As the epicenter of America and the largest city in the country, Chicago is also known as “The Windy City”. What are the advantages of moving to Chicago? If you are considering moving to America, Chicago has everything you are searching for. If there are any lists of things in the country, region, or even world that claim to be the “biggest,” “tallest”, or “first”, chances are, Chicago is on it. Probably several times. But before we begin talking about finding rooms for rent in Chicago, let’s tell you a little bit about this big city.
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Getting to know Chicago
Standing bold and tall on Lake Michigan’s southwestern shoreline, Chicago is anything but timid. Big businesses, a strong passion for sports, and beautiful architecture are a part of Chicago’s reputation for being a city that justly takes pride in everything it does. A two-hour flight from Colorado and New York gets you to Chicago which is in the center of the United States.
Another trademark of the Windy City, however, is its diversity. Chicago has the energy of cities like New York and Boston as well as the heartiness of the Midwest, with its blend of cultures existing side by side in the bustling metropolis. After all, it is described as “The City of Big Shoulders” and “The City That Works” with good reason. The city boasts of the country’s oldest zoo, the world’s first Ferris wheel, and one of the largest municipal libraries in the world as well as the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.
Finding rooms for rent in Chicago
Even the frugal can find Chicago’s cost of living high. A large part of this can be attributed to the high 10.25% combined state and local sales taxes, as well as the second-highest property taxes in the United States.
An individual’s monthly costs, excluding rent or mortgage payments, average $929 and a family’s monthly costs average around $3,400.
Nevertheless, you can still get neighborhoods with affordable apartments in Chicago
Top neighborhoods in Chicago
- ANDERSONVILLE: Andersonville is located on Chicago’s North Side and feels more like a small town than a section of the city. The streets contain beautiful homes and unique local businesses such as Women and Children First Bookstore, one of the last remaining feminist bookshops in the United States.
- LOGAN SQUARE: Logan Square is an architecturally stunning and quiet neighborhood on the West Side filled with parks, gorgeous apartments in Chicago, and a great selection of bars and restaurants. A renowned farmers’ market runs every Sunday between May and October. While you’re there, stop by the dive bar, Best Intentions, run by two bartending brothers with decades of combined experience, and enjoy craft cocktails.
- OLD TOWN: Old Town on Chicago’s North Side has an extensive historic district with apartments and rooms for rent in Chicago, as well as being home to a world-famous comedy club and school, The Second City. Those seeking a more elegant night out will enjoy Old Town’s variety of restaurants and bars. The St. Michael’s Church in this neighborhood is one of only seven ancient buildings to have survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
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Average rent in Chicago
In Chicago, Illinois, the real estate market saw a significant shift in 2019, with home prices stabilizing and properties taking longer to sell. However, the market is once again favoring buyers over sellers.
| Rooms for Rent in Chicago | Average Rent |
| Studio Apartment in Chicago | $1,228 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in Chicago | $1,951 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment in Chicago | $2,112 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in Chicago | $2,436 |
University life in Chicago
In the United States, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the third-largest school district, serves almost 400,000 students. The number of graduates has grown by nearly 22% since 2011, while dropout rates decreased by 50%, to just 6% in 2019.
Some of the city’s prestigious universities include :
- University of Chicago
- Loyola University Chicago
- University of Illinois
- DePaul University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
Note that the cost of apartments in Chicago may differ depending on how close the apartments are to schools. For instance, the cost of studios in Chicago recently increased in Hyde Park, near the University of Chicago.
How transit friendly is Chicago?
In Chicago, having a personal vehicle is not necessary for navigating life. It is also extremely expensive to park in garages and on the streets, but if you need a set of wheels, however, you can find rental agencies closest to one of the many rooms for rent in Chicago, especially close to the airports. There are several other ways to travel throughout the large city.
Walkability
Chicago is too big to explore on two feet, unless you are merely strolling around your neighborhood.
Roads/Traffic
The layout of the city is grid-like, making it easy to navigate. But you must be aware of very limited (and often costly) parking during rush hour and heavy traffic. A number of websites and apps, including SpotHero, ParkChicago and ParkWhiz, give you the opportunity to reserve spots and pay in advance.
Taxis
The Yellow Cab Chicago is a convenient (though pricey) way to get to areas outside the downtown district. It may be more affordable to use a ride-hailing service, such as Uber or Lyft.
Public transportation
More than 130 bus routes are run by the Chicago Transit Authority. They include express routes during rush hours, and they serve Chicago’s top sites, including many of the city’s top attractions. Several routes are available 24 hours a day.
Airports
Chicago is home to two international airports that are located in the heart of the city. These airports serve over 240 destinations with thousands of international flights daily. They are: Chicago O’ Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport
Cycle Friendly
Divvy, the city’s bicycle sharing service, allows you to borrow a pair of wheels whenever you need them. Divvy day passes are offered for $15; single rides are $3.
Related: Is It Time For You To Move To Another City
Weather in Chicago
There is a joke among Chicagoans that there are only two seasons, summer and winter, and it can certainly feel like that especially if you just moved into one of the apartments in Chicago. With temperatures dropping abruptly in mid-October, and no evidence of warming until nearly May, a heavy coat is a necessity at Halloween, and snow boots at Easter are not unusual. The winters in Chicago can be brutally cold with wind chills as low as below 40, while the hot summers in Chicago are delightful, generally in the low to mid-80s, with the famous Chicago breeze removing the humidity from the air.
Cultural activities in Chicago
There are thousands of free events, activities, and attractions in the city. The Art Institute and the Shedd Aquarium offer free admission on designated days. Lincoln Park Zoo, Garfield Park Conservatory, National Museum of Mexican Art, and Cultural Center are always free. The Park District organizes free events such as movies, theatrical productions, plays, circuses, yoga classes, and nature walks.
