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Chicago

#20 in Best Cities for Young Professionals in America
  • A-
    Overall Grade
  • City in Illinois
  • 1,875 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 2,722,586. 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
    2,722,586

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $234,500
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $1,029
    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
    • Colleges

      Crime & Safety

      Crime & Safety
      C-
      Based on violent and property crime rates.
      Violent Crimes
      • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
      National
      • Assault
        570.4
        282.7
      • Murder
        24.1
        6.1
      • Rape
        65.1
        40.7
      • Robbery
        439.3
        135.5
      Property Crimes
      • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
      National
      • Burglary
        477.1
        500.1
      • Theft
        2,358.8
        2,042.8
      • Motor Vehicle Theft
        427.8
        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
        15%
        12%
      • Bachelor's degree
        22%
        19%
      • Some college or associate's degree
        23%
        29%
      • High school diploma or equivalent
        23%
        28%
      • Less than high school diploma
        16%
        13%

      Working in Chicago

      Jobs
      C+
      Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
      Median Household Income
      $52,497
      National
      $55,322
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      Chicago Reviews

      1,875 reviews
      All Categories
      I've lived in Chicago all my life and I love it here, with one exception and that is the weather. Summer in Chicago is really only 3-4 months with unpredictable transition seasons and brutally cold winters. Also, it's a very windy city making summer nights near the lake somewhat chilly and single digit days unbearable. I am moving because of it. With that being said, Chicago beats most other cities imo for culture, diversity, art, architecture, food, nightlife, sightseeing, shopping, you name it! You will never be bored in Chicago and public transportation will take you anywhere you want to go. A lot of people comment on the crime rate in Chicago but I've lived from UK Village to Lincoln Park/Lakeview and as far into the city as River North. Personally, I haven't experienced or witnessed crime but know it's a problem on the south side.
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      I like the accessiblity of everything in the city. Stores and restaurants are everywhere, regardless of location. Public transportation although not perfect is accessible wherever you go. Whether it is train or bus or ride-sharing. If you have an appreciation for living in a major city, being in the hustle and bustle of it all. Then Chicago is a great fit for you. There is something about Chicago, it can make you feel like a tourist in it's own city. I've lived here my whole life and I have recently explored parts of the city I have never ventured out to. There is something new to discover every day!
      I lived in the Chicago for 19 years, and the overall experience has been okay. They are a lot of great public schools in Chicago, although the food is horrendous regardless of what school you attend. The West side and parts of the south side are dangerous. Chicago is not affordable! The taxes are through the roof. The state government is poorly ran and is also very Corrupt. Chicago is a very liberal place, it’s basically ran by Democrats. Chicago hasn’t had a republican mayor in 88 years. Chicago has a lot to offer when it’s to entertainment and food.