Illinois Chicago
Moving to Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, one of the largest cities in the U.S., has a population of nearly 3 million people. It attracts millions of visitors annually, thanks to its numerous parks and attractions. The city is home to the western hemisphere’s tallest skyscraper, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the world’s largest food festival, The Taste of Chicago, and the country’s oldest public zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago is known for being the birthplace of several notable inventions, including roller skates, Cracker Jacks, and the zipper. The city also boasts top rankings in various categories, such as best restaurant, best skyline, and best theater in America.
Chicago by the numbers
City population
Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
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Chicago: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Chicago offers a wealth of experiences for both residents and visitors, blending iconic landmarks with vibrant local culture. From architectural marvels and artistic hubs to neighborhood explorations and waterfront adventures, the city caters to diverse interests. Here are some top recommendations to explore the best of Chicago.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Chicago's recreational offerings cater to thrill-seekers as well as those looking for relaxing outdoor experiences. From kayaking on the river to scaling rock walls downtown, the city provides diverse ways to stay active.
Adventures
Adventures
Chicago offers a vibrant mix of local adventures and cultural experiences, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems that celebrate the city's diverse heritage and artistic spirit. Whether you're looking to explore outdoor spaces, immerse yourself in art, or try thrilling activities, the city has something for everyone.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Chicago offers a vibrant array of seasonal events and activities throughout the year, catering to diverse interests and cultures. Here's a breakdown of some of the key events by season:
Community Resources
Chicago is home to numerous hospitals and medical facilities, ranging from general hospitals to specialized care centers. Below is a categorized overview:
Major Hospitals:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties and high-performing in 21 procedures/conditions.
Rush University Medical Center is known for its excellence in multiple specialties.
University of Chicago Medical Center offers advanced medical care and research facilities.
Specialized Facilities:
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago focuses on physical rehabilitation.
Shriners Hospital for Children specializes in pediatric care.
Other Notable Hospitals:
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Swedish Covenant Hospital
Thorek Memorial Hospital
Mercy Hospital & Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, offers a diverse range of educational institutions from K-12 to colleges. Here's an overview:
K-12 Schools:
Elementary and Middle Schools:
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) offer a variety of elementary and middle schools, including neighborhood, charter, classical, and magnet schools. There are 468 elementary schools and 461 middle schools in CPS.
Charter Schools:
CPS includes several charter schools like Acero Charter Schools and ASPIRA Charter Schools.
Classical Schools:
Seven classical schools provide accelerated programs focusing on literature, mathematics, and humanities.
- Decatur Classical School
- James E. McDade Classical School 2
- Edgar Allan Poe Elementary School
- Skinner North Classical School
- Mark T. Skinner West Elementary School
High Schools:
Chicago Public Schools:
CPS has 148 high schools, categorized into neighborhood, career academy, charter, magnet, military academy, selective enrollment, and special education schools.
Notable High Schools:
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School is known for its rigorous curriculum with a focus on honors and Advanced Placement courses.
Northside College Preparatory High School offers in-depth studies in subjects like physics and computer science.
Solorio Academy High School provides opportunities for Advanced Placement coursework.
Private High Schools:
Morgan Park Academy is a private school offering PK-12 education with a strong focus on a supportive environment.
Christian Heritage Academy is located in nearby Northfield, IL, offering PK-12 education with a strong academic reputation.
Colleges and Universities:
University of Chicago is known for its rigorous academic programs and research opportunities.
DePaul University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Northwestern University is located just north of Chicago and is renowned for its academic excellence and research.
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong focus on research.
Here is an overview of utilities, government agencies, and public resources in Chicago:
Electricity:
ComEd (Commonwealth Edison) is the primary electric utility serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. It provides electricity to 3.8 million customers and is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation.
Residents can also choose alternative retail electric suppliers such as AEP Energy for fixed-rate electricity plans.
Gas:
Peoples Gas is the primary natural gas provider in Chicago.
Water:
The Department of Water Management oversees water utilities, including water quality, conservation programs, and bill payments.
Internet and Cable:
Providers like Xfinity, AT&T, and RCN offer internet and cable services.
Trash Pickup:
Managed by the Department of Streets and Sanitation, which also handles recycling and street cleaning.
Utility Assistance:
Programs like LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and the Utility Billing Relief program are available for eligible residents through organizations like CEDA.
Government Agencies:
City Government Structure: The executive branch is led by the Mayor of Chicago, supported by various departments such as Finance, Transportation, and Public Safety.
The legislative branch consists of the City Council with 50 alderpersons representing each ward.
Key Departments:
Public Safety: Includes the Police Department, Fire Department, and Office of Emergency Management.
Community Services:
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) provides resources for housing, food assistance, employment training, and more.
Infrastructure:
The Department of Transportation and Department of Water Management handle infrastructure projects.
Specialized Agencies:
Chicago Housing Authority (affordable housing programs).
Chicago Public Schools (education system oversight).
Office of Inspector General (government accountability).
Community Service Centers:
DFSS operates six centers offering services like shelter, food assistance, job training, and utility payment support.
Health Services:
The Chicago Department of Public Health provides public health guidance and resources.
311 Services:
A non-emergency service for information on city programs, events, and assistance with issues like housing or accessibility modifications.
Mental Health Support:
NAMI Chicago offers a confidential hotline for mental health resources at 1-800-950-NAMI.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides discounts on internet services and devices for eligible households to ensure digital access.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.