Living in Chicago

The Chicago Metro Area

Chicago is a welcoming and bustling city. The metropolitan area, with its diversity of attractions for each season, has something for everyone all year long—from a magical holiday market in the winter to massive music festivals in the summer, cool architecture events in the fall to the Chicago River dyeing in the spring. No wonder Chicago has been voted the Best Big City in the U.S. for an unprecedented fifth year in a row by Condé Nast Traveler. Best of all, everything—diverse neighborhoods, award-winning dining, iconic cultural attractions, and exciting events—is within easy reach of Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, whether by way of the expressways or using convenient public transportation.

Home to Unique Neighborhoods:

Chicago is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and personality, all worth exploring. Did you know? Chicago is home to 77 distinct communities that represent a diverse array of cultures, people, and experiences. Discover some of the city’s best community gems, including must-see attractions, stunning public art, and LGBTQ+ nightlife. You can visit an authentic taqueria in Pilsen, sip a cocktail in an Uptown jazz club, or explore the historic Pullman community. No matter where you go, there’s something new to see and do around every corner in this vibrant city.

Named one of the Top 10 Neighborhoods in the Nation by the American Planning Association, Oak Park is more than a place—it is also a way of life. This thriving community, adjacent to Chicago on the west, boasts an excellent school system, esteemed architecture, boutique shops, a wide array of dining options, a vibrant arts scene, a diverse population, and an extensive public transportation network.

Officially incorporated as a village under Illinois law on Jan. 25, 1902, the Village of Oak Park also represents a distinctive blend of urban and suburban lifestyles, where Victorian homes and charming tree-lined roads meet skyline views and world-class attractions. Home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio and birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, Oak Park and its surrounding communities offer a never-ending supply of things to see and do. The Oak Park Arts District is amazing for its galleries and one-of-a-kind shops, Downtown Oak Park puts you in the center if it all with walkable restaurants and entertainment, the Hemingway District (located within the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District) focuses on the origins of one of the nation’s greatest authors, and the Pleasant District brings a sharp focus on the 20th century meeting the 21st.

Many of Loyola’s faculty, staff, and medical students live in Oak Park and commute the short 2-3-mile distance to the medical center in Maywood, IL. In addition to Oak Park and Maywood, there are a variety of other suburban neighborhoods near the campus offer a wide choice of comfortable, affordable living accommodations to suit all lifestyles. These include River Forest, Berwyn, Brookfield, Forest Park, North Riverside, Garfield Park, Austin, and LaGrange Park, among others.

The Village of Maywood (primary work location) is a charming community situated 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Maywood was founded in 1869 and is steeped in architecture and history. Original zoning only allowed for four homes per block and many grand homes were built. Today, there are only 17 homes and buildings in Maywood on the National Register of Historic Places. Each year, Maywood hosts a Tour of Historic Homes where you can enjoy some of the remaining homes of that era. Additionally, the Illinois Prairie Path is centered in the heart of Maywood, making this community a top destination for an outdoor adventure.

Cultural Attractions:

Cultural attractions in Chicago include the world-famous Chicago Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Historical Society, and the Lincoln Park Zoo as well as numerous smaller museums and galleries. You might want to take a Chicago Architectural tour. Watch a Cubs game from the rooftops, stroll down The Magnificent Mile, explore our stunning lakefront—and experience classic Chicago.

There are numerous free or low-cost events throughout the year, and especially in the spring and summer, including outdoor movies in Grant Park, Taste of Chicago Air and Water show, Venetian Night, Festival of Lights, Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, SkyDive Chicago, Art Festivals, Shows (Auto Show, Boat Show), Parades (St. Patrick’s Day Parade, State Street Thanksgiving Parade), and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. You may also enjoy Millennium Park and Navy Pier.

Sports fans have the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, White Sox, and a myriad of ultra-modern stadiums where you can cheer on for your favorite minor or professional sports team.

Catch a Show:

Experience Chicago’s live music, theatre, and comedy scene, from homegrown jazz to iconic improv. Music is Chicago’s forte and in addition to the world-famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera, and summer concerts and music festivals like the Ravinia, the Chicago area is replete with music venues to fit every genre. During the summer, check out one of many free concerts available at the Park Concert Series.

