For example, a lot of people will pay an arm and a leg to live in the heart of the city. In Chicago, this probably means an apartment on The Loop in a high-rise building that costs several thousand dollars every month. For this hefty price-tag, residents can enjoy lakefront views and proximity to all the attractions in downtown Chicago.
On the other hand, some people prefer the quieter atmosphere of the suburbs. Single-family homes might not stretch half a mile into the sky, but they do provide a lot of privacy and they usually come with their own yards. Besides, with fast and affordable public transportation like the EL, the entertainment and excitement in the city is never far away. As the largest section of Chicago the South Side has the highest number of single-family homes, but the North Side has a fair number of them too.
The North Side is one of the most popular real estate areas in Chicago. Perhaps this is due to the many lakeside trails, parks and beaches it has. Even though the North Side is Expensive, demand for the area is high enough that houses dont last long on the market.
More affordable housing can be found west of the Loop which makes it a popular area for students. Wicker Park, the Greek community and boutique shopping characterize this part of the city. Old warehouses are another common sight. In fact, many of the older warehouses that werent being used commercially have been restored and converted into loft apartments.
In spite of its reputation for gangs, the South Side is home to Chicagos safest neighborhood year after year. In addition to being safe, South Side Chicago is full of ethnic diversity. For example, Little Italy, China Town, Little Village (Mexican) and the Irish community are all located in the South Side. There are also a lot of things to see and do in South Side. For example, Hyde Park, the Saint Patricks Day Parade and historic districts are signature attractions in the area.
With so many neighborhoods to choose from, it would be helpful to have a Realtor at your side - especially if you are thinking of buying property rather than renting. After all, someone who knows the area and which houses are for sale can save you a lot of time.
Here is but a small sampling of some of the more interesting Chicago homes ranging from minutely interesting to intriguingly gruesome.
Mae Jemison: First African-American Woman in Space
Mae Jemison grew up in Morgan Park, an upscale area of southern Chicago. There she attended Morgan Park High School. Mae was so smart, that she surpassed all the available math classes at her high school. Her thirst for knowledge drove her to show up to school before it started in order to attend Calculus tutoring, a class which wasn't offered at the time.
Mae participated in several extra-curricular and was even student council president. But she was also a big Star Trek fan. One day, while watching Star Trek with her best friend, she revealed that she would one day, "...do that." Though her friend thought she was speaking of becoming an actress, Mae's sights were set on becoming an astronaut.
Hugh Hefner: The Man Who Never Gets Out of His Pajamas
It was in high school that Hugh Hefner was first given the nickname of "Hef," given by none other than himself. Legend has it that while attending Steinmetz High School in northwestern Chicago, Hef was snubbed from an invitation list to join a hayride. The incident resulted in an image makeover by the future founder of Playboy Magazine.
It was at Steinmetz High that Hef was voted Most Likely to Succeed and Best Dancer.
After high school, Hef went on to serve in the Army during WWII then later graduated from the University of Illinois with a major in psychology and a double minor in creative writing and art. According to Hef, it was in college that he first conjured up the idea for Playboy Magazine.
After leaving Esquire magazine (because he was denied a raise) he decided to break out on his own. After raising $8,000 (including $1,000 from his own mother) he went on to publish his first famous issue of Playboy in 1953, featuring none other than Marilyn Monroe.
John Wayne Gacy: Chicago's Least Favorite Homeowner
When it comes to Chicago homes, few may be more famous than the home of rapist and murderer John Wayne Gacy.
Raised by a father that was an abusive alcoholic, Gacy had always retained a strong relationship with his mother and sisters. Despite his father's abusive nature, Gacy noted that he regretted never having the chance to grow close with his father before his death.
But it's Gacy's adult life that brings on the morbid fascination of the public. Through the late 1970's and 1980's, Gacy raped and murdered several young men. Gacy's Chicago home is famous for being the location where he hid several of the bodies beneath the floorboards.
Other Notable Chicago Residents
Though Mae Jemison, Hugh Hefner, and John Wayne Gacy may be a few of the better known owners of Chicago homes, the Windy City sports a slew of famous residents and famous residents which include actors such as Lara Flynn Boyle, David Hasselhoff, and Harrison Ford.
Nancy Reagan also lived in Chicago during her teenage years, graduating from the Girls' Latin School of Chicago in 1939. Donald Rumsfeld is another famous name from the arena of politics.
Though the list we supply here is a short one, even the long list is sure to pale in comparison to what one great city will provide us with in the future. There is no doubt that Chicago homes, right at this moment, are incubating a whole new line of future famous residents.
Both Ben Needles & Art Gib are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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