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Chicago

#21 in Best Cities for Young Professionals in America
  • A-
    Overall Grade
  • City in Illinois
  • 2,103 reviews
    A-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      C+
    2. Crime & Safety
      C-
    3. Housing
      C-
    4. Nightlife
      A+
    5. Good for Families
      B+
    6. Diversity
      A+
    7. Jobs
      C+
    8. Weather
      C+
    9. Cost of Living
      C+
    10. Health & Fitness
      A-
    11. Outdoor Activities
      A
    12. Commute
      A-
    View Full Report Card
    Chicago is a city in Illinois with a population of 2,718,555. Chicago is in Cook County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Chicago offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Chicago there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Chicago and residents tend to be liberal.
    About Chicago...
    Population
    2,718,555

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $246,500
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $1,077
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Urban
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      55%
    • Own
      45%
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    Chicago Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Chicago Neighborhood Map

    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools

      Crime & Safety

      Crime & Safety
      C-
      Based on violent and property crime rates.
      Violent Crimes
      • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
      National
      • Assault
        563.1
        282.7
      • Murder
        20.7
        6.1
      • Rape
        66.1
        40.7
      • Robbery
        356.1
        135.5
      Property Crimes
      • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
      National
      • Burglary
        429.8
        500.1
      • Theft
        2,379.2
        2,042.8
      • Motor Vehicle Theft
        372.6
        284

      Residents

      Diversity
      A+
      Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
      Age
      • <10 years
        12%
      • 10-17 years
        9%
      • 18-24 years
        10%
      • 25-34 years
        20%
      • 35-44 years
        14%
      • 45-54 years
        12%
      • 55-64 years
        11%
      • 65+ years
        12%
      Education Levels
      National
      • Master's degree or higher
        16%
        12%
      • Bachelor's degree
        23%
        19%
      • Some college or associate's degree
        23%
        29%
      • High school diploma or equivalent
        23%
        28%
      • Less than high school diploma
        15%
        13%

      Working in Chicago

      Jobs
      C+
      Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
      Median Household Income
      $55,198
      National
      $55,322
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      Chicago Reviews

      2,103 reviews
      All Categories
      If you are already acclimated to cold weather, Chicago can be a great city to experience. I definitely wasn't used to experiencing this type of cold, but it's still growing on me. There's a ton of diversity, a thriving queer community, endless shows to go to, museums, plays, and art. Chicago has something for everyone. Personally, I am a 50-year-old stuck in a 27-year-old's body and I enjoy going to 80s dance nights because I grew up listening to new wave, post-punk, and goth musicians. There's a tightknit community for that even! Chicago is a place where I can be open about being queer and not be shunned or attacked for it. It's not like this in every corner of Chicago but compared to other places I've lived after being openly queer, Chicago definitely takes the cake. There's also a lot of volunteer opportunities for helping underprivileged kids and adults in the queer community which is awesome to be a part of.
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      Chicago is a very broken city filled with intelligence in every corner. More minorities can rise up in our society. We can all change the few of our “dangerous” and “hateful” city. Not only can Chicago be a vibrant place to live in, but also a place in which more students can harvest the opportunities of education and become successful. I believe Chicago can get better and more people will get help! Us as minorities can create a better vision for our future. We all have the right to become successful and empower others around the world.
      Chicago is a very broken city filled with intelligence in every corner. More minorities can rise up in our society. We can all change the few of our “dangerous” and “hateful” city. Not only can Chicago be a vibrant place to live in, but also a place in which more students can harvest the opportunities of education and become successful. I believe Chicago can get better and more people will get help! Us as minorities can create a better vision for our future. We all have the right to become successful and empower others around the world.