City vs. Suburbs: Where to Live in Chicago
Picture the iconic skyline of downtown Chicago, with its towering high-rises and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. Now, imagine a quiet, tree-lined street in a Chicago suburb, where kids play freely, and neighbors know each other by name. Two contrasting images, yet both representing the diverse living options in and around the Windy City. Whether you’re an urbanite drawn to the hustle and bustle of a big city or someone who cherishes the serenity and tight-knit community of the suburbs, making a choice to live in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs is a matter of personal preference, lifestyle, and priorities.
Living in the City
Skyline in downtown Chicago
Living in Chicago means experiencing life in a vibrant and dynamic metropolis. From the breathtaking architecture to the world-class cultural attractions, calling Chicago home is a sensory delight. However, it’s not just about the dazzling skyscrapers or the deep-dish pizza that’s to die for. Life in the city is also about the urban amenities, the nightlife that keeps the city alive after dark, and the close proximity to work and school.
But as is common with any major city, not everything is perfect. Living in the city also means dealing with the high cost of living and the constant congestion. But for many, the pros outweigh the cons.
Urban Amenities at Your Doorstep
In the city, convenience is king. Imagine having everything you need just steps away from your front door. From shopping at Water Tower Place to indulging in a variety of cuisines at Randolph Street’s Restaurant Row, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget the entertainment options.
Whether you’re interested in arts, sports, or culture, with attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Cubs games at Wrigley Field, or architectural boat tours along the Chicago River, the city accommodates everyone. Plus, with an extensive public transportation system, including the ‘L’ train, buses, and even water taxis, getting around the city is a breeze. Even O’Hare and Midway Airports are well within reach thanks to the Blue and Orange lines. Don’t forget to visit Grant Park for a relaxing day surrounded by nature, or enjoy a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a truly memorable experience.
The Nightlife and Social Scene
As the sun sets, downtown Chicago transforms into a vibrant playground. The nightlife and social scene in the city are as diverse as they are exciting. Whether you’re into live music, trendy bars, or chic nightclubs, the city has something to cater to every taste. For Blues fans, it doesn’t get much better than Kingston Mines in Lincoln Park. Meanwhile those looking to burn the midnight oil have plenty of options to choose from in River North, where clubs like Underground and Sound Bar keep the party going all night long.
But it’s not just about the places or the events. It’s about the people. With a median age of 35.3, the population is relatively young, adding to the lively and energetic social scene.
Proximity to Work and School
Living in the city offers the key benefit of being close to both workplaces and educational institutions. Whether you work in Chicago’s financial district or have kids who are headed to class, you can rest assured the commute will be a lot shorter than driving in from the suburbs.
On top of saving time commuting, living close to work or school also means being closer to the action — be it industry events, networking opportunities, or social activities. Plus, with the ‘L’ train and buses getting around the city is easy and convenient. Whether you’re heading to a live concert or meeting some co-workers for drinks, you’ll enjoy the convenience of having everything right in your backyard.
Suburban Serenity: Chicago's Outskirts
Row of townhouses in Park Ridge, Illinois
Venturing from the city’s hustle and bustle, Chicago’s suburbs can be quite attractive. Tree-lined streets, spacious homes with yards, and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find in the city. While the suburbs may lack the glitz and glamour of the city, they make up for it with their relaxed pace of life, family-friendly atmospheres, and lower cost of living. Better yet, minimal traffic means getting around is rarely a hassle.
Family-Friendly Atmospheres
Chicago’s suburbs are perfect for families. They offer a unique blend of tranquility and community spirit that is ideal for raising children. Parks brimming with playgrounds, community centers bustling with activities, and top-rated schools committed to academic excellence are just some of the features that make suburbs like Glenview and Park Ridge so appealing to families. Whether it's a sunny afternoon picnic in the park, a visit to the local library, or a lively community event, there's always something to do.
Moreover, the safety factor is worth keeping in mind. With lower crime rates and a slower pace of life compared to the city, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are growing up in a safe and nurturing environment.
The Cost Advantage
When it comes to cost of living, the suburbs often have the upper hand. On average, people living in the suburbs can save around $18,472 annually compared to living in the city. This significant saving comes from things like lower housing costs, cheaper groceries and lower utility bills. Overall, a wide range of items and services are cheaper in the suburbs.
