Chicago, IL Reviews


270 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Chicago

Chicago, Illinois is a diverse and bustling city known for its iconic skyline, deep dish pizza, and rich history. With a population of over 2.7 million people, living in Chicago offers a unique and vibrant experience. From the hustle and bustle of downtown to the charming neighborhoods scattered throughout, this city has something for everyone. To gain a better understanding of what it's like to live in this popular destination, let's take a look at what some users have to say about it.

1) "Chicago is an amazing city to live in. There's always something going on and the people here are so friendly. I love exploring all the different neighborhoods and trying out new restaurants. Plus, the public transportation is so convenient." - Emily M.

2) "I've lived in Chicago my whole life and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The cultural diversity here is unmatched and there's always something new to discover. However, the cost of living can be pretty high, so be prepared for that." - Michael S.

3) "I moved to Chicago for a job opportunity and I have to say, I'm loving it so far. There's always something to do on the weekends and the food scene is incredible. The only downside is the harsh winters, but the summers make up for it." - Sarah B.

4) "I've lived in Chicago for 10 years and I have mixed feelings about it. The city has a lot to offer, but there are also some major issues with crime and safety. It's important to do your research and choose a safe neighborhood to live in. Overall, it's a love-hate relationship with this city." - John P.

Overall, it seems that Chicago offers a dynamic and exciting lifestyle, but it also has its challenges. The diverse culture and endless entertainment options are praised by many, but the high cost of living and potential safety concerns are valid points to consider. It's important to do thorough research and choose the right neighborhood for your needs when considering a move to Chicago.

 based on 270 Reviews
Get to know Chicago with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Chicago

Beautiful city with reasonable cost of living - 1/14/2024
I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major cities in the country. The architecture, lakeshore, places to see are just superb. And the cost of living is very reasonable when compared to other major cities. You get best value here.
Ok, downsides? Well it is the few weeks in winter that gets really cold. And no, don't believe some of the media about Chicago crime which is located in a small areas of south and west of the inner city. Vast majority of the city and suburbs are very safe. Read More

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My Favorite City in the Country - 8/14/2023
Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the winters more mild. Lots to do here and many job opportunities. No large city is perfect, however, Chicago's problems are very fixable if given a few competent leaders. Property taxes and crime rate aren't great, however, property taxes are better than NY and crime is better then Houston so it could be worse. There are many more positive things I could say but visiting is a must. Planning to move there shortly after Read More

Crime ridden Medical center. - 2/16/2023
I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices. and plus only one grocery store available for miles. When I live up north, there is all sorts of options. Oh BTW we were looking for houses that doesn't has that much stairs because my mom was elderly., we couldn't find one. So if your elderly or wheelchair bound, don't look Read More

Good and Bad - 11/15/2022
A fun city to live in with great food! Housing isn't terrible compared to other big cities. The cyclists who think they own the streets and paths drive me crazy. People generally get along just watch certain areas that are a bit dangerous. The cold - it is for real. The heat - it is also for real. The traffic is also for real. A great city for a few years after college then everyone leaves. The crime, cold, and congestion beat you down Read More

Capital of the Midwest, Just Dont Buy a House - 8/17/2022
I've spent my time between Chicago and Atlanta and in the end I chose to buy a home in Atlanta. Chicago is a cultural icon and no doubt the capital of the Midwest. I've had incredible experiences and met great people from all parts of the city. Chicago is a great place to start a career as there are many wonderful companies of all sizes in downtown. I would describe Chicago as a more comfortable and affordable version of New York. However, thinking long-term, the government of Illinois and Chicago are incompetent. Holding the largest debt of any state in the country- that burden is passed on to taxpayers more and more each year. As someone who dreamed of owning a home, I could not justify the amount of taxes I would have to pay towards this debt. It all depends on where you are in life. If you are young, liberal, want the city experience, and could care less about the cost of property- this is the place for you. I would think twice about putting down roots of any Read More

Underrated - 4/16/2022
This place is so underrated. I just want to thank all the people leaving as you are making it cheaper for me to move in. Read More

Great City! - 11/20/2021
Love it! From the cultural diversity to all the amenities to all the tourist attractions and beautiful architecture Chicago is definetly the jewel of the Read More

At your own risk - 3/17/2021
Lived here for five years, right downtown for three, and two at the end of the Brown train line, a close suburb known as Ravenswood, commuting in to the city for work. Like they say, Chicago is a quilt of neighborhoods, and outside of the Loop (downtown), few buildings are above 3 stories. So there are many Chicagos, but the differences have blended. Basically, you have the north (white, hispanic, Asian) and the South (a black war zone, with a few heavily guarded enclaves like U of Chicago and some older white blue collar neighborhoods full of cops.)

There is undeniably a lot of good in Chicago, if you can afford to enjoy it. But the place grinds you down; the pace, the costs, the crime, the corruption, the intensity, the grunge, and THE WEATHER. I was a professor at a very famous museum and art school downtown, and my time in Chicago was spent very much in the thick of things. Moving there I sensed that I had about five years tolerance to it all, so made the most out of Read More

its safe then why does local new start with shooti - 12/18/2020
Went to Chicago once for a live event was told to go to the main airport because the second one was in the middle of a war zone only stayed two days
just wondering for those who think Chicago is fine why is it the local news 95% of the time opens up with someone got shot doesn't sound too fine to Read More

Great history, devastating present, live elsewhere - 11/27/2020
Place is a train wreck which is too bad as it has good architecture, interesting history and good airports. If you are interested in personal safety responsible government and retention of Realestate value look elsewhere. Property taxes amount to 10% of your income in addition to a high sales tax and 5% income tax: all in 20-25% of your gross income. Politics could be more screwed up but they would have to plan it out. One party rule for 60 years has resulted in a $35B city deficit and $110B state deficit. Detroit went under at $18B. 3/4 of the city is a poverty wasteland with a school system/Union failing the Black population: 50% of black males not meeting state standards for graduation. Many parts of the city are food deserts with failing infrastructure so people who can, are leaving at a remarkable rate. Mayor is happy to let the downtown burn while sending police to her house to protect her family. She is happy to quarantine the city but go get her hair done. Happy to pass a mask Read More

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