Moving to Chicago? 5 Things to Know Before You Start Looking for a Home

Relocating to Chicago is exciting—but if you’re trying to find a home from another city or state, the number of choices can quickly feel overwhelming.

Chicago isn’t one single real estate market. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, housing styles and lifestyles, surrounded by suburbs that offer even more options.

Before you start scrolling through listings, here are five things we think out-of-area buyers should know.

1. Chicago Isn’t One Housing Market

One of the biggest things to understand about Chicago real estate is just how local it is.

Prices, inventory, property types and buyer demand can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another—and sometimes even within the same neighborhood.

That’s why broad statistics about the “Chicago market” only tell part of the story. Once you know where you’re interested in living and what type of property you want, you can start looking at the market that’s actually relevant to your search.

2. There Are A Lot of Different Ways to Live Here

One of the best things about buying in Chicago is the variety.

Depending on where you look, you’ll find lakefront high-rises, vintage condos, townhomes, two- and three-flats, classic Chicago bungalows, newer construction and single-family homes.

And if you expand your search into the surrounding suburbs, your options change again.

Before getting attached to a particular property type, think about how you actually want to live. Do you want a doorman building with amenities? A backyard? Garage parking? More space? A walkable neighborhood where you rarely need your car?

Knowing your priorities can make a huge market feel much more manageable.

3. Don’t Choose a Neighborhood Based on a Map Alone

When you’re relocating, it’s easy to focus on how close a neighborhood appears to your office or another destination.

But distance is only one piece of the puzzle.

Think about your everyday life. Do you want to walk to restaurants and coffee shops? Be close to the lakefront? Have easy access to public transportation? Do you need parking? Are parks and outdoor space important to you?

The right neighborhood isn’t simply the one closest to work. It’s the one that fits the way you want to live when you’re not at work, too.

4. Condo Buyers Should Look Beyond the Purchase Price

If you’re coming from a market where condos are less common, there are a few additional numbers you’ll want to understand.

Monthly assessments can vary significantly from building to building, as can what those assessments include. Parking may be included with the property, separately deeded, rented or available for an additional cost.

You’ll also want to understand the building itself, including its amenities, rules and financial health as part of your due diligence.

Two condos with similar asking prices can ultimately look very different once you consider the complete picture.

5. Don’t Rule Out the City—or the Suburbs—Too Quickly

We often talk with buyers who arrive with a very specific idea of where they think they should live.

Sometimes they’re right. Other times, once we learn more about their priorities, another neighborhood—or even a suburb they hadn’t considered—makes more sense.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, give yourself permission to explore.

You may decide you love the energy and walkability of city living. You may realize you’d rather have more space and a yard. Or you may find a neighborhood that gives you a little bit of both.

You don’t have to know the answer before you start looking.

Local Knowledge Makes a Difference When You’re Relocating

When you’re moving somewhere new, finding the right home is only part of the process. You’re also choosing the neighborhood and community that will become your new home.

That’s where having someone local in your corner can make a big difference.

IRPINO Real Estate has been helping people buy and sell throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for more than 25 years. We can help you understand the differences between neighborhoods, explore your housing options and narrow your search based on what actually matters to you.

Relocating to Chicago? Tell us what you’re looking for, what you want to be close to and how you want to live. We’ll help you figure out where to start.