This cost advantage enables those in the suburbs to enjoy a higher quality of life without stretching their budget. It's a financial relief that can make a significant difference when it comes to building out a budget and deciding how much discretionary income you have left over.
Commuter Considerations
While the suburbs provide a serene escape from the urban life, it's important to consider the commute to the city. Even if work or school is located nearby, there may be a restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit in the city. Depending on where you live and how you plan on getting around, the commute to the city can take anywhere from half an hour to over an hour.
Whether you prefer to drive in your own vehicle or use public transportation, it’s important to think about your commute ahead of time. Traveling during off-peak hours can go a long way toward cutting down the time it takes to reach your destination. With careful planning, you can ensure a seamless and relaxed journey, making the most of your suburban living while still enjoying the perks of the city when needed.
Housing Dynamics
Apartment terrace overlooking downtown Chicago
From sleek high-rise apartments in the city to spacious single-family homes in the suburbs, housing options in Chicago cater to a range of lifestyles and budgets. Whether you’re keen on the vibrant city life or prefer the tranquility and space of suburban living, finding the right home is a key factor in your decision.
City Living
Living in a city like Chicago isn't just about the central location. These apartments often come with modern amenities like fitness centers, rooftop terraces, and 24-hour concierge services, which are designed to cater to a fast-paced, upscale urban lifestyle.
However, this comes at a cost. The median rent for a one bedroom apartment was $1,385 in September 2023. That was 24% higher when compared to September 2022 as well as 10% higher than the national median rent. In popular areas like River North and Lincoln Park, renters might find themselves paying a premium for the convenience and luxury of living in the city.
Space is another consideration. A recent survey found that new apartments in Chicago are on average 797 square feet, which is 10.1% smaller than the national average. For those who prioritize spacious living or plan on having children, this might be a limiting factor. Although Chicago does boast a large number of neighborhood parks, having a pet could also prove somewhat challenging depending on the size of your apartment or condo.
The Suburban Dream: Owning a Home
In contrast, the Chicago suburbs offer a more relaxed pace of life. Towns like Highland Park and Winnetka are popular for their family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and community-oriented lifestyle. The suburbs often boast larger homes with yards, which is a significant draw for families with children or pets.
From a financial perspective, the suburbs can offer more bang for your buck. The cost of purchasing a home in the suburbs is generally lower than in the city. For instance, the median home price in some suburbs can be almost half of that in prime city locations. Of course it’s important to keep property taxes in mind when looking at potential homes. Many of Chicago’s northern suburbs recently saw their property taxes increase up to 15% — which is the biggest rise in decades.
Lifestyle Comparison: City Energy or Suburban Calm
The choice between city and suburban living often hinges on personal lifestyle preferences. The city, with its cultural richness and fast-paced life, appeals to those who thrive on energy and diversity. On the other hand, the suburbs, with their close-knit communities and leisurely pace, offer a sense of tranquility and space.
Cultural Richness vs. A Tight-Knit Community
In the city, you’re never far from cultural attractions and events. From world-class museums and theaters to diverse cuisines and festivals, city life is a cultural melting pot. Chicago's city life in particular is home to iconic institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Goodman Theatre, which offer world-class artistic experiences. Meanwhile, the city's diverse neighborhoods — from Chinatown to Little Italy — present an array of authentic global cuisines.
The city's calendar is packed with festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to heritage and art. For instance, the Chicago Jazz Festival and Lollapalooza draw visitors from all over the world, showcasing the city's dynamic cultural scene.
The suburbs, on the other hand, offer a tight-knit community feel. Neighborhood gatherings, community events, and local festivals foster a sense of belonging and community spirit. Wagons rides in Glenview and Fall Fest in Des Plaines are just a few of the many events that bring people together outside of the city.
These areas are often characterized by their family-friendly focus, with numerous parks, community centers, and activities designed for families and children. Also, the suburban school districts are often highly rated, adding to their appeal for families seeking a nurturing environment for education.
Fast Track vs. Leisurely Lane
The rhythm of life in Chicago's urban areas is distinctly faster and more dynamic. The city's energy is palpable, with people always on the move, vibrant nightlife, and a bustling business environment. This can be exhilarating for those who thrive in an energetic atmosphere.
In the suburbs a slower, more relaxed pace of life is customary. The reduced density and quieter streets contribute to a more laid-back atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer a more tranquil daily life. The trade-off, however, might be longer commutes to the city for work or entertainment.
The Great Outdoors
Glimpse into the Chicago Botanic Garden
For both city dwellers and suburbanites, it’s important to spend time outdoors and appreciate nature. The good news is the city and suburbs offer outdoor recreational opportunities, with city parks providing a green oasis in the urban landscape and suburban nature escapes offering an opportunity to get closer to nature.
Green Spaces in the Concrete Jungle
In the heart of Chicago, green spaces serve as urban oases, offering city residents aesthetic relief as well as a host of recreational activities. Parks like Millennium Park are not only famous for artistic installations like “The Bean,” but also for hosting concerts and cultural events.
Grant Park — affectionately referred to as "Chicago's front yard" — plays host to major events like the Taste of Chicago, blending natural beauty with urban culture. These green spaces help contribute to the city's environmental efforts, providing habitats for urban wildlife and helping to mitigate the heat island effect common in city centers.
Lincoln Park, another urban gem, offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions, including the Lincoln Park Zoo, nature museums, and conservatories. These green spaces are essential not only for recreational activities, but also for promoting mental and physical well-being among city residents.
Suburban Nature Escapes
The suburbs around Chicago are known for their expansive green spaces and close proximity to nature. These areas offer a more immediate connection to natural settings, with extensive hiking trails, bike paths, and well-maintained parks and nature reserves.
For example, the forest preserves provide suburban residents with an array of outdoor activities, including bird watching and picnicking to cross-country skiing in the winter. From the Morton Arboretum to Messenger Woods in Homer Glen, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to exploring the outdoors. The abundance of green space in the suburbs is definitely something to consider for families and individuals seeking a lifestyle closer to nature.
Culinary Delights: Food Scene Faceoff
View of The Berghoff Restaurant’s bar in downtown Chicago
Both the city and suburbs offer extensive culinary experiences. From famous dishes and diverse international cuisines to local favorites and comfort food, the culinary scene is a feast for the senses.
A Taste of the City
In Chicago, the culinary scene is diverse and dynamic. It's not just about the iconic deep-dish pizza, which, is a must-try for locals and tourists alike. Beyond this, the city's dining scene is a melting pot of global flavors, reflecting its multicultural population.
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, you can’t go wrong with some of the upscale restaurants located throughout the city. Fine dining in Chicago is world-class, with several Michelin-starred restaurants offering innovative dishes that blend global cuisines with local ingredients. From Alinea in Lincoln Park to Oriole in the West Loop, these establishments often feature renowned chefs.
But it's not just the high-end restaurants that make Chicago's food scene vibrant. The city is also known for its street food culture, including food trucks and corner bistros that serve everything from hot dogs (Chicago-style, of course) to international street foods. This variety ensures that there's something for every palate and budget.
Ethnic neighborhoods like Greektown offer authentic culinary experiences, showcasing traditional dishes from various cultures. These areas are not just dining destinations, but also places to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the city.
Suburban Dining: Great Restaurants with a Local Flavor
Suburban dining, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed dining experience. These restaurants often reflect the local community, offering a mix of comfort food and international cuisines. Establishments range from family-run diners and cafes to upscale eateries, each bringing a unique flavor to the suburban culinary landscape.
One of the charms of suburban dining is the focus on local produce and ingredients, with many restaurants featuring seasonal menus based on what's locally available. This not only supports local farmers, but also adds a fresh and unique quality to the dishes.
Suburban dining also tends to be more family-oriented, with restaurants offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for casual family dinners or weekend brunches. The culinary scene in the suburbs may not have the same level of diversity as the city, but it compensates with its emphasis on community and comfort.
Safety First
Both city and suburban living have their own set of safety advantages and disadvantages. While city living may require more vigilance due to higher crime rates in certain areas, the suburbs often offer a greater sense of security and peace of mind.
Vigilance in the City
In the city, the approach to safety often involves being more alert and aware of one's surroundings. Urban areas, with their higher population density and diverse socio-economic backgrounds, can have varied safety profiles. Some neighborhoods in Chicago, for instance, might experience higher crime rates or incidents, requiring residents to be more cautious.
However, it's important to note that living in the city also brings certain safety advantages. The presence of more people and better-lit streets can actually enhance security in some cases. Additionally, cities often have quicker emergency response times due to the higher concentration of resources.
Community efforts also play a crucial role in enhancing urban safety. Neighborhood watch programs, community policing efforts, and local organizations often work together to improve safety and security. This collaborative approach not only helps in crime prevention but also fosters a sense of community.
Peace of Mind in the Suburbs
Suburbs are often perceived as safer due to their lower population density, lower crime rates, and close-knit community structure. The suburban areas around Chicago, for instance, tend to have fewer incidents of violent crimes compared to the city. This can be attributed to various factors including better neighborhood cohesion and the overall layout and design of suburban areas.
The strong sense of community in the suburbs also contributes to the feeling of safety. Neighbors often know each other and look out for one another, creating an informal network of surveillance and support. Furthermore, the lower traffic and quieter streets of the suburbs add to the sense of tranquility and security.
Employment Opportunities
Deciding where to live, whether in the city or the suburbs, often involves considering job availability. Both city and suburban areas offer a range of employment opportunities, although the nature of jobs and industries may vary between the two, reflecting the unique characteristics of each setting.
Thriving Corporate Hubs
In a busy city like Chicago, you’ll find a plethora of corporate hubs and diverse industries. These include sectors such as:
Finance: With numerous banks, investment firms, and financial institutions headquartered in the city, opportunities in finance are abundant.
Technology: The city is often a hotspot for tech startups and established tech giants, offering a variety of roles from software development to data analysis.
Healthcare: City hospitals, clinics, and research institutions provide numerous healthcare roles, from medical professionals to administrative staff.
Food services: With a rich culinary scene and a high demand for dining options, jobs in food services — from chefs to waitstaff — are plentiful in the city.
The city, with its higher concentration of companies and a dynamic job market, offers a variety of opportunities for job seekers. Regardless of your industry or level of experience, Chicago’s vibrant and ever-evolving job market provides a host of opportunities to kickstart or progress your career.
Suburban Business Parks
Suburban business parks around major cities like Chicago have become hubs for a variety of industries. These parks often house regional offices of large corporations, tech startups, healthcare facilities, and research centers. For example, the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor located along I-88, is home to several high-tech companies and research institutions.
These business parks are not just about offering jobs; they are designed to provide a conducive work environment with modern office spaces, landscaped surroundings, and amenities like cafeterias and fitness centers. This setup can be appealing for those seeking a professional atmosphere without the hustle and congestion of a city center.
Financial Factors
When comparing the city and suburbs, the cost of living is a significant factor. While city living often involves higher costs for housing, transportation, and entertainment, the suburbs can offer cost savings in these areas.
Budgeting for Big City Life
The nice thing about Chicago is that it tends to be more affordable than other major cities. In fact, a recent survey found that New York was 63% more expensive than Chicago while San Francisco was 134% more costly. Talk about sticker shock! Still though, when compared with the national average, residents often face higher living expenses. Housing is a significant factor, with the cost of apartments in the city center typically being higher than those in the suburbs. This is compounded by higher costs for utilities and maintenance.
Transportation costs in the city can vary. While owning a car might be more expensive due to parking fees and higher insurance rates, the public transit system in Chicago could reduce or even eliminate the need for a car, opening the door to potential savings.
Entertainment and dining in the city also tend to be pricier. However, this is balanced by the diverse range of options available, from high-end restaurants to budget-friendly cultural events. City dwellers often find value in the accessibility to a variety of entertainment and cultural attractions, which can enrich their quality of life.
Suburban Savings?
Suburban living often offers more affordable housing options. The cost of purchasing or renting a home in the suburbs is generally lower, and residents tend to get more space for their money, including larger homes and yards.
While the cost of utilities and maintenance may be slightly lower than in the city, transportation costs in the suburbs can be higher if commuting to the city for work. This not only includes the cost of fuel and car maintenance, but also the potential for tolls and parking fees in the city.
However, the suburbs can offer savings in terms of entertainment and dining. While there may be fewer options than in the city, local entertainment and dining can be more affordable, and many suburban communities offer free or low-cost recreational activities and events.
The Decision
Choosing between city and suburban living doesn’t have to be a universal answer. The decision ultimately depends on personal preferences, priorities, and lifestyle choices. Whether you prefer the vibrancy and convenience of city life or the tranquility and space of suburban living, both have their unique charms and challenges.
If you want to go over your options, feel free to give me a call at 773-415-4500 or fill out my contact page and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I’ve served clients all over the Chicagoland area and would love to help find your dream home — regardless of whether it’s in the city or suburbs.