Town guide · Cook County · Illinois

Living in Chicago

Moving here from out of town? Here are the facts newcomers ask about first: schools, utilities, commute and where to start. Everything links to an official source so you can check it yourself. We don't rank towns or schools.

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At a glance

Chicago: the basics

CountyCook County
Population2,746,388 (2020 Census)
Town websitechicago.gov
Getting aroundCTA Purple Line (express to the Loop weekday rush periods only); CTA Blue Line; CTA Green Line
LibraryChicago Public Library
ParksChicago Park District
Schools

Public school districts

These public school districts serve Chicago. Each card links to the district's own website and to the state's official school data page, so you can look at the numbers yourself.

Public school district

Chicago Public Schools (City of Chicago SD 299)

District website · Illinois Report Card

District lines don't always follow town lines. Before you sign a lease, confirm the assigned school for the exact address with the district. We'll help you check.

Utilities

Setting up service

Electric

ComEd

Natural gas

Peoples Gas

Water

City of Chicago Department of Water Management

Providers can vary by address. Confirm with the provider (or ask us) before move-in so service starts on day one.

Around town

Good to know

  • Millennium Park — In the Loop community area, northwestern section of Grant Park; opened July 16, 2004; operated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; home of Cloud Gate.
  • Navy Pier — On the Lake Michigan shoreline in Streeterville; opened July 15, 1916; about 3,300 feet long.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo — Founded 1868, located in Lincoln Park; free admission.
  • Chicago residents who drive must buy and display a City Vehicle Sticker within 30 days of moving in, regardless of where the vehicle is registered. Zoned streets may also require a residential parking permit.
  • Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO, approved 1986) covers most city rentals. Since May 1, 2024, a summary of it must be attached to each written lease and renewal. Some owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units are exempt.

Neighborhoods

The LoopRiver NorthWest LoopGold CoastStreetervilleSouth LoopLincoln ParkLake ViewWicker Park
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Live in Chicago before you buy in Chicago.

  • One move, not twoAsk for homes with an option to buy: live there first, buy at a price set up front, and skip the second move. A licensed Illinois brokerage arranges it in Illinois; I handle the Indiana side.
  • First look before listingWe ask around about homes coming open 60–90 days out, before they hit public rental sites.
  • Verified, no scamsA licensed Illinois brokerage confirms the owner and shows you the home, in person or by live video.
  • Commute checkRush-hour travel time from each home to your office, by car or train.
  • School district lookupThe official district and its address lookup for each home. Facts, never rankings.
  • Dates that fit your startYour broker asks owners for lease dates that line up with your move.
  • Chicago, suburbs or Indiana?Not sure which side? We lay out the city, the suburbs and Northwest Indiana side by side.

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Nearby

Other towns we cover

EvanstonOak ParkNaperville

Read the full moving guide for the Chicago area →

Sources

Where these facts come from

Last checked October 2026. Drive times are estimates. General information, not legal or tax advice. Something out of date? Call or email and we'll fix it.