Situated on the banks of Lake Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, is known as a cultural center for the performing arts, and it's one of the country's top cities for business and industry. There are many different types of homes for sale in Chicago, IL, and a variety of neighborhoods to suit your individual preferences. If you're planning on moving to Chicago, Movoto Real Estate is here to help you find the right home in this vibrant city.
Chicago is divided into four large areas: North Side, South Side, Central and West. The North Side has historically been home to the more affluent and includes areas such as Lincoln Park, which is rated by AreaVibes as one of the best places to live in Chicago. Real estate tends to be a little pricier in this part of the city than the state average with median home values near $530,000. If you're thinking of moving to Chicago's North Side, condos such as this luxury three-bedroom unit with wall-to-wall windows are an excellent housing choice. Some of the other highly desirable neighborhoods in Chicago's North Side include Avondale and Logan Square.
One of the best places to live in the city's South Side is Hyde Park, a diverse neighborhood just seven miles south of the Loop. Real estate in this neighborhood, such as this two-story home with three bedrooms and two baths, is affordable, with median home values in the $300,000 ballpark. Hyde Park is also one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, thanks to its low crime rates.
Once you've found your dream home in the Chicago area, you can call on a local moving company such as Chicago 1 Movers and Moving to safely transport your belongings to your new abode. Whatever company you choose, make sure that they are registered with the city, or the company will not be eligible to get a moving van parking permit, which costs $25 to $50 per day per truck. Chicago residents who own vehicles are required to pay a wheel tax. The cost of the vehicle sticker ranges from less than $50 to more than $450 per year, depending on the type and size of the vehicle. The sticker may also give you access to parking in one particular zone, and you can purchase day parking permits for other zones. In Cook County, you can expect to pay about 1.38 percent of your home's assessed market value in property taxes each year, as well as a 3.75 percent Illinois state income tax rate.
The best time of year to buy a home in the Chicago area is winter. With fewer people braving the elements and moving into town, you'll have less competition. Home sellers will also have fewer alternatives, so they may be more likely to cut you a better deal. If you can purchase your home during the winter months but put off the move until early spring, you might be better off. Chicago winters can be brutally cold and snowy, but by late March or early April, temperatures have risen above freezing and the snow has tapered off.
If you're excited about the prospect of moving to Chicago, Illinois, contact one of our local agents today to discuss your plans. Now is the best time to start looking for your ideal Chicago home.
