What Locals Love About Chicago

Chicago is known for a lot of things: deep-dish pizza, famous architecture, and loyal sports fans. But there’s more to the city than its biggest claims to fame. It’s a place where neighborhoods each have their own personality, summers revolve around the lakefront, and residents have no shortage of restaurants, festivals, museums, and local traditions to enjoy year-round.

Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Chicago, considering a move, or are simply curious about what life is like in the Windy City, there’s no better source than the people who call it home. We asked Chicago locals to share what they love most about living in the city, along with some of the things newcomers should know before making the move.

1. The distinct neighborhoods

What makes Chicago great is the many neighborhoods in and around the city. Each Chicago neighborhood offers its own distinct landmarks and story, making the opportunities and activities in the city endless.

“One of the best things about Chicago is how each neighborhood feels like its own welcoming community, each with its own unique personality and charm,” the team at Virtuance shares. “Whether you are drawn to the historic streets of Logan Square or the lively energy over in Lakeview, there is a guaranteed corner of the city that will quickly feel like home. If you are planning a move here, the best advice is to start by exploring these different pockets. That is where you will really get a feel for the overall cityscape while finding the specific community and neighborhood that perfectly fits your lifestyle.”

Some other notable neighborhoods to check out include Streeterville, which is great for young professionals and offers easy access to the lake and the Navy Pier, as well as Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood, which is filled with history and tried-and-true dining spots.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about Chicago is that it’s just a downtown city”, Marc Avila, founder of VHS Media Studio, details. “ In reality, Chicago is a collection of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own personality, culture, restaurants, and strong sense of community. From scenic lakefront trails and world-class architecture to incredible food (don’t miss the pizza), newcomers should explore different neighborhoods, because where you live can completely shape your Chicago experience and help you discover what makes the city feel like home. 

>>Read: Moving from the Chicago Suburbs to the City? Here’s What to Know 

2. The weather 

Chicago experiences all four seasons. Winters are typically cold with freezing temperatures, snow, and high winds, while summers are warm, wet, and humid. The fall and spring seasons bring a mix of cold and hot temperatures with plenty of sunny skies. 

3. The iconic architecture 

Chicago is filled with well-known architecture throughout the city. 

Bozena Voytko also raves about “the stunning iron staircase in the Rookery Building that winds down from floor 12 to floor 2. As a wedding and real estate photographer, I’m constantly discovering new spots in Chicago and its suburbs that are worth seeing and contributing to the city’s uniqueness.” 

While walking by foot or taking public transportation is an easy way of checking out Chicago’s architecture, one lesser-known option is taking an architectural boat tour, which operates on the Chicago River.

The Chicago River runs through the city via Lake Michigan and flows south to the Calumet River system. There are many activities that you can do on the Chicago River, including kayaking, dinner cruising, and fishing. “We love the river, its bustling life, and the beautiful buildings along its banks. Our favorite activity is taking an architectural tour on the river, learning about the history of the buildings, and meeting tourists from all over the world,” shares Sam and Rev from What Yacht To Do. One fun Chicago tradition that happens every year is when the city dyes the river green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

4. The green spaces and parks

There are many amazing parks around Chicago. Some to check out include Millennial Park, Grant Park, and Lincoln Park. There are also a lot of less-trafficked parks like the Excelon observatory at The 606, Milton L Olive III Park, and Northerly Island. Joe U Photo shares that his favorite place to spend time in the city is the trail and the series of parks that run along the river, starting north of Lawrence. “It’s quiet and usually not very crowded, which makes it the perfect area to go on a run without being embarrassed by how slow I am at running.” 

5. Lake Michigan 

Chicago and Lake Michigan go hand in hand. As one of North America’s five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan shapes a lot of the city’s character, with its beaches, waterfront trails, boating, and skyline views. 

There are also many hidden gems along Lake Michigan, as revealed by Shalimar B Photography. “I love everything that Chicago has to offer, but if I were asked to choose a few things, I’d have to say the lakefront and all of the amazing parks in the city. Not only do I love to spend time with my own family and friends in these sometimes hidden gems, but I really love to photograph the families of Chicago in these types of places – the sandy beaches, or a lush garden park with an urban backdrop.” 

