Chicago is the third best city for downtown living in America!
In this article, you will learn about:
a. Chicago’s lively entertainment scene
b. Diversity
c. Amenity-rich apartments
d. Walkability
e. Job Market
f. Culture
g. Affordability
StorageCafe recently ranked Chicago as the third best city for downtown living in America in 2023.
The city scored high in a number of categories, including its lively entertainment scene, diversity, amenity-rich apartments, walkability, job market, culture, and affordability.
Chicago features a high quality of life downtown including green apartments, a great ratio of housing options per capita, amenity-laden rental buildings, and a lively shopping and entertainment scene.
It ranked best in the educated population, green apartment buildings, and rent-to-income criteria.
Why Chicago is #3 Best City for Downtown Life in America
Let’s tackle the criteria one by one:
Lively entertainment scene
You won’t ever get bored in downtown Chicago.
The city has a vibrant downtown entertainment scene, with world-class theaters, museums, and restaurants.
The city is home to world-renowned theaters like the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Goodman Theatre, as well as iconic music venues like the Chicago Theatre and the United Center.
And of course, Chicago is home to the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago White Sox, and the Chicago Bears.
There are also a number of popular bars and restaurants in the downtown area, making it a great place to go out and enjoy yourself.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as biking, boating, and swimming in Lake Michigan.
There is something for everyone in Chicago, whether you are looking for a night out on the town or a quiet evening at home.
Diversity
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and each neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures.
Since time immemorial, people from all walks of life and all nations have called it home.
Fun fact: some of the Irish immigrants in the country first arrived in Chicago, including those who joined the ill-fated Titanic trip!
This diversity is reflected in the city's food, culture, and arts scene.
There are neighborhoods in Chicago where you can find everything from traditional Mexican food to Ethiopian cuisine, and from Polish delis to Chinese grocery stores.
Amenity-rich apartments
Many of the apartments in Chicago's downtown area are amenity-rich.
They come with a number of features that make living there more convenient and enjoyable.
About 67% of the downtown apartment units are high-end and 90% of rental buildings offer access to fitness centers to help maintain an active lifestyle.
23% of apartments downtown are in buildings with LEED certification.
Walkability
Chicago is a very walkable city with a well-planned city grid.
Commuting is relatively easy with the CTA, the Metra, buses and ridesharing.
This makes it easy to get around without a car.
There are a number of parks and green spaces in the downtown area, and many of the city's most popular attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Job market
Chicago has a strong job market, with plenty of opportunities for professionals in a variety of industries.
The city is home to many Fortune 500 companies
It is also a major center for the food, finance, technology, and healthcare industries.
Culture
Chicago is a city with a rich history and culture.
There’s always something distinct in everything here - be it in art, history, food, or music.
There are a number of world-class museums, art galleries, and theaters in the city.
The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year.
Affordability
Last but not the least, Chicago is relatively more affordable than other big cities in America.
Here renters are generally able to keep their housing expenses below the threshold of 30% of their monthly income.
Chicago's downtown area is home to a diverse mix of housing options, from affordable apartments to luxury condos.
There are also a number of new developments in the works, which is making downtown Chicago an even more attractive place to live.
Conclusion
Chicago is a great city for downtown living, and it's easy to see why StorageCafe ranked it as the third best city in the country. The city has a lot to offer residents, including a vibrant entertainment scene, diversity, amenity-rich apartments, walkability, a strong job market, culture, and affordability. If you're looking for a great place to live downtown, Chicago should definitely be on your list.
In addition to the factors listed above, Chicago is also a great place to invest in real estate. If you're looking for a city with a bright future, Chicago would be great for your portfolio.
Do you want to invest in Chicago real estate? Book a free consultation with us below.
