Moving to Chicago for work? Here's the area at a glance. We connect you with vetted Illinois-licensed brokers and stay your point of contact. Thinking about the Indiana side of the line too? We cover that directly.
| Area | Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville |
|---|---|
| Time zone | Central time |
| Transit | CTA trains and buses in the city; Metra commuter rail and Pace buses in the suburbs. CTA · Metra |
| Airports | O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) |
| Indiana side | Northwest Indiana is also on Central time, with South Shore Line trains to downtown Chicago. Compare |
Each town page lists public school districts with official links, utilities, highways and transit. You choose the town; we find the home.
2,746,388 people (2020 Census)
To the Chicago Loop: about 12 miles (estimate — traffic varies)
To the Chicago Loop: about 9 miles (estimate — traffic varies)
To the Chicago Loop: about 30 miles (estimate — traffic varies)
Chicago: The Loop, River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Streeterville, South Loop, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Wicker Park
We give you facts about places and commutes, never opinions about who lives where.
A few Chicago-area rules newcomers ask about most. Each links to the official source.
Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance covers most city rentals, and a summary of it must be attached to every written lease and renewal. City of Chicago
Chicago residents who drive must buy a City Vehicle Sticker within 30 days of moving in. Chicago City Clerk
Northwest Indiana's Lake and Porter counties share Chicago's Central time zone. State of Indiana
General information, not legal or tax advice. The linked official sources are the final word.
No cost to you: the Illinois brokerage may pay Flatland a referral fee, disclosed in writing first. HR and relocation teams: how we work with you.
Your broker: Douglas Willems. Licensed since 1997, a landlord since 1998, placing tenants since 2008. Not a tour guide.
Last checked October 2026. Drive times are estimates. General information, not legal or tax advice.
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