6. The outdoor activities 

During the summer, there are many outdoor activities to take advantage of in Chicago. Some activities that locals enjoy include kayaking down the Chicago River, biking by the water on the Lakefront Trail, taking a dip in Lake Michigan, relaxing on Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, or going on a nature walk. 

“Unlike other major cities where reaching a true wilderness requires hours of gridlocked traffic, Chicago stands out as the ultimate urban blend by pairing high-powered corporate energy with a seamless commute to my community,” Julea J. Joseph, with Reinventing Space, explains. “In under an hour, you are transported from downtown Chicago directly into Palos Park, a forest retreat where massive, heavily wooded properties sit on the edge of 15,000 acres of endless wilderness for running, biking, birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking.”  

7. The rich culture 

Chicago is known for its culture, filled with music scenes, art,  languages, and sports scenes. Not to mention the theater and entertainment scene, with over 200 shows from different production companies that are put on each week. 

“I love Chicago for the same reasons I moved here 30 years ago,” boasts Merry Puppins Chicago, a local dog and cat sitting service. “The vibrancy of collective cultures and neighbors from all over the world, the big beautiful lake next to the city, riding along the bike path in the summer, wonderful local parks and green space, multiple global restaurants at our fingertips, great public transportation, and all of the various neighborhoods, with their unique personalities.”

8. The restaurant and food scene

While other cities like Los Angeles, CA, and New York, NY are known for their food scene, Chicago’s food scene is a little more underrated. The city loves to put spins on classic food dishes and is home to a handful of delicious “cheap eats” spots. Some notable restaurants to check out include Smoque BBQ for some delicious St. Louis-style baby back ribs and Pequod’s Pizza for some deep-dish pizza. 

9. The wonderful theater scene

Chicago offers some of the best in musical theater, putting on shows such as Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, The Lion King, Anastasia, and Hamilton. These shows live in iconic theaters like the Cadillac Palace Theater, CIBC Theater, Broadway Playhouse, and James M. Nederlander Theater. 

The history

Chicago first became a city in 1837 when its population hit 4,000 residents. Today, Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the United States with a population of around 2.6 million. The city has a long history from the Great Chicago Fire, which burned roughly 3.3 square miles of the city, to the resurrection of the first skyscraper. “The city has such a rich history you can’t help getting lost in its streets as if they were your own personal adventure map. From Michigan Ave., which houses some of America’s most iconic landmarks, down Damen Blvd., where people gather alongside musicians waiting for their next song inspiration, Chicago is a family-friendly city with something to offer everyone,” says Emily Cummings of Ten Little Blue Birds.

10. The history

Chicago officially became a city in 1837, back when it was home to about 4,000 residents. Today, it’s the third-largest city in the U.S., with roughly 2.7 million people calling it home. The city has a deep history, from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed more than 3 square miles of the city, to its role in the development of modern skyscrapers that helped shape its famous skyline. 

What do locals love about Chicago? Chicago pride

Many residents say it’s the sense of community that turns Chicago from a place to live into a place that feels like home.  

“After living more than a decade in Chicago and in five different neighborhoods, I’ve found that the city’s greatest strength isn’t just its world-class food, stunning lakefront, or iconic skyline,”  Taylor Justin, Founder of The Haute Seeker, details. “However, those are all amazing selling points! What keeps people here is the culture and community that exist far beyond the tourist hotspots. Whether you’re passionate about food, fashion, theater, sports, or the arts, there’s a place for you here, but the key is being willing to explore beyond your neighborhood and engage with other parts of the city. That’s when Chicago transforms from a place you live into a place that truly feels like home.”

When the city has a delicious food scene, beautiful neighborhoods, tons of attractions, vibrant nightlife, and a lively arts and entertainment scene, it’s hard not to hold a little Chicago pride in your heart. “Chicago pride is also something out of this world. It’s a culture here, and we Chicagoans love our city. Others may see Chicago through news headlines, but we who live here know this is a one-of-a-kind place with a lot of beauty to offer. We wear our city with pride, and it’s a whole vibe,” raves Rocio Pagoada Photography.