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Real Estate & Homes in Chicago - Illinois - Chicago, Illinois homes and communities
Chicago
 
Chicago History
Chicago is known as the "Second City," but it's actually the third-largest city in the United States. The bustling metropolis is comprised of many sections, from the Gold Coast and Old Town to River North, the Magnificent Mile and Streeterville. The city’s multicultural heritage is reflected in its diverse neighborhoods, which attract thousands of visitors each year.
Chicago is home to nearly 3 million people who represent nearly every nation of the world. Each group brings its own customs and traditions to the city, which is a hotbed of social, political and cultural activity.
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a fur trader of French-African descent, built the first settlement in 1779 at the mouth of the Chicago River. In 1830, lots were sold to finance construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which connected Chicago with the Mississippi River. In 1837, the town was incorporated with a population of just 4,170. Its name comes from an Indian word meaning "strong" or "great."
On Oct. 8, 1871, a fire began on the West Side. Two days later, the Great Chicago Fire had claimed 300 lives, left 90,000 Chicagoans homeless and caused $200 million in property damage. After the disaster, the city rebuilt, and today it is a blend of old and new architecture.
Chicago is known for its food, sports and music. Cold winters are tempered by warm summers, and major attractions include the Sears Tower, the Hancock Observatory, Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Art Institute of Chicago.
 
 
Neighborhoods Edgewater is a unique neighborhood that once served as a vacation spot for Chicago’s elite. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Edgewater stretches west to Ravenswood Avenue and is bordered by Devon Avenue to the north and Foster Avenue to the south. The residents of this multicultural neighborhood have a diverse background and collectively speak more than 57 different languages. Local businesses include ethnic restaurants and shops, bookstores and boutiques, gourmet groceries and eateries, spas and health clubs, and religious centers for all faiths. Chicago’s Chinatown district is also located in the heart of Edgewater along Argyle Street, running from Sheridan to Broadway.
The Gold Coast is one of the most glamorous neighborhoods in Chicago. Along with River North, the Magnificent Mile, Streeterville and Old Town, this Near North Side community is located in the heart of the city along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Gold Coast is a unique blend of contemporary nightspots, shopping and historic landmarks. Real estate includes vintage walkups, high-tech condos and historic mansions on Lake Shore Drive. The Gold Coast and the Near North Side offer premium housing alongside art galleries, fine restaurants, historic sites and upscale shopping centers. Expressways and public transportation provide travel within the city and to and from surrounding suburbs.
Lakeview, which is located just north of downtown Chicago, is surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. The name probably came from the Hotel Lakeview, which was built on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1853. The town of Lakeview was incorporated in 1887, but it was annexed during Chicago’s real estate boom just two years later. In its early days, parts of Lakeview were a farming region known as the "Celery Capital of the World." Today, the area is a multicultural neighborhood with its own unique style. On the streets of Lakeview, you’ll find traditional Chicago-style hot dogs and authentic Thai restaurants, small boutiques and major retailers, and the famous Briar Street Theater and smaller repertory companies. Central Lakeview is also site of Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs and a revered mecca for pro baseball fans. The community is roughly bordered by Grace Street to the north, Diversey Avenue to the south, Lake Michigan on the east and Racine Avenue on the west. Lakeview’s two neighborhoods — Central Lakeview and Lakeview East — are home to more than 65,000 residents who enjoy a unique blend of retail areas, restaurants, affordable housing and recreational activities. The community is located near Chicago’s "Off-Loop" theater, fashionable shopping districts and world-class entertainment venues.
The Loop is named after the part of Chicago where its famous elevated trains circle the city. This area is a bustling commercial center with a skyline full of diverse architectural styles. It’s also home to urban residents who enjoy being in the heart of a world-class city. Trendy neighborhoods like Printers Row, West Loop, South Loop and Millennium Park attract residents who enjoy fine dining, nightclubs, galleries and museums. The nearby Magnificent Mile offers high-end shops, and there are many activities and events available in parks along the shores of Lake Michigan.
North Center — comprising the neighborhoods of Roscoe Village and St. Ben’s — is one of 77 official communities located within Chicago. Known as “The Heart of Chicago’s North Side,” North Center is an eclectic ethnic area located four miles northwest of the Loop. The community is bounded by Montrose, Diversey, Ravenswood and the Chicago River. It provides a quiet environment rooted in German and Swedish culture, but is home to residents of all backgrounds and nationalities. Roscoe Village has earned “hip” status among young professionals due to the unique boutiques, antique stores and restaurants that grace its tree-lined streets. Roscoe Village is a homey neighborhood where family-owned businesses are as prevalent as shady parks and well-kept homes. St. Ben’s is another popular neighborhood, especially among young families. The community is home to St. Benedict’s, a Catholic church and school that lent the neighborhood its name, and to the renowned Bell Elementary School. Located within walking distance of Wrigley Field, St. Ben’s is also close to shopping and public transportation.
The colorful community known as Uptown is located in the northern part of Chicago, bordered by Foster Avenue on the north, Irving Park Road on the south, Lake Michigan on the east and Clark Street on the west. Once an elite summer resort, the area has evolved into an eclectic neighborhood of more than 63,000 residents. Uptown is home to tree-lined streets, stunning architecture, historic jazz clubs, ethnic restaurants and varied cultural activities. One of the best-known sites is St. Augustine College, which is located in the former Essanay Studios. Long before Hollywood became film capital of the world, Essanay Studios was the center of the motion picture industry. Today, that energy can be seen in Uptown’s lively nightlife.
 
