| Even though it isn't nearly as big as Texas or | | | | Chicago. Apartments or penthouses in this area will |
| California, Illinois is currently the fifth most populous | | | | likely be somewhere between $700,000 and several |
| state in the nation. And, of the millions of people living | | | | million dollars. If you are a wealthy, city-dweller, it |
| in Illinois, 75 percent of them have settled in the | | | | might be the place for you, but personally I would |
| northern part of the state. | | | | prefer northern Chicago. |
| People are drawn to Northern Illinois for many | | | | Northern Chicago is still very expensive, but there are |
| reasons. The area is not only beautiful, but successful | | | | beautiful parks, beaches, running trails and |
| as well. Universities, favorite 500 companies and | | | | neighborhoods in this section. The closer you live to |
| numerous research facilities all attract students and | | | | the city center though, the pricier the real estate |
| employees to Chicago and the surrounding cities. One | | | | becomes. I like this area because it tends to have |
| reason why businesses thrive there is because | | | | bigger homes and lots, which is nice in such a |
| northeast Illinois is an ideal transportation hub. With a | | | | populated area. |
| natural Lake Michigan port on the east side of | | | | Although Southern Chicago has a reputation for |
| Chicago and main waterways like the Mississippi, | | | | gangs and poverty, the area possesses favorable |
| Illinois and Chicago rivers nearby, it is very easy to | | | | characteristics too. For example, some of the city's |
| move goods to and from the area. Not to mention | | | | largest parks are in the southern section and there |
| the extensive railways that run across the state. | | | | are a few middle and upper-class neighborhoods are |
| With so many people living in and around Chicago, | | | | there too. Southern Chicago is largely industrial |
| there is obviously a vast amount of real estate in the | | | | though. |
| area to accommodate them. If you are looking for | | | | Western Chicago seems to be a popular area with |
| Illinois real estate in or around Chicago, just finding | | | | students and is famous for its ethnic diversity. Median |
| which houses are for sale can be a little daunting. | | | | rent prices in this area are around $500. A few |
| Before you even begin looking at houses though, I | | | | well-known neighborhoods in western Chicago include |
| would recommend learning a little bit about the | | | | Wicker Park, Garfield Park, Austin and Lawndale. |
| neighborhoods in and around Chicago. That way, you'll | | | | These overviews barely scratch the surface of the |
| know more about the environments, price ranges | | | | different regions in Chicago, but they may help point |
| and attractions that are available. | | | | you in the right direction. Each area has several |
| One of the most expensive real estate areas is | | | | neighborhoods and each neighborhood possess a |
| central Chicago. This would include any real estate in | | | | different flavor. If you need to commute to work, |
| or around the Loop. The Loop is the second-largest | | | | look for a home near Chicago's excellent public |
| business district in the U.S. (right after Manhattan). | | | | transportation hubs. |
| Here you'll find all the downtown attractions of | | | | |