Chicago, IL Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Chicago, IL: FAQ

Chicago’s population of 2.7 million makes it America’s third most populous city, behind New York and Los Angeles. It’s located on the shores of Lake Michigan in northeast Illinois. It’s called the Windy City, thanks to the cold air from Lake Michigan.

What Job Opportunities Does Chicago Offer?

Chicago is home to more than 400 major companies, including 36 Fortune 500 companies. Boeing, McDonald’s, Conagra Brands, and United Airlines are all based in Chicago. Other top employers include Abbvie Inc. (biopharma), Northern Trust Corp. (financial services), and Mondelez International (food and beverage).

What is the Cost of Living in Chicago?

Living in Chicago isn’t cheap, but it’s more reasonable than New York and Los Angeles. Chicago’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 15%, 14.6%, and 12.3% higher than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in the Windy City is $1,077; the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,210. In Illinois, everyone pays a flat income tax of 4.95%. The state charges 6.25%-11% in sales tax, among the highest in the country.

What Are the Best Neighborhood's in Chicago?

Uptown is a great choice if you’re planning to rent in the city. The neighborhood offers lakefront access and many mid-rise and high-rise apartments. Bridgeport has older but more affordable housing. Oak Park, just outside Chicago, is a popular suburb. Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s most famous architect, lived in Oak Park where he designed over 150 projects early in his career. Today, residents love Oak Park for its great amenities and excellent schools. Western Springs is farther from the city, but its top-ranked schools and idyllic environment make the commute worthwhile.

What is the Chicago Sports Scene Like?

Chicago is one of the few cities with two Major League Baseball teams: the White Sox and Cubs, both three-time World Series winners. Local sports fans also root for the Bulls (NBA), Bears (NFL), Blackhawks (NHL), Sky (WNBA), Fire (MLS), and Red Stars (NWSL). The Chicago Bulls, winner of six NBA championships, is one of the world’s most bankable sports franchises. Michael Jordan, considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, led the team when it dominated the NBA in the 1990s.

What is Chicago's Climate?

The Windy City can be pretty snowy. On the New Year’s weekend in 1999, a blizzard dumped a record 21.6 inches of snow, accompanied by 60 mph winds. Barring any storm, Chicago typically gets 35 inches of snow annually versus the U.S. average of 28 inches. It receives 38 inches of rain per year, which is the national average.