Illinois Real Estate – Chicago and Rural Areas

Illinois can be divided into Chicago and rural areas. Unfortunately, the same can be said for Illinois real estate prices.

Illinois

President Lincoln’s birthplace, Illinois, is a state with two identities. Chicago is an overwhelming presence and essentially a state unto itself. The rest of Illinois can be classified as much more rural with the homey atmosphere these places take on. This presents you with a unique life opportunity as you can choose to live in low-stress cities and venture out to stunning Chicago on the weekends or to talk. On the other hand, you can live in Chicago and enjoy quiet weekends away from the bustling city. In short, Illinois offers something for everyone.

chicago

Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago really needs no introduction. Gothic architecture. The house of blues. Give ‘bears. Sears Tower. John Hancock Building. Place of the Water Tower. Navy Pier. Shedd Aquarium. Frank Lloyd Wright. The Wrigley Building. Chicago Botanic Gardens. Wrigley Field. The list goes on and on when talking about Chicago and I haven’t even mentioned the food. Chicago is simply a world unto itself.

Food is a central theme in Chicago. If you’re looking to stay slim, good luck. Legendary dining establishments are too numerous to list, but a great way to experience Chicago’s delicious delicacies is at the Taste of Chicago festival in Grant Park in late June. 10 lbs. No, maybe 20 pounds. That’s what you will earn in this piece of heaven attended by thousands of people.

Chicago, the third most populous city in the country, is immensely impressive. Despite the number of people, you’ll find getting around quite simple due to excellent public transportation and excellent planning. Small shops and ethnic neighborhoods dominate the city and it is truly a place to get out and explore. An economic powerhouse, Chicago is home to many major corporations and generally has a strong job market.

If sports are your thing, welcome to nirvana. Chicagoans are crazy about the Da’ Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks. For baseball, there are the lovable losing Cubs and the world champion White Sox. For non-professionals, recreational leagues throughout the city contribute to a sports driving scene.

If you’re looking for big city living, Chicago should be near the top of your list. You could spend years exploring the city and still miss out on gems.

Springfield

The state capital, Springfield, is best known as the hometown of President Abe Lincoln. You will find all kinds of attractions related to President Lincoln, including his home, burial site, etc. About 200 miles south of Chicago, Springfield is a laid-back city with a laid-back vibe. When you think of the Midwest, this is it. The city has many open areas and can best be described as a fairly basic city. Outside of it, you will find beautiful lakes and meadows that are home to many outdoor activities.

Illinois Real Estate

Real estate prices in Illinois vary dramatically depending on location. At the lower end of the scale, you’ll find homes in Springfield that cost roughly $200,000, while real estate in Chicago averages $800,000. The Chicago house average is misleading as prices depend heavily on the particular part of the city you are in.

Overall, Illinois real estate appreciated at a disappointing 9.5 percent in 2005. However, these figures can be misleading as the rate depends on the specific location.