Chicago Real Estate

Chicago, Illinois

Carl Sandberg called Chicago the city of the big shoulders, because of the city's long history in the trades of rail transport, industry, and agriculture. Today, Chicago is home to media giants, insurance conglomerates and more. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this Midwestern city has a population of almost 3 million. The entire belt of suburbs and surrounding communities add 6.5 million to that total when all of its many suburbs are counted. The lake has a mitigating effect on the general Midwestern climate, although lake effects can create heavy snow during the winter.

Chicago, IL Community Spotlight

The South Loop borders the central Chicago business district. The South Loop is within walking distance of the Grant park and the lakefront. The neighborhood is also an attractive location for those who work in the Chicago Loop. The most common homes for sale in the South Loop area are condos and townhouses. 3-bedroom homes of this type start at just under $500,000 and prices can reach over $2 million.

The Gold Coast is an upscale neighborhood located to the north of the Loop of downtown Chicago. This neighborhood is dominated by high-rise developments which offer magnificent views of Lake Michigan. Single family homes in the Gold Coast carry a hefty $2 million price tag. For buyers looking for an entry into the Gold Coast, 3-bedroom condominiums enter the market at around $500,000.

Further from the bustle of downtown Chicago, the home buyer enters the residential neighborhoods of Chicago's west side. Austin, one of the largest suburban neighborhoods in Chicago, is graced with many buildings designed by premier architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Austin real estate can be found in the mid $200,000 range, however home owner turnover is less common here than in other parts of the city.

Schools in Chicago

Almost a half-million students attend the schools of the Chicago School District. Dozens of magnet schools attract the best teachers in Illinois. One such school, the Brooks Preparatory Academy High School, offers students a pre-law or pre-business technology education in addition to a challenging academic curriculum. Most schools in the Chicagoland area give students the opportunity to earn college credit while attending high school. The district as a whole is undergoing a period of re-evaluation and reclamation, concentrating funds on troubled schools in order to provide educational opportunities for all students.

Business in Chicago

Top employers in Chicago include the Chubb Group of insurance companies, as well as the corporate headquarters of Boeing. Other notable Chicago, IL businesses include the Chicago Shinersí Hospital, the Chicago Board of Trade and the University of Chicago.

Chicago Realtors

Homes in Chicago disappear from the market quickly. Buyers looking into Chicago real estate market can benefit from the on the ground expertise of a local Chicago real estate agent. These professionals have an in-depth knowledge of the real estate listings, including a historical perspective on the market that can be turned to the buyer's financial advantage.