the country.
When you add in city-specific costs, you will feel it in your paycheck.
Income Tax Rate: 4.95%
Sales Tax Rate: 10.25%
Property Tax Rate: 1.52%
If you have any place to be in Chicago, add about 6 minutes to the time.
The average commute time here is 9 minutes more than the national average. Rush hour is brutal, and street parking is a competitive sport.
Suppose you will not be using Chicago’s elevated train system, you also have to worry about potholes. Like over 68% of the residents, you may need a car to get around conveniently.
Chicago is a combination of bold and breathtaking. Yes, the crime is part of its story, but so is its culture, food, spirit, and resilience.
If you are someone who can embrace the cold, budget smartly, and choose your neighborhood wisely, the Windy City can give you a whole, colorful, unforgettable life.
So, is Chicago a good place to live?
Yes! It's not perfect, but neither are most great things. That’s part of its charm.