Chicago Fast Facts Location: Chicago is located on Lake Michigan in the northeastern part of Illinois
*Total area: 234 square miles
*Population: 2,896,016
*Housing units: 1,152,868
Average annual rainfall: 38.01 inches
Average temperatures: 75ºF in summer, 25ºF in winter
*Information provided by 2000 Census
 
 
Recreation and Leisure
Chicago’s park system offers programs in five distinct areas: cultural enrichment; health and physical activities; social enhancement; personal development and life skills; and outdoor and environmental education. These programs serve a variety of groups, from toddlers to seniors. No matter what your age or interests, you’ll find something to keep you busy!
River North has the largest concentration of art galleries outside Manhattan. The area also boasts unique shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, and it’s just a short walk to Navy Pier, the Loop and Michigan Avenue. A former warehouse district, River North is now home to several businesses, including Quaker Oats and the recently converted Merchandise Mart; 20 fast-food restaurants; and more than 40 upscale eateries, including Planet Hollywood, Spago, Michael Jordan’s and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Uptown is a cultural mecca for many Chicagoans, and live music is a vital part of the neighborhood. Local landmarks include the Uptown Theatre, the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera Theater and the Green Mill Jazz Lounge. The Uptown Theatre is dedicated to promoting arts and music in the lives of community residents. The Aragon Ballroom, a former hot spot for "big bands," now hosts a variety of rock and Latin groups. The Riviera Theater, which began as a movie house, is another popular rock venue. And the Green Mill Jazz Lounge is among the best-known venues for live music, where patrons can enjoy late-night jazz sets in a nightclub once frequented by Al Capone.
The lakefront offers an array of activities, from boating and swimming to bike trails and jogging paths. Nearby, the Art Institute, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium promote fun and learning for all ages.
The Chicago Jazz Festival is Chicago’s longest-running lakefront music event. The festival debuted in 1979 with the goal of honoring and celebrating jazz music throughout the city.
The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, which is dedicated to former local film critic Gene Siskel, takes place at Grant Park. The outdoor theater experience includes a gigantic screen, state-of-the-art sound system and free admission.
Summer brings the Annual Taste of Chicago, which is also held at Grant Park and features some of the best food from around the city. From pretzels and roasted corn on the cob to Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, the event is guaranteed to satisfy every taste.
The Chicago Air and Water Show is the largest free event of its kind in the United States. The show exhibits military and civilian airplanes and watercraft to more than 2 million participants, and it includes a performance by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial team.
Professional sports dominate the Chicagoland area. Residents can cheer for baseball’s Chicago Cubs and White Sox, basketball’s Chicago Bulls, football’s Chicago Bears, hockey’s Chicago Blackhawks and soccer’s Chicago Fire. With so many teams to choose from, you’re guaranteed to have a favorite!
 
Shopping Chicago offers some of the best shopping in the nation. Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile is among the most elite retail districts in the nation. The "Mile" features such exclusive shops as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman-Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Henri Bendel and Barney’s New York — as well as dozens of charming boutiques.
The Marriott, located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, is a shopper’s paradise with four shopping centers, world-renowned boutiques and locally acclaimed designers.
Water Tower Place is an elaborate eight-floor indoor mall featuring more than 120 specialty shops, several restaurants and seven cinemas. Water Tower Place is anchored by Marshall Field and Lord & Taylor; a Ritz-Carlton Hotel; and offices and condominiums.
And Roscoe Village is known for its scores of trendy restaurants, ethnic businesses and antique stores. “Antique Row” — a five-block stretch of Belmont that reaches from Damen to Western — has the largest concentration of antique shops in the Midwest.
 
Transportation
A complex system of expressways and public transportation ease traffic throughout Chicago. Taxis, buses, a subway and elevated trains serve the city and surrounding suburbs.
 
Education
There are more than 650 schools in the Chicago Public School District. Private and parochial schools include Francis Parker School, the Latin School of Chicago, the Montessori School Near-North, Quigley Seminary North and St. Ignatius College Prep.
Colleges and universities in the area include Columbia College of Chicago, DePaul University, Loyola University, Northeastern University of Chicago, Rush University, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Chicago Photos
Photos by John Vanhara for HomesParadise.com
   
Vertical shots Bird's-eye view Chicago River and Lake Michigan
   
Grant Park Millennium Park Lincoln Park Navy Pier
Where is Chicago?
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