How Do You Choose Which Chicago Neighborhood to Move To?

One of the many exciting things about living in Chicago is that there are so many beautiful, welcoming neighborhoods you could move to. How do you decide which one is right for you? Below are some things to think about as you are deciding on a place to live.

1. Commute. If you already know where you’ll be working, you should consider how long it will take you to commute to and from your job. All things being equal, it generally makes sense to pick the neighborhood that is closer to where you will be working. But if you much prefer a particular neighborhood and/or home over one that is closer, it may sometimes still make sense to go with it, especially if you do not think you will likely be working at the same location for the long term. The best neighborhood in terms of commute time depends not only on geographical distance from your workplace, but also on how you plan to get there. One neighborhood might make more sense if you plan to drive, while another could be a better fit if you plan to use public transportation.
2. Schools. For those who have kids or are going to have kids, the local schools can play a huge role in deciding which neighborhood to pick. The main school district in Chicago is Chicago Public Schools (CPS), but there are other school districts throughout Cook County. Look up ratings and consider class sizes, curriculums, and more. It could impact your decision about where to live.
3. Safety. Another important consideration, regardless of whether you have kids (but especially if you do), is safety. You can look up crime rates for the neighborhood you are thinking of moving to, and check what people have to say about it online. When you have narrowed your search down to a particular house, you might also want to try driving by at night. This can give you a much better feel for how safe you would feel in a neighborhood than a daytime visit. It also gives you a chance to check if the neighbors are loud at night, or if there is excessive nighttime traffic noise, etc.
4. Amenities. Along with schools, there are some other things that are helpful to have close to your home. Examples of such conveniences include parks, walking paths, stores, health clinics, and so forth. Figure out how far you are willing to drive for these types of amenities, and what you can tolerate in terms of traffic, etc. Along with looking at existing amenities, you can also check into future developments that are planned for the neighborhood. Keep in mind that if new amenities are on the way, it can increase property values, which is a good thing, but also property taxes.
5. Costs of homeownership. Speaking of costs, your budget will usually be a big determining factor for where you live. Make a list of wants and needs, and then arrange it according to your top priorities versus things that would just be nice to have. This will help you figure out what you are and are not willing to compromise on when choosing a neighborhood and a home. The good news is that Chicago is more affordable than a lot of other metropolitan areas in the country. So, this may give you more flexibility when choosing a neighborhood than you would have elsewhere.
6. Support. If you have family or friends in the area, you might want to choose a neighborhood that puts them close by. We would only suggest doing this if you are pretty sure that they will not be moving away soon, and if the neighborhood meets your other requirements.
7. Aesthetics and comfort. After practical considerations, how a neighborhood looks and feels is also important. Waking up each morning to beautiful streets and homes, and falling asleep each night to peace and quiet are really important for quality of life. One of the best things about living in the Chicagoland area is that there are so many beautiful architectural styles here. Home styles include Chicago bungalows, tudor revivals, prairie houses, workers’ cottages, ranch homes, greystones, and others. Each of these styles has its own distinct charms, and some homes combine elements of multiple styles.

Buy a Home in Illinois or Beyond

Now you know what factors to consider when you are deciding what neighborhood to move to. MidAmerica Bancorp can help you apply for a mortgage in the Chicagoland area or throughout Illinois. We also work with homebuyers and homeowners in FL, IN, MI, TN and WI. To get started, please give us a call at (708) 237-4052 to schedule your mortgage consultation.