Chicago is known for many things: deep-dish pizza, famous architecture, and passionate sports fans. But there’s more to this city than its greatest fame. It’s a place where each neighborhood has its own unique personality, and while summer is centered around the lakefront, residents have no shortage of restaurants, festivals, museums, and local traditions to enjoy year-round.
Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Chicago, considering a move, or just want to know what life is like in the Windy City, there’s no better source of information than the people who call this city home. We asked Chicago locals to tell us what they love most about living in the city and some things newcomers should know before making the move.
1. Unique region
Chicago’s appeal is that there are many neighborhoods in and around the city. Each neighborhood in Chicago has its own unique landmarks and stories, offering endless opportunities and activities in the city.
“One of the best things about Chicago is that it feels like a welcoming community, with each neighborhood having its own unique personality and charm,” says the team at Virtuance. “Whether you’re drawn to the historic streets of Logan Square or the vibrant energy of Lakeview, there’s definitely a corner of the city that instantly feels like home. If you’re planning on moving here, the best advice is to start by exploring these different neighborhoods, where you can really get a feel for the city’s overall landscape while finding specific communities and neighborhoods that perfectly fit your lifestyle.”
Other notable neighborhoods to check out include Streeterville, which is perfect for young professionals and has easy access to the lake and Navy Pier, and Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood, which is full of history and established dining spots.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about Chicago is that it’s just a downtown city,” elaborates Mark Avila, founder of VHS Media Studio. “ In fact, Chicago is a collection of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own personality, culture, restaurants, and strong sense of community. From scenic lakeside trails and world-class architecture to great food (don’t miss the pizza), newcomers should explore the different neighborhoods, because where you live can completely shape your Chicago experience and help you discover the places that make this city feel like home.
>>Read: Moving from the Chicago suburbs to the city? Here’s what you need to know
2. Weather
You can experience all four seasons in Chicago. Winters are typically cold with sub-zero temperatures, snow, and strong winds, while summers are warm, humid, and humid. The autumn and spring seasons are a mix of cold and heat, with plenty of sunny skies.
3. Iconic architecture
Chicago has many famous buildings throughout the city.
Bozena Vojtko also raved: “The Rookery Building’s stunning steel staircase leads from the 12th floor to the second floor. As a wedding and real estate photographer, I’m always discovering new spots in Chicago and its suburbs that are worth seeing and contribute to the city’s uniqueness.”
Walking or taking public transportation is an easy way to check out Chicago’s architecture, but one lesser-known option is to take an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River.
The Chicago River flows through the city via Lake Michigan and flows south into the Calumet River system. The Chicago River offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, dinner cruising, and fishing. “We love the river, its bustling life, and the beautiful buildings along its banks. Our favorite activities are taking architectural tours of the river, learning about the history of the buildings, and meeting tourists from all over the world,” say Sam and the Reverend from What Yacht To Do. One of Chicago’s fun annual traditions is when the city dyes the river green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
4. Green spaces and parks
There are many great parks around Chicago. Check out Millennial Park, Grant Park, and Lincoln Park. There are also plenty of off-the-beaten-path parks, including Exelon Observatory at The 606, Milton L. Olive III Park, and Northerly Island. Joe U Photo says his favorite place to spend time in the city is the riverside trail and series of parks starting north of Lawrence. “It’s quiet and usually not very crowded, so it’s a great area to run without feeling embarrassed about being a slow runner.”
5. Lake Michigan
Chicago and Lake Michigan are closely connected. Lake Michigan, one of North America’s five Great Lakes, shapes much of the city’s character, including its beaches, waterfront trails, boating, and skyline views.
There are also many hidden gems along Lake Michigan, as revealed by Shalimar B Photography. “I love everything Chicago has to offer, but if I were asked to choose a few, I would have to say the lakefront and all of the city’s great parks. Not only do I love spending time with my family and friends in the occasional hidden gem, but I also love photographing Chicago families in these locations, whether it’s the sandy beaches or lush gardens with the urban backdrop.”
6. Outdoor activities
Chicago offers a variety of outdoor activities during the summer months. Activities enjoyed by locals include kayaking down the Chicago River, biking along the waterfront on the Lakefront Trail, taking a dip in Lake Michigan, relaxing at Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, and taking nature walks.
“Unlike other large cities that require hours of congested traffic to get to true nature, Chicago stands out as the ultimate urban convergence, combining strong corporate energy with seamless commuting to the community,” explains Julea J. Joseph of Reinventing Space. “In less than an hour, you can travel directly from downtown Chicago to Palos Park, a woodland retreat with lush acres set on the edge of 15,000 acres of endless wilderness for running, biking, bird watching, hiking, and kayaking.”
7. Rich culture
Chicago is known for its culture, rich in music scene, arts, language, and sports scene. More than 200 shows from a variety of production companies are performed each week, not to mention the theater and entertainment scene.
“I love Chicago for the same reason I moved here 30 years ago,” boasts Mary Puppins Chicago, a local dog and cat sitting service. “Cultures from all over the world and the vibrancy of the neighborhood, a big beautiful lake next to the city, summer biking along the bike path, great local parks and green space, multiple international restaurants just steps away, great public transportation, and a variety of neighborhoods with unique personalities all come together.”
8. Restaurant and dining scene
While other cities like Los Angeles, California and New York, New York are known for their food scenes, Chicago’s food scene is a bit more underrated. This city loves putting its spin on classic cuisine and has some delicious “cheap eat” spots. Notable restaurants to check out include Smoque BBQ for delicious St. Louis-style baby back ribs and Pequod’s Pizza for deep-dish pizza.
9. Great theater scene
Chicago is home to the best of musical theater, with shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, The Lion King, Anastasia, and Hamilton. These shows are performed at famous theaters such as the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Broadway Playhouse, and the James M. Nederlander Theater.
history
Chicago first became a city in 1837 when its population reached 4,000. Chicago is currently the third largest city in the United States, with a population of approximately 2.6 million people. The city has a long history, from the Great Chicago Fire, which burned approximately 3.3 square miles of the city, to the rebirth of the first skyscraper. “This city has such a rich history that you can’t help but wander into its streets as if they were your own personal adventure map. From Michigan Avenue, home to some of America’s most iconic landmarks, to Damen Boulevard, where people gather with musicians waiting for inspiration for their next song, Chicago is a family-friendly city with something to offer everyone,” says Emily Cummings of Ten Little Blue Birds.
10. History
Chicago officially became a city in 1837 and was home to approximately 4,000 residents. Today, it is the third largest city in the United States, and approximately 2.7 million people call it home. The city has a deep history, from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed more than three square miles of the city, to its role in the development of modern skyscrapers that helped shape its famous skyline.
What do locals love about Chicago? Chicago Pride
Many residents say it’s the sense of community that makes Chicago a place to live and feel like home.
“After living in Chicago and five different neighborhoods for more than a decade, I’ve learned that the city’s greatest strengths are much more than its world-class food, beautiful lakefront, and iconic skyline,” elaborates Taylor Justin, founder of Auto Seeker. “But those are all amazing selling points. What draws people here is the culture and community that exists far beyond the popular tourist attractions. Whether you have a passion for food, fashion, theater, sports, or the arts, there’s a place for you here. But the key is to have a desire to explore beyond your neighborhood and engage with other parts of the city. That’s when Chicago transforms from a place to live to a place that truly feels like home.”
It’s hard not to feel Chicago pride in your heart when this city has delicious food, beautiful neighborhoods, plenty of tourist attractions, a vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. “Chicago’s pride is also out of this world. It’s the culture here, and we Chicagoans love our city. Others may see Chicago through news headlines, but those of us who live here know that it’s a unique place with so much beauty to offer. We wear our city with pride, and that’s the whole vibe,” exclaims Rocio Pagoada Photography.