Did you know? Chicago is the home of the Blues and the birth place of Gospel. The best of both are featured for free every summer at Chicago’s Blues Fest and Gospel Fest, and not to mention the world’s largest block party, Taste of Chicago. Music can also be found year-round at numerous clubs, including the Buddy Guy’s Legends, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, and Second City.

There’s nothing like Chicago theatre. Whether you’re looking for the latest Broadway hits, intimate storefront shows, or Tony award-winning theatre companies—there’s a seat waiting for you in Chicago. Experience award-winning theatre and performing arts at the renowned Steppenwolf Company, Goodman Theater, the Cadillac Palace, and a host of other well-established and experimental groups. Also, Loyola University Chicago has an excellent theatre department.

For Food Lovers:

Chicago is home to more than 7,000 restaurants, from Michelin star winners and James Beard Award medalists to world-famous cheese burgers and classic deep-dish pizza. Take a culinary tour of Chicago’s diverse—and delicious—dining scene. Don’t miss hot dining districts like “Restaurant Row” on Randolph Street and Fulton Market in the West Loop. The trendy area is home to some of the nation’s most celebrated chefs, including Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard and her many acclaimed spots, like Girl & the Goat.

Meanwhile, areas like Logan Square and River North continue to add buzz-worthy restaurants and bars to our bucket lists. Or eat your way around the world in our thriving international neighborhoods, like Greektown, Chinatown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, and so many more. Whether you’re downtown or in our diverse neighborhoods, beer lovers will find a unique Chicago brewery or tap room in every corner of the city.

If you want to taste a bit of everything, head to one of Chicago’s popular summer food festivals. Mark your calendar for Taste of Chicago, the largest free-admission food fest in the world in July and fine-dining focused Chicago Gourmet in September. No matter where you go, make sure to sample Chicago’s most classic eats: Chicago-style hot dogs, deep dish pizza, Italian beef, and more.

Outdoor Adventures:

From biking and rock climbing to kayaking and paddle boarding, there’s an outdoor activity for every urban adventurer in Chicago. Rollerblade or skateboard along the Skating Ribbon, play a round of miniature golf, or tackle the 40-foot Climbing Wall with a Lake Michigan and city skyline backdrop at Maggie Daley Park. Hit the Lake Michigan waves aboard a jet ski, practice yoga, or set off from North Avenue Beach on a sunrise or moonlight-guided paddling expedition.

Bike, walk, or run The 606, a 2.7-mile elevated trail, formerly an abandoned railway line, that extends through four unique neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Squarem and Humboldt Park. At the 297-acre Big Marsh Bike Park on the southeast side of the city, cyclists can set off on six off-road trails. Located near historic downtown Lemont in south suburban Chicago, The Forge: Lemont Quarries is an adventure park complete with ropes courses, ziplines, climbing walls, mountain biking and hiking trails, and adventurous dining options.

 

Chicago Highlights:

  • Chicago has a treasure trove of cultural attractions, including more than 55 renowned museums and 200 theatres.
  • One of the most diverse cities in the country, with 77 unique neighborhoods and international communities.
  • Citywide events draw millions of people each year, from neighborhood street fairs to major music festivals.
  • The city is lucky to have not one, but two beautiful waterfronts: Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
  • Lake Michigan is the fifth-largest lake in the U.S. with 26 miles of lakefront dotted with sandy beaches.
  • Award-winning dining options include more than 75 Michelin-rated restaurants.
  • Chicago is home to amazing architecture, from Frank Lloyd Wright wonders to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Chicago is proud to be accessible to visitors and locals with disabilities, from trains and buses to museums and attractions.
  • Chicago ranks among the most walkable large cities in the country, with an easy-to-use public transportation system.

Contact Julie Miller to learn more about relocation and quality of life in Chicago. All inquiries should be sent to Julie Miller: jmiller@kbic.com and/or academicmedicine@kbic.com 

Contact:
Julie Miller
Associate Partner
Kaye/Bassman International Corp.
Phone: (972) 265-5236 – Direct
Email: jmiller@kbic.com and/or academicmedicine@kbic.com

Sourced: Choose Chicago