Thinking about buying one of the Chicago houses for sale while considering other cities to make a move as well? There are many things you should know about the Windy City – for one, it’s not the windiest in the country, that distinction goes to Boston. Chicago ranks No. 12 for fastest wind speed. The nickname is actually derived from the city’s politicians “blowing hot air.”
But what makes Chicago different than most?
It’s Less Expensive Than 28 Other Major Cities
Chicago is pretty far down the list when it comes to expensive cities, ranked 29 with a median home price of $350,000 in 2020. Plus cheaper cities don’t have nearly as much to offer making it a great value for those who are looking for big city amenities and culture at a more affordable price. It’s much less expensive than San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, San Jose, and Miami.
There’s No Ocean Coastline, But There are Beautiful Beaches
While Chicago is nowhere near the Pacific or Atlantic coasts, thanks to its location along Lake Michigan, it still offers sparkling blue waters and some beautiful beaches. In fact, when the sun is shining and you’ve got your toes in the sand, you might think you’re in the Caribbean.
Its River Runs Backward
You’ve heard of the film “A River Runs Through It,” well, Chicago’s is a river that runs backward. In 1900, its flow was reversed to save the city after it faced a major flooding problem that nearly turned into sewage pouring into the streets. Engineers cleverly came up with a plane, pouring water from the lake into the Mississippi watershed. For St. Patrick’s Day, it’s dyed green.
A Food Scene to Rival Them All
Chicago has beaten out all other U.S. cities to become the best restaurant city in the country, as named by Bon Appetit magazine. While you might think New York or L.A. would take the prize, Chicago is consistently at the top of foodie lists. Not only does it offer classic budget fare like Chicago dogs, pizza puffs, deep-dish pizza, and Italian beef sandwiches, but world-class restaurants serving prime steaks. Fair warning, once you’ve tried Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza, it will put all others to shame, with its unique and mouth-watering butter crust.
Sport Fanatics
While there are a few other cities that can give Chicago a run for its money when it comes to sports, it’s still different from the majority, with some of the most passionate sports fans you’ll ever meet. It’s one of 10 in the U.S. to have teams from five major pro team sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer, and has been named the “Best Sports City” multiple times. No matter how long the losing streak, fans are loud and proud, there to support their team, even through the most frigid weather.
It’s Perfect Located for Flights Across the Country
Chicago is home to one of the world’s largest airports, O’Hare, as well as Chicago Midway International Airport, a Southwest Airlines hub. The city is perfectly located for quick flights anywhere in the country as well as being the No. 1 in airline connections. If you’re a frequent traveler, it makes an incredibly convenient base for both international and domestic flights